[tlude]

Does anyone think I could start a doggy daycare business living out in the country? The closest city is not very big either.

[Clough]

If you mean that you live maybe on a farm or in an area where the neighbors are spread apart from one another, it sounds like a good idea because the dogs would have more room to romp around and the noise factor for neighbors probably wouldn't be a problem. What do you mean that the closest city is not very big, please? I mean, what is the population of it?

[Fr_Chuck]

Customers will be a real issue, if you do this along with a grooming service you may get enough business. Remember some states (actually all of them I know of) require several license for this. A kennel license may be requried with inspections and review of written procdure how you will protect the health of each animal. Control of contact, what chemcials you will wash cages down with, ** many use steam or extremely hot water and chemicals,

Marketing is the next issue, and market share. Most likely it will be some time to build business and ever see a profit, but it may be one you can make work with time.

** assuming you are wanting to do the dog care at your property, can you get it rezoned for this business.

[Clough]

Fr_Chuck's answer makes some very valid points that do need consideration. And, as you can see, there are some possible issues with which you will have to deal. But, it still sounds like good location to try something like what you would want to do because of being out in the country. I would still like to know what the population of the nearest city is.

Concerning how to market your business, I can definitely advise you in successful ways that you might do that.

[rpg219]

Having family in the country, I would say no. Most in the country do not care for their animals in the same manner that people in the city do (it seems). Most people that I know from the country... leave their animals outside, feed them scraps and such. I really do not see them paying for someone to "watch" their dogs.

Sorry... just my opinion.

[oneguyinohio]

Home

The above link might be useful for you. The group has many valuable resources to offer such a business as you are considering.

I have met the original founders when the group was first organized. Good People! Be choosy about where you spend your money though, sometimes, it seems that the group was only interested in how to make itself more profitable as opposed to it's members.

Let me add that I was involved in the Pet Sitting business for about 7 years. We went to the pets homes. Wore out several vehicles from all the driving...

Another potential problem is possible abandonment of the animals once someone lets you have them... What will you do then?

[tlude]

The population of the nearest city (which is about 15 minutes away) is 5,200.