Should we take over existing dog kennel?

[Zu_Zu]

I would suggest one or the other :eek: … only …!

[JanM]

Reported The Paw and Spa Resort. It’s spam advertising software for kennel management.

[Angela_Freda]

@rb5007

(Hopefully) buying a horse farm that comes with an existing commercial dog kennel. Initially we had NO interest in continuing that business but the seller is doing his best to persuade us. I’m skeptical. We know how to board horses, dogs not so much. The only pros I see are the money ($40-50k profit per year, so says the seller) and possibly increased exposure for the barn - but we are running a higher end dressage training facility not a lesson barn so not sure that’s worth much. Here are the cons I have come up with:
steep learning curve with all the rules and regs, Easily looked into, don’t make it harder than it might be. In fact if seller is so gung-ho, ask to intern or have them mentor you for a few months…
24/7 job and responsibility, be open when you want to and closed when you want.
increased insurance cost, litigation exposure, Could be, look into it On the other hand it might not be that bad.
noise from barking dogs, Who says? What’s the place like now? If owner wants you to take it over, ask him if you can come when it’s at it’s busiest, and see for yourself.
all kinds of people coming to the farm every day with kids, balloons, strollers, etc. (particularly since we will be building an indoor sometime in the next year or so). Again be open when you want and closed when you want, limit hours. Most Kennels I used had drop off/pick hours that were pretty specific and actually required an appt [ which I think is smart cause you don’t want owners and their dogs milling around each other… specific times for each owner/dog to come/go = safety and sanity. ]
I’m thinking horse boarders are bad enough - why add crazy dog people too?:eek: What other horribles have I not thought of that I can use to dispel the lure of $$$$?

Is there ANY potential for Doggy Daycare?
Yes you might get more traffic dropping off/picking up, but you also get to know the dogs and clients and then can get VERY picky… and it pays.

[Angela_Freda]

Nevermind, how did this thread get bumped from 2016??!!

[The_Paw_Spa_and_Reso]

@JanM

Reported The Paw and Spa Resort. It’s spam advertising software for kennel management.

I was actually just trying to help out. Share a little insight from my experience since the original post asked about opening up a facility…it made a big difference in my business. It directly relates to their comment of 24/7 job and responsibility. I also mentioned other companies and resources that I found extremely useful during my years as the owner of kennel. Ran across this board looking for some soundproofing ideas for my extension, thought I’d share some insight.

[Angela_Freda]

@The Paw Spa and Resort

I was actually just trying to help out. Share a little insight from my experience since the original post asked about opening up a facility…it made a big difference in my business. It directly relates to their comment of 24/7 job and responsibility. I also mentioned other companies and resources that I found extremely useful during my years as the owner of kennel. Ran across this board looking for some soundproofing ideas for my extension, thought I’d share some insight.

@The Paw Spa and Resort This thread’s original post was made in 2016. I imagine the OP has either gone for it or not by now.