Boarding kennel on its own premises
Run a purpose-built kennel with runs and play yards, caring for many dogs at a time.
- A$250k-500k
- Full-time
- Own premises
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.
What it is
A dedicated boarding site with individual runs, secure play areas and a reception, usually on a rural, semi-rural or industrial-zoned property. You manage daily care, feeding, exercise and bookings.
Your first three steps
- Talk to your local council early about zoning, planning permits and kennel licensing for your chosen site
- Price up the site, runs, fencing, drainage and noise control, and write a simple business plan with expected occupancy
- Set up policies for vaccinations, emergencies and bookings, then build relationships with local vets and groomers for referrals
Who pays
Local dog owners, plus holidaymakers and workers who need reliable care for longer stays.
How it makes money
Nightly fees per dog, with add-ons like extra walks, grooming, training sessions and medication. Larger capacity means more income but also higher costs.
Skills that help
- Experience handling dogs of all sizes and temperaments
- Business and staff management
- Cleaning and hygiene routines
- Customer service
Watch out for
- Planning and zoning approval, which can take time and differs by council
- Kennel licensing and state animal welfare standards, so check with your council and state agency
- Public liability and property insurance, plus workers compensation once you hire
- Noise, waste disposal and neighbour complaints
- Quiet seasons when bookings drop, so plan your cash flow
Deep research report · Australia
Everything you need to start: boarding kennel on its own premises
Researched with live web search for Australia: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a boarding kennel in Australia?
Startup costs are typically around $250,000 to $500,000, depending on the site, the number of runs and the fit-out. This is an estimate, so get quotes for building, fencing and approvals before committing.
How much can a boarding kennel earn?
Monthly revenue is typically around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on how many dogs you board, your prices and how full you stay. Quiet seasons can drop bookings, so plan your cash flow.
What approvals should you check before opening a kennel?
Check planning and zoning approval, which can take time and differs by council, plus kennel licensing and state animal welfare standards. Also check public liability and property insurance, workers compensation once you hire, and noise and waste disposal.
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