Home-Based cat boarding business

Cat owners who go away for work, holidays or family visits and want something more personal than a kennel-style cattery.

A nightly rate per cat, with extras such as medication, extra play time or a second cat from the same household. Busy periods like summer and the winter holidays can book out early.

• Comfortable handling nervous or shy cats
• Reliable daily routine
• Clear, friendly communication with owners

• Check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence or a licence for animal boarding
• Landlord, condo or strata rules may not allow boarding animals
• Get liability insurance that actually covers animals in your care
• Ask for vaccination records and an emergency vet contact, and have a plan for illness or escape
• Allergies and conflicts with your own pets, plus the risk of being tied to home during stays

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $200 to $1,000, depending on how you set up your quiet room and what supplies you buy. These are estimates only, so check what your own space needs.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $300 to $1,500, depending on how many cats you host and how often. The low end assumes about 5 hours a week. These are estimates, not guarantees, and you may be tied to home during stays.

Check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence or an animal boarding licence. Also check landlord, condo or strata rules, get liability insurance that covers animals in your care, and ask for vaccination records.