Home Dog Boarding
Look after a few dogs in your own home while their owners travel or work away.
- C$500-3k
- Side hustle
- From home
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.
What it is
Small-scale dog boarding where guests stay in your home or a secure yard, with set routines for feeding, walks, play and rest.
Your first three steps
- Check your municipality's rules on home-based businesses and number of animals, and your lease or condo bylaws
- Set up a secure, fully fenced area and a meet-and-greet process with a boarding agreement and vaccination checks
- Take a pet first aid course and offer first stays to friends and neighbours, asking for reviews
Who pays
Dog owners going on holiday, travelling for work or wanting a homely alternative to a large kennel.
How it makes money
A nightly rate per dog, with extras such as medication, longer walks or pick-up and drop-off. Holiday periods are usually the busiest.
Skills that help
- Confident handling of different dogs
- Reading dog body language
- Reliable and calm under pressure
- Clear communication with owners
Watch out for
- Many municipalities regulate or licence animal boarding or limit the number of dogs at a home, so check your local bylaws
- Commercial general liability insurance that specifically covers animals in your care
- Renters and condo owners may be prohibited from running boarding, check your lease or bylaws
- Dog fights or illness: have a vet on call and a plan for separating dogs
- Noise complaints from neighbours
- Winter care: the need for safe indoor space and shorter outdoor sessions in cold weather
🔒 Full research report for Canada
Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.
Coming soonQuestions people ask
How much does it cost to start a home dog boarding business?
Startup costs are typically around $500 to $3,000, depending on your home setup and insurance. Monthly revenue is estimated at roughly $600 to $3,000, depending on how many dogs you board and how often. These are estimates only.
Do I need a licence to board dogs at home in Canada?
Many municipalities regulate or licence animal boarding or limit the number of dogs at a home, so check your local bylaws. Renters and condo owners may be prohibited from running boarding, so check your lease or bylaws. Also check insurance covers animals in your care.
What problems should I plan for when boarding dogs at home?
Plan for dog fights or illness by having a vet on call and a plan for separating dogs. Think about noise complaints from neighbours, and winter care, including safe indoor space and shorter outdoor sessions in cold weather.
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