Open a dog-friendly café with your own premises

Dog owners looking for somewhere to go with their pet, plus walkers, local residents and people who like a relaxed, friendly café.

Sales of coffee, food and cakes, plus extras such as dog treats, 'puppuccinos', retail items and small events like puppy socials or dog-owner meet-ups.

• Running a café or hospitality experience helps
• Confident handling of food hygiene and allergens
• Friendly with people and dogs
• Basic budgeting and stock control

• Register as a food business with your local council, usually well before opening (check how far ahead)
• Food hygiene and allergen rules, including labelling for food made on site
• Check council guidance on dogs in food premises and keep them out of preparation areas
• Planning permission or change of use for the premises, and any lease conditions
• A premises licence if you plan to serve alcohol
• Public liability and employer's liability insurance once you hire staff
• Plan for dog behaviour: house rules, cleaning routines and what happens if dogs fight
• High fixed costs such as rent, rates and fit-out mean you need steady footfall

Startup costs are typically around £25,000 to £90,000, depending on the premises, fit-out, kitchen equipment and any lease costs. These are estimates, so get quotes for your own site before committing.

Monthly revenue is typically around £6,000 to £25,000, depending on location, opening hours and footfall. These are estimates, not guarantees, and rent, rates, stock and wages all come out of that.

Check that you register as a food business with your council, and food hygiene and allergen rules. Also check council guidance on dogs in food premises, planning or change of use, and a premises licence if serving alcohol.