Pet Boarding Facility
Run a small licensed boarding site with kennels or suites, play yards and staff.
- $100k-400k
- Full-time
- Own premises
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in the US, not guarantees.
What it is
A purpose-built or converted property where you board dogs and cats, with kennels or suites, play areas, daily care routines and a small team.
Your first three steps
- Check zoning and licensing for kennels with your city or county before you sign a lease or buy a property
- Price out the build-out, kennel runs, fencing and ventilation, and map a realistic budget
- Write your vaccination policy, booking terms and emergency plan, and line up a local vet
Who pays
Local pet owners who need regular or holiday boarding, plus clients who also want day care or grooming add-ons.
How it makes money
Nightly boarding fees by pet size and room type, plus extras such as play sessions, bathing, medication and day care.
Skills that help
- Animal handling and behavior reading
- Managing staff and schedules
- Cleaning and safety routines
Watch out for
- Zoning, noise rules, and kennel or boarding licenses and inspections at city, county or state level
- General liability, care custody and control insurance, and workers' compensation once you hire
- Staffing for holidays and overnight cover, which is when demand peaks
- Disease spread and injuries, so set vaccination, cleaning and supervision rules
- A high fixed cost base if bookings are slow in quiet seasons
🔒 Full research report for US
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 open a pet boarding facility?
Startup costs are typically around $100,000 to $400,000, depending on the property, whether it's purpose-built or converted, and the kennels, play areas and equipment you need. These are estimates, so plan carefully.
How much can a pet boarding facility make?
Monthly revenue is typically around $6,000 to $30,000, depending on size, bookings and any add-ons like day care or grooming. The estimate starts at about 40 hours a week, and fixed costs can be high in quiet seasons.
What licenses and rules apply to a boarding facility?
Check zoning, noise rules, and kennel or boarding licenses and inspections at city, county or state level. Also check insurance, including general liability, care custody and control, and workers' compensation once you hire. Set vaccination, cleaning and supervision rules to limit disease and injuries.
Other ways to run this business
Similar pet ideas
Dog boarding kennel facility
Run a purpose-built boarding site with indoor runs and outdoor play areas, and a small team to care for the dogs.
- $100k-400k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Small pet crematory and memorial center
Run your own pet cremation unit and memorial space, serving local vets and families.
- $80k-350k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Dog-friendly cafe with a dog area
Open a small cafe where people enjoy coffee and food while their dogs relax or play in a safe, separate area.
- $60k-250k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Purpose-built cattery
Run a dedicated cat boarding facility with individual suites, set up for full-time business and a steady stream of regulars.
- $25k-120k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Pond fish supplier to landscapers and shops
Run a small fish-holding facility and supply healthy pond fish to landscapers, garden centers and aquatic shops.
- $30k-120k
- Part-time
- Own premises
Neighborhood bird shop
Open a small store selling birds, cages, food and supplies to local bird owners.
- $25k-100k
- Full-time
- Own premises