In-Home pet boarding

Pet owners who travel for work or vacation and want a home setting instead of a kennel, especially for anxious, senior or small pets.

A flat nightly rate per pet, with add-ons for medication, extra walks, grooming extras and holiday periods.

• Comfortable handling different dogs and cats
• Reliable and good at routines
• Clear communication with owners

• Local zoning, home occupation permits and limits on the number of animals per household
• Whether your city, county or state requires a kennel or boarding license
• General liability and animal care insurance that covers pets in your custody
• Vaccination requirements and a written service agreement, including emergency vet authorization
• Dog fights or illness, so screen pets and keep them separated when needed

Startup costs are typically around $300 to $2,500, depending on the space you set up at home, the supplies you buy and the insurance you choose. These are estimates, so check your own costs first.

Monthly revenue is typically around $500 to $3,000, depending on how many pets you host and how often you're booked. The estimate starts at about 10 hours a week, though boarding care can also run overnight.

Check your local zoning, home occupation permits and limits on animals per household. Also check whether your city, county or state requires a kennel or boarding license. Look into insurance that covers pets in your custody, plus vaccination rules and a written service agreement.