The pet industry is a booming business, and doggie daycare facilities are on the rise. A love for dogs is certainly a good reason to start a doggie daycare, but there is much more to it than playing with dogs all day. Keeping watch over and cleaning up after many dogs is hard work. A daycare business may also offer added services, such as grooming or training. Starting any kind of business can be a daunting task, but a little research will help you move in the right direction.

Knowledge and Research

While you are learning the steps to building a business, you should also familiarize yourself with animal behavior. Understanding a dog’s signals will help you keep your daycare peaceful and safe. The Paws Dog Daycare website lists six different personality types and how each personality will interact with others. Whether you read up on different personality types or go to school and get a degree in animal behavior, understanding the dogs that are in your care is essential. Before you start a business, know your business.

Finding a Good Location

According to the Business.gov website, “Selecting the right location involves basic considerations such as proximity to customers, ease of access, leasing and zoning restrictions. Financial incentives and tax credits offered by your local government may also influence your decision.”

Be aware of the demographics when choosing a location. Paws Dog Daycare points out that just because your town does not have a doggie daycare, it does not mean that it should. Choosing a location can depend on license and permits, as well.

Licenses and Permits

When you're launching a business, you'll need federal, state or local permits to operate. Licenses can be very basic, or business-specific; research the rules in your city and state, to ensure that you're filing all the necessary paperwork. “Not complying with licensing and permitting regulations can lead to expensive fines and put your business at serious risk,” states the Business.gov website.

Doggie daycares tend to follow the licensing regulations of boarding kennels. A license will also be based on inspections by the health department for up-to-date vaccinations, as well as proper disposal of waste.

Liability and Property Insurance

The doggie daycare business centers around you caring for and watching over other people’s pets. Insurance is a basic necessity to make sure you, your business, the dogs in your care and the daycare property are protected. Per the Paws Dog Daycare, the recommended minimal insurance coverage is the standard fire, flood, theft, property damage, general and professional liability and loss of pet.

Registering for Taxes

Businesses everywhere pay taxes, whether federal, state or local. Where you are located determines just how much you'll pay. Registering for an employer identification number (EIN) identifies you as a business entity. According to the Business.gov website, “Businesses that operate within the state are required to register for one or more tax-specific identification numbers, licenses or permits, including income tax withholding, sales and use tax (seller's permit), and unemployment insurance tax.”