The love of dogs

As a dog lover (and probably a lover of animals and nature in general) you have a love of dogs, even a passion - and you would love to make a living from providing a safe, knowledgeable haven for dogs when their owners are unable to look after them. What could be better?

Making a difference

No doubt about it, this is all about dog welfare. You really feel you need to do something with your life that will make a difference - and if you can combine it with your love of dogs it would be a real dream come true.

I can do better

Ah, how often have I heard "the kennels down the road is awful". This can be a powerful driving force - and I completely understand as a kennels down the road from us has kennels just 2 ft (60cm) wide with NO outdoor runs -- and yes, it is licensed!!! This is exactly the kind of place we want to see either improve, or close.

Thank goodness there are lovely people like you who want to do it REALLY well - and are prepared to invest and do it RIGHT.  We will give you all the help and support you need. You are probably thinking that you can do better than your local kennels - in fact, MUCH better - and this may be the strong motivating factor for you.

Doing something worthwhile

The satisfaction of creating a business that you love is incredibly rewarding and enjoyable. You will be so proud of yourself!  The freedom of working for yourself, making your own rules, and being in charge of your own income, work ethic and lifestyle are wonderful.  It's LOTS of hard work though, which is why you MUST feel it is all worthwhile!

Already worked with dogs

If you have worked with a dog rescue, a vet, fostering, in boarding or breeding you already have invaluable experience. And if not..... well, just contact your local dog rescue and offer to volunteer your services!

Change of lifestyle

Starting your own business, moving house, doing something you LOVE, being in charge of everything from answering the phones and taking bookings to dog care, and building and grounds maintenance - is challenging.

Don't underestimate how much of a life change this will be!

It will have an amazing affect on your outlook, health and wellbeing. Of course, it can work well or badly, which is why we suggest you create a high quality business with fewer number of kennels so you can really enjoy it.

That way you have more fun running your business and getting to know your clients - without the extra stress of financing a bigger build cost, or staff and business issues.

More good reasons:

Does the thought of living in the country in a rural location appeal? or are you already lucky enough to have found that elusive property?

Creating a kennels is probably not the only dream you want to make come true - we have already talked about the massive change in lifestyle this new life would bring, but there are bound to be other dreams that can also be fulfilled with running a kennels.  I expect a larger house or cottage is on your wish list, with enough land for building your business.

However, if you are buying an existing business, then there are obviously limitations in your choices - an existing house (which could be extended) and an existing business (which might need pulling down and rebuilding!).

Have you thought about how much extra cleaning and maintenance will be required with a larger property -- or considered the other implications?  (No, I don't blame you - focusing on the dream is much nicer!). Still, I feel duty bound to make you think about all the changes you might be making to your life, and try to provide a more balanced view.  That way, you can grab the opportunity with both hands - and with FULL confidence.

Kennel Design: The Essential Guide to creating your perfect kennels by David Key