Books and Resources to Start Strong
Before you invest in equipment, you need to understand the business model, legal requirements, and operational realities of running a dog daycare. These books provide practical guidance on pet business management, customer service, and daily operations.
The Business of Dog Training by Veronica Boutelle and Arden Moore
While focused on training, this book covers the business fundamentals every pet service owner needs: pricing strategies, client communication, liability, and building a sustainable operation. You’ll learn how to structure your day, manage difficult situations, and build a profitable business around dogs.
Shop The Business of Dog Training on Amazon →
How to Start and Run a Dog Day Care Business by Jill Eggert
This is a direct, hands-on guide specifically for dog daycare owners. It covers facility setup, staffing, liability insurance, daily operations, and the real costs involved. The author walks you through the practical decisions you’ll face before opening.
Shop How to Start and Run a Dog Day Care Business on Amazon →
Small Business Administration Startup Guide
The SBA offers free resources on licensing, liability, insurance, and financing for service-based businesses. Their guides are specific to your state and local regulations, making them essential before you buy any equipment or sign a lease.
Shop SBA Business Guides on Amazon →
Professional Pet Sitter and Dog Walker Handbook by Patti J. Moran
Though aimed at sitters and walkers, this book covers customer intake forms, liability waivers, health screening for dogs, and professional standards that apply directly to daycare operations. Understanding health protocols before you set up your space is crucial.
Shop Professional Pet Sitter and Dog Walker Handbook on Amazon →
Equipment You Need
Dog daycare equipment falls into several categories: safety and containment, cleaning and sanitation, play and enrichment, and record-keeping. Your startup budget depends on your facility size, but expect to allocate funds across all these areas before your first dog arrives.
Safety and Containment
- Fencing and gates: Durable outdoor enclosures, typically 4-6 feet high, with secure latches. Budget for both indoor and outdoor spaces if possible.
- Baby gates: For separating areas, managing dog flow, and creating safe zones during intake or rest time.
- Crates and pens: Individual resting areas for dogs to decompress or stay safely separated when needed.
- Leashes and collars: Heavy-duty, non-retractable options for safe control during transitions and outdoor time.
- Harnesses: For larger dogs or those prone to escaping collars.
Shop Dog Fencing and Pens on Amazon →
Cleaning and Sanitation
- Commercial-grade disinfectant: Pet-safe cleaners for toys, food bowls, water dishes, and surfaces. You’ll use these daily.
- Mops, buckets, and brooms: Heavy-duty cleaning supplies for accident management and facility sanitation.
- Waste disposal bins: Odor-controlled trash cans for soiled bedding, waste, and paper towels.
- Washable bedding and blankets: Machine-washable bed liners or blankets for rest areas, replaced and laundered daily.
- Paper towels and cleaning cloths: High-volume supplies for spills and accidents.
- Hand sanitizer and soap: For staff hygiene between dog handling.
Shop Pet-Safe Disinfectants on Amazon →
Food and Water Management
- Stainless steel food and water bowls: Non-porous, easy to sanitize, and durable. Buy multiple sets.
- Food storage containers: Airtight bins to store owner-provided food and treat ingredients safely.
- Water dispensers: Large, refillable stations or multiple bowls placed throughout your space.
- Elevated feeders: For easier access and better digestion, especially for larger dogs.
Play and Enrichment
- Toys (variety): Fetch toys, rope toys, balls, and puzzle toys that can withstand group play and regular washing.
- Agility equipment (optional for startup): Cones, jumps, or tunnels for enrichment play. Not essential day one.
- Climbing structures and platforms: For mental stimulation and activity variation.
- Treat-dispensing toys: To keep dogs engaged during rest periods.
Shop Durable Dog Toys on Amazon →
Health and Safety Supplies
- First aid kit: Bandages, antiseptic, tweezers for splinters, and a pet-specific first aid guide.
- Emergency contact sheets: Templates for owner information, veterinary contact, and behavioral notes.
- Thermometer (non-contact): To monitor for signs of illness before dogs enter.
- Cleaning gloves and aprons: To protect yourself during cleanup and handling accidents.
Shop Pet First Aid Kits on Amazon →
Record-Keeping and Administration
- Sign-in/sign-out sheets: Physical or digital logs of arrival and departure times.
- Behavior and health tracking: Forms to note any incidents, health concerns, or behavioral changes.
- Camera or monitoring system: Optional but valuable for owner peace of mind and staff accountability.
- Scheduling software or calendar: To manage bookings and staff shifts.
Shop Daycare Management Tools on Amazon →
What to Buy First vs Later
Start lean, but don’t skip safety essentials. Your first purchases should protect dogs, control liability, and keep your facility sanitary. Everything else builds on that foundation.
- Buy first: Fencing/containment, cleaning supplies, food bowls, water stations, first aid kit, leashes, and record-keeping templates. These are non-negotiable and often determine whether you can legally and safely operate.
- Buy within the first month: Additional toys, bedding, crates, and basic monitoring (even a simple webcam).
- Add later: Agility equipment, advanced enrichment items, upgraded monitoring systems, and optional comfort upgrades once you’re profitable and have consistent revenue.
New vs Used Equipment
Buying used can cut startup costs significantly, but certain items warrant the investment in new. Anything that touches a dog’s mouth, body, or food should be new or thoroughly sanitized. Used fencing, crates, and outdoor equipment are fair game if they’re in good condition. Used or damaged toys pose choking risks—buy new toys or inspect used ones carefully.
Bedding, blankets, and washable items don’t need to be new, but they must be washable and free of odors or stains that suggest long-term use without cleaning. Food bowls and water stations should be either new or thoroughly sanitized stainless steel. Never use plastic items that are cracked, chipped, or faded, as they harbor bacteria. Safety equipment like gates and fencing must be sturdy and damage-free; buying used here is acceptable if the condition is solid, but don’t compromise on strength or security for cost savings.
Where to Buy
- Amazon: Fast delivery, competitive pricing, and easy returns for most equipment and supplies.
- Chewy.com: Specializes in pet products with bulk discounts and fast shipping for food, toys, and supplies.
- Petco and PetSmart: Physical locations for hands-on shopping and immediate availability; prices are sometimes higher but useful for emergency supplies.
- Home Depot and Lowe’s: For fencing, gates, cleaning tools, storage bins, and facility construction materials.
- Restaurant supply stores (WebstaurantStore, Sysco): Stainless steel bowls, large food storage containers, and commercial-grade cleaning supplies at wholesale prices.
- Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist: For used fencing, crates, and play equipment from other dog businesses or pet owners closing operations.
- Local pet businesses liquidating: Reach out to local groomers or trainers closing; they often have quality used equipment at steep discounts.
- Costco and Sam’s Club: Bulk paper towels, cleaning supplies, and storage containers if you have a membership.