How to Start a Pet Hotel

Devoted pet owners seek pet hotels when they are going out of town and need someone to care for their pet(s) while they are away. A pet hotel takes on the responsibility of caring for a number of different animals temporarily. If you have a love for animals, starting your own pet hotel may be a good idea.

1. Decide what types of animals you will allow at your pet hotel. For example, you may only want to care for dogs and cats. You may also be willing to care for other types of animals as well. The decision is up to you and what animals you feel comfortable with.


2. Have experience with animals. You do not need a specific degree to run a pet hotel but you should have some experience with animals. You should know how to groom and care for a number of different animals.


3. Apply for a business permit or license in order to operate your pet hotel. Each state has different requirements. To find out what you need to do to obtain your permit or license, visit sba.gov.


4. Search for a location. You want to find the perfect area to open up your pet hotel. Once you find a place, you will want to rent or purchase the building out.


5. Apply for a small business loan if you need help getting your pet hotel started.


6. Begin the interior design process. You want your pet hotel to be clean, neat, and animal-friendly.


7. Purchase the materials you will need to successfully run your pet hotel. You will need cages, kennels, litter boxes, food bowls, and much more. Make sure that you keep the animals in mind when designing your pet hotel.


8. Create a schedule for the animals. You want to make sure that you walk animals that need to be walked.


9. Hire staff members. You want to hire people who work well with animals. You will need someone to answer the phones and deal with scheduling. You will also need people to walk the animals, feed the animals, and help you care for all of the animals at the hotel.


10. Create a brochure for your pet hotel. The brochure will give pet owners the opportunity to see what types of services you offer as well as the amount of money you charge per night.