Dog Health Questions: Thinking of opening an indoor dog park - Would you use it and if so what would you be willing to pay?

The facility will be well maintained. There would be a very large run around area, an in house groomer/veterinarian, a pet pick-up service, boarding service (overnight also), a pet supply store, lounge for the human companion, a track, dog training classes, possibly a place for the local animal shelter to host adoption events. The floor will be made of K9 turf (a synthetic grass) for cleaning purposes. Also there will be an outdoor playground for those warm sunny days. Any feedback will be greatly appreciated!

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Seems like a good idea except for the set-up costs. No matter what you "think" it will cost, ADD 25% and you're probably close.

I'd be up to paying no more that $10-$15/day. However, before you get started...

Must consider (I'm sure you have):
Land cost and needed acreage
Build out & up - How big do you need?
Zoning requirements
Location in general - if no zoning issues, are you close enough to draw your client base.
Insurance - get quotes now. Dog care, building, dog bites, LIABILITY, etc. Talk with a good COMMERCIAL agent who is familiar insuring vets, and doggie day-cares.

When built, what can you earn at 50% capacity? The economy will turn around - someday - can you wait until "someday" to start making money? Can you support yourself for one year beyond the initial investment of opening the doors?

I used to tell real estate agents to have ONE YEAR of income in the bank before taking their classes. Once over the "hump" it gets easier. Most don't even get to the hump. (Former Realtor with 24 years in real estate...I have a clue.)

I wish you the best in your future endeavors.

Todd Davis
National Director
Gold Star Referral Clubs
www.goldstarreferralclubs.com/1058
"Helping Others Succeed!"

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• I know of two of these that opened and closed within the year and the other within two years. One in a major metro area and one in a fast growing, rated highly for starting a business area in a different state. Basically they both failed because of the cost of upkeep, you are forced to have a certain number of employees with each set of animals, cleaning supplies, permits, and ground upkeep were very costly. They were constantly replacing things like floors from damage from cleaning and dogs(10-15k easy for just some of the rooms!) Keeping and training employees was a hassle and the cost to build the interior of these places was immense! Most states are very picky on what type of materials the dogs are allowed contact with and usually its pricey stuff that's recommended. Insurance is crazy and finding a location that allows this type of business is hard to find and usually limited to out of the way areas. The market they were trying to reach basically couldn't afford them if they were to charge enough to cover expenses. I'm not saying you can't do it. I knew both of these people for 10+ years and they told me how it was. One is 800k in debt and the other is 400k ish in debt from the business. The one with 400k in debt actually had her father pay 450k in startup(she paid the other part) and around 200-300k to keep it running as long as it did. Luckily he's not asking for that money back!! I would love to start something like this but I think instead I'm going to try going into a food business. Hope this helped
  
  BTW I have also owned a pet related business similar to your current idea but on a very small scale. (Small doggy daycare) I worked 70 hours a week and slept at the place some nights with all the work. After I figured out how much I was making in hourly I shut down the business. Employee's were a nightmare and the rules from the state were crazy and the requirements cost me so much money. Not worth the headache