How to Start a Dog Park Business
Dog parks are just like normal recreational parks for people, especially kids, but for dogs to play and have fun. The potential of dog parks is buttressed by the fact that close to half of American households have pets. A dog park business is one of the least expensive, yet gainful, businesses to start; this post will reveal all the steps you need to open yours.
What makes starting a dog park profitable?
Starting a dog park business is the type that will generate income for the owner, and there’s proof. Being aware of some factors that make this venture profitable will help you appreciate the business more; they include the following;
Some regions have strict laws regarding owning pets
Pets are loved and many homes have at least one, but they can also be unpleasant to live with, especially if you’re the next-door neighbor. There are laws that guide the ownership and rearing of dogs which can be slightly different from location to location. These laws are to keep the peace and ensure the safety of people in the vicinity of dogs and other animals.
Sometimes, dogs get very noisy and irritating which could be disturbing to neighbors, especially if it’s in the urban regions. To ensure that dogs have a balanced life, pet owners take them to dog parks to relieve some stress and run free. Some dogs can be really difficult to keep calm when they are excited, which is why their owners either take them to dog daycare or dog parks. It can be dangerous to leave dogs at home unsupervised.
The lack of recreational space in some places
Some residents barely have enough room to park cars; it would be a lost cause to look for a space for recreational activities. These types of residents or settings are mostly found in urban areas where there are blocks after blocks of apartments with little to no space around. In such cases, not only parents but pet owners, need to find a place where their pets can have fun, run around freely and get the necessary exercise they need. There should be times when pets experience life outside, get familiar with their surroundings, eliminate the fear of the outdoors, and that’s what they can get at a dog park.
Also, these types of settings do not provide room for pet owners to make playdates for their pets while they socialize. Since there’s barely enough space for one dog to play around, then it would be almost impossible for two or more to come together and play. There are times when dogs need to be taken outside unleashed. Some dogs get more aggressive when they stay inside for too long while others can become too timid. Having no real experience of the outdoors can affect dogs mentally.
Why a dog park business is suitable
Operating a dog-focused business comes with benefits that will make you glad you did. The benefits go beyond the financial gain; there are other areas that make a business enjoyable for the dog, the dog owner, and the dog park owner.
You can solely handle the business when you start
In the early stage of establishing a dog park, the park owner can run the business by himself or herself. The workload would be less stressful at this stage compared to when the business grows larger. If one has the basic tools and gadgets to receive and send messages to people, he or she can attend to clients by phone, mail, or even on social media.
You can secure the appointments your clients make all by yourself and give them feedback when necessary. You are more than capable of cleaning the park, especially if it’s an indoor park and not very large, while you set up the playground before anyone comes in. However, you will need to hire people to help you run the dog park as the business grows.
Dog owners get to interact with one another
Although it might not be a fair comparison, taking dogs to dog parks is like taking one’s baby to the playground (some people have said they would rather have pets than kids). When parents take their young ones to play with their peers, they notice other parents and they sometimes get acquainted with each other.
People who have dogs also do this, seeing that they share a common interest with the next dog owner. Dog owners interact with other dog owners and share fun moments and experiences they’ve had with their dogs. This type of communication has led to life-long relationships, friendships, and partnerships. Dog owners get to share some secrets to caring for dogs and other useful information in these cases.
It provides dogs with an avenue for recreation
Unlike sloths, dogs are not meant to sit still or be in a confined environment for a long period. They need to run around, play, and most importantly be unleashed from time to time. Dogs need a place where they can experience freedom, and sadly, some environments do not have enough space for them to exercise. Not only can dogs play by themselves, but they can also play with other dogs. Dog owners will have an opportunity to play freely with their pets without trying to mind any furniture or expensive rug in the house. Dog parks with enough space can also be used to walk dogs.
There is room to promote goods and services
The promotion of goods and services at dog parks will not only benefit the dog park’s owner but anyone who can take advantage of it as well. For the dog park’s owner, they can serve as marketers for other dog product companies. Since there are a platform and a hub for dogs and their owners, companies, and individuals who are into dog-related products and food can meet you to help promote their businesses. This process will generate extra income for you as the dog park’s owner. However, you must not let it overwhelm the dog owners who just want to spend quality time with their beloved pets.
In addition, dog parks can serve as an informal place of business between dog owners. Some dog owners have tools and other equipment they use for their pets which other dog owners would like to have. There could be a trade between them and it could involve the sale of a kennel or other dog accessories. Dog owners could chip business ideas to business executives who also take their dogs to dog parks and if all goes well, it could end in something profitable.
What you should be wary of:
Opening a dog park has its merits as well as its demerits which show why one should not be negligent during the course of starting one’s. This aspect of a dog park business will pose a threat to its success but knowing what they are will make one better prepared to face them.
Diseases can spread
Since there will be lots of dogs of different sizes, breeds, hygiene, health conditions, among others, there is a possibility that there can be an outbreak of diseases. Dog diseases are communicable and they can be contacted in various ways. When your dog shares the same feeding bowl or even toys with other dogs, there could be a transmission of diseases in the process.
Also, there could be fights that could lead to biting- this can lead to the transmission of rabies from one dog to another. Even when dogs play, they bite each other and this could also lead to diseases spreading. The likelihood of an infected dog transferring diseases to its owner is high, especially if they have a close relationship. Some dog owners go as far as letting their dogs lay on their beds, while some let dogs lick their faces (and mouths) -these can easily lead to the dog transmitting a disease to them.
Dogs get bullied
Let’s not forget; dogs are animals. Dogs like to dominate and can also be territorial just like any other animal, which means whenever they are with their peers, they want to survive at all costs. Dogs can also be bullies; the bigger they are the more likely it is that they’ll be meaner. Every dog owner wants their dogs to have fun and socialize, which is why they take them to dog parks but dogs are more likely to fight than they are to get along. Such a sight would be a dog owner’s worst nightmare and it could get deadly.
Dogs who bully other dogs, especially the shy and smaller ones, can cause serious bodily harm to them with their fangs and paws. Some unfortunate dogs get seriously injured, maimed, and even die. Such a scenario could put any dog park in trouble, which is why it is better to be aware of them before getting started.
Traits of a successful dog business owner
Owning a dog park is a responsibility that would be bearable for some more than others. It can be both enjoyable and a bit stressful to run a dog park but someone who has certain attributes will thrive in the business.
A dog-lover
Dog parks are all about dogs- they’re basically established for dogs. The first thing you must love before starting a dog park is not the idea itself, rather the pets that are the heart and soul of the idea. It takes a genuine dog-lover to put up with the demands of caring for dogs because some of the requirements for starting a dog park can be anything but pleasant. Opening a dog park means that you’ll be responsible for the dogs in the park and you will have to go extra lengths sometimes to get some things in place.
Also, only a dog-person can know dogs well enough to keep them calm when they’re irritated and tactfully break up fights between the animals. These skills and more will help you keep the dog park safe for both the dogs and their owners.
A dog health expert
Even though you do not need to have a degree to open a dog park, any formal education in a dog health-related field would be helpful. Since there are diverse kinds of courses in this field regarding how to care for them and understand them, animal enthusiasts are beginning to dive deeper into what they love. The best person to take on a dog park business is someone who has all the knowledge and experience in taking care of dogs.
Professionals in animal healthcare can also be part of the dog park business as their expertise will ensure the protection and proper care of dogs in case of injuries sustained on the playground. Someone who is either a veterinarian or dog trainer will be in the best position to control the dogs, understand their moods, and treat them when necessary.
A “people person”
Running a dog park has got everything to do with people because dogs don’t take themselves to private dog parks, neither do they pay the fees. The dog owners are the ones to bring the dogs to parks and they also need to feel like they are on the same page as the dog park’s owner. The average dog owner has fears, which is why they need to be sure they are in the right place- you must be the type that can calm their fears.
Someone who has good people skills will be able to make dog owners feel understood, start meaningful and relevant conversations with them, and earn their trust. With good people skills, you’ll be able to sell dog-related products and extra services to the pet owners easily.
How to start a dog park
There’s always a gratifying feeling whenever an aspiring entrepreneur or dog enthusiast finally opens their dog park for business. However, there is a process and a series of steps for opening a dog park.
Have a profound knowledge of dogs
Besides having a love for dogs, you must know all there is to know about them. Dogs have traits that vary; there are different dog breeds, and there are different conditions that are suitable for some dogs more than others. Even though it would be nearly impossible to know about every type of dog breed there is, it is required to know a lot about as many as you can.
Knowing these animals involve spending quality time with them, feeding them, bathing them, tending to their wounds, knowing how they (or watching them) reproduce, etc. If you don’t have a degree in animal science or any other dog-related course, you could opt for a professional short course in the field to boost your knowledge.
What you know about them will help you provide better security and a good place for them to have fun. Also, your understanding of dogs will make you know when one is feeling sick, hurt, in a playful or aggressive mood so that they don’t pose a threat to people in the park. To help with understanding dogs and their mood swings, there are applications that can help keep track of their mood so that they don’t surprise you.
There’s more to know about dogs, including the laws regarding owning and caring for them. Owning dogs is a responsibility, and negligence by the owner can lead to serious trouble from animal rights organizations. Also, there are certain laws regarding the types of dogs allowed in certain areas. Not all dog breeds are allowed in some residential areas.
Plan your dog park business and register it
The sure way of bringing your business ideas to life is by making a proper plan for it. Since opening a dog park is a big deal, make sure you have a record of how you want to run it. This document should remove every ambiguity and show that you are indeed ready for business. With well-planned feasibility studies on the market, you must clearly state what your challenges will be regarding certain aspects like:
- Finding a suitable site
- Getting the needed funds
- What breed of dogs you’ll accept
- What tools you’ll need
- The manpower you’ll need to run the park
- When you expect to reach your goal
Listing certain key aspects along with highlighting possible solutions to them is what will guide your path in the business. Once you’re done establishing how you want to operate, make plans to get a suitable location, and register your business.
The registration of your business will give you access to the benefits of having a business in the region. There are agencies created by the government to register a new business, while in some areas, people can register businesses online. Make your findings and do what’s necessary to have a registered business.
You must have a license to open a dog park due to the implications it can have on the dogs, their owners, yourself, and the environment. The permits you get will be what gives you legal backing to start your business. The government agencies that will grant you a license will want to be sure that you can protect every life in the park, and not bring danger to society.
Set park rules
People don’t really like rules because of the restrictions and probably inconveniences they are meant to cause, but you need to set some. The rules you put in place will not be to exercise authority or show who is boss; it would be set to ensure the safety of people and their pets. As important as creating an environment where dogs and their owners can go and have fun is, their safety is more important. There will be some aspects of the dog park that, even though they are meant to be fun, could cause harm if not properly utilized. There will be a need to warn people how to use some equipment, and if sometimes are not in the best condition to be used, it should be clearly stated.
Some of the essential park rules will include asking dog owners to always come with a leash and other dog-restraining equipment. The tools will make it easier for dogs to be controlled whenever it is necessary. And you must also be clear about feeding. Do you think it is ideal for dog owners to bring food for dogs? Should they be allowed to eat within the premises? Are dog owners permitted to have a snack in the dog park? Make clear rules that will ensure the safety of animals and humans as well as the cleanliness of the environment.
Also, concerning cleanliness, every dog owner must be ready to clean up after their dogs. A dog park is not a dog daycare center; therefore, it is the dog owner’s responsibility to be prepared to clean whatever waste their dog passes out. Make it a rule for every dog owner to come with a plastic bag or its equivalent to pick up their dog’s feces.
Playing with toys is an important aspect of the entertaining experience that dogs will have in your dog park, and you must encourage them to come with theirs. Dogs know their toys and they don’t like to share in most cases; thus, having each person bring their dog’s toys will help reduce fights between dogs. Also, this will reduce the chances of contracting diseases, one dog to the other.
Ensure that dogs play with dogs their age and, if necessary, their breed. This setting will also reduce the likelihood of bullying among dogs.
In addition, further, reduce the risk of having dogs transmit diseases by making sure they are in a healthy condition. The best way to ensure this is to have each dog owner present a recent doctor’s report on the health status of the dog. That way, you will know which dogs to let into your facility.
Conclusion
Use the internet. There’s so much you can do for your dog park business if you promote it massively online through social media by uploading adorable photos and short videos of fun activities in your dog park. Also, make sure to keep on learning all you can about dogs and find innovative ways to provide safety and better entertainment for both dogs and their owners.