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Setting up a Cattery Business

All you need to know about starting and running your business.

In this article

What is a Cattery Business?

There are more than 10.8 million pet cats in the UK, with 26% of households having at least one feline friend in their home.

With more than a quarter of British households having a pet cat, it’s no surprise that catteries are consistently in demand.

A cattery is a place where cats are temporarily housed. This could be because their owner is on holiday, ill, in hospital or the cat is unable to stay at the home temporarily. A cattery is a professionally run, licensed business that takes care of cats for a short time.

A cattery business will take care of cats of all ages, from kittens to elderly cats. To set up a successful cattery business, you will need clean, spacious, fit-for-purpose premises and facilities, appropriate equipment, knowledgeable caring staff and the correct licences.

Catteries look after multiple cats at one time. However, the cats should never be kept in the same sleeping area unless they come from the same household. Instead, your cattery will have many separate rooms or enclosures. You may also choose to have a communal area where cats can play, exercise or socialise, either together or separately.

Running a cattery business will mean you have multiple responsibilities including:

  • Providing each cat with a clean, heated, well-lit sleeping area.
  • Ensuring the housing area for each cat is secure and the cat is unable to escape.
  • Feeding the cats and ensuring they have enough water at all times.
  • Changing the cats’ litter regularly.
  • Administering medication, if required.
  • Providing beds, toys and scratching posts.
  • Ensuring you are fully licensed.
  • Implementing emergency procedures.
  • Protecting the health, safety and wellbeing of the cats, your employees and any visitors to your cattery.
  • Ensuring the housing area for each cat is the correct size, in line with regulations.

If you are an animal lover, with experience in taking care of cats and you have a flair for business, starting up a cattery business could be a great option for you. Running a cattery business can be demanding and time-consuming. It requires commitment, so ensure this is the best business opportunity for you before you begin operating.

Types of Customers

The types of customers you will target with your cattery business are cat owners.

When identifying your target market, you first need to decide what type of cattery you are going to run.

  • Budget: Budget catteries are designed for those who want to spend a minimum amount on their cat’s boarding. They will usually have smaller housing areas with fewer extras available. Customers may also have to provide their cat’s food during the stay. The cats may also get fewer visits from staff per day.
  • Mid-Market: A mid-market cattery is targeted at customers who want their cats to have a little more comfort and luxury but don’t want to spend too much money. A mid-market cattery business will likely offer larger housing areas than budget catteries and extra services.
  • Luxury: A luxury cattery, sometimes referred to as a cat hotel, will have larger, more luxurious units for the cats to stay in. Daily grooming, gourmet menus, socialisation and entertainment, and even cat spa services may be available. Luxury facilities usually house fewer cats at one time so the cats can get extra time and attention.

Cattery business

Equipment You Will Need

When setting up your cattery business, you will need to plan your equipment requirements and purchase or rent the equipment and tools you will need.

Some of the equipment recommended for your cattery business includes:

Housing areas

When purchasing or building the housing area, you must account for the agility and climbing skills of the cats and the prevalence of diseases, infections and fleas. Most cats dislike other cats, especially those they are not familiar with. You must ensure that your housing areas keep all cats separate and that the cats preferably cannot see each other. The areas must meet the minimum space and dimension requirements (we will look at this more later) and must protect the cats from the weather. Ensure the doors are secure and the correct temperatures are maintained. The cost of the housing can depend on the size, materials, facilities and the number of cats you plan to house.

Litter trays

Every housing area will need its own litter tray and if you have multiple cats from the same household together, you may need more than one litter tray. It is also recommended that you keep a few spare trays in storage. There are many different types of litter trays and they come in a variety of shapes and sizes. A basic litter tray can cost as little as £7, whereas a hooded litter tray can cost up to £30.

Litter tray equipment

Some of the equipment you will need for your litter trays includes scoops, tray liners and cat litter. You will also need to purchase specific cleaning products that are solely used for the litter trays.

A CCTV system

A Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) system can help cat owners to feel more secure and comfortable leaving their cats at your cattery. With pet theft on the rise, CCTV will help to protect all your feline residents. A CCTV system can cost between £300 and £5,000, depending on the specification of the equipment, how many cameras you require, and the installation costs.

Air conditioner and heating

Cats are the masters of squeezing through the smallest of spaces, meaning you will likely need to keep all windows and doors closed at all times. Air conditioning can help cool air to circulate through the cattery in warmer months while a heater can ensure the cats stay nice and warm during the colder winter months. Ensuring your cattery remains at a safe temperature is imperative for the health and safety of the cats.

A deep sink/washing area

As you will have a lot of equipment to clean, including the food bowls and litter trays, installing a deep sink or washing area will allow you to wash a lot of equipment at one time. This will help you to save time overall.

A washing machine and dryer

If you supply beds, beddings, blankets or soft toys for the cats, these will need to be cleaned between every cat visitor. A larger washing machine and dryer will enable you to wash more items at one time. You can expect to pay between £500 and £3,000 depending on the size, make and specification of the machines.

A van or another form of transport

Some catteries, especially those that charge higher prices, may offer a collection and drop-off service. If you decide to offer this service, you will need a van or another suitable form of transport. Your vehicle will need to have space to safely transport the cats. The cost of a vehicle can vary, depending on whether it is new or used, and the make and model of the vehicle.

A cat first aid kit

A fully stocked cat first aid kit is likely to contain bandages of different sizes, gauze, a foil blanket, tape, wipes, sting relief, scissors and plastic pouches. A pet first aid kit can be purchased for £15.

A human first aid kit

A first aid kit is a necessity in case an employee or visitor to your cattery becomes injured. A first aid kit can be purchased for as little as £12.

Cleaning materials

Some of the cleaning supplies you may require include a sweeping brush, a mop and bucket, bleach, window cleaner, sanitiser, cloths, sponges and other cleaning supplies. You should also supply hand sanitiser and handwashing facilities for staff and any visitors to your business. Ensure any cleaning materials are safe to use around animals.

Other equipment requirements

Some of the other equipment you may need for your cattery includes:

  • Scratching posts or furniture (one in each housing area).
  • Grooming products.
  • Food and water bowls (for every cat you will house).
  • Bins with closed lids.
  • A till and Point of Sales (POS) system.
  • A laptop or desktop computer (for appointments, marketing and accounting).
  • A camera or camera phone (to send photos to your customers).
  • Gauntlets or gloves made from leather or a tough material (to prevent scratches or bites when dealing with difficult or stressed cats).

Cat asleep

Typical Pricing

Planning the typical costs associated with setting up and running your cattery business is essential. It allows you to plan your initial investment amount, prepare a budget, calculate your pricing structure for customers and estimate your profits.

Some of the costs associated with setting up a cattery business include:

This will be the most significant cost associated with setting up your business. Your cattery will need to be located in a good area that is easily accessible to your customers. Your site will need to have enough space to build your housing area, a reception area, storage rooms or buildings and parking for your customers. The cost of your site can vary significantly, depending on the location, square footage and existing infrastructure.

As you can see from the list above, your cattery business will have extensive equipment requirements. You can expect to spend between £5,000 and £30,000 on equipment.

Cat food and other stock

You may choose to provide food and snacks for the cats you take care of. You may need to purchase a few different types of food, including wet and dry food. Purchasing the food in bulk can help to save you money long term. Depending on the number of cats you house and the brand of food you choose, you can expect to pay between £100 and £500 per month.

Replacing or maintaining equipment and your premises

Cats like to chew and scratch objects and furniture, meaning you may have to do repairs and replacements more frequently. Allocating a percentage of your budget every month to finance this is recommended.

Running costs

This will include the overhead costs associated with running your cattery business such as electricity, water and gas. You will also need to pay council taxes and your business tax. If you use a van or other vehicle as part of your business, you will also need to account for your vehicle insurance, tax and petrol.

Branding may be key to the success of your business, especially if you are competing with other catteries in your area. Branding could include creating your business’s visual identity, a logo, business name, your business website and your brand message. You can hire a professional to help you with branding or do some of the work yourself. Branding can cost between £500 and £10,000, depending on the level of branding you require.

Advertising and marketing

Advertising can help to ensure the success of your cattery business, especially when your business is in its first year of operation. Advertising can help you to stand out from competitive businesses. It is recommended that you spend no more than 10% of your annual revenue on advertising costs.

As a cattery business operates 24 hours a day, you will need to employ multiple staff. When calculating the costs associated with employing staff you should consider the number of staff and their hourly wage. You will also need to account for holiday pay, sick pay and maternity/paternity pay. You will need to pay your staff at least the national minimum wage of £9.50 per hour.

A cattery business will have several insurance requirements including Public Liability, Professional Indemnity, Employers’ Liability, Care, Custody and Control, Product Liability, Vet Fee Package, Material Damage, Loss of Money, Business Interruption and Personal Accident. Insurance costs can range from £10 to £120 per month, depending on your insurance provider and the level of coverage you choose.

The prices for cats staying at a cattery can vary significantly, depending on:

  • The location of the cattery.
  • The size of the housing areas.
  • The facilities and equipment that are available.
  • The availability of extras, such as grooming and playtime.
  • The number of staff.
  • Whether food is provided.

Budget catteries usually charge between £5 and £10 per cat per day. Mid-range catteries usually charge between £10 and £20 per cat per day, and luxury catteries in a prime location usually charge between £20 and £30 per cat per day.

Many catteries offer multi-cat discounts for cats from the same household who can be housed together.

Safely Running a Cattery Business

You will be responsible for the health and safety of the cats, your employees and any visitors to your cattery business.

It is essential that you implement safety procedures and practices and run your cattery business with all necessary safety considerations in mind.

Some ways you can safely run your cattery business are:

Ensure the security of the cattery and the animals

You need to prevent the cats from escaping or being stolen. It is therefore imperative that you ensure the cattery and the individual housing areas are completely secure. Some ways you can do this include installing CCTV and locking all doors and gates. Installing double doors or a safety corridor can also ensure the cats cannot escape.

Ensure staff are properly trained

Having staff with appropriate training can help protect the safety of the cats. Ensuring your staff are trained in animal or cat welfare, first aid for animals and safely handling animals is suggested.

Ask for proof of vaccinations

To ensure the safety of all the cats in your care, it is recommended that you check their vaccination status before accepting them in your cattery. Asking your customers to provide paper or electronic proof that their cats are up to date with all vaccines is recommended. Cats are usually vaccinated against cat flu, feline enteritis and feline leukaemia.

cattery business plan

Conduct risk assessments

Risk assessments are a legal requirement if you have five or more employees working at your cattery. However, even if risks assessments are not legally required, they can help to ensure the health and safety of the cats and your employees. Risk assessments should be completed for any task or activity where there are any potential hazards and risks. This could include manual handling activities and risks associated with having physical contact with the animals.

Have the vet information for each cat and a dedicated emergency vet you can contact

Each client that visits your cattery should provide you with their cat’s vet information in the case of an illness or injury. You should also have a dedicated vet that you can contact out of hours.

Cleaning procedures

Effective cleaning procedures are essential in your cattery, as you will consistently have new human and animal visitors to the site. A cleaning schedule and cleaning policies should be in place. They should cover equipment, surfaces, sleeping areas, beds, and food preparation and storage areas. Implementing handwashing procedures for staff and visitors is also recommended.

Keep fully stocked first aid kits

You will need separate first aid kits for the cats and for humans. Ensure the first aid kits are fully stocked and easily accessible in your cattery.

Ensure food and treats are correctly labelled

Similar to humans, cats can have allergies and intolerances. Label food and treats with the ingredients and allergen information to protect the health and safety of the cats.

Legal Requirements

When setting up and running a cattery business, it is essential that you comply with all legal requirements. Failure to comply could result in legal action being taken against your cattery by the RSPCA or your local authority.

All catteries in the UK must be both licensed with and inspected by the Environmental Health department of their local authority. This is in line with the legislation set out under the Animal Boarding Establishments Act 1963 .

Some legal requirements you must ensure your cattery business complies with include:

Apply for a Boarding for Cats or Dogs licence

You will need to apply for this licence before you open your cattery. Your cattery will be inspected by someone from your local council who will check the suitability of the accommodation, the food, drink and bedding, whether the cats are protected, visited and exercised, and whether staff are trained to look after animals. You will be granted either a one-, two- or three-year licence. As part of your inspection, you will be awarded a rating between 1 and 5 stars.

Display your licence

You must display a copy of your licence from the Environmental Health department prominently in a location that is accessible to your customers and the general public.

Follow government regulations on sleeping areas

Cats should never share sleeping areas unless they come from the same household. Regulations specify that the sleeping areas in a cattery must follow minimum size regulations. All sleeping areas have a minimum height requirement of 1.8m. The minimum size requirements vary depending on the number of cats the sleeping area holds.

  • One cat: Minimum area = 0.85m2. Minimum dimensions = 0.9m.
  • Up to two cats: Minimum area = 1.5m2. Minimum dimensions = 1.2m.
  • Up to four cats: Minimum area = 1.9m2, Minimum dimensions = 1.2m.

Follow regulations on temperature

The regulations regarding the temperature of sleeping areas specify that a temperature between 15°C and 26°C must be maintained. A temperature below 10°C should never be reached.

Ensure the sleeping area gets enough light

If the sleeping areas in your cattery get natural light throughout the day, you won’t have to make any special adjustments. However, if the sleeping areas use artificial light, you must ensure the lights are on for between 10 and 12 hours every day.

Ensure the cats receive an acceptable number of visits

You should ensure the cats in your care receive a visit at least once every four hours (during the working day). Cats who have any health conditions may require more frequent visits.

Apply for planning permission

If you need to make particular changes to existing infrastructure or build on the land, you will likely need to apply for planning permission by contacting your local planning authority (LPA) via your local council.

Implement necessary health and safety policies

Health and safety policies are a legal requirement for all businesses in the UK. The policies should protect the cats, your staff and any visitors to your business and should include emergency procedures.

Keep up-to-date records

Catteries are strictly regulated and are usually inspected every year. As part of your licence requirements and in order to pass the inspection, you will need to keep up-to-date records of your clients, cleaning schedules, risk assessments, health and safety policies, temperature checks in the sleeping areas, and health records.

Comply with employment legislation 

If you employ any staff to work in your cattery, you must comply with employment legislation. This includes legislation relating to recruitment, working hours, pay, sickness, discrimination, dismissals, and maternity or paternity pay.

Purchase insurance

Some types of insurance, such as employer’s liability cover, is legally required. Contact your insurance provider to find out which coverage is legally required, and which is optional.

Register your business with HMRC

You must register your cattery business with HMRC. You will need to register your business name and keep records of all your income, profits and expenses.

Apply for a Notification to Process Personal Data licence

If your cattery uses CCTV or processes any personal information, you will need to apply for a licence with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) and renew your registration every year.

Cat laying down

Positives of Owning a Cattery Business

A cattery business can be an extremely rewarding venture.

There are several positive aspects of owning a cattery, including:

Rewarding work

Taking care of animals can be extremely rewarding, especially if you are a cat lover. A cattery business can be both financially and emotionally rewarding. You could also have the opportunity to care for stray cats or provide food and necessities to animal charities.

High customer retention

Once cat owners find a cattery that they like and they know their cat is comfortable there and well cared for, they are more likely to return to that cattery again. They may also recommend your cattery to other people, meaning not only will you have high customer retention, but it will also help you to grow your business.

Do something you love

If you are an animal lover, running a cattery business allows you to do something you love and still earn money. Starting up a cattery business can be a vocation, as you can do a job you love. It can feel less like work when you are spending your time and energy doing something you enjoy.

Choose your customers

You can choose how small or large your business is and how many cats you want to care for at one time. You can also refuse to accept cats if you have had issues with them before or don’t think you can adequately care for them.

Choose your employees

As the business owner, you will be in charge of hiring employees. This means you can choose the employees who will be most valuable to your business and who have a genuine passion for animals. You can decide what experience, qualifications and traits you find the most valuable and hire employees that fit these criteria.

Create the business you want

You can design your cattery business exactly as you want. You can decide the type of cattery you are going to run, the design and the aesthetic. You can also choose what facilities, equipment and services will be available and the type of market you are going to target.

Work in your local community

You will most likely set up your cattery business in your local area. This allows you to be part of your local community and connect with other animal lovers in your area.

Unlimited income potential

A cattery business can be extremely profitable, especially if you operate at high occupancy. As your business grows, you will also have the opportunity to expand your cattery or open additional catteries in other locations. This offers you unlimited income potential.

Control your workload

Once your business is established, you can choose to take a hands-on or hands-off approach. You can opt to be involved in the day-to-day running of the cattery or hire staff to handle most of the responsibilities. Being in control of your workload is a major benefit of owning your own business.

Cat on scratch post

Negatives of Owning a Cattery Business

However, there are some negative aspects to owning a cattery business that you should be aware of:

Work can be inconsistent

A cattery business can sometimes be seasonal as they are generally more popular during the times of the year when people often travel, such as Summer, Christmas and Easter. At other times of the year, you may find you have very few furry customers. This can make it more difficult to make a profit.

High time commitment

Catteries are open 24 hours a day and are often busier at weekends and during the holidays. As the business owner, you will have a lot of responsibilities that can be time-consuming. Additionally, when your business is newly opened, you may hire less staff to keep your costs down, meaning you will be responsible for picking up the extra slack.

Physically demanding

Part of running a cattery will include taking part in manual handling activities, such as handling heavy objects, cleaning and bending down. Manual handling activities , especially when done incorrectly, can result in musculoskeletal disorders and other injuries. You will also likely be on your feet and active for a lot of the day. Running a cattery can be both physically demanding and tiring.

It can be stressful

Being solely responsible for the success of your business can be stressful. As you will be responsible for multiple tasks and roles, this can result in additional stress. You will also be responsible for the health and safety of the animals in your care and your employees.

High start-up costs

As you will need to purchase the site for your cattery business and you will require a lot of equipment, your start-up costs will be high. This could mean you have to source an outside investment. It will also take longer for you to begin turning a profit.

Can be competitive

Not only will you be competing with other catteries, but you will also be competing with cat sitters and kennel businesses. It can be difficult to make your cattery business succeed if there are already other catteries in your local area.

Planning Your Cattery Business

When starting up a cattery business, you will first need to create a well-designed business plan.

There are some important considerations you should make when planning your cattery business:

What type of cattery business are you going to run?

You need to decide whether you are going to run a budget, mid-market or luxury cattery business. This will impact the type of customers you attract, your price points, your equipment requirements and your branding.

What will your maximum occupancy be?

Your maximum occupancy is how many cats you can house at one time. Your maximum occupancy will depend on how many sleeping areas you create and how many areas can house multiple cats from the same household.

Where will your cattery be located?

Your cattery should be in an easily accessible location with a high quantity of your target customer base. Finding an appropriate location that already has the suitable infrastructure or the space for you to build it is key.

What local competition do you have?

Being aware of your local competition is essential to the success of your business. An oversaturated market can negatively impact your occupancy rates and your profits. Look at other catteries in your area, their price points and the customers they target. This can help you decide the type of cattery business you are going to set up.

What are your equipment and premises requirements?

Consult the equipment list above to determine what your equipment requirements are. Budget, mid-range and luxury catteries will have different premises, facilities and equipment requirements. Once you have determined your requirements, you can calculate the approximate costs. This can help you to decide whether to purchase all of your equipment or whether some will be rented.

What are your investment requirements?

Can you finance your business yourself or do you require outside investment? To determine your investment requirements, calculate your start-up costs, running costs and expected profits. Outside investment can be obtained from a bank, another financial institution, a private investor, other businesses, or from family or friends.

Do you or your employees require any specific training or experience?

This could apply to you and your employees. Training may be required to ensure your cattery business operates safely. It can also help your cattery be more attractive to potential customers or can result in a higher rating during your inspection.

What are your business objectives?

Determining your business objectives can be a great way to attract investments for your cattery business and can help you to grow your business. They also help you to create your business plan.

Your business objectives should be SMART:

S = Specific M = Measurable A = Achievable R = Realistic T = Time-bound

Have you complied with all legal requirements?

Look at the list above to determine what legal requirements you must comply with. You must follow all guidelines and regulations and apply for the correct licence. Failure to comply with the legal requirements may result in the local authority revoking your licence. You could also receive a fine or face prosecution.

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How to Start Your Own Cattery: The Ultimate Guide

If you’ve ever dreamed of starting your own cattery, this is the guide for you! In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know in order to get your business off the ground.

We’ll cover topics such as choosing a location, licensing and permitting requirements, and what equipment you’ll need to get started. So if you’re ready to make your dreams of owning a cattery a reality, keep reading!

How to Start Your Own Cattery?

All the Process to Start Your Own Cattery

The first step in starting your own cattery is deciding if it’s the right decision for you. Owning and operating a cattery can be a lot of work, but it can also be very rewarding.

If you’re passionate about cats and have the time and resources to devote to your business, then starting a cattery may be a great option for you.

One of the most important decisions you’ll make when starting a cattery is choosing the right location. You’ll need to find a space that’s big enough to accommodate your business, as well as any animals or equipment you may need. It’s also important to consider the surrounding area; you’ll want to choose a location that’s accessible to customers and has good visibility.

Licensing and Permitting Requirements

Before you can open your cattery, there are some licensing and permitting requirements you’ll need to meet. These requirements vary from state to state, so it’s important to do your research before you get too far into your planning.

Some of the things you may need to obtain include a business license, zoning permit, and animal boarding license. You’ll also need to make sure your cattery is in compliance with any health and safety regulations.

Equipment Needed for a Cattery

In addition to a good location, there are some essential pieces of equipment you’ll need to open a cattery.

Some of the most important items include cages, food dishes, water bowls, and litter boxes. You’ll also need a way to clean these items, such as a dishwasher or washing machine.

The Importance of Customer Service in the Cat Industry

Good customer service is essential for any business, but it is especially important in the cat industry.

Cats are notoriously finicky creatures, and their owners often have strong opinions about what products and services are best for their feline friends.

As a result, providing excellent customer service can be the difference between a successful cat business and one that quickly falls by the wayside.

There are a few key things to keep in mind when providing customer service in the cat industry.

First, it is important to be knowledgeable about the products and services you offer. Cat owners will often have questions about the things you sell, and being able to answer those questions confidently will instill trust in your customers.

Second, it is important to be patient with both customers and cats. Many cat owners are extremely passionate about their pets, and they may be vocal about their opinions. It is important to listen to what they have to say and take their feedback into account.

Third, it is important to be responsive. If a customer has a question or complaint, you should address it as quickly as possible. Failing to do so can lead to lost business and negative word-of-mouth marketing.

Types of Cats You Can Sell at Your Store (The Advantages and Disadvantages of Each)

If you’re thinking of selling cats at your store, you’ll need to decide which type of cat is right for you.

There are many factors to consider, including personality, appearance, and health. Here is a brief overview of some of the most popular types of cats:

Siamese cats are known for their striking blue eyes and sleek, elegant bodies. They are also very outgoing and affectionate, which makes them ideal pets.

However, they can also be quite vocal, and may require more attention than some other types of cats.

Persian cats are one of the most popular breeds, thanks to their beautiful coats and calm dispositions. However, they require regular grooming to keep their fur healthy and free of mats, and they are not as active as some other breeds.

Manx cats are known for their stubby tails and playful personalities. They are generally healthy cats, but because of their lack of a tail, they can be more prone to spinal problems.

The Sphynx is a unique breed of cat that is known for its hairless skin. While they may require more care than other cats, they are very affectionate and make excellent pets.

Choosing the Right Type of Cat for Your Business

When it comes to running a successful business, there are a lot of factors to consider. From marketing and sales strategies to product development and employee relations, there’s a lot to think about.

But one important factor that is often overlooked is the type of cat that will best suit your business. While all cats have certain qualities that make them ideal for the workplace, some breeds are better suited than others.

For example, Siamese cats are known for their intelligence and loyalty, making them ideal employees.

On the other hand, Ragdolls are known for their relaxed personalities and loving nature, making them perfect customers or clients.

So if you’re looking to run a successful business, be sure to choose the right type of cat for the job.

Starting your own cattery can be a rewarding experience, but it takes hard work and dedication to succeed. There are a few key things you need to keep in mind if you want your cattery to be successful.

First, you need to choose the right location. The cattery should be situated in a quiet area with plenty of space for the cats to roam. Second, you need to make sure the cats have access to fresh food and water at all times.

Third, you need to keep the cages clean and tidy to prevent the spread of disease.

Finally, you need to socialize the cats so they are comfortable around people. By following these simple tips, you can give your cattery the best chance of success.

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Start your own dog and cat kennel business plan

Executive Summary executive summary is a brief introduction to your business plan. It describes your business, the problem that it solves, your target market, and financial highlights.">

Noah’s Arf is a full-service animal care facility dedicated to consistently providing high customer satisfaction by rendering excellent service, quality pet care, and furnishing a fun, clean, enjoyable atmosphere at an acceptable price. We will maintain a friendly creative work environment which respects diversity, ideas, and hard work.

The timing is right for starting this new venture. Animals are playing a larger role in our lives, and working people are choosing to provide them with a good life. Loving families with active pets and an active conscience are in search of better lives for their pets and peace of mind for themselves, causing busy animal lovers to flock to an ever-growing number of animal day care facilities across the nation. For customer convenience, in addition to day care, Noah’s Arf will include overnight care, in-home care, wash your own, pet grooming, animal behavior, pet portraits, gift and pet specialty products, 24 hour service, and special requests, all at one facility.

Kris Price, owner, has worked at a high paced, customer service oriented profession at a growing company for twenty-three years. She has earned the respect of her colleagues through hard work and dedication. Her daughter is a graduate from veterinarian technical college and will join the staff in the fall of Year 1. Kris cares for pets of friends often, and at any given time there have been one or more animals living in her home. From business colleagues to friends surveyed, Kris has what it takes to make this venture extremely successful. She will count on her reputation to exceed expectations while continuously establishing an active client base.

To achieve our objectives, Noah’s Arf is seeking a long-term commercial loan. This loan will be paid back from the cash flow of the business within seven years, collateralized by the assets of the company, backed by personal integrity, experience and a contractual guarantee from the owner. Start-up costs will be used to purchase fixed assets, supplies, advertising, and opening cash on hand.

Dog and cat kennel business plan, executive summary chart image

1.1 Objectives

  • Monthly sales increasing steadily throughout FY 1.
  • Gross margin higher than 50% on pet products.
  • Full capacity by year end FY 2.
  • Expansion of services by FY 3.

1.2 Mission

To provide excellent animal care in a pet friendly atmosphere while ensuring our customers, both pet and owner, receive excellent service in a playful safe environment.

1.3 Keys to Success

The keys to success in our business are:

  • Superior Customer Service : 24 hour high-quality care and service.
  • Environment : provide a clean, upscale, odor free, enjoyable environment conducive to giving professional trusting service.
  • Convenience : offering clients a wide range of services in one environment.
  • Location : provide an easily accessible location for customer convenience.
  • Reputation : credibility, integrity, and 100% dedication from 23+ years employment at current workplace.

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Company summary company overview ) is an overview of the most important points about your company—your history, management team, location, mission statement and legal structure.">.

Noah’s Arf is a new company that will provide high-level animal care and customer service in the following categories:

  • Overnight care.
  • In-home care.
  • Wash your own pet.
  • Pet grooming.
  • Animal behavior classes.
  • Pet portraits.
  • Special events.
  • Special requests.
  • 24 hour service.

What will set Noah’s Arf apart from the competition is our commitment to provide these services in one convenient location that is not limited to dogs and cats.

2.1 Company Ownership

Noah’s Arf will be created as a Oregon Limited Liability Company (LLC) based in Multnomah County, privately owned by its principal operator.

2.2 Start-up Summary

Total start-up requirements include legal costs, logo design, stationery and related expenses. The start-up costs are to be financed partially by the direct owner investment and long-term loan financing. The details are included in the following table and chart.

Dog and cat kennel business plan, company summary chart image

2.3 Company Locations and Facilities

This facility will be established in an upscale, growing area in Northwest Portland described as the Pearl District. We will service the growing condominium area, the West Hills area, while capturing the Beaverton area for those customers coming into the Downtown Portland and airport areas. The facility is zoned EXD, which will allow day and overnight care.

Products and Services

Noah’s Arf wants to set itself apart from other animal service facilities that may offer only one or two types of services. While talking to several pet owners, I have come to realize they desire the services I am proposing, but are frustrated because they must go to several different businesses. The focus of Noah’s Arf is day care and overnight care. However, the services we provide will be above and beyond what our competition can offer.

Our business atmosphere will be clean, friendly and upscale where customers will be comfortable leaving their pets. We will offer a personal touch, such as birthday cards and a daily report card for each pet that is registered with Noah’s Arf.

Our business will offer 24 hour service, a unique concept in this type of industry.

3.1 Product and Service Description

Noah’s Arf will be considered an upscale, full-service animal care facility. We will offer a wide range of services, not limited to dogs or cats. Services are as follows:

  • Overnight Care : Leave your pet for as long as necessary for 24 hour care and attention. 26 large dog runs and eight kitty condos.
  • Day Care : Provide 3,000 sq. ft. for a fun, safe atmosphere for pets to spend the day exercising and enjoying the company of other pets.
  • In-home Animal Care : Staff will go to homes to feed, walk, play, and check on pets as often as requested. Mail will be picked up and plants watered if requested.
  • Wash Your Own Pet : Provide four tubs, brushes, environmentally safe shampoo, dryers and aprons for clients who bring their pets in to wash.
  • Pet Grooming : Provide on-site professional pet grooming services.
  • Animal Behavior Courses : Provide certified animal training courses for the beginner, intermediate, and advanced.
  • Pet Portraits : On-site portrait opportunities.
  • Gift Shop : Provide specialty pet-related gifts and products.
  • Special Events : Coordinate pet birthday parties or any other special occasions on-site or at a location of choice.
  • Special Requests : Provide service for pets with special needs including administering medication, assisting with recovery from surgery, handicaps, etc.

3.2 Competitive Comparison

The competition comes in several forms. There are several organizations that offer one or two services at their location.

Day care is a new business, offered currently only to dogs. There are eight dog day care facilities in the Portland area:

  • Urban Fauna in Northwest.
  • Lucky Dog Day Care in Tigard.
  • Happy Go Lucky Dog Training and Playcare in N. E. Portland.
  • Day Care for Doggy in N. E. Portland.
  • Doggone Fun! in Tualatin/Sherwood.
  • Kountry Kanine in Gresham.
  • No Bonz About It N. E. in Portland.
  • See Spot Play in S. E. Portland.

None of these facilities offer 24 hour care making it inconvenient for clients to pick up their pet by a specified time.

Noah’s Arf will service all domestic animals within reason. We will not be limited to dogs only.

There are seven wash your own dog facilities in the Portland area:

  • Beauty For the Beast in N. E. Portland.
  • Rub-A-Dub Dog Wash in S. E. Portland.
  • The Dog Wash in Beaverton.
  • Bowsers Bath in Tigard.
  • Connie’s U Wash Dog Wash.
  • Aqua Dog in Beaverton.
  • Pups & Cups in N. E. Portland.

There are 73 grooming and boarding combined facilities and 18 dog training and obedience combined facilities in the Portland area. Noah’s Arf offers complete and total services at one location. One-stop high-quality pet care for customer convenience.

3.3 Sales Literature

This business will begin with a general corporate brochure establishing offered services. This brochure will be developed as part of the start-up expenses and distributed to large businesses, restaurants, local veterinarians, pet stores, real estate agencies, fire departments, The Humane Society, and the Washington Park Zoo. There will be a direct mailing to registered pet owners and a website created.

Literature and mailing for the initial market forums will be very important, with the need to establish a high-quality look and feel in order to create a trusting sense of professionalism.

3.4 Technology

Noah’s Arf will maintain the latest Windows and Internet capabilities including complete email capabilities on the Internet to work directly with clients for reservations, purchasing products online, asking questions, providing information, etc., as well as a Web page will provide information and maximum exposure of available services.

3.5 Future Products and Services

ONE YEAR GROWTH PLAN

  • Veterinarian technician on staff to administer vaccinations on specified days and tend to any unforeseen emergencies.
  • Internet access to watch your pet online.
  • Monthly newsletter.
  • Weekly play hour.
  • Espresso and juice bar.
  • Expand the number of overnight kennels by 10.
  • Mobil pet wash–will go to pet owners home to wash their pets.
  • Sell and distribute gifts and products online.
  • Add an exercise pool.
  • Combine facility with a local veterinarian.

Market Analysis Summary how to do a market analysis for your business plan.">

Noah’s Arf will focus on dual-income, traveling professional families with hectic schedules. Those trying to strike a balance between the demands of their careers, personal lives and their pets. Our most important group of customers are those who do not have as much time as they desire to invest in their pets and are willing to seek additional help regardless of costs.

Two years ago, doggie day care did not exist in Portland. Today, there are eight such centers complete with entrance requirements and waiting lists.

4.1 Target Market Segment Strategy

We will not be successful waiting for the customer to come to us. Instead, we must focus on the specific market segments whose needs match our offerings. Focusing on targeted segments is the key to our future.

Therefore, our focus and marketing message will be the services offered. We will develop our message, communicate it, and fulfill our commitment to excellence.

4.2 Market Needs

Our target customers are pet owners, not restricted to only one pet per household. They are working professionals that need reliable, trusting and convenient pet care available to them to keep up with the demands of their hectic schedules. There is a need for one-stop convenience.

4.2.1 Market Trends

Today’s trend consists of professionals having their families later in life or deciding not to have children at all. Pet owners are increasingly treating their pets as they would their children. Pets aren’t just part of the family anymore. In some cases they are the family. They are willing to invest dollars to have them cared for in an environment that would mirror their home surroundings.

Another important workplace trend is working longer hours and more days. There is also the traveling professional. Professionals are looking for help to care for their pets in a loving playful daycare. There is a need to have pets cared for over long periods of time while their owners are away on business trips. Downtown and condominium living has also become very popular for professionals. This creates the need to provide a daily exercise and a playful environment for their pets.

In 1998, the amount of money Americans spend on dog food totaled $5.9 billion. America’s hottest new publication is The Bark , a monthly publication for dog owners. Portland has their own publication, Dog Nose News . Hotel chains are encouraging pet owners to bring their pets to stay in their hotels.

4.2.2 Market Growth

The benefits of sharing our lives with our pets offers owners affection, companionship and security. For busy families, professionals and single pet owners, Noah’s Arf offers a peace of mind alternative to leaving their pets home alone. Over 350,000 Portland Metro households have dogs, according to the Dog Nose News . The nation’s 58 million pet owners spent an estimated 22.7 billion on their pets in 1999 according to the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council.

A 1998 American Animal Hospital Association survey of pet owners who took their animals to a vet, found that nearly one-third said they spend more time with their pets than with their friends. Animals are playing a larger role in our lives and working people are choosing to provide them with a good life, according to the director of community programs at the San Francisco Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Pet owners can be confident that their pets are in the best of hands at Noah’s Arf. Pets can socialize with buddies, revel in attention from expert care givers, and enjoy play activities.

4.3 Service Business Analysis

The animal care service industry consists of many small individual facilities. Noah’s Arf direction is to establish itself as a full-service, 24-hour facility, creating customer convenience.

4.3.1 Business Participants

The animal care industry is made up of many small participants that are function-specific. These businesses offer one or two services. There are no businesses that offer full care, including day care, overnight care and in-home care for 24 hours a day. Current facilities have limited hours, causing a great inconvenience for the customer. Noah’s Arf will change these trends and offer “one stop convenience” for all their pet needs.

Strategy and Implementation Summary

Emphasize Customer Service

Noah’s Arf will differentiate themselves from other animal care facilities. We will establish our business offering as a clear and viable alternative for our target market.

Build a Relationship-Oriented Business

Build long-term relationships with clients, not just an occasional visit. Let them become dependent on Noah’s Arf to help out in many situations. Make them understand the value of the relationship.

Focus on Target Markets

We need to focus our offerings on the busy professionals, who want to save time to enjoy convenience, multiple services, and total satisfaction of services.

Differentiate and Fulfill the Promise

We can’t just market and sell service and products, we must actually deliver as well. We need to make sure we have the knowledge-intensive business and service-intensive business we claim to have.

5.1 Competitive Edge

Noah’s Arf starts with a critical competitive edge: There is no competitor that can claim several multiple services, 24 hour care, and customer convenience at one location.

5.1.1 Pricing Strategy

Noah’s Arf will be priced at the upper edge of what the market will bear, competing with similar types of services in the area.

5.1.2 Promotion Strategy

We will host an open house with a business card drawing for one free service. We will offer discounts after a specified number of visits for the first six months to establish a client base.

  • 10 wash your own = one free day visit gift certificate.
  • 10 day care visits = one free overnight visit gift certificate.
  • 10 overnight visits = one free wash your own gift certificate.
  • 20 visits = $10.00 discount.
  • Three referrals = one free day care visit gift certificate.
  • Monthly business card drawing = one free visit.
  • Create specified packages = one day, one night, one wash for a special discount price.
  • Multiple pets from the same family = family discount rate.
  • Use promotional items such as frisbees, collars, coffee mugs, etc. with Noah’s Arf logo imprinted.

5.1.3 Marketing Strategy

Our marketing strategy is a simple one: satisfied customers are our best marketing tool. When a customer leaves our business with a happy pet knowing that it has had a fulfilled day, our name and service will stand on its own. We have talked with many friends, and associates who are excited about our plans and are anxious to use our services.

In addition, we will distribute advertising brochures to large businesses for bulletin boards, (Nike, Adidas, Columbia Sportswear, Fred Meyer, Epson, Intel, Planar, etc.) offering a 10% discount for a limited time to build a client base.

Local TV news shows (AM Northwest, Good Day Oregon) will be contacted to feature our business as a new service to the community. Direct mail will be sent to registered pet owners in the Portland Metro area. Brochures will be distributed to hotels, restaurants, condominiums, pet stores, coffee shops, Washington Park Zoo, local veterinarians, etc. Create a Noah’s Arf Web Page. Advertise in the Oregonian, Willamette Weekly, Portland Tribune, and Dog Nose News newspapers.

5.2 Sales Forecast

The following table and charts present the sales forecast for Noah’s Arf.

Dog and cat kennel business plan, strategy and implementation summary chart image

Management Summary management summary will include information about who's on your team and why they're the right people for the job, as well as your future hiring plans.">

Noah’s Arf will be organized and managed in a creative, innovative fashion to generate very high levels of customer satisfaction. We will create a working climate conducive to a high degree of personal development and satisfaction for employees.

A policy manual will be developed and implemented. Job descriptions will be developed to identify necessary competencies and skill sets. Team oriented professionals with common goals will be hired.

We will conduct weekly staff meetings to discuss ideas, suggestions, and operations. An annual motivational seminar will be held and we will develop an employee recognition program. As the business grows, the company will offer an employee benefit package to include health and vacation benefits for everyone.

6.1 Personnel Plan

The personnel plan will be as follows:

  • One manager to oversee and fill-in for all areas.
  • Two front desk reception to greet customers, receive payments for services/products, set appointments, answer phones, check-in pets, distribute wash your own supplies and maintain files of clients with data entry.
  • Four playground supervisors will feed and water pets, keep area clean, walk and exercise, collect pets at check-out time. Two will be on staff full time and two will work part time.

Contract Employees:

  • One pet groomer.
  • One behavioral trainer.

In the first year, assumptions are that there will be only one receptionist, four playground supervisors, and the manager will serve as part time receptionist and night personal until the business can build. The groomer and trainer will work on contract. In the second year, a second receptionist, two playground supervisors and a groomer will be added to the payroll.

6.2 Management Team

Kris Price: Owner and Operations Manager

Nike, Inc. – 1979 to present:

***Owner resume has been omitted for confidentiality.***

Classes and Seminars:

Financial Plan investor-ready personnel plan .">

The following is Noah’s Arf’s financial plan.

7.1 Important Assumptions

The following table summarizes key financial assumptions, including payment for services in cash or credit card. We assume fast-growth and large demands in this new specialized service.

7.2 Key Financial Indicators

The benchmark comparison chart highlights our ambitious plan. We feel this is a new fast growing service offered to the community. The opportunity to expand services is endless.

Dog and cat kennel business plan, financial plan chart image

7.3 Break-even Analysis

For our break-even analysis, we assume monthly costs which include our full payroll, rent, and utilities, and an estimation of other running expenses.

Dog and cat kennel business plan, financial plan chart image

7.4 Projected Profit and Loss

Month-by-month forecasts for profit and loss are included in the appendix.

Dog and cat kennel business plan, financial plan chart image

7.5 Projected Cash Flow

The following chart and table show the project cash flow for Noah’s Arf.

Dog and cat kennel business plan, financial plan chart image

7.6 Projected Balance Sheet

The Projected Balance Sheet is quite solid. We do not project any real trouble meeting our debt obligations–as long as we can achieve our specific objectives.

7.7 Business Ratios

The table follows with our main business ratios. We intend to improve gross margins and inventory turnover. Industry profile ratios based on the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code 0752, Animal Specialty Services, nec., are shown for comparison.

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cattery business plan

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Starting Your Own Cattery

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If you have space, want to start your business and love cats, you should think about setting up your own cattery. Any pet-related business requires a passion for working with animals. Often the hours are long, not necessarily well paid and you will need to deal with all kinds of situations that are not what you thought you had signed up for such as cleaning out messy cages or dealing with sick and injured animals. Of course, there are many rewarding aspects to running your own business, especially if you have a love of felines and have an ability to deal with prospective clients and want to satisfy their particular requirements.

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Running your own business is a big decision and it is not for everyone. You will have to make changes to your lifestyle, you will need to have responsibility for other people’s pets, as well as financial burdens, but running your own cattery can be exciting and rewarding.

Check Local Regulations on Building and Operating a Cattery

Running a pet-related business requires some checking of local legislative and regulatory measures required to protect you and your potential clients. You should make contact with the local council to check on their regulations regarding boarding cats and building a cattery.

There may be planning constraints as well as limitations on the numbers of animals you are allowed to board. You may find that there are constraints on the type and size of housing that you can build and whether you can house multiple owner’s pets together. For example, in Victoria, you are not allowed to keep cats from different owner’s together without the owner’s consent. This information is important when designing the layout of your cattery.

Designing Your Cattery

You should do some research by visiting other catteries and discussing typical requirements with local cat owners. This will allow you to get a feel for the type of cattery that you want to operate. Cages and runs will need to be of an adequate size. Not all cats will be used to being indoors, so outdoor runs will be useful for them to use. The design and size of each cage and run will need to meet the guidelines set by your local council. Often these will be minimum standards that you should aim to exceed.

Some catteries operate on single units such as cat enclosures , while others provide rooms divided by chickenwire pens or solid rooms. These options can obviously result in different rates being charged. Owners want the best quality of service provided for the most affordable rate. Many owners will be devoted pet owners that are looking for somewhere special for their cat to stay – can you provide this level of quality? You will attract the right kind of customer depending on the services that you provide to their cats.

Obtaining Clients for Your Cattery

You may be in direct competition with other catteries in the district, so you will need to do some research on charges and services that are provided. Is there something special about your cattery that clients are not offered elsewhere? These sorts of things are referred to as unique selling points, and might make the difference between a prospective client using your cattery rather than another.

cat peering over pillow - bilbord99 - flickr

Any business needs to have some marketing exposure. Try to work with local pet shops, vets and pet-related firms so that you can promote your cattery with posters and information about your services clearly on display. Offer returning customers incentives and special rates for quiet times of the year so that you can have business all year round and not just at the busy holiday periods.

Think of professional membership of the Pet Industry Association of Australia and other related bodies that help to confer your business accreditation with respect to quality and standards of pet care.

You need to be passionate, interested and dedicated to your business. Learning as much about cattery standards, cat welfare and having a desire to run a great business will go a long way towards you receiving recommendations among cat owners who will want to use your services.

Keeping Cattery Records

Like any business, you will need to keep adequate records for the purposes of budgeting and maintaining your business. You should also think about the requirements of record keeping relating to your customer’s and their pets. Try to maintain records specific to each cat and its owner. Obtain customer details including emergency contacts, details of their preferred veterinary services, their pet’s insurance policy, inoculation history, health issues, dietary requirements, medication, as well as any other information that you feel is necessary. You will also need to keep a record of infection and disease control measures and should have some measures for quarantine for any pets that become ill while they are within your care. You may need to have access to a vet out of hours so that you can deal with emergencies. It may be worth considering attending a first aid course designed to cater for common issues that you may come across with cats. Try to obtain and read books about cats, their care and behaviour, as this information will help you understand more about cat breeds and keeping them healthy.

Expanding Your Cattery Business

As your business grows, you will need to consider employing staff. You should check the credentials of potential employees and ensure that you are complying with employment law. Seek out references and give your prospective employees a clear job description. Anyone who works with animals must be keen and aware of the good and bad aspects of the job. Having someone to rely on when you are on holiday or sick can ensure that you can still operate your business. While you may rely on pet owners for most of your trade, but many catteries also deal with strays and offer feline welfare services for local councils and charities. This may suit you if you are able to deal with a range of difficult situations that may result from dealing with cats that have been mistreated. However, being able to bring cats back to health and rehome them with loving families can be rewarding for your hard work.

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Jordan Walker

Jordan Walker is a pet enthusiast, proud parent of a chocolate brown Labrador, and passionate voice in the pet blogging community. With a knack for creating compelling content, Jordan has become a leading contributor for Coops And Cages, infusing every word with a genuine love for all creatures great and small. Beyond this, Jordan's expertise and unique insights are sought after in numerous pet industry magazines, blogs, and columns, making them an influential figure in the world of pet lovers. Join Jordan on this exciting journey, exploring the wonderful, furry world of pets!

3 thoughts on “ Starting Your Own Cattery ”

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This was the most helpful site I’ve come across. The information provided was great and now I have an idea on how I can start a cattery myself.

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Hi, Im thinking of starting my own very small cattery from home, I’ve been searching the internet for any information and yours is the first informative sight I’ve found since searching all week. thanks for the info.

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I want to start a small boarding cattery in Yungaburra. Can you send me some info, prices and any other info that can help.

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cat breeder sensei logo 2023

What are the Expenses to Run a Cattery?

As you can probably imagine, the expenses to run a cattery are not cheap. They are very expensive. You may not realize how much money is required not only to start up a cattery but to operate and maintain a successful cattery. If you treat your cattery like a business , then the costs will start to add up quick!

We’ve recorded two separate podcasts on this topic of expenses. These were recorded approximately two years apart from each other. Both are worth a listen. As time goes by the cost of cats and products that you need to care for them is not getting less expensive. Many new breeders aren’t prepared for some of the expenses that are involved, which is why these podcasts are like gold.

The second podcast was recorded in the January 2023

Depending on the breed of cat that you’ve chosen to work with, the cost to start a cattery is going to cost between $10,000 – $20,000. That doesn’t include the recurring costs and surprise expenses that you’ll face once you’ve established your cattery. Let’s break down the initial start-up cost.

Cost to Start a Cattery

Cattery Buildout: Whether you’re using your personal home or a separate building for your cattery , there will be expenses to prepare the space for your cat’s environment. The buildout usually means building walls to separate spaces, tearing down walls, finishing out a ‘shed”, etc. It will mean using “cat-friendly” materials that can basically be destroyed and replaced over the next few years. 😉

Furnishing the Cattery: Once the cattery and/or designated space is completed, it’s time to furnish. Cat Trees, litter pans, toys, scratching posts, window seats, shelves, and tunnels. Make their space a kitty wonderland!

expenses to run a cattery

Acquisition of Breeding Cats: One of your biggest upfront expenses will be the purchase of your kittens with breeding rights . Depending on your chosen breed, you can expect to spend $3,000 – $4,000 for a kitten. Importing (which is what most newbies will do), and transport costs are one of the biggest expenses. Be sure to check out our article and podcast about i mporting cats from overseas so that you’re informed about that process, as well.

Health Testing/Screening: Once your breeding cats are in your cattery and settled, you should always do your own DNA testing and health screening. You can buy a DNA kit from Optimal Selection for about $100 each. This will test for any genetic markers for certain diseases and conditions. Physical traits such as coat color and patterns are also tested. In addition, you’ll need to see your vet and conduct any x-rays, sonograms, and echocardiograms. Any other tests that are related to the known health risks in your breed should also be done. You can listen to this podcast episode to learn more about DNA testing.

Licensing and Registration: Every breeder will need to register with a cat club. There’s either an annual fee or a lifetime membership fee to join the clubs. After that, your Queens, Sires, and Litters will all need to be registered with the club. This will allow you to issue certified Pedigrees for your kittens, participate in cat shows, and more. Learn more about registering your cattery and kittens in the course for beginner cat breeders.

Medications and Supplements: This one is controversial as some breeders don’t feel like cats need any supplementing while others will supplement with vitamins and lysine. There are extra nutrients for pregnant and lactating cats and even melatonin chips to control heat. If you decide to supplement your cats, this will likely be a monthly cost.

Every cat in your breeding program should be tested and screened before breeding.

Learning How to Start a Breeding Cattery can be overwhelming. Just take your time learning all that you can and don’t beat yourself up over mistakes. Everyone was new at one point.

This podcast episode breaks down the expenses to run a cattery . The expenses that you’ll likely incur on a monthly basis are spelled out. You’ll also learn of an awesome way to determine the actual cost to raise one kitten. That might be very enlightening information.

There’s much more to learn about how to breed cats ! Sign up for the Complete Guide to Breeding Pedigree Cats and earn your Certificate of Completion!

Once you have finished listening to this episode, jump over to Episode 9 where we talk about how much to sell your kittens for !

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Great info thank you

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Pedigree Pens Ltd

Starting a Cattery Guide

Running your own cattery can be a very rewarding experience. If you have some spare space for the cattery buildings, a love of cats, and are happy to open your doors to the public, then starting a cattery business could be a great option.

Whether you are thinking of starting a small and exclusive cat hotel, or a larger scale cat kennel, then Pedigree Pens can advise you on all aspects of the process.  We’ve even written a handy guide to starting a cattery which you can download here .

We talk to people everyday about the process of setting up a cattery business and understand that for many it is a leap of faith into the unknown.  We are always at the end of the phone (or email) and will help you every step of the way.

Choosing the right supplier for your cattery building is critical to getting it right first time. You need to make sure that you choose a company to partner with that will be on hand to answer questions and help to solve problems, and above all understands the needs of housing specifically for cats.

There are many questions that are raised when you start to plan a new cattery business:

  • How much space do I need for a cattery building?
  • Do I need planning permission for a cattery building in my garden?
  • How much will a new cattery cost?
  • How long will it take to recoup my investment?

We can help answer any questions you may have and have produced a handy step-by-step guide which will help get you started.

Our informative guide, which is available to download now for just £5, is broken into 4 easy steps for you to follow throughout your journey to starting your cattery business.

Learn The Four Steps To Success:

Step 1: Assessing viability of your cattery project

Step 2: The costs involved and financing your cattery

Step 3: Planning Permission

Step 4: Planning and beyond

We hope you find our starting a cattery guide useful, and we will be happy to answer any questions you have about starting your cattery business.

Starting A Cattery - Download the guide

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Start a Cattery: Four Steps

  • Assessing the Likely-hood of you Obtaining Planning Permission
  • What Size of Cattery to Operate
  • Potential income
  • Cattery Construction
  • Styles of Cattery
  • Size of Pens
  • Costs Involved
  • How to Finance your Cattery
  • Plans of your Proposed cattery
  • Where to Obtain Plans
  • Planning Application Forms
  • Important Considerations for Planning
  • Other Considerations
  • Licensing your cattery
  • Other Preparations
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CIEH Guidelines

Pedigree Pens (FirmFix) were one of the original sponsors of the CIEH Model Licence Committee in 1995.

These guidelines have been in place since 1995 and provide the backbone of the updated guidance from DEFRA, which came into effect on 1st October, 2018

You can read more and download a copy of the new guidance here.

Starting a Cattery

Need Advice on Starting a Cattery ? Download our Step by Step Guide to Starting a Cattery here:

Cattery Guide

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Cat Cafe Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

how to start a cat cafe

Cat Cafe Business Plan

Over the past 20+ years, we have helped over 500 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans to start and grow their cat cafes.

If you’re unfamiliar with creating a cat cafe business plan, you may think creating one will be a time-consuming and frustrating process. For most entrepreneurs it is, but for you, it won’t be since we’re here to help. We have the experience, resources, and knowledge to help you create a great business plan.

In this article, you will learn some background information on why business planning is important. Then, you will learn how to write a cat cafe business plan step-by-step so you can create your plan today.

Download our Ultimate Business Plan Template here >

What Is a Business Plan?

A business plan provides a snapshot of your cat cafe as it stands today, and lays out your growth plan for the next five years. It explains your business goals and your strategies for reaching them. It also includes market research to support your plans.

Why You Need a Business Plan

If you’re looking to start a cat cafe or grow your existing cat cafe, you need a business plan. A business plan will help you raise funding, if needed, and plan out the growth of your cat cafe to improve your chances of success. Your cat cafe business plan is a living document that should be updated annually as your company grows and changes.

Sources of Funding for Cat Cafes

With regards to funding, the main sources of funding for a cat cafe are personal savings, credit cards, bank loans, and angel investors. When it comes to bank loans, banks will want to review your business plan and gain confidence that you will be able to repay your loan and interest. To acquire this confidence, the loan officer will not only want to ensure that your financials are reasonable, but they will also want to see a professional plan. Such a plan will give them the confidence that you can successfully and professionally operate a business. Personal savings and bank loans are the most common funding paths for cat cafes.

Finish Your Business Plan Today!

How to write a business plan for a cat cafe.

If you want to start a cat cafe or expand your current one, you need a business plan. The guide below details the necessary information for how to write each essential component of your cat cafe business plan.

Executive Summary

Your executive summary provides an introduction to your business plan, but it is normally the last section you write because it provides a summary of each key section of your plan.

The goal of your executive summary is to quickly engage the reader. Explain to them the kind of cat cafe you are running and the status. For example, are you a startup, do you have a cat cafe that you would like to grow, or are you operating a chain of cat cafes?

Next, provide an overview of each of the subsequent sections of your plan.

  • Give a brief overview of the cat cafe industry.
  • Discuss the type of cat cafe you are operating.
  • Detail your direct competitors. Give an overview of your target customers.
  • Provide a snapshot of your marketing strategy. Identify the key members of your team.
  • Offer an overview of your financial plan.

Company Overview

In your company overview, you will detail the type of cat cafe you are operating.

For example, you might specialize in one of the following types of cat cafes:

  • Adoptions: This type of cat cafe has cats that can be adopted. Some cat cafes specialize in rescued cats while others specialize in pedigree cats. These cat cafes can also have a combination of both.
  • Permanent residents: This type of cat cafe has a number of resident cats on the premises. Similar to the adoption cafes, these can be cats that have been rescued or pedigree cats, or both.
  • Full-service dining: This type of cat cafe has a full menu of food and beverages for its customers (and sometimes for its cats as well).
  • Themed cafe: This type of cat cafe is designed around a specific theme. Garden themes and whimsical themes are popular.

In addition to explaining the type of cat cafe you will operate, the company overview needs to provide background on the business.

Include answers to questions such as:

  • When and why did you start the business?
  • What milestones have you achieved to date? Milestones could include the number of customers served, the number of cats adopted, reaching $X amount in revenue, etc.
  • Your legal business Are you incorporated as an S-Corp? An LLC? A sole proprietorship? Explain your legal structure here.

Industry Analysis

In your industry or market analysis, you need to provide an overview of the cat cafe industry.

While this may seem unnecessary, it serves multiple purposes.

First, researching the cat cafe industry educates you. It helps you understand the market in which you are operating.

Secondly, market research can improve your marketing strategy, particularly if your analysis identifies market trends.

The third reason is to prove to readers that you are an expert in your industry. By conducting the research and presenting it in your plan, you achieve just that.

The following questions should be answered in the industry analysis section of your cat cafe business plan:

  • How big is the cat cafe industry (in dollars)?
  • Is the market declining or increasing?
  • Who are the key competitors in the market?
  • Who are the key suppliers in the market?
  • What trends are affecting the industry?
  • What is the industry’s growth forecast over the next 5 – 10 years?
  • What is the relevant market size? That is, how big is the potential target market for your cat cafe? You can extrapolate such a figure by assessing the size of the market in the entire country and then applying that figure to your local population.

Customer Analysis

The customer analysis section of your cat cafe business plan must detail the customers you serve and/or expect to serve.

The following are examples of customer segments: individuals, schools, families, and corporations.

As you can imagine, the customer segment(s) you choose will have a great impact on the type of cat cafe you operate. Clearly, individuals would respond to different marketing promotions than corporations, for example.

Try to break out your target customers in terms of their demographic and psychographic profiles. With regards to demographics, including a discussion of the ages, genders, locations, and income levels of the potential customers you seek to serve.

Psychographic profiles explain the wants and needs of your target customers. The more you can recognize and define these needs, the better you will do in attracting and retaining your customers.

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Competitive Analysis

Your competitive analysis should identify the indirect and direct competitors your business faces and then focus on the latter.

Direct competitors are other cat cafes.

Indirect competitors are other options that customers have to purchase from that aren’t directly competing with your product or service. This includes other types of cafes, other types of themed experience providers, and other types of adoption centers. You need to mention such competition as well.

For each such competitor, provide an overview of their business and document their strengths and weaknesses. Unless you once worked at your competitors’ businesses, it will be impossible to know everything about them. But you should be able to find out key things about them such as

  • What types of customers do they serve?
  • What type of cat cafe are they?
  • What is their pricing (premium, low, etc.)?
  • What are they good at?
  • What are their weaknesses?

With regards to the last two questions, think about your answers from the customers’ perspective. And don’t be afraid to ask your competitors’ customers what they like most and least about them.

The final part of your competitive analysis section is to document your areas of competitive advantage. For example:

  • Will you provide a better experience for your customers?
  • Will you offer products or services that your competition doesn’t?
  • Will you provide better customer service?
  • Will you offer better pricing?

Think about ways you will outperform your competition and document them in this section of your plan.  

Marketing Plan

Traditionally, a marketing plan includes the four P’s: Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. For a cat cafe business plan, your marketing strategy should include the following:

Product : In the product section, you should reiterate the type of cat cafe that you documented in your company overview. Then, detail the specific products or services you will be offering. For example, will you provide food and beverages, cat adoptions, or cat souvenirs?

Price : Document the prices you will offer and how they compare to your competitors. Essentially in the product and price sub-sections of your plan, you are presenting the products and/or services you offer and their prices.

Place : Place refers to the site of your cat cafe. Document where your company is situated and mention how the site will impact your success. For example, is your cat cafe located in a busy retail district, a business district, or a standalone cafe? Discuss how your site might be the ideal location for your customers.

Promotions : The final part of your cat cafe marketing plan is where you will document how you will drive potential customers to your location(s). The following are some promotional methods you might consider:

  • Advertise in local papers, radio stations and/or magazines
  • Reach out to websites
  • Distribute flyers
  • Engage in email marketing
  • Advertise on social media platforms
  • Improve the SEO (search engine optimization) on your website for targeted keywords

Operations Plan

While the earlier sections of your business plan explained your goals, your operations plan describes how you will meet them. Your operations plan should have two distinct sections as follows.

Everyday short-term processes include all of the tasks involved in running your cat cafe, including answering calls, greeting customers, caring for the cats, collecting payments from customers, etc.

Long-term goals are the milestones you hope to achieve. These could include the dates when you expect to acquire your Xth customer, or when you hope to reach $X in revenue. It could also be when you expect to expand your cat cafe to a new city.  

Management Team

To demonstrate your cat cafe’s potential to succeed, a strong management team is essential. Highlight your key players’ backgrounds, emphasizing those skills and experiences that prove their ability to grow a company.

Ideally, you and/or your team members have direct experience in managing cat cafes. If so, highlight this experience and expertise. But also highlight any experience that you think will help your business succeed.

If your team is lacking, consider assembling an advisory board. An advisory board would include 2 to 8 individuals who would act as mentors to your business. They would help answer questions and provide strategic guidance. If needed, look for advisory board members with experience in managing a cat cafe or successfully running a small pet adoption operation.  

Financial Plan

Your financial plan should include your 5-year financial statement broken out both monthly or quarterly for the first year and then annually. Your financial statements include your income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statements.

Income Statement

An income statement is more commonly called a Profit and Loss statement or P&L. It shows your revenue and then subtracts your costs to show whether you turned a profit or not.

In developing your income statement, you need to devise assumptions. For example, will your cat cafe accommodate 10 customers at a time, and will you charge by the hour? And will sales grow by 2% or 10% per year? As you can imagine, your choice of assumptions will greatly impact the financial forecasts for your business. As much as possible, conduct research to try to root your assumptions in reality.

Balance Sheets

Balance sheets show your assets and liabilities. While balance sheets can include much information, try to simplify them to the key items you need to know about. For instance, if you spend $50,000 on building out your cat cafe, this will not give you immediate profits. Rather it is an asset that will hopefully help you generate profits for years to come. Likewise, if a lender writes you a check for $50,000, you don’t need to pay it back immediately. Rather, that is a liability you will pay back over time.

Cash Flow Statement

Your cash flow statement will help determine how much money you need to start or grow your business, and ensure you never run out of money. What most entrepreneurs and business owners don’t realize is that you can turn a profit but run out of money and go bankrupt.

When creating your Income Statement and Balance Sheets be sure to include several of the key costs needed in starting or growing a cat cafe:

  • Cost of cat care equipment and supplies
  • Payroll or salaries paid to staff
  • Business insurance
  • Other start-up expenses (if you’re a new business) like legal expenses, permits, computer software, and equipment

Attach your full financial projections in the appendix of your plan along with any supporting documents that make your plan more compelling. For example, you might include your cat cafe location lease or photos of your cats.  

Writing a business plan for your cat cafe is a worthwhile endeavor. If you follow the template above, by the time you are done, you will truly be an expert. You will understand the cat cafe industry, your competition, and your customers. You will develop a marketing strategy and will understand what it takes to launch and grow a successful cat cafe.  

Cat Cafe Business Plan FAQs

What is the easiest way to complete my cat cafe business plan.

Growthink's Ultimate Business Plan Template allows you to quickly and easily write your cat cafe business plan.

How Do You Start a Cat Cafe Business?

Starting a cat cafe business is easy with these 14 steps:

  • Choose the Name for Your Cat Cafe Business
  • Create Your Cat Cafe Business Plan
  • Choose the Legal Structure for Your Cat Cafe Business
  • Secure Startup Funding for Cat Cafe Business (If Needed)
  • Secure a Location for Your Business
  • Register Your Cat Cafe Business with the IRS
  • Open a Business Bank Account
  • Get a Business Credit Card
  • Get the Required Business Licenses and Permits
  • Get Business Insurance for Your Cat Cafe Business
  • Buy or Lease the Right Cat Cafe Business Equipment
  • Develop Your Cat Cafe Business Marketing Materials
  • Purchase and Setup the Software Needed to Run Your Cat Cafe Business
  • Open for Business

Learn more about   how to start your own cat cafe business .

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What Is Required in Missouri to Start a Dog Breeding Business?

by Molly Sawyer

Published on 26 Sep 2017

Breeding dogs takes time, money and knowledge. Dog breeders must understand both general and breed-specific issues, including behavior and genetic health concerns. Operating a successful dog-breeding business also requires an understanding of marketing, business management and applicable federal and state laws. Missouri law subjects dog breeders to 22 pages of rules and regulations detailing the setup and management of their facilities.

The number of dogs you own, and to whom you sell them, determines the type of breeding program you establish. Missouri law defines a commercial breeder as someone who harbors more than three intact adult females for the purpose of breeding them and selling their puppies. An exemption exists for hobby or show breeders, who can have up to 10 intact adult females if the primary purpose is exhibiting the dogs or improving the breed, and if they sell only to individuals and not to brokers or dealers.

A breeder who meets the definition of a commercial breeder must obtain a license from the state of Missouri. The law provides an exemption for hobby or show breeders, but these breeders still must register with the state annually. A state-licensed breeder might also need a license from the United States Department of Agriculture, unless he only sells directly to the pet owner.

The Missouri Department of Agriculture rules covering animal care facilities apply to state-licensed dog breeders. The rules establish minimum standards of care, housing, identification and record-keeping that dog breeders must follow. Initial applicants must pass an inspection to ensure their facilities meet these standards before they are issued a license; licensed breeders receive annual inspections. Breeders licensed by the USDA must also comply with USDA regulations.

Veterinarian

The Missouri Animal Care Facilities rules also require a breeder to establish a formal arrangement with an attending veterinarian. At minimum, the veterinarian must provide a written program of veterinary care and must schedule regular visits to the facility. Breeders must ensure they and their employees are properly trained in providing care and daily observation of the dogs to assess their health and well-being, if there is not a full-time veterinarian on staff.

2010 Proposition B

On Nov. 2, 2010, Missouri voters narrowly passed Proposition B, the "Puppy Mill Cruelty Prevention Act," which was scheduled to become effective in November 2011. Most of the standards of care requirements in Proposition B are less restrictive than, and invalidated by, existing laws. The end result of Proposition B is to severely decrease the number of dogs bred in the state of Missouri. The measure limits any breeder to no more than 50 intact dogs, regardless of the size of their facilities and staff. Missouri Sen. Bill Stouffer filed a bill to repeal Proposition B in December 2010, which the Missouri Senate was scheduled to consider in 2011.

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Kennel 581

BUSINESS PLAN

BEST FRIEND KENNELS

PO Box 54669 Terra Verde, Arizona 85635

The following business plan provides details on purchasing an existing business in need of improvement and additional construction. Highlights include detailed explanations of services, cost/benefit analysis, and the equipment and financing needed for a boarding and grooming business with a special niche in breeding and handling.

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

The business, financial documents, inventories.

Best Friend Kennels provides expert pet grooming, boarding, training, handling, pet cemetery and pet cremation services for Terra Verde and the surrounding area. Our physical address is 47883 S. Longbranch Rd., Terra Verde, Arizona. Our mailing address is above.

Our objective is to acquire 70% of the grooming market, 75% of the boarding market, 90% of the training market and 100% of the pet interment market in the Terra Verde area within the next five years. We plan to accomplish our objectives by always meeting or exceeding the customer's expectations and going the "extra mile" with the best in customer service.

Best Friend Kennels was founded in 1986 and has a multi-year profit-making history. Best Friend Kennels has operated successfully under its current owner since February of 1993. Ms. Bradley brought over 20 years of retail merchandising experience and over 18 years of experience in grooming and showing various breeds of dogs to Best Friend Kennels. She has strong interpersonal communication skills, an incredible ability to organize, prioritize, and maximize time, personnel, assets and equipment. Ms. Bradley's years of retail experience and personnel management skills coupled with her previous experience as a department manager for a national department store have been a strong asset for the business. Ms. Bradley has experience in targeting specific markets, having worked for such renowned businesses as Durango's and Brooksman's. Both of these jobs provided in-depth training on selecting target markets and tailoring sales techniques to the target market. Ms. Bradley co-authored several successful business and marketing plans for diversified local businesses. Unbound copies of these plans are available upon request.

In November of 1994, Best Friend Kennels applied for a loan from the Small Business Administration in the amount of $495,000.00. $445,000.00 of this loan will be used to obtain clear title to Best Friend Kennels from the previous owners. The remaining $50,000 will be used to complete construction of the South Kennel ($32,000.00) and to build training and play areas on the facility ($18,000.00). Loan repayments are made from the profits of the business. This loan is secured with the inventory from the business, the equity available from payments to the previous owners and the owner's personal assets.

Business Description

This 16-acre pet services facility consists of three environmentally controlled cinder block kennel buildings housing a total of 76 dog and 23 cat runs, ten grooming runs, grooming and bathing shop, pet cemetery, training area, owner's home and three continuously occupied rental units. Each kennel building has its own food preparation area and a stereo system for the guests' enjoyment. Runs are sized to accommodate larger guests and multiple guests whose owners want their pets boarded together. Canine guests are provided with blankets, toys and individual food and water dishes. We provide feline guests with individual litter boxes, cat furniture, toys and individual water and food dishes.

Our Main Kennel Building has 29 covered indoor-outdoor dog runs and 17 indoor cat runs. The Cattery has 10 covered indoor-outdoor runs, 6 indoor runs and its own bathing facility. Our South Kennel features 34 open air indoor-outdoor runs for guests who are used to the great outdoors. A large play area for owners visiting their pets borders the South Kennel and serves the entire kennel facility.

The grooming shop incorporates six preparation/drying stations, three grooming stations, a two-station bathing facility, a laundry and a reception area. Ten covered cinder block grooming runs house pets waiting for their owners before and after grooming and bathing.

  • Legal Structure: Best Friend Kennels operates as a sole proprietorship. At an undetermined point in the future, Best Friend Kennels may be incorporated and may offer stock to the general public under the guidelines of the Arizona Corporation Commission.
  • Business type: Best Friend Kennels is a service business providing pet grooming, boarding, training, handling, pet cemetery and pet cremation services to Terra Verde, Geronimo County and the surrounding areas.
  • Services and Products offered: Best Friend Kennels offers expert pet grooming and boarding, professional obedience training, competition handling and concerned, caring cemetery and cremation services to our customers. We are one of two facilities in the local area providing pick-up and delivery service for boarding and grooming clients.
  • Business History: Best Friend Kennels was founded in 1986 and has become the premier grooming, boarding, training, handling and cemetery facility for Terra Verde, Geronimo County and the surrounding area's pets. In February, 1993, Ms. Corinne Bradley saw the tremendous potential of Best Friend Kennels and purchased the business from the previous owners. Ms. Bradley expanded and diversified Best Friend Kennels, establishing Grosvenor Exotics, Ten Rapids Handling and the Altimont Canine College (ACC). Grosvenor Exotics raises, breeds and markets Emu—large flightless birds related to the ostrich. Ten Rapids Handling's professional staff provides competition handling for all dog breeds. Their Champion Pointer breeding program is nationally recognized. Altimont Canine College trains aspiring kennel owners/managers and obedience trainers in the day-to-day operation of diverse kennel and training facilities. Best Friend Kennels is an on-going, profit making enterprise. Under Ms. Bradley's ownership, Best Friend Kennels has steadily increased its clientele and income since February, 1993.
  • Growth Opportunities: The pet services market will continue to expand as the population of the area continues to grow. Both city and county populations have risen steadily since 1980. The city population grew 27.4% and the county population by 17%. Camp Penneman, a large military installation, is located nearby. The Camp supplies significant percentages of our grooming and boarding clientele as well as percentages of other services. The Camp is not in danger of closure under the Base Realignment and Closure Commission's recommendations and will also continue to expand for the next several years. Our "extra mile service," positive, goal oriented philosophy and exemplary customer relations policies allow us to continuously increase our share of the boarding, grooming, training, handling and pet mortuary markets in the local area.
  • Business Hours: Our business hours are 7:00 A.M. to 5:30 P.M., Monday through Friday, and 7:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. Saturday. We are closed on Sundays and major holidays. We expand our operating hours based on customer demand for our services.
  • We are one of two pet care facilities in the area offering pick-up and delivery service for our boarding and grooming clients.
  • We are the largest pet care facility in Terra Verde and are able to board and groom pets when other similar facilities have reached their maximum capacity.
  • We are the only facility in the area with a pet cemetery. We offer free pick-up service for deceased pets.
  • The Owner and several staff members live on the property and provide 24-hour care for our guests. We employ roving security patrols to further ensure the security of our customer's pets.
  • We are the only facility in the area that offers all pet services at a single location: boarding, grooming, training, handling and pet interment.
  • We are one of two facilities in the area who are members of the American Boarding Kennel Association.
  • We offer special arrangements for check-in and check-out when our customers have emergencies.
  • We are one of the few facilities in the area that offer tours of our facility without appointment. We encourage pet owners to tour our facilities to see for themselves the cleanliness of our facility, where their pet will stay and how our facility operates.
  • We offer financing through American General Financing for long term boarding, training and handling clients.
  • Our application for accepting credit card purchases is being reviewed by a local financial institution. Financing and credit card purchases are expected to increase our revenue by at least 50%.
  • We do not charge additional fees for showing winning dogs in additional categories (group bonuses, Best in Show, etc.).
  • We do not charge our handling clients board on the day of any show.
  • We do not charge our handling clients for expenses.
  • Inaugurate full-time all-breed handling program
  • Membership in Professional Handlers Association
  • Increase boarding & grooming income by 25%
  • National advertising for breeding & handling
  • National advertising for Altimont Canine College
  • Establish first cemetery memorial
  • 10-15 handling clients per show
  • Consistently finish Championship title dogs
  • Establish nationwide Breeder Referral Program
  • Graduate 5-7 students per year from ACC
  • Equip ACC with classroom/library/computer assisted instruction
  • Consistently train 8-10 obedience clients per week
  • Add Assistant Training Director to keep pace with client demand for services
  • Increase boarding/grooming income 25% per year
  • Employ 5 groomers and 5 bathers to keep pace with customer demand
  • Expand grooming shop
  • Construct additional kennel building
  • Establish second location for grooming and boarding within Terra Verde city limits
  • Achieve national recognition as one of the top Pointer breeders
  • Achieve recognition as top handling organization in Southwest
  • Establish second cemetery facility
  • Objectives: To attain our goals through customer satisfaction, diligence and positive, progressive customer relations.

Products and Services

Best Friend Kennels provides pet grooming and boarding services, dog obedience training, professional handling on show circuits and pet mortuary services for our clients. We pickup and deliver grooming and boarding clients for a reasonable charge. We offer pick-up services for deceased pets free of charge.

Best Friend Kennels has been owned and managed by Ms. Corinne Bradley since February of 1993. Ms. Bradley brought over 20 years of retail and management experience to Best Friend Kennels. She is the former intimate apparel and ready-to-wear department manager of Brooksman's, a large department store in Cheyenne, Wyoming. During one six-month period, Ms. Bradley increased the retail sales in her Brooksman's department from $900,000 to $3 million using her skills in promotional advertising and multiple selling. As manager, she was responsible for personnel, advertising promotions, merchandising, scheduling and inventory. Ms. Bradley is proficient in short and long term planning and budgeting. She possesses exemplary interpersonal communications skills and a personality pleasing to clients and vendors alike.

Ms. Bradley also brings over 18 years of dog breeding and handling experience to Best Friend Kennels. She has competed in all-breed and specialty shows, consistently placing in the top 4 of entered classes. In 1994, one of her dogs ranked nationally in the top 5 in obedience within the breed. She has handled and pointed over 50 different breeds from all groups. Ms. Bradley has won multiple group placements with dogs from regular classes and from the "Best of Breed" classes. She won at Nationals with 3 different breeds. She's won at specialties in breed, futurity and sweepstakes. Ms. Bradley's pointer breeding program has over ten years of continuous success and one of her dames is listed in the top producing bitches of the decade (1983-1993).

A complete list of her professional accomplishments and her resume are available upon request. (Highlights omitted for privacy, but appeared here.)

Ms. Bradley has also co-authored two marketing plans as well as a training and operations manual for local businesses. She understands the necessity of clearly defining goals, employee responsibilities and standards. She has the background in personnel management to translate this knowledge into workable training manuals and employee programs.

Best Friend Kennels employs one full-time bather, one full-time and one part-time groomer, one full-time receptionist, a full-time kennel manager, four part-time kennel assistants, training director and handler. Personnel are cross-trained to perform all non-specialized jobs within the kennel. Future plans call for 100% cross-training in those jobs that do not require specialized instruction, i.e. training, grooming and handling. The experience level of our specialized employees ranges from ten to twenty years. Our Head Groomer is currently working toward her Master Groomer Certification. Ms. Bradley is currently seeking admission to the Professional Handlers Association.

Methods of Recordkeeping

Primary financial records are maintained using Quicken Version 7.0 for DOS. Quicken is a general purpose accounting and financial program used by many small businesses for record keeping and analysis. Best Friend Kennels also contracts Ms. Cheryl Jerrardini, Execu Comp Tax and Accounting, 77675 Gable St., Terra Verde, AZ as our accountant. Keeping accounting data in the same software application that Ms. Jerrardini uses reduces accounting costs for Best Friend Kennels. Marketing projections, etc. are assembled using software appropriate to the analysis. Employee and administrative records are automated, as is payroll. Two sets of backup disks are kept as a minimum, in separate locations. The computer used to maintain automated records is not located within the facility and is accessible only to the owner and kennel manager through password protection. All automated systems have a paper-and-pencil backup. Kennel records will be automated as soon as funding becomes available. Kennel records are currently kept on paper. The receptionist maintains and completes kennel records with the Owner's supervision.

A "Key Man" insurance policy is in effect, sufficient to cover business liabilities. Best Friend Kennels is named as the beneficiary. Insurance premiums are paid from the proceeds of the business. Fire, theft, injury, liability, etc. coverage is in effect with Foremost Insurance. Coverage will remain with Foremost unless better coverage at lower cost can be obtained elsewhere.

Cash is removed from the business and deposits are made daily. No cash is stored overnight in the facility. All financial and proprietary information is stored outside of the facility. Multiple copies of financial and proprietary data are kept at separate locations. There is presently no electronic security system installed within the facility. Access to the Best Friend Kennels facility is restricted by security gates and chain link fencing. Entrances are chained and locked during non-business hours. Members of the staff, including the Owner, Kennel Manager, and Head Groomer live on the property, providing 24 hour security. We also employ roving security patrols from Terra Verde's top security force—Reliable Security, Inc.

The Main kennel, grooming runs, Cattery and grooming shop are completely surrounded by additional chain link barriers, ensuring that pets going to and from the grooming facility do not interfere with other activities in the kennel area. The South kennel provides similar protection for that area. Each dog and cat run features positive locking doors. Runs are double locked, preventing even the craftiest pets from getting outside of their run.

MARKETING PLAN

The marketing plan is broken down into the same categories as the business itself. There are different marketing considerations for each facet of the business. The primary and secondary current and target markets are addressed separately.

Target Markets

Our current primary clients are owners of dogs and cats requiring boarding within a 50-mile radius of the business. Current secondary clients are owners of other small animals requiring boarding. Primary target market are all small animal owners within a 50-mile radius of Best Friend Kennels. Secondary target market is Equine and Ratite owners within a 50-mile radius of Best Friend Kennels.

Our current primary clients are owners of dogs and cats requiring grooming within a 50-mile radius of the business. Current secondary clients are owners of other small animals requiring grooming. Our primary target market are all small animal owners whose animals require bathing and grooming within a 50-mile radius of Best Friend Kennels. There is no secondary target market for grooming.

Our current primary clients are owners of deceased dogs and cats requiring private or communal burial or cremation services within a 100-mile radius of the business. Current secondary clients are owners of other small animals requiring mortuary services. Our primary target market is any pet owner within a 100-mile radius of Best Friend Kennels. Our secondary target market is owners of deceased pets who want their pets memorialized by placing nameplates on memorials at our cemetery facility.

Our current primary clients are dog owners who want their dogs trained in on- and off-leash private obedience training or confirmation training within a 50-mile radius of Best Friend Kennels. Our current secondary clients are dog owners within a 50-mile radius of Best Friend Kennels who want private advanced obedience training. Our primary target market is dog owners who want group obedience and advanced obedience training within a 50-mile radius of Best Friend Kennels.

Our current primary clients are owners of American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized breed dogs within a 50-mile radius of Best Friend Kennels who want their dogs to achieve a "Champion" title in the confirmation ring, and owners of AKC recognized breed dogs within a 50-mile radius of Best Friend Kennels who want their dogs to achieve obedience titles ("Companion Dog (CD)", "Companion Dog Excellent (CDX)", "Tracking Dog (TD)", and "Utility Dog (UTD)." Our current secondary clients are purebred dog owners within a 50-mile radius of Best Friend Kennels who want their dogs to achieve field titles ["Junior Hunter (JH)", "Senior Hunter (SH)", "Master Hunter (MH)", "Field Champion (FDCH)"], and dog owners who want their dogs to achieve other AKC recognized titles ["Canine Good Citizen (CGC)", Agility, Lure Coursing, etc.]. Our primary target market is owners of American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized breed dogs within the Southwest who want their dogs to achieve a "Champion" title in the confirmation ring, and owners of AKC recognized breed dogs within the Southwest who want their dogs to achieve obedience titles ("Companion Dog (CD)", "Companion Dog Excellent (CDX)", "Tracking Dog (TD)", and "Utility Dog (UTD)." There is no secondary target market for handling.

Competition

There are 4 pet boarding establishments listed in the local yellow pages in the Terra Verde area.

There are 7 pet grooming establishments listed in the local yellow pages in the Terra Verde area.

There are no other pet mortuary facilities listed in the local yellow pages in the Terra Verde area.

There is one other training establishment listed in the local yellow pages in the Terra Verde area.

There are no other handling establishments listed in the local yellow pages in the Terra Verde area. Although handling is a high profit, low expense endeavor, few handlers advertise in printed publications. Most handling referrals come through word-of-mouth advertising or by publication in national or specialty publications.

Methods of Distribution

Customers call for reservations. Drop-ins are welcome on a space available basis. Advance reservations are requested during extremely busy periods such as Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Customers call for an appointment. Drop-ins are welcome on a space available basis. If pets cannot be groomed on a space available basis, we attempt to reschedule the pet for grooming at a convenient time for our customers.

Customers may elect to purchase pre-need communal or private burial plots or wait until the need arises. Customers also have the choice of communal or private cremation services, sub-contracted through Manistee Services Inc. of Manistee, AZ. We offer free pick-up service from the customer's home, veterinary clinic or other location for burials and cremations.

Customers call for an initial appointment with a member of our training staff. Contracts detailing the specifics of the training desired are negotiated. Contracts range from single-visit behavior counseling to 16 week training sessions encompassing all on- and off-leash commands. Training is tailored to the desires of the customer.

Customers call for an initial appointment with a member of our handling staff. Contracts detailing the specifics of the handling desired are drawn and signed. Contracts range from single show to full Champion titles in confirmation and obedience titles. Pre-confirmation handling is required in all handling contracts to allow the dog to become familiar with, and bond to, the handler.

Advertising

Best Friend Kennels uses a multi-media approach to advertising.

  • The local yellow pages carry our advertisement under the categories of "Pet Boarding," "Pet Cemeteries and Crematories,""Pet Grooming," and "Kennels."
  • We distribute flyers on a regular basis announcing special events and discounts in all facets of our operation.
  • Word-of-mouth advertising from our customers results in many new clients. We offer a discount to first time boarders and multiple pet boarders.
  • Best Friend Kennels occasionally uses newspaper advertising to promote training, boarding and grooming.
  • Best Friend Kennels distributes brochures detailing all of our services. Brochures are placed in strategic locations throughout Terra Verde and the surrounding areas. We also distribute business cards to other businesses within Terra Verde and the surrounding areas.
  • Best Friend Kennels advertises in industry specific publications such as "Pointer Points", "Dog World", and "Dog Fancy" for training, handling and breeding.

Our boarding prices are competitive with other boarding facilities in the area. Boarding prices are determined by the size and weight of the pet being boarded. Dogs up to 30 pounds are charged at the rate of $8.00 per day. Dogs 31 -80 pounds are charged at the rate of $ 10.00 per day. Dogs 81 pounds and over are charged at the rate of $ 11.00 per day. Cat boarders are charged at the rate of $8.00 per day, regardless of size. We offer a 25% discount to first-time boarders and 10% discount to owners who board multiple pets at the same time. Guests requesting a bath and grooming before going home are not charged for boarding on the day the guest leaves, provided that the guest checks out during normal business hours. Only guests being bathed and groomed receive a free day's board when more than one guest from the same family stays at our facility. The rest of the family must pay for the last day of boarding. We charge $5.00 round trip to pick-up and return boarding guests. Financing is available for all boarding services.

Our grooming prices are competitive with other grooming facilities in the area. Grooming prices are based on the size and breed of the pet, the type of grooming desired and the condition of the pet's coat. Nail trimming and expressing of the anal glands are included in the complete grooming prices. Prices for simple bathing and brush-out are somewhat lower, but still based on size, breed and condition of coat. We charge $5.00 round trip to pick-up and return grooming clients.

Best Friend Kennels is the only facility in the local area offering pet mortuary services. Our interment and cremation charges are reasonable. Cremation charges are set by our sub-contractor, Manistee Services, Inc. Cremation charges are based on the size of the pet and the type of cremation requested (communal or private). Burial charges are based on the size of the pet and type of burial requested (communal or private). Prices range from $75.00 for a small pet communal burial to $225.00 for a large pet private burial. There are additional charges for graveside services and special requests. Private burial costs include nametag, casket, burial and choice of color gravel for the top of the deceased pet's grave. Communal burial costs include burial and nametag. All burial contracts include a 25-year renewable plot maintenance contract. Financing is available for all cemetery services.

Our prices are competitive with others in the city. Prices are based on the length and complexity of the training contracted. Boarding costs are included in private training prices. Prices range from $40.00 for a one-time behavioral counseling session to hundreds of dollars for advanced off-leash training. Financing is available for training services.

Our prices are competitive with other unadvertised handlers in the local area. We charge $35.00 per show per dog to show puppies (6-9 month and 9-12 month classes), $45.00 per show per dog to show open class, and $55.00 per show per dog to show in breed specialties (Champion titled dogs competing for Best of Breed). Boarding and grooming charges are not included in handling prices. Boarding and grooming charges are based on pet size and duration of pre- and post-show boarding and the amount of grooming required. Board is not charged on the day of any show. Best Friend Kennels does not charge additional fees for showing winning dogs in additional categories (group bonuses, Best in Show, etc.) or for expenses.

Industry Trends

The pet services industry is directly related to population growth. Demand for all of our services will continue to increase as nearby Camp Penneman, Terra Verde and the surrounding areas increase their population. Between 1980 and 1993, the population of Terra Verde and Geronimo County increased 27% and 17% respectively. Training services will increase as the demand for well mannered pets is mandated by City ordinance. Demand for handling services will increase as the status of having a "titled" dog becomes more and more popular. Through outstanding customer relations and "extra mile" policies, we have overcome the negative business reputation of the previous owners and enjoy consistently increasing profits through word of mouth advertising. Demand for pet mortuary services is on the rise and is not expected to level off in the near future.

Pet Care and Training Services Offered in the Local Area

Kennel: Best Friend Kennels

Summary of Financial Needs

Best Friend Kennels requires approval of a Small Business Administration Loan in the amount of $495,000.00 to procure free title to the business from the previous owners and to complete planned improvements.

Sources and Uses of Funds Statement

The Small Business Administration will disburse the loan funds as follows:

  • $445,000 of the loan will be used to obtain free title to the business from the previous owners.
  • The remaining $50,000 will be used to complete renovation of the South Kennel ($32,000.00) and to build training and play areas on the facility ($18,000.00).

Cash Flow Report

Kennel: Best Friend Kennels

Estimated Projection and Forecast of Earnings

Kennel: Best Friend Kennels

  • Handling will not meet 1994 projections. Best Friend Kennels did not have sufficient financial resources to devote to national advertising. We relied on word-of-mouth advertising.
  • Training and Play Area income will not meet 1994 projections. There were no funds available to expand the current training and play areas.

Break Even Analysis

A complete break even analysis is not included in this business plan. Pet grooming is a very labor intensive/low profit facet of our business and therefore, requires a higher number of customers to break even. Cemetery operations are low labor/high profit, requiring fewer customers to break even. Expenses associated with boarding are directly dependent on the number of pets boarding in the facility and the number of buildings used to house the boarding pets. A break even analysis for training is presented below. Training is an independent function of Best Friend Kennels and training expenses can be calculated on a cost-per-dog basis.

Break Even Analysis For Training

  • 40# Bag @ $16.35/Bag
  • 640 Ounces/Bag or 80 Cups/Bag
  • 2/Day @ 3 Cups/Feeding = $1.20/Day
  • 2/Day @ 2 Cups/Feeding = $0.80/Day
  • 2/Day @ 3 Cups/Feeding = $6.00/Wk
  • 2/Day @ 2 Cups/Feeding = $4.00/Wk
  • 13.5 Oz Can @ $0.50/Can
  • $0.0370 per Ounce
  • 2/Day @ 2.7 Oz/Feeding= $0.10/Day
  • 2/Day @ 2.7 Oz/Feeding= $0.50/Wk
  • 25 Min/Run @ $4.25/Hr = $1.77/Day
  • 25 Min/Run @ $4.25/Hr = $8.85/Wk
  • $1.00/Day = $5.00/Wk
  • Per Day @ 2 × 3 Cups/Day = $4.07
  • Per Day @ 2 × 2 Cups/Day = $3.67
  • Per Week @ 2 × 3 Cups/Day = $20.35
  • Difference = $ 2.00
  • Salary/Day = $115.00
  • Salary/Week = $575.00
  • Income = # Dogs × $100.00
  • Difference     One (1) Training Dog/Week    Income: $100.00    Expense: $593.35    Diff: -$493.35     Two (2) Training Dogs A Veek    Income: $200.00    Expense: $611.70    Diff:-$411.70    Three (3) Training Dogs/Week    Income: $300.00    Expense: $593.35    Diff: -$293.35
  • Ratios Remain Constant and Are Omitted for Brevity     Seven (7) Training Dogs/Week    Income: $700.00    Expense: $703.45    Diff: -$003.45     Eight (8) Training Dogs/Week    Income: $800.00    Expense: $721.80    Diff: +$ 78.20

Balance Sheet

Kennel: Best Friend Kennels

Profit & Loss Statement

Kennel: Best Friend Kennels

Gross Income

Kennel: Best Friend Kennels

Kennel Inventory

Kennel: Best Friend Kennels

Grooming Shop Inventory

Kennel: Best Friend Kennels

Tool Room and Maintenance Shop Inventory

Kennel: Best Friend Kennels

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How to start a cattery business

Cat being stroked by owner

With around 11 million cats in the UK, demand for catteries will always be constant. That’s good news if you want to know how to start a cattery.

What facilities and equipment will I need to start a cattery?

You are going to need purpose-built facilities. When planning, you must consider how many cats you will house at any one time, and how big each pen will need to be to provide suitable housing.

You will also need an area where you can care for the cats, e.g. if you need to groom them or administer medication.

Cattery owner meeting client’s cat held in pet carrier

In addition, you will need to clean out the pens, deal with the arrival of clients, and handle the handover of pets.

The pens will need to be somewhere that is dry and appropriately heated and ventilated.

Equipment you may need can include:

  • litter trays
  • feeding and water bowls
  • toys and scratching posts
  • a sink and grooming equipment
  • first-aid kits
  • security systems
  • cleaning materials

You will also need a solution for taking customer payments and, to be both accessible and competitive, you should probably have a website and online booking platform.

All the above means that the initial set-up costs will not necessarily be cheap. With this in mind, you will need a business plan .

What should my business plan include?

First, decide what sort of cattery you will run and the services you will offer. You’ll need to consider what other catteries are in your area and the market sector you’d like to serve. For example: will you offer a high-end, luxury service or target a more mainstream client base?

Your business plan should include details of how many cats you can house, and at what cost. This will help you work out your projected income. The decisions you make about your services will also help inform your pricing.

You will also need to estimate how much equipment you need to buy and the cost of adaptations you’ll need to make to the premises.

The more accurate the financial side of your plan, the easier it should be to secure funding if you need it.

Don’t forget to include the cost of insurance, wages, and any training or marketing costs.

Finally, you should also include details of your marketing and sales plans. When detailing your strategy, consider the following:

  • Will you have a website and social media presence?
  • Will you pay for online advertisements?
  • Do you intend to do a leaflet drop?
  • How much money and time will it cost to execute this plan?

Cat lying in hammock provided by a cattery

What are the legal requirements?

You will need a licence to run a cattery , even if you only house one cat. To obtain a licence you will need to be inspected by your local authority. They will check to see if you meet the required standards.

The Animal Welfare Regulations 2018 outlines the requirements for getting a licence. However, these rules may be applied differently across individual regions. Check with your local authority as to what is required before your inspection.

Before granting a licence, inspectors will consider:

  • staffing levels (one full time member of staff for every 20 cats)
  • the size and design of the pens
  • the number of times the cats are checked on in a 24-hour period
  • the temperature of the premises

Running the cattery

To deliver an effective service, you need to consider some basic staffing requirements, such as:

  • how many staff members you will need
  • what training the staff will require
  • what training you will need

If you have employees, you may also need employment contracts and payroll systems. You’ll also need to decide who will run and manage your admin, marketing, and sales.

You will also need health and safety procedures in place, appropriate risk assessments, and an adequate emergency procedure. For example:

  • What will you do if a cat needs emergency medical treatment?
  • What happens in the event of a fire?
  • How will you protect your premises against break-ins?

It’s also essential that you provide for the safety and wellbeing of the cats, your staff, and any visitors.

Cats in outdoor pen, of which the design would be part of learning how to start a cattery

What insurance do I need?

Some form of pet business insurance will be essential, to protect your business in case something goes wrong. You can get insurance to cover a range of activities and eventualities. However, always make sure you have:

  • public liability insurance : covers you in the event something your business does causes harm to a third party or damage to their property.
  • pet accidents and injuries to animals insurance : covers your legal liability for an injury to an animal in your care, custody or control.

A good quality pet business insurance package will also cover you for a selection of other issues that can potentially affect your cattery business, such as:

  • loss of your equipment
  • loss of an animal
  • loss of your boarding licence

Depending on how you operate, you may have need of some other insurance options. For example, if you employ anyone – even part-timers or friends volunteering their time – you will legally be required to have employers’ liability insurance .

Having business insurance not only provides you with peace of mind; it will also send a reassuring message to potential clients.

Reliable cattery insurance providers

Finding an insurer you can trust, and who understands your business, is an important element when deciding on cattery insurance. With Pet Business Insurance , you can be certain the cover you receive comes from established industry experts.

For almost two decades, we’ve specialised in the provision of insurance for a range of small- and medium-sized pet businesses.

Our insurance for kennel and cattery owners offers comprehensive coverage for your business’ needs. In addition to public liability and pet accidents and injury insurance , we also provide essential cover for a selection of risks including loss of your equipment, loss of your boarding licence, and loss of an animal, among others.

Of course, all the options your business may need, such as employers’ liability insurance , professional indemnity cover , or buildings insurance cover , can also be added to your package.

To discuss your cattery insurance requirements, get in touch with Pet Business Insurance today. Call 01284 736 874 , or complete our online enquiry form .

Pet Business Insurance Plumton Hall Whepstead Bury St Edmunds Suffolk IP29 4SU United Kingdom

Telephone: +44 (0)1284 736 874

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Starting a Boarding Kennel and Cattery Business in the United Kingdom

  • Starting a Boarding Kennel and…

Beginner’s Guide on Starting a Boarding Kennel and Cattery Business in the United Kingdom

Starting a Boarding Kennel and Cattery Business in the United Kingdom

Kennel and Cattery business is commonly associated with locations of good land area. They are mainly in the countryside or partly rural. UK company registration might be expensive and time-consuming for environmental concerns such as trash disposal, drainage, and noise issues. Animal spaces must be suitable; otherwise, Animal Boarding Establishment License is at risk.

Statistics show that the UK has an estimated 8 to 9 million dogs and 7 to 8 million cats. People have altered their behavior towards their animals throughout the years and considered them part of the family. A trend not so good for the pet boarding sector is the growth in popularity in the UK for short getaways and vacations. Animal boarding and animal seating became popular alternatives to boarding kennels, making them a rising competitive source for kennel business.

In April 2007, the Animal Welfare Act simplified and reinforced legislation to guarantee the safeguarding or monitoring of all animals. It expanded the current authority to enact secondary welfare laws resulting in new license terms. The enforcement of the new regulation in October 2018 required dog and cat boarding facilities license obtainment. The 2014 Dangerous Dog Act amendment implied that a dog’s lead is punishable by dangerously uncontrolled circumstances in public and private.

What Is a Boarding Kennel and Cattery Business?

Kennel and cattery imply any facility involving private pet owners in boarding cats and dogs or other animals. This sort of company offers pet boarding services for those owners on holiday. It is a whole or part of a day, pet seating amenities, and short-term boarding for non-veterinary and observation purposes. All boarding kennels and catteries engaged in the breeding business must be permitted to rent, sell, or barter.

This business is convenient for individuals wishing for their animals to be cared for during the day while at work. Among these are individuals not permanently working overseas and working people who refuse to abandon their dogs throughout the day. Animal charities that occasionally house rescued animals and unfit police dogs expected to be adopted also benefit from this service. Home pet boarding services must be commercially licensed, but pet-boarders do not require a license.

Business Registration Process

You might choose to buy an established kennel and cattery business instead of beginning afresh. You may expect to discover customers, regular sales, staff, premises, and equipment already available when you acquire an ongoing company. You may also use the support of UK corporate registration services to help you register for business. It is accessible on the gov.uk website to create a single trader, partner, or limited business.

To assure timely and correct tax payment, companies must, at least, register with Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC). Starting a Boarding Kennel and Cattery Business differs depending on the type and firm structure. Additional registration conditions depend on the size and expansion of the firm. Keep watch the self-assessment deadline of all spending receipts to avoid a gross surprise.

VAT online account creation to register for VAT is possible via the Government Gateway. The VAT registration certificate is obtainable for up t0 30 working days. Online registry is accessible for enterprises under one VAT number. VAT returns are essential for HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

The methods for registering EU and international trademarks vary. Only your brand in the UK is protected by a registered trademark in the UK so that counterfeiters may be liable by law. You may use a trademark to add the sign to your mark and sell it or license it. If no one complains, the registration process might take a maximum of four months. Trademarks shall be valid for ten years.

Licenses & Permits

Following the Animal Welfare Regulations for 2018 , anyone providing boarding cats and dogs in Britain must apply for an animal activity license from their local government. Before issuing a license, inspectors assess the applicant’s behavior as the operator of a licensable activity. The inspectors selected by the local authorities shall inspect the premises. A license granted is payable for one, two, or three years.

The terms and conditions of the general license involve the obligation to display the license and to keep records. The quantity and type of animals for boarding are inclusive. Personnel needs, environmental appropriateness, food requirements, and animal contact are comprehensive. This license also covers the protection against discomfort, agony, and sickness, as well as emergency operations.

Unlicensed operations and sanctions for breaches of these licensing criteria involve fines or imprisonment. Any unexpired license is valid for the remainder of its term under the Animal Boarding Establishments Act1963 in line with transitional conditions. The commercial supply of dog houses or daycare in England is equally subject to the necessity for a license to operate on animals. Fire safety is crucial in pet boarding facilities since there are enormous amounts of fuel-fired bedding materials.

Animal housekeepers and home boarding providers might choose to verify their customers with a background criminal record, but no statutory obligation is present. In general, adequate and suitable insurance cover is a pet-boarding facility license condition and needs insurance certificates. Contact 3E Accounting for insurance and company pieces of advice. They will provide significant insight into the cost.

Legislations Covering Boarding Kennel and Cattery Business

In addition to the obligation to license all boarding kennels, under the Animal Boarding Establishments Act, the company must adhere to:

Animal Welfare Act

The Act deals with animal welfare and cruelty prevention. It covers maltreatment, inflicting undue pain, and neglect. DEFRA developed welfare standards of practice to enable cats and dog owners and to stick to the Act.

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations

It controls the use and storage of potentially dangerous compounds such as chemicals for cleaning and disinfection. The standards also address the control of the danger of zoonosis and salmonellosis caused by microorganisms.

Waste Regulations

Animal excrement is industrial wastes subject to the necessity for particular disposal. Cesspits or septic tanks for waste storage in many kennels are necessary. Collected garbage is disposable at an authorized place by a licensed waste collector. Trash disposal arrangements by the local environmental health agency are negotiable.

Dangerous Dogs Act

It sets limits on some dog breeds. Admission to the kennel requires an official Certificate of Exemption and a third-party insurance certificate accompanied by the dog designated as hazardous. Amendment to the Act will also make it a crime for a person failing to take responsibility for any dangerous behavior, public or not.

Environmental Protection Act

It includes the management of waste and requires companies to properly discard trash via licensed disposal facilities and registered carriers. It stipulates noise and odor nuisances, which boarding kennel may have to consider.

The Welfare of Animals Transport Order

As part of the business, the movement of animals requires permission to be an animal carrier. Vehicles must be inspected and authorized for extended travel (above 8 hours). A certificate of competence is held for by drivers guards responsible for transportation of animals beyond 65 kilometers.

How to Grow a Boarding Kennel and Cattery Business?

Building up in an area in which boarding kennels are already in good service is likely to lead to market problems. In most regions of the UK, the demand for boarding kennels and catteries will be minimal, although, in less rich sections of the nation, it may be less.

For several reasons, the placement of a boarding carriage is crucial. You can purchase an existing kennel when you start your business. Planning approval for Starting a Boarding Kennel and Cattery Business may be tough to establish from the start. Boarding houses too far from the main path may lose business because customers cannot locate them. Delivery drivers may have comparable difficulties.

Fees can vary significantly based on the geographical location, standards and facilities, reputation, and the necessity or non-business of the owner. Check the current pricing in your region for the type and level of service you want to give. From time to time, you may want to make unique offers. The ideal time to do it is probably at the quietest period of your business.

Starting a Boarding Kennel and Cattery Business in the United Kingdom

Almost everyone has a cost, whether cash, time and effort, or both. Advertisement and marketing are all costly. You have to ensure that your advertising efforts have the benefit of spending time and money. A corporate service provider like 3E Accounting United Kingdom can help you get started on establishing a kennel and cattery business in the United Kingdom!

ProfitableVenture

Catering Business Plan [Sample Template]

By: Author Tony Martins Ajaero

Home » Business ideas » Food Industry » Catering Service » Catering Business Plan

Catering Business

Do you want to start a catering company and need to write a business plan? If YES, here is a sample catering business plan template & feasibility report.

You see, planning to cater for guests doesn’t come easy. It is one thing to plan for a party or want to host some guests in the comfort of your home; and it is yet another to have them well catered for . This is where adequate organization and projections come to fore.

This means that if you were planning for a party for instance, you have got to be sure about the number of guests you are expecting, the type of food that appeals to them, as well as how you intend going about the preparation. Indeed having to go through all these steps, might be a bit tasking, however, good news is that there are folks who can take away the burden.

You will need to do plenty of research work, so as to arrive at the best of templates that can help guide you through the type of business that you are into. Below is a sample catering business plan template which you can use to get started with your own business plan.

A Sample Catering Service Business Plan Template

1. industry overview.

Have you ever wondered how difficult it really gets for people who host parties to cope when they have to cook all the meals that the guests get to eat? Without a doubt, it is quite a difficult task to accomplish this, especially if the number of guests attending the event is much.

As such, if the host attempts to personally cook the meals for her guests; particularly when the number is on the high side, chances are that they may likely breakdown due to fatigue. It is for this reason that caterers are in hot demand.

There is hardly any country in the world where one may not find caterers who are into full – time catering businesses. Professional caterers do not only cater for big organizations, government agencies, institutions and parties, but they can also be contacted to handle home catering services for people who can the luxury.

This means that people who host a huge number of visitors per time in their houses can relax and allow the burden of cooking to be taken off them.

In the united states of America alone, there are well over 10,000 registered catering businesses that employ about 150,000 people ( both contract and full time employees ), and most of them are thriving pretty well in the business because there are loads of business opportunities available to caterers in the United States of America, as well as in other parts of the world.

The United States of America’s Catering Industry generates well over 7 Billion US Dollars annually through events such as; weddings, holiday parties, corporate functions ( Annual General Meetings and Anniversary et al), funerals and birthday parties amongst others, and the figure is still on the increase.

Catering business is considered to be amongst the delicate industries, this is because they are involved in cooking food for consumption for a large number of guests per time. It is the reason why this business is subjected to regular inspection by relevant health officials from different local health departments.

As one who runs a catering business in the United States of America, you are expected by law to comply with the laid down rules and regulations for the industry.

There is ample room for any entrepreneur who is interested in running a catering business in the United States of America to start in any capacity and still maximize profit in the business. You can start by catering for 20 people or less, conversely, you can as well start your catering business by catering for a large crowd.

The bottom line is that catering business is known to be a very lucrative business in all parts of the world, and not just in the United States of America.

2. Executive Summary

Appealing Delight® Catering Services Company is a catering business that will be based in Chicago, Illinois, USA. Our intention of starting a catering business in Chicago is to deliver the best quality catering services at an affordable price to a wide range of customers.

Our services will involve catering for parties, outdoor events, weddings, holiday parties, birthday parties, corporate events, picnics, anniversaries and special events et al.

Work will always be on going when it comes to working with our clients to give them the best. We have perfected our plans on how to execute that. At Appealing Delight® Catering Services Company, we are going to take pride in working with our clients to deliver high quality and nutritious meals and excellent services while working with their budget. Our customers don’t need to break the bank to get the best of foods and services from us.

As part of our plans to make our customers our number one priority, we have perfected plans to work with our clients to provide customized services based on their budget. We will be involved in delivery services for our clients, rentals services, event management and consultancy services.

At Appealing Delight® Catering Services Company, we will go the extra mile to give our esteemed customers value for their money irrespective of the size of their budget. As such, we do not intend to turn any one down, because of the meager amount of cash they may have.

Appealing Delight® Catering Services Company is own and managed by Mrs. Sharon Miller, a notable and award winning cook in the United States of America. She will be bringing her experience to fore, to help Appealing Delight® Catering Services Company grow to become the number one choice in the whole of Chicago and environs and also a one – stop – shop when it is about catering services.

3. Our Products and Services

At Appealing Delight® Catering Services, we will be involved in cooking both local foods and intercontinental foods for our clients. Our intention is not to restrict our services to only cooking of foods, but we are also going to be involved in spreading our tentacles to cover all aspects of the ideal catering business.

In as much as cooking meals will be our number one priority as a catering business, we will also be involved in event management, rental services, consultancy and trainings. Here are some of the products and services we will be offering our clients;

  • Corporate Catering
  • Wedding Catering
  • Holiday Catering
  • Breakfast Catering
  • Picnic Catering
  • Box Lunch Catering
  • Cocktail Party Catering
  • Pig Roast Catering
  • BBQ Catering
  • Canteen Management
  • Event Management
  • Sales of Cakes
  • Rental Services
  • Consultancy Services

4. Our Mission and Vision Statement

  • To become the number one catering service provider in the whole of Chicago, Illinois.
  • To establish a standard catering business that will meet all the catering needs (cooking, event planning , rentals, trainings and consultancy services) of people in Chicago and neighboring states.

Our Business Structure

Our catering business will be structured in such a way to accommodate all the aspects of our business offering. We are setting up a catering business that will not only be involved in cooking and serving foods on behalf of our clients, but a business that will also be involved in rental services ( renting of cooking wares, table cloths, tables, chairs, marquee tents et al ), consultancy services and trainings ( run a catering school ).

So, in setting up the structure for Appealing Delight Catering Company, our business structure will be slightly different from what is obtainable in an ideal catering business that majors in cooking and serving foods on behalf of their clients.

We are going to run a full-fledged office in Chicago, a place where people can come in and make inquiries. In view of the above, we have made provision for the following position in our organization;

  • Chief Executive Officer

Cooking Assistants

  • Admin and Personnel Manager
  • Front Desk Officer
  • Sales and Marketing Officer

Servers (Contract Staff)

  • Cleaners / Dish Washers

5. Job Roles and Responsibilities

Chief Executive Officer – CEO:

  • Responsible for providing direction for the business
  • Creating, communicating, and implementing the organization’s vision, mission, and overall direction – i.e. leading the development and implementation of the overall organization’s strategy.
  • Responsible for the day to day running of the business
  • Responsible for handling high profiled clients and deals
  • Responsible for fixing prices and signing business deals
  • Responsible for recruitment
  • Responsible for the payment of salaries
  • Responsible for signing checks and documents on behalf of the company
  • Evaluates the success of the organization
  • Reports to the board

Bakery Manager:

  • Responsible for managing the daily activities in the restaurant
  • Ensures that the bakery facility is in tip top shape and conducive enough to welcome customers
  • Interfaces with third – party providers (vendors)
  • Reports to the Chief Executive Officer
  • Attends to Customers complains and enquiries
  • Prepares budget and reports for the organization
  • Any other duty as assigned by the CEO

Chief Chef:

  • Responsible for preparing different meals as requested by our clients
  • Makes lists and budget for cooking supplies
  • Oversees the entire coking process
  • Responsible for training new cooks
  • Makes sure that quality is maintained at all times
  • Assists the chief chef in the kitchen
  • Runs errands for the chief chef
  • Responsible for purchasing food ingredients for the organization
  • Ensures that the kitchen is kept clean at all times
  • Ensures that all kitchen wares are kept at their proper position after use.
  • Any other duty as assigned by the Chief Chef

Admin / Personnel Manager

  • Receives payments on behalf of the restaurant
  • Handles all HR concerns for the organization
  • Supervises employees during events
  • Issues receipt to customers
  • Prepares financial report at the end of every working week
  • Handles all financial transaction on behalf of the company
  • Interfaces with our bankers
  • Responsible for payment of tax, levies and utility bills
  • Any other duty as assigned by the CEO / restaurant manager

Sales and Marketing Officer:

  • Sources for clients for the company
  • Responsible for promoting the company’s image
  • Responsible for creating marketing and sales strategies, etc.
  • Represents the organization in some strategic business meetings
  • Any other duty as assigned by the Chief Operating Officer / Bakery manager
  • Delivers customers’ orders promptly
  • Runs errand for the organization
  • Transports employees and goods to and fro event venues
  • Assists in setting up cooking and serving stands during events
  • Any other duty as assigned by the personnel manager
  • Take orders from guests
  • Serves guest during events / parties
  • Assists in cleaning dishes after events / parties
  • Assists in the movement of cooking utensils, plates, spoons and other relevant wares

Cleaners / Dish Washers:

  • Responsible for cleaning the office facility and kitchen at all times
  • Ensure that toiletries and supplies don’t run out of stock
  • Responsible for washing dishes before and after events
  • Cleans both the interior and exterior of the building

6. SWOT Analysis

We are quite aware that is a stiffer competition when it comes to the catering trade in Chicago, which is why we decided to take our time to perfect our strategies before launching out. Our goal is to become a leading all – round catering services company in the whole of Chicago and the only way to achieve that is to out – perform our competitors. In order to outperform our competitors in Chicago, we hired a business consultant to help us conduct SWOT analysis .

In view of that, we were able to take stock of our strengths, our weakness, our opportunities and also the threats that we are likely going to be exposed to in establishing our catering business in Chicago, IL. Here is a summary from the result of the SWOT analysis that was conducted on behalf of Delicious Delight® Catering Services.

We are a complete catering business that does not offer outdoor catering services alone, but offer consultancy services, rental services and trainings. The truth is that, people will prefer to engage a client that can provide them with all they would need to make their events a memory one.

It means that the need to sign different contracts with different providers (vendors) will not arise once they engage our services. Another positive for us is that we will be working with the best of caterers in the US; they are going to be guest lecturers in our Catering School and our CEO is an award winning caterer in Chicago who is widely celebrated.

Our weakness could be the challenge of hiring and keeping the best cooks / chefs in our payroll since most of them may want to work for themselves. This challenge applies to almost all catering business owners . Yet another weakness is that we are new in Chicago, IL.

  • Opportunities

When it comes to catering services, the opportunities that are available cannot be quantified. Any entrepreneur can start his or her own outdoor catering business anywhere in the world and still make huge returns on his or her investment.

At Appealing Delight Catering Company, we take pride in the fact that we are one of the few catering services companies in Chicago that offer a wide range of related catering services; hence we are likely going to maximize the opportunities available for catering business in Chicago, IL.

There are a couple of first class catering services companies in Chicago IL, and they are a huge threat to us. They pose a threat to us because they are already established, and their brand is well accepted. Also, most of them can boast of a have huge clientele base.

Our competitors are able to develop expensive new marketing and sales campaigns and that will mean that we will have to struggle to catch – up.

7. MARKET ANALYSIS

  • Market Trends

There is hardly any organization or individual who intends organizing any party or event that will not engage the services of caterers. One of the high points of parties, weddings and events generally is the time for refreshments with foods.

Most people who attend parties look forward to when food is served, that is to tell you that a party will not be complete if there is nothing to eat and drink.

It is the norm for most corporate organizations to also give out the management of their canteens to vendors (caterers) because they know that it will be a distraction if they decided to handle it themselves. This is one of the major areas catering companies leverage on in building their businesses to generate steady income.

Outdoor catering services is supposed to be the core offering of catering businesses, but outdoor events don’t happen every day these days. As a matter of fact, caterers compete for the available weddings and parties that are organized during the weekends because weekends and holidays appear to be the busiest periods for catering business.

In order to compete with the big wigs in the catering industry in Chicago, we have decided to create a niche, which is why we want to run an all – round catering business; a catering business that is not just restricted to cooking and serving of foods, but a catering business that will offer rental services, consultancy services, as well as run a standard, government approved / licensed catering school in Chicago IL. Appealing Delight® Catering Company will adopt the following marketing and sales strategies;

  • Introduce our business by sending introductory letters alongside our brochure to all the corporate organizations in Illinois
  • Neighborhood, door to door and mouth to ear mode of adverts to introduce our business in our community
  • Engage in road shows ( make some open air noise) to introduce our business
  • Create different packages for different category of clients in order to work with their budgets and still deliver quality foods and services
  • Encourage and reward referral marketing.
  • Leverage on the internet to promote our business
  • Start a TV show in line with our business goal and objectives
  • Sponsor relevant community events, such as cooking competitions and cooking reality shows on TV et al.

8. Our Target Market

No doubt, the target market for catering businesses cut across people of all walks of life and organizations. The need to celebrate and call for a party will always arise and it is not restricted to only a group of people or organization, it cuts across people of all walks of life.

Yes, our catering services is within the reach of everybody and we intend serving available clients, but in order to effectively make plans and take actions towards meeting our sales and marketing goals, we have been able to pencil down the category of people and organizations that will be our main target market. Below is a list of the people and organizations that we have specifically designed our products and services for;

  • Families (Homes)
  • Schools (boarding house and campus et al)
  • Wedding Ceremonies
  • Event Planners
  • Sport Centers
  • Corporate Organizations
  • Aspiring Entrepreneurs (Those who want to learn how to cook and run their own catering businesses)
  • Managers of public facilities
  • Carnival Organizers
  • Caterers ( for our consultancy services and perhaps renting of our catering wares)

Our Competitive Advantage

Appealing Delight® Catering Services is coming into the catering industry knowing completely well that there are other competent and well established catering companies in Chicago. However, we have decided to critically study the industry and have realized that in order to have a competitive advantage over our competitors; we must do what they are not doing.

In view of the above stated fact, we have decided to offer a wide range of catering services that will meet the needs of a wide range of clientele base. We want to be the one stop shop when it comes to catering services in the whole of Illinois.

Our clients should be able to sign just one contract with us and we will deliver nearly all they would need to make their events a memorable one. This is the competitive advantage that we are bringing to the market in Chicago, IL.

9. SALES AND MARKETING STRATEGY

  • Sources of Income

Appealing Delight® Catering Services Company is established with the aim of maximizing the catering business, hence our service offerings. With the nature with which we intend building our business, we are not going to lack continuous inflow of cash.

There are several sources of income for our business and we will ensure that we do all we can to maximize them. Below are the sources of revenue generation for Delicious Delight® Catering Services Company;

  • Offering outdoor catering services to a wide range of clients
  • Engage in Party rental services (renting of catering wares, chairs, tables and tents et al.)
  • Manage Canteens for corporate organizations.
  • Running a top notch government approved catering school in Chicago, Illinois
  • Offering consultancy services in line with our business offerings

10. Sales Forecast

It is important to state that our sales forecast is based on the data gathered during our feasibility studies and also some of the assumptions readily available on the field.

This sales projection is based on our business offerings which involve outdoor catering services, rental services, event management, canteen management, our catering school and consultancy services et al. On the Average, we look forward to;

  • Handle about 4 Outdoor Catering Events in a Month
  • Secure contract to manage 5 canteens for corporate organizations within the first 3 months of launching the business
  • Sell a minimum of 20 Standard Cakes in a Month
  • Manage a minimum of 2 Events a Month
  • Consult for a minimum of 4 clients in a month
  • Train a minimum of 50 caterers within the first 6 months of launching the catering school
  • Rent our catering wares / party stuffs to a minimum of 4 clients per month

N.B-: Please note that we could not put a specific amount to the projection above because the prices may differ for different services and for different clients. Part of our business strategy is to work within the budget of our clients as stated earlier.

Also, to deliver quality catering services hence it will be difficult to project what we are likely going to make from such deals. But, the bottom line is that we are definitely going to make reasonable profits from any business deal that we execute.

  • Marketing Strategy and Sales Strategy

Appealing Delight Catering Services Company intends to become the number one catering services company in the whole of Chicago and the only way for us to achieve this is to engage in guerilla marketing. Our plan is to ensure that we get our own fair of the existing market in Illinois.

Our sales and marketing team will be recruited based on their vast experience in the industry and they will be trained on a regular basis, so as to be well equipped to meet their targets and the overall goal of the organization.

Our goal is to become a one-size-fits- all kind of service people when it comes to catering services in Chicago, Illinois and its environs. This is why we must explore all the marketing tactics available to us if indeed we want to fulfill our mandate. In nut a shell, we will explore the following marketing and sales strategies to promote our catering business;

  • Direct Marketing
  • Marketing via Our Sponsored TV Programs and Community Based Events
  • Erect Our Billboards in Strategic locations around the city
  • Online Marketing (via our official website, social media platforms and blog et al)
  • Referral Marketing
  • Promotion of our products during our training sessions in our catering school

11. Publicity and Advertising Strategy

We have been able to work with our consultants to help us map out publicity and advertising strategies that will help us walk our way into the heart of our target market. First and foremost, we want our brand to visible and well communicated which is why we have created a logo with attractive colors.

All our publicity materials and jingles are done by some of the best hands in the industry. We have created a budget to take care of our publicity and advertising need and here are the platforms we intend making use of to promote and advertise our business;

  • Place adverts on both print and electronic media platforms
  • Sponsor relevant community programs
  • Sponsor relevant TV shows
  • Leverage on the internet and social media platforms like; Instagram, Facebook ,Twitter, LinkedIn, Badoo, Google+ et al
  • Install our Bill Boards on strategic locations
  • Engage in road shows from time to time
  • Distribute our fliers and handbills in targeted areas from time to time

12. Our Pricing Strategy

Launching a new business is not an easy task especially if you are launching a business / idea that is not entirely new from what is obtainable in the location you intend launching it. So, part of our strategy for entering the market is to leverage on pricing to gain a good percentage of the available market.

Of course we will attract clients by offering quality catering services for rock – bottom price. A price that probably will be the lowest in the industry.

Although prices for our catering services and other related services will be lower than what is obtainable in the industry, but it wouldn’t remain so for a long time. As a matter of fact, we intend jacking up the prices gradually until it falls at par with what is obtainable in the industry. We aim to achieve this within a year of launching the business.

  • Payment Options

Our payment policy is all inclusive because we are quite aware that different people prefer different payment options as it suits them. Here are the payment options that we will make available to our clients;

  • Payment by cash
  • Payment via Point of Sale (POS) Machine
  • Payment via online bank transfer
  • Payment via
  • Payment via Mobile money

In view of the above, we have chosen banking platforms that will help us achieve our plans without any itches.

13. Startup Expenditure (Budget)

  • The Total Fee for Registering the Business in Florida: $750.
  • The budget for Liability insurance , permits and license: $5,000
  • The Amount needed to acquire a suitable Facility with storage space for 6 months in Chicago, Illinois (Re – Construction of the facility inclusive): $70,000.
  • The Cost for the purchase of furniture and gadgets (fridges, TVs, Sound System, tables and chairs et al): $15,000
  • The Cost for Catering Equipment (Standard commercial oven, Industrial Gas Cooker, Baking Sheets and Racks, Mixers, Work Tables, Sinks, Slicers, Scales, Cake decorating Tools, Ingredient Bins and kitchen utensils et al) : $15,000
  • The Cost of Launching a Website: $600
  • The cost for our opening party: $5,000
  • Additional Expenditure ( Business cards , Signage, Adverts and Promotions et al): $5,000

Going by the report from our research and feasibility studies, we will need an average $150,000 to set a catering business in Chicago, IL.

One good thing about catering business and perhaps other related services that we render, is that you are definitely going to make profits from any business deal that you handle. You are expected to submit quotations that will be enough to cover your expenses and profits as well.

Generating Funding / Startup Capital for Delicious Delight® Catering Services Company

  • The CEO Mrs. Sharon Miller will generate 40 percent of the start – up capital from her personal savings
  • She will source for soft loans from family members and friends
  • Her bankers are willing to give her loan facility to the tune of 80,000 US Dollars

14. Sustainability and Expansion Strategy

Our CEO Sharon Miller has plans to implement succession plans hence the introduction of her daughter Ms. Stacy Miller to join her in building the business from the scratch . She has made plans to train her on the job and also attend training courses. Ms. Stacy Miller will be understudying her mother with the sole aim of taking over the business once she retires.

As part of the plans to sustain the business and also to expand the business, we will continue to invest in the training of our employees and also continue to explore new opportunities to generate income for the business. We are certain that if we get things right and we work hard; we are likely going to triple our income in the second year of our operations.

Check List / Milestone

  • Business Name Availability Check: Completed
  • Business Registration: Completed
  • Opening of Corporate Bank Accounts: Completed
  • Securing Point of Sales (POS) Machines: Completed
  • Opening Mobile Money Accounts: Completed
  • Opening Online Payment Platforms: Completed
  • Application and Obtaining Tax Payer’s ID: In Progress
  • Application for business license and permit: Completed
  • Purchase of Insurance for the Business: Completed
  • Renting of Facility and Construction of our Commercial Kitchen: In Progress
  • Conducting Feasibility Studies: Completed
  • Generating capital from family members and friends: Completed
  • Application for Loan: In Progress
  • writing of business plan: Completed
  • Drafting of Employee’s Handbook: Completed
  • Drafting of Contract Documents and other relevant Legal Documents: In Progress
  • Design of The Company’s Logo: Completed
  • Graphic Designs and Printing of Packaging Marketing / Promotional Materials: In Progress
  • Recruitment of employees: In Progress
  • Purchase of the Needed furniture, electronic appliances and catering equipment: In progress
  • Creating Official Website for the Company: In Progress
  • Preparation of our catalogue and price list: Completed
  • Creating Awareness for the business both online and in the neighborhood: In Progress
  • Health and Safety and Fire Safety Arrangement: In Progress
  • Kitchen Approval by Inspectors from Local Health Office: Done
  • Opening party / launching party: In Progress
  • Compilation of our list of products and detailed recipe : Completed
  • Arrangement for trainers and training facility: In Progress
  • Establishing business relationship with vendors – suppliers of all our needed food ingredients: Completed
  • Purchase of delivery vans: Completed.

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