pet day care business plan

Dog Daycare Business Plan: The 2024 Getting Started Guide

BUSINESS  |   8/29/24 1:16 PM  |  by Gingr

So, you’ve decided to start a doggy daycare. Maybe you’re a huge “dog person,” or maybe you’ve noticed a need in your community and are ready to fill that space with what will hopefully be a profitable venture.

Regardless of what’s landed you here, there are quite a few steps between choosing to open a dog daycare business and actually welcoming your first furry guest. This guide will provide an overview of everything you need to get started with your dog daycare business plan. After reading it, you’ll hopefully have a good foundation to begin brainstorming for your new venture.

While this guide covers the basics, there’s still a decent amount of information to dive into. Feel free to navigate to a specific section of this guide if you know what you’re looking for. If not, continue reading to get started.

How to Start a Doggy Daycare: FAQs

How do you start a dog daycare business.

Before you begin accepting reservations and purchasing every dog toy you can get your hands on, there are a ton of business considerations to work through for your dog daycare.

Creating a dog business plan is the first place to start. In your business plan, you’ll define:

• An objective and mission for your business.
• Your cohesive brand and marketing strategy.
• Your competition and how you’ll stand out from the crowd.
• The facilities you’re going to utilize.
• How you’ll remain profitable, addressing costs and revenue.

You’ll need to decide where your business will be located, who you’ll be working with, which services you’ll offer, and whic h tools and software you need to offer those services. You’ll need to decide all of this— as well as how you’ll fund the venture overall— before actually putting any of these plans into action.

Do I need a license to start my dog daycare?

You will likely need specific licensing to start your dog daycare facility.

For starters, you’ll need to obtain the proper business licenses required of any start-up. While some businesses will need federal licenses (ex: restaurants selling alcohol), your doggy daycare licenses will probably be handled on the state and local levels.

Each state and locality handles this licensing differently, from which types of licenses are required to the requirements needed to fulfill such licenses. For example, some states require different permits and licenses for dog daycares versus dog kennels , with the key difference being dog kennels also house animals overnight. Other states might l have stricter zoning and size requirements for businesses looking after animals.

Because of that, your best bet is to contact your state and local licensing bodies for definite answers. While it might be frustrating digging into your region’s laws, remember these requirements are aimed at keeping the animals in your care as safe and healthy as possible.

How much can you earn owning a dog daycare?

When it comes to the earning potential of a dog daycare, the answer will vary depending on your specific circumstances.

There are a ton of factors that go into how much you can earn owning a dog daycare, including:

• The services you provide (daily dog care, grooming services, overnight care, etc.).
• How you price services.
• How money-savvy you are once operational.
• The need for such a business in your community.

Every aspect is unique to your personal situation, including your initial investment, the pricing of licenses and permits in your area, and even the cost of daily operations.

As you continue reading, you’re going to explore various profit equations. Use those equations to predict the daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly profitability of your dog daycare under certain estimated circumstances.

Profitability of a Dog Daycare Business: Key Considerations

As you’ll see, this requires your revenue to outweigh your costs. This means the payments you’re receiving from customers have to (collectively) be more than the cost of providing those services. The costs include rent, staff wages, utilities, and dog-care specifics such as pet-care management software, animal-friendly cleaning products, dog treats and food, and any other costs of operation.

There are a ton of variables to juggle to ensure your dog daycare is profitable. Use the following equations and considerations to help make sense of it all.

The Profit Equation

No surprise here— but keeping the doors open to your doggy daycare requires keeping the business profitable overall. This requires ensuring your incoming revenue is higher than your outgoing costs, which is where the profit equation comes into play.

First, let’s look at a few key terms in this equation:

• Revenue: This refers to the price you’re charging for services multiplied by the number of services you deliver by that price. So, for example, if you charge $25 per day for daycare services, and care for 50 dogs on a given day, your revenue is $1,250 for that day.
• Variable Costs: This refers to the business operation costs that change day-to-day, varying with how busy you are at any given moment. This includes hourly staff wages, providing food to animals (if you do so for free), or cleaning services linked to the number of animals in your care at any moment.
• Fixed Costs: This refers to your operational costs that have little variation. For example, monthly rent and insurance payments are a fixed cost.
• X: The “X” refers to the unknown variable that affects how your revenue or variable costs are changed (multiplied) for the number of dogs in your care. So, how much revenue you’re making with X number of dogs and how high your variable costs are with X number of dogs.

Essentially, to successfully operate a doggy daycare, your profit has to be positive. This is a large overview calculation, and now we’ll break it down into more specific considerations.

Gross Profit

Gross profit refers to the profit your dog daycare business makes after you deduct the costs associated with providing your services. Specifically, this looks at the money you make with one particular transaction compared to the cost of providing that service.

Let’s define a few key terms:

• Revenue: In this equation, revenue refers to the profit brought in per dog cared for. For example, $25 for one dog, one day.
• Cost of Goods/Services Sold: This variable refers to the cost of providing dog daycare services for one dog. This includes hourly wages represented in that dog’s stay, the cost of receiving and processing payments, and any other costs related to managing one sale of your services.

This equation adds specificity to the original profit equation by telling you the profit your daycare makes from each and every dog in your care. Essentially, the equation gives you a variable profit multiplier— a number to multiply by the number of dogs in your care at any given time to calculate that day’s profit.

Net Operating Profit

Net operating profit expands upon the gross profit equation, adding fixed costs to your considerations. Rather than looking at one transaction (ex: one dog cared for on one day of operations), this equation looks at your total revenue and operating costs over a time period.

The goal of this equation is to see how much of your revenue will translate to profit. Because it is an equation looking at finances over time, it’s essential that you keep time units consistent across the board.

• Net Profit: This number is a representation of your gross profit (refer to the previous section) over time. Essentially, the net profit equation looks like this: Net Profit = (Gross Profit Per Dog x Number of Dogs) x Number of Days in Time Period
• Total Fixed Expenses: This represents your fixed costs across a time period. For example, $10,000 per month.

This is similar to the general profit equation from the first section. The key difference is that net operating profit combines the Revenue and Variable Costs sections into one overall Net Profit variable.

Pricing as Branding

While it’s essential that each of these equations results in a positive profit for your dog daycare to stay afloat, there are other important considerations to make when setting your business’s prices.

How you choose to price your services sends a strong message to your customers, and setting these limits too low (or high!) can give a negative first impression.

This pricing tells potential customers where your business lies in the market of doggy daycare services. If your pricing is too low, customers may fear you’re providing sub-par services to provide discount pricing. On the other hand, if your pricing is particularly high, you’ll have to make a strong case for the investment. If your pricing is too complicated , you’re likely to deter customers as well.

Many dog daycare businesses have successfully provided higher-quality service (for example, a lower dog-to-staff ratio) paired with a slightly higher price point. In that case, you must support your pricing with a strong branding strategy , great first impressions, and a positive customer experience reputation.

If all of these equations and considerations seem a bit overwhelming, don’t fret— Gingr has put a lot of thought into dog daycare profitability. Check out our Doggy Daycare Profitability Model Spreadsheet to begin your profit analysis.

Elements of a Winning Dog Daycare Business Plan

A serious love for animals and a knowledge of profit equations aren’t enough to build and grow your future dog daycare business— there are a few other elements that are necessary for any successful dog kennel business plan.

With that, let’s explore the essential elements of a successful dog daycare business plan:

Define Your Brand

There are two steps to this— defining your brand and communicating that brand.

When defining your brand, consider what makes your dog daycare stand out from the others in your community. What makes you and your staff so passionate about caring for pets? What makes your approach to pet-care superior to others in your field?

For example, maybe your daycare specializes in providing care to senior dogs, centering your branding around a laid-back, relaxed atmosphere. Or, maybe your key selling point is the expertise of your staff, who have advanced experience in puppy etiquette and training. Find your key selling point and brand accordingly.

From there, this brand must be consistent across all communications you have with potential and current customers. Your facility, website, social network profiles , and any advertisements and direct communications you send out should convey this consistent branding.  

Know Your Competition

This is where you get into the nitty-gritty of what makes your doggy daycare better than others in your community. We know that competition is increasing in the dog daycare realm, both in more traditional daycare settings and newer home pet-care camera technology.

Research other local facilities and popular options to ensure you’re offering features that make you stand out from the crowd. Some ways to truly make your mark as the premier dog daycare facility in your community are:

• Set competitive pricing compared to others in your area providing similar services. Don’t make the mistake of setting your pricing significantly higher or lower than your competition, as you’ll stand out for all of the wrong reasons.
• Offer a peek into your operations. Streaming video from inside your facility (ex: in a dog play yard) and sending home a doggy report card reassure owners that your daycare is a safe, fun space for their pets.
• Leverage convenient, customer-oriented software tools. Manage your operations using software made for dog daycare businesses, with convenient online booking and payment, one-click check-in, and easily managed recurring services.

If branding is the key to making customers feel emotionally comfortable sending their dogs to your daycare, standing out from your competition is the key to making them logically comfortable. 

Choose the Right Facilities

To successfully open a dog daycare or kennel, you also have to invest in superb facilities. Choosing your space is often a balance of two desires:

• Having enough space (and maybe even built-out facilities) to provide the best care possible to your customers.
• Being within your budget to not diminish the profitability of your business overall.

Because choosing a facility is an investment, you’ll want to really do your research before settling into one location.

Remember that each state and locality will have different statutes and zoning laws playing into your facilities as well. From where in the community you’re allowed to set up shop, to how large your facilities need to be— there’s a decent chance your state and local government have an opinion on what’s acceptable as well. 

Leverage Effective Software

However, if you’re new to the dog daycare business (or simply looking to improve operations), you may not be familiar with this type of software. Start by evaluating what your customers and staffers are looking for in a software solution. Popular features to look for in a pet-care software solution are:

• Client and pet management features. This includes unlimited client profiles with photos, paperless waivers and other signed agreements, hidden internal staff notes for specific clients, and easy access to vaccination records, to name a few.
• Online booking and customer portal. This should be mobile-friendly, allow for digital signing of waivers and uploading of vet records, have the ability to collect deposits online, and even let customers view photos and videos of their pets. Plus, you should be able to customize the services, features, and forms available through online booking.
• Reservation management features. Look for easy customization of reservation types and viewing of availability, both for your staff and customers. Further, look for simple check-in/check-out procedures that still ensure you have all of the information needed to provide a safe stay.
• Communications features. Your customers will appreciate automatic communications for reservation confirmations and reminders, vaccination reminders, and report cards. Your staff will appreciate it when they don’t have to waste time manually sending these communications.
• Retail features. The ability to use your software as a point-of-sale system and offer add-on services and retail products will increase the profitability of your business.
• Marketing features. Top software can send SMS and email marketing communications quickly and easily. Further, you should be able to filter your customers and customize communications easily.
• Staff management features. Features to manage your staff, such as personalized to-do lists, commission tracking, a time-clock with associated reports, and even specialist scheduling (groomer, trainer) will drastically improve your internal processes.

Choosing the right software from the start will set your business up for success going forward. You’ll cut down on staff costs, lessen the risk of error, and stand out from the crowd with customer-facing features.

At Gingr, we’ve been working to create the best pet-care software platform possible for business owners like yourself.

See how Gingr can revolutionize your pet-care business. Book a demo today!

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Dog Daycare Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Over the past 20+ years, we have helped over 5,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans to start and grow their doggie daycares. On this page, we will first give you some background information with regards to the importance of business planning. We will then go through a dog daycare business plan template step-by-step so you can create your plan today.

Download our Ultimate Business Plan Template here >

What is a Dog Daycare Business Plan?

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

Why You Need a Business Plan for a Dog Daycare

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

Source of Funding for Dog Daycare Centers

With regards to funding, the main sources of funding for a dog daycare are bank loans, personal savings, credit cards and angel investors. With regards 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 confirm that your financials are reasonable. But they will want to see a professional plan. Such a plan will give them the confidence that you can successfully and professionally operate a business.

Another common form of funding for a dog daycare is angel investors. Angel investors are wealthy individuals who will write you a check. They will either take equity in return for their funding, or, like a bank, they will give you a loan. Venture capitalists will not fund a doggie daycare. They might consider funding a chain, but never an individual location. This is because most venture capitalists are looking for millions of dollars in return when they make an initial investment, and an individual location could never achieve such results.

Finish Your Business Plan Today!

Your business plan should include 10 sections as follows:

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 type of dog daycare business you are operating and the status; for example, are you a startup, do you have a dog daycare that you would like to grow, or are you operating a chain of doggie daycare businesses.

Next, provide an overview of each of the subsequent sections of your plan. For example, give a brief overview of the dog daycare industry. Discuss the type of dog daycare you are operating. Detail your direct competitors. Give an overview of your target customers. Provide a snapshot of your marketing plan. Identify the key members of your team. And offer an overview of your financial plan.

Company Analysis

In your company analysis, you will detail the type of doggie daycare business you are operating.

For example, you might operate one of the following types:

• 100% cage-free : this type of doggy daycare allows dogs to freely roam the facility, under the supervision of a staff member.
• Cage-free play : this type of doggy daycare typically cages the dogs for a portion of the day, and allows dogs to play outside their cages at certain times.
• Kennel : this type of doggy daycare offers cages or runs where the dog remains for the entirety of the stay.
• Indoor-only doggy daycare : this type of dog daycare has indoor-only facilities, where dogs interact and play indoors, as well as relieving themselves in a designated indoor area.
• Indoor and outdoor doggy daycare : this type of dog daycare has both indoor and outdoor areas for dogs to enjoy.
• Extended-stay dog boarding : this type of doggy daycare provides care for an extended time while the owners are on vacation.

In addition to explaining the type of doggie daycare you operate, the Company Analysis section of your business plan needs to provide background on the business.

Include answers to question such as:

• When and why did you start the business?
• What milestones have you achieved to date? Milestones could include sales goals you’ve reached, new facility openings, etc.
• Your legal structure. Are you incorporated as an S-Corp? An LLC? A sole proprietorship? Explain your legal structure here.

Industry Analysis

In your industry analysis, you need to provide an overview of the doggie daycare business.

While this may seem unnecessary, it serves multiple purposes.

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

Secondly, market research can improve your strategy particularly if your research identifies market trends. For example, if there was a trend towards 100% cage-free dog daycare, it would be helpful to ensure your plan calls for this accommodation.

The third reason for market research 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 doggie daycare business plan:

• How big is the dog daycare business (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 market for your dog daycare. 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 doggie daycare business plan must detail the customers you serve and/or expect to serve.

The following are examples of customer segments: pet owners aged 30 to 49; pet owners aged 50 to 64, etc.

As you can imagine, the customer segment(s) you choose will have a great impact on the type of doggie daycare you operate. Clearly baby boomers would want a different atmosphere, pricing and product options, and would respond to different marketing promotions than millennials.

Try to break out your target customers in terms of their demographic and psychographic profiles. With regards to demographics, include a discussion of the ages, genders, locations and income levels of the customers you seek to serve. Because most doggie daycares primarily serve customers living in their same city or town, such demographic information is easy to find on government websites.

If you plan to offer extended-stay dog boarding as well, you may want to consider segmenting customer behaviors as well. Local dog owners who are planning a vacation would be a targeted segment for marketing and advertising.

Psychographic profiles explain the wants and needs of your target customers. The more you can understand 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 doggie daycare businesses.

Indirect competitors are other options that customers have to purchase from you that aren’t direct competitors, such as dog walkers. You need to mention such competition to show you understand that not everyone who owns a dog uses a doggie daycare each day.

With regards to direct competition, you want to detail the other dog daycare centers with which you compete. Most likely, your direct competitors will be dog daycares located very close to your location.

For each such competitor, provide an overview of their businesses 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 dog daycare services do they offer?
• 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 stand outside your competitors’ locations and ask customers as they leave 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 superior dog daycare services?
• Will you provide doggie daycare services that your competitors don’t offer?
• Will you make it easier or faster for customers to use your services (e.g., reservations via a mobile app)?
• 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. This might include adding grooming services, boarding services, mobile-friendly services or other pet care services. Also, consider getting involved with your local animal shelters to build community involvement and spread the word about your dog daycare facility.

Marketing Plan

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

Product : in the product section you should reiterate the type of dog daycare that you documented in your Company Analysis. Then, detail the specific services you will be offering. For example, in addition to regular dog daycare, will you offer items such as premium food, a water park, one-on-one staff attention, grooming, etc.?

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

Place : Place refers to the location of your dog daycare. Document your location and mention how the location will impact your success. For example, is your doggie daycare located next to a heavily populated office building, or gym, etc. Discuss how your location might provide a steady stream of customers.

Promotions : the final part of your dog daycare marketing plan is the promotions section. Here you will document how you will drive customers to your location(s). The following are some promotional methods you might consider:

• Making your dog daycare’s front store extra appealing to attract passing customers
• Advertising in local papers and magazines
• Reaching out to local bloggers and websites
• Partnerships with local organizations (e.g., pet store purchasers get a free day of dog daycare with each $100+ purchase)
• Social media marketing
• Local radio advertising
• Banner ads at local venues

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 dog daycare such as check-in, procuring supplies, keeping the facility clean, etc.

Long-term goals are the milestones you hope to achieve. These could include the dates when you expect to serve your 1,000th customer, or when you hope to reach $X in sales. It could also be when you expect to hire your Xth employee or launch a new location.

Management Team

To demonstrate your dog daycare’s ability to succeed as a business, 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 the dog daycare business. 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 like mentors to your business. They would help answer questions and provide strategic guidance. If needed, look for advisory board members with experience in dog daycares and/or successfully running small businesses.

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 revenues 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 you serve 50 customers per day or 100? 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 : While balance sheets include much information, to simplify them to the key items you need to know about, balance sheets show your assets and liabilities. For instance, if you spend $100,000 on building out your dog daycare, that 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 bank writes you a check for $100,000, 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 make sure 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.

In developing your Income Statement and Balance Sheets be sure to include several of the key costs needed in starting or growing a dog daycare:

• Location build-out including design fees, construction, etc.
• Cost of equipment like kennels, dog beds, activity centers, etc.
• Cost of food and treats and maintaining an adequate amount of supplies
• Payroll or salaries paid to staff
• Business insurance
• Taxes and permits
• Legal expenses

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 facility design blueprint or location lease.

Doggie Daycare Business Plan Summary

Putting together a business plan for your dog daycare is a worthwhile endeavor. If you follow the template above, by the time you are done, you will have an expert dog daycare business plan; download it to PDF to show banks and investors. You will really understand the dog daycare business, your competition and your customers. You will have developed a marketing plan and will really understand what it takes to launch and grow a successful dog daycare. You will know everything you need about opening a dog daycare business!

Don’t you wish there was a faster, easier way to finish your Dog Daycare business plan?

OR, Let Us Develop Your Plan For You

Since 1999, Growthink has developed business plans for thousands of companies who have gone on to achieve tremendous success.   Click here to see how Growthink’s business planning advisors can create your business plan for you.

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How to Write a Dog Daycare Business Plan

• January 11, 2023

Whether you’re looking to raise funding from private investors or to get a loan from a bank (like a SBA loan) for your dog daycare, you will need to prepare a solid business plan.

In this article we go through, step-by-step, all the different sections you need in the business plan of your dog daycare . Use this template to create a complete, clear and solid business plan that impress banks, investors and get you funded.

1. Executive Summary

The executive summary of a business plan gives a sneak peek of the information about your business plan to lenders and/or investors.

If the information you provide here is not concise, informative, and scannable, potential lenders and investors will lose interest.

Though the executive summary is the first and the most important section, it should normally be the last section you write because it will have the summary of different sections included in the entire plan.

Why do you need a business plan for a dog daycare?

The purpose of a business plan is to secure funding through one of the following channels:

• Obtain bank financing or secure a loan from other lenders (such as a SBA loan )
• Obtain private investments from investment funds, angel investors, etc.
• Obtain a public or a private grant

How to write an executive summary for a dog daycare ?

Provide a precise and high-level summary of every section that you have included in the business plan of your dog daycare business. The information and the data you include in this segment should grab the attention of potential investors and lenders immediately.

Also make sure that the executive summary doesn’t exceed 2 pages in total: it’s supposed to be a summary for investors and lenders who don’t have time to scroll through 40-50 pages, so keep it short and brief.

The executive summary usually consists of 5 major sub-sections:

• Business overview : here you must go in detail about what is your business model: short-term vs. long-term daycare, whether you offer additional services (grooming, veterinary, etc.) and whether it’s a franchise or an independent business. Also explain where the daycare will be located, your pricing strategy and what sets you apart from other businesses.
• Market analysis : summarise the market where you will operate and provide a brief about your target market , target audience , spending capability, etc. Also give certain data points about the dog daycare industry in the area where you want to operate (size and growth), as well as an overview of the main competitors, etc.
• People : introduce the management team and employee structure
• Financial plan: how much profit and revenue do you expect in the next 5 years? When will you reach the break-even point and start making profits? You can include here a chart with your key financials (revenue, gross profit, net profit )
• Funding ask : what loan/investment/grant are you seeking? How much do you need? How long will this last?

Pet Daycare Financial Model

Download an expert-built 5-year Excel financial model for your business plan

2. Dog Daycare Business Overview

Here, you shed more light on your dog day care concept while answering questions potential funders will likely ask. For instance:

• Why did you decide to open a dog daycare today?
• Where is your daycare located, and why did you choose that location?
• How many square feet is your dog day care? What are the amenities you plan to offer?
• Is this a franchise or an independent business?
• How many employees will you hire to run your day care?
• Will you provide any additional services (grooming, veterinary, etc.)?
• What legal structure will you adopt for your business?

a) History of the Project

Any business overview must start with explaining the history of the project. There are 2 components here:

• Passion & experience of the business owner
• Rationale behind opening a dog daycare today

Passion & experience

You may or may not have prior experience. If you have experience, speak about it and how it will help you to run your business. For instance, you may have worked as a manager in one of the leading dog daycare franchises in the country and want to start your own.

Is there a certain problem (or perhaps, a set of problems) that your dog daycare will solve? For example, the neighborhood where you want to operate may have many dog owners working downtown that need dog sitting services for their pets during the week.

b) Business model

This section of Business Overview should explain the model you want to adopt for your dog daycare. Here are a few questions you must answer:

• Is this an independent business or a franchise?
• Where will your dog daycare facility be located? 
• What will be the opening hours / days of your business?
• What services will you offer (dog training, grooming, pick-up-and-drop-off, etc.)

c) Pricing strategy

After explaining what type of services you plan to offer, you should lay out here your pricing strategy. Dog daycare businesses typically have different rates: hourly, daily, weekly or even monthly rates.

In addition to the prices, make sure to explain what are the services included for each. For example, you can have standard day care price packages while some customers may want to pay extra for additional services (e.g. pick up and drop off).

e) Company Legal Structure

Finally, your business overview section should specify what type of business structure you want:

• Is this a corporation or a partnership (LLC) ?
• Who are the investors? How much equity percentage do they own?
• Is there a Board of Directors? If so, whom? Do they have any experience in the industry?

3. Market Overview

A complete understanding of the market where you want to operate is important for the success of your business. That’s also something you must showcase in your business plan.

You must cover here 3 important areas:

• Industry Size & Growth : how big is the dog daycare industry in your area? What is its growth rate (or decline rate) and what are the factors contributing to its growth or decline?
• Competition Overview : how many competitors are there? How do they compare vs. your business? How can you differentiate yourself from them?
• Customer Analysis : who is your target audience? What kind of daycare services do they need?

a) Dog Daycare Industry Size & Growth

How big is the dog daycare industry in the us.

The US pet daycare industry represents $4.5 billion and over 16,000 firms across the country: that’s an average annual turnover of $280,000 per dog daycare.

The pet daycare industry itself is expected to double by 2030 with a 10% CAGR from 2022-30 ..!

After getting a clear picture of the dog daycare industry in the US, narrow down to your location. It’s very likely that you won’t find the number anywhere (at least not for free). In that case, you can use our guide to estimate the TAM, SAM, and SOM for your business.

Here is an example of how to do it:

We already know the average annual turnover per daycare is $280,000. Therefore, if the city where you will operate has a total of 10 dog daycare businesses, the industry is worth about $2.8 million in your area.

b) Dog Daycare Competition Overview

Studying your competitors’ business models is vital. You need to understand what makes them successful or why they fail. Look into what is their business model, the services they offer, their marketing strategies, etc.

We strongly recommend to do some research and create a comparative table like the example below:

Dog Daycare SWOT analysis

SWOT stands for Strength, Weakness, Opportunities, and Threats. This analysis will help lenders and investors better understand how you compare vs. competitors as well as the overall risk and reward profile of your business.

Here is a sample that you can use as a reference:

• Strengths : 5 years of experience working in a dog day care, well-trained staff, spacious day care facility
• Weaknesses: no brand reputation, limited marketing budget
• Opportunities : day care situated in a neighbourhood with many dog owners
• Threats : popular dog day care franchises in the area

c) Customer Overview

Here, you need to show whoever looks through your business plan that you understand your target audience’s needs and preferences.

Some important points that you must include in your customer analysis include:

• Percentage of dog owners
• Number of dogs per 100 inhabitants
• Type of pet care services they need

4. Sales & Marketing Strategy

This is the section of your business plan where you outline your customer acquisition strategy. Try to answer the following questions:

• What is your Unique Selling Proposition (USP)?
• What are the different marketing strategies you will use?
• How do you intend to track the success of your marketing strategy ?
• What is your CAC or customer acquisition cost?
• What is your marketing budget?
• What introductory promos and offers do you intend to provide for attracting new customers?

What marketing channels do dog day care shops use?

The standard marketing channels include:

• Pay-per-click campaigns (e.g. Google ads)
• Social media
• Referral programs
• Billboards & signage

What are your Unique Selling Points (USPs)?

Your dog day care will just be one among many if you don’t distinguish yourself. Your USPs won’t be difficult to get once you’ve analyzed your target audience, competition, and business model.

For example, one of your USPs can be to pick up dogs from their owners’ homes and drop them off once your day care closes or offer lodging services for dogs whose owners travel regularly.

5. Management & People

You must address 2 things here:

• The management team and their experience/track record
• The organizational structure : different team members and who reports to whom?

Small businesses often fail because of managerial weaknesses. Thus, having a strong management team is vital. Highlight the experience and education of senior managers that you intend to hire to oversee your dog daycare business.

Describe their duties, responsibilities, and roles. Also, highlight their previous experience and explain how they succeeded in their previous roles.

Organization Structure

Even if you haven’t already hired a manager and daycare personnel, you must provide here a chart of the organizational structure defining the hierarchy and reporting lines of your business.

Of course, the number of employees and their roles will vary depending on the capacity of your dog daycare (the number of dogs you can take care of). It will also depend on the services you offer (grooming, veterinary clinic, etc.).

6. Financial Plan

The financial plan is perhaps, with the executive summary, the most important section of any business plan for a dog daycare.

Indeed, a solid financial plan tells lenders that your business is viable and can repay the loan you need from them. If you’re looking to raise equity from private investors, a solid financial plan will prove them your dog daycare is an attractive investment.

There should be 2 sections to your financial plan section:

• The startup costs of your project (if you plan to start a new dog daycare facility, add a new location to your chain, etc.)
• The 5-year financial projections of your business

a) Startup Costs

Before we expand on 5-year financial projections in the following section, it’s always best practice to start with listing the startup costs of your project. For a dog daycare, startup costs are all the expenses you incur before you start making sales. These expenses typically are:

• The acquisition of the real estate (if you buy)
• The lease deposit (if you rent)
• The renovation and equipment costs
• The equipment
• License & permits, business insurance, etc.

b) Financial Projections

In addition to startup costs, you will also need to build a solid 5-year financial model that you will include in your dog daycare business plan.

Note that your financial projections should be built using a spreadsheet (e.g. Excel or Google Sheets) and presented in the form of tables and charts in your business plan.

As usual, keep it concise here and save details (for example detailed financial statements, financial metrics, key assumptions used for the projections) for the appendix instead.

Your financial projections should answer at least the following questions:

• How much revenue do you expect to generate over the next 5 years?
• When do you expect to break even?
• How much cash will you burn until you get there?
• What’s the impact of a change in pricing (say 10%) on your margins?
• What is your average customer acquisition cost?

You should include here your 3 financial statements (income statement, balance sheet and cash flow statement). This means you must forecast:

• The number of dogs you will take care of (the customers) ;
• Your expected revenue ;
• Operating costs to run the business ;
• Capex (cost to renovate the facilities, furniture and equipment, etc.)

When projecting your financials, make sure to sensitize sales volume (customers), pricing as well as the expenses (inventory, salaries, etc.). Indeed, a small change in these assumptions may have a significant impact on your revenues, and most importantly, your profits.

7. Use of Funds

This is the last section of the business plan of your dog daycare. Now that we have explained what your business model is, what type of services you offer, how you get customers, etc., this section must now answer the following questions:

• How much funding do you need?
• What financial instrument(s) do you need: is this equity or debt, or even a free-money public grant?
• How long will this funding last?
• Where else does the money come from? If you apply for a SBA loan for example, where does the other part of the investment come from (your own capital, private investors?)

If you raise debt:

• What percentage of the total funding the loan represents?
• What is the corresponding Debt Service Coverage Ratio ?

If you raise equity

• What percentage ownership are you selling as part of this funding round?
• What is the corresponding valuation of your business?

Use of Funds

Any business plan for a dog daycare should include a clear use of funds section. This is where you explain how the money will be spent.

Will you spend most of the loan / investment in paying your employees’ salaries and the COGS (inventory)? Or will it cover mostly the cost for acquiring the real estate and renovations?

For the use of funds, we also recommend using a pie chart like the one we have in our financial model template where we outline the main expenses categories as shown below.

Related Posts

How to Start a Dog Daycare in 10 Steps: Checklist

Privacy Overview

The Ultimate Guide to Starting a Dog Daycare Business

For animal lovers, the idea of opening a dog daycare in their community seems like a dream come true.  At first glance you will think only about the best aspects of running your own dog daycare business; adorable dogs playing, running, sniffing, jumping, digging, and tail wagging.  However, it’s important that as you build your business plan for opening your own dog daycare business you dig a little deeper and understand that while it has a ton of benefits to do what you love, it’s also just like starting any other small business and has a ton of challenges and barriers to building a business that is profitable and can be a pillar in your local community.

If you’re among the many new entrepreneurs venturing into the world of dog daycare, you’ve likely invested considerable time and effort into selecting the perfect location, navigating permits, securing financing, and refurbishing your facility to launch your business.

The purpose of this article is to provide a step-by-step guide on how to start a successful dog daycare business.  At  Kennel Connection , we have helped hundreds of dog daycare businesses open their doors with 35+ dogs on day 1.  We have built a dog daycare software platform that is designed to streamline the pet care operations of your facility, deliver amazing customer experiences, and automate marketing and customer communication while driving revenue and profits to make it easier for you to deliver the highest quality of pet care in your area.

The Growing Demand for Dog Daycare Services

Over the last decade, dog daycare businesses have been opening at a rapid pace across both the US and Canada.  As of 2022, there were over 25,000 dog daycare business locations in the United States serving over 65 million households

The average facility will deliver dog daycare services for around 40 dogs per day, but the market is filled with profitable dog daycare businesses that operate in their home for 5-10 dogs per day as well as large-scale facilities that are doing 200+ dogs per day in daycare. As a new dog daycare business owner you need to decide what size business you want to build.

Market Research & Planning for Your Dog Daycare Business

One of the most challenging aspects of opening a dog daycare is finding a location that is zoned correctly, applying for permits, and determining if the market has the appropriate demographics to support a profitable dog daycare business.  You want to look at population size, income levels, registered dog owners, age of residents, education level, and health coverage.  Sites like  https://data.census.gov/  will provide detailed demographic information and when you filter the data by county, you can get some very detailed level indicators to help you determine if the community would support your dream of opening a dog daycare business.  

Key Considerations in Dog Daycare Market Analysis

As you evaluate the market, the one key factor to consider is that the average dog daycare customer will only travel 7 miles to attend your dog daycare business regularly.  So you should be on the lookout for a building that is 5,000 to 10,000 square feet (depending on your access to capital) that also has outdoor space of at least 1,000 square feet.  Location is key in selecting the right area for your business, but finding a location that is zoned properly that is also easy to find can be time-consuming and might prove difficult. 

Estimating Your Dog Daycare Startup Costs

As in all things, the cost of what you buy and build is going to vary greatly on the location you are looking, the square footage of the building, the number of private runs you build, and what type of improvements are going to be needed.  I have met dog daycare business owners who were able to open a 5000 square foot dog daycare business with less than $50,000 and I’ve also met dog daycare owners who have 25,000 square feet and spent $4,000,000.  As you start to dig a bit deeper into your dream of owning and operating a dog daycare facility, below are some of the things that you should consider. 

Runs/Rooms/Kennels

There are several main options in the pet industry for places where your dogs will rest between social play.  Mason Kennels is one of the largest providers of kennels, but I prefer a small company called Gator Kennels out of Texas.  The key to making this investment last is using the right type of cleaning solutions.  But if you are handy or know someone who can help, I have also walked through beautiful facilities that use cement cylinders that are filled and stacked 8 feet high (you want the walls to be high to dampen the noise, provide privacy for each pet, but also because some dogs are amazing escape artists.

You have a lot of options when choosing the flooring type for your dog daycare.  I’ve seen some beautiful facilities use just sealed concrete, I’ve seen others spend tens of thousands on Permatek flooring, and even seen rubber floors.  If budget is not an issue, luxury resorts across the US typically install Permatek flooring because it’s easy to clean, will last a lifetime, and does not get slippery when wet.

One thing that you will find out quickly if you have never worked at a dog daycare is that you are ALWAYS cleaning.  Your staff will be using a variety of tools and a lot of water to keep your dog daycare smelling its best and eliminate diseases and bacteria.  Because of the necessary cleaning protocols, you want to make sure that you have drainage in every run, in main play areas, and that the slope of the flooring is helping you get everything into the drain vs making your life more difficult.

Ventilation System

When you are evaluating air exchanges & proper ventilation in your dog daycare facility design, you want to understand how many air changes happen per hour.  You must balance the need for fresh air with the need for an energy-efficient system. Without proper air circulation, you’ll run into issues with odor, bacteria, and disease transmission.  The most efficient systems will set up different zones (for larger facilities) so you can optimize the efficiency of the system.

Air Purification

The health and safety of the dogs in your care is key because if you have an outbreak of a dog illness, you might have to close your doors for a week or two.  If you are serious about safety, then Pet Areapy has the best UV disinfection tools available in the market. 

Outdoor Turf

Turf is a definite investment that I believe pays for itself.  It looks beautiful when you are doing tours of your facility, it’s fairly low maintenance and it eliminates mud and dirt which makes sending home dogs clean one less thing you have to worry about.  There are a few keys to turf and it all starts with the install.  You need to have a few layers of rock, sand, and soil between the turf to allow for proper drainage.  If you fail to prepare the group for a turf install, you will be plagued with a nasty odor from eliminations, and the turf won’t hold up.  If you want to go 100% turf, the leader in the space is K9 Grass.  The thatching on the bottom of their turf design allows for amazing drainage and you can expect it to last 10-15 years.  If you don’t have the $30,000+ for installing turf, some new products came into the market that allow grass to grow through a barrier that improves the quality of your grass and can also drastically reduce the mud factor. 

Navigating Legal & Regulatory Requirements

The legal and regulatory requirements to open a dog daycare business will vary significantly depending on the city & county you are looking at.

Most locations will require you to register your business, obtain a dog daycare and/or dog boarding license & special use permits based upon the zoning of your location as well as secure business insurance.  I would suggest looking at  The Hartford as they insure a ton of dog daycare businesses that are currently using the Kennel Connection dog daycare software. 

You will need 3 types of insurance coverage to ensure you are covered. 

• Commercial Liability Insurance:  This insurance covers your business if an accident were to occur in the day-to-day operations of your dog daycare. For example, a customer might slip and get injured within your daycare, or a pipe could burst in your facility and damage nearby businesses. 
• Property Insurance:  Property insurance covers your physical daycare facilities and equipment if something like a natural disaster, robbery, or fire occurs. 
• Professional Liability Insurance:  This insurance type relates to any accidents or injuries that directly relate to the activities of your dog daycare. For example, two dogs could get in a fight, or a dog could break free and run away. Your professional liability insurance can protect you and your business from fault in these instances. 

How to Price Your Dog Daycare Services Effectively

The appropriate pricing for your dog daycare is NOT based on what competitors in your area are pricing.  The pricing for your daycare services, packages, and enrichment should be based upon a model of your fixed and variable expenses, the capacity of your playgroups, employee pay, and your dog-to-staff ratios.  The average price across the US for a day of dog daycare is $35/per day.  If you are focused on enrichment daycare, the average rate is closer to $48/per day.  The price per day of daycare will vary by location with it being higher on the coasts and major metro areas and a little lower in rural areas where there is less demand for dog daycare services. The main goal when setting pricing is that your labor expense will be 30% of revenue for every category of service (including manager and owner salaries).  If your expenses are higher, which require higher prices, then you will need to ensure you are marketing your staff training protocols, certifications, the different services you are offering, and your approach to sending a dog home the best version of themselves. 

Variable Expenses

Below are the most common variable expenses you will encounter when operating your dog daycare business. 

• Labor for Services
• Grooming Supplies (scissors, shampoos, clippers, outfits, 
• Pet Assurance Costs
• Gas for Pick-up & Drop-off 

Fixed Expenses

Below is a list of the most common fixed expenses you will encounter when operating your dog daycare business.

• Rent/Mortgage Payments
• Property Taxes
• Utilities (Gas, Electric, Water)
• Cleaning Supplies
• Support Staff
• Facility Manager
• Marketing Expenses

Packages & Memberships

The other consideration when building your daycare program is to design the right types of packages and membership plans.  New dog daycare business owners should try to NOT discount a daycare package; instead, they should include free enrichment services based on how many days they purchase.  By including ‘near zero labor’ enrichment services you are going to help boost the adoption of the enrichment across daycare, boarding, and even grooming services. For every 10 dog daycare days that they purchase in the package, the pet parent should receive 1 free enrichment service.   Below are some of the best-selling ‘near zero labor’ enrichment services. 

• K9 IQ Puzzles
• Snuffle Mats
• Small Group Bacon Bubbles
• Report Cards
• Small Group Sniff Walks
• Bedding Upgrades

Build a Forecast Model

The key to building any profitable business is making sure that you know your numbers inside and out.  You need to be realistic and detailed in understanding your estimates of building costs, fixed and variable expenses, growth in acquiring customers, the required labor costs, and having a plan for the unexpected issues that will arise. For your dog daycare business, you will want to focus on several key metrics. 

Break Even Point

This is how many daycare dogs you need each day to cover all expenses (fixed & variable)

Profit per Pet

This number will fluctuate but should be used as a guide to know when it makes financial sense to cap the number of dogs per day based on the dog-to-staff ratios you have set.

Average Revenue per Pet Day (benchmark is $45)

With a baseline rate of $35/day, you will hit this benchmark by focusing on enrichment services and departure baths. 

Percentage of Daycare with Enrichment Activity (benchmark is 60%)

Enrichment services that are near zero labor will help reduce your overall labor as a percentage of revenue and ultimately drive profitability.  It’s key here that you train staff on how to make these personalized recommendations to send the dog home the best version of themselves.

Daycare Evaluations per Week (benchmark is 10)

You will need a minimum of 5 per week to have any growth based upon customer churn of 20% annually. 

Daycare Conversions (benchmark is 90%)

The ideal conversion is going to purchase a package and the goal is 90%, but if they don’t buy a package the secondary goal is to at least book their next daycare day. 

Labor as a Percentage of Revenue (benchmark is 35%)

While the benchmark is 35%, the smaller the percentage the higher your profits.  I have seen large-scale facilities (200+ dogs per day) have a labor percentage of 25%, but I must warn you that this is extremely difficult.  It’s very helpful to have clients pre-book so you know how many dogs to expect each day and as you might guess, these facilities are not operating at a 10 to 1 dog-to-staff ratio. 

Average Dogs Per Day (no benchmark on this; it will depend on square footage & labor)

Every dog daycare will have a typical ‘slow day’ that is consistently on the same day of the week.  The goal for you as a business owner is to create an Enrichment Calendar that will incentivize dog owners to come to daycare on these days to make them less slow.  Any time a customer purchases enrichment, be sure to send them a report card to include the pet parent in the experience. 

Active Daycare Clients

This number should be calculated monthly and is reflective of how many dogs came in at least 1 time in the past 30 days.  As you think about growth for your business, the goal is to get each level of client to come in 1x more week/month than they did the previous month.  These small gains will add up to a large growth month over month. 

At-Risk Daycare Dogs

The at-risk daycare dogs should be looked at every two weeks and it’s ideal if you build in a communication plan to re-engage customers who have not used daycare within the past two weeks.  This is where it’s helpful to use dog daycare software, as you can automate this process of reporting and create automated email triggers to reach out to those customers.  The other way to ensure you reduce the “at-risk” clients is by creating a monthly free enrichment schedule.  This will incentivize clients to come in and enjoy a day of fun. 

Daycare Package Sales

Daycare packages are a great tool to reward clients who come in often, but it’s also a way to ensure you are building up cash flow.  I typically recommend that you do not discount the daily rate for a package, but instead offer a free enrichment service for every 10 days a client purchases. I would also recommend that all packages have a 30 to 60-day expiration date to encourage clients to come in multiple times per month. 

Hiring the Right Staff for Your Dog Daycare Business

One of the biggest challenges in the dog daycare industry is finding staff that is responsible, dependable, and loves doing the hard work needed to operate a successful dog daycare.  Playing with dogs all day seems like a dream to any pet lover, however, you must set expectations from the first conversation with potential staff members that only a fraction of their time is playing with dogs.  You will want to prepare new staff members for the cleaning requirements, picking up dog poop, and documenting everything from feedings to medications to incidents and injuries.  Dog daycare staff can’t only be ‘dog people’, they need to have good communication skills, be team players, be hard workers, be dependable, and be flexible. To ensure that you only hire the best, you will want to do a mix of phone screenings, in-person interviews, and paid trial days.  Once you are both sure that they are a good fit for the position, you will want to create a training program so that every staff member understands dog body language, how to break up a scuffle, how to deal with difficult clients, and complete their daily responsibilities.  Several companies have designed dog daycare staff training, but I always recommend  PackPro .  They are owners/operators of a large-scale facility that does over 200 dogs per day; they have cultivated a company culture that staff love being a part of, they are profitable and have created the right processes and policies to ensure daycare is both safe and fun for staff and the dogs. 

The other key to being successful as a dog daycare business is making sure that you include your staff in your vision for the business.  This type of company culture allows your team to take responsibility (and action when appropriate) to ensure you are always delivering the highest levels of customer service.  As a leader of your business, you need to understand what motivates staff, how they want to be praised, preferred rewards, and what their aspirations are.  When you invest in the people they will build your business. Below is a sample staff survey I ask all staff to fill out.

https://pawloyalty.formstack.com/forms/staff_survey

How to Create a Dog Daycare Business Website

Selecting the best website platform for your dog daycare business.

If you are not super technical and you don’t want your website to be an ongoing expense for updating content, uploading pictures, and other maintenance to keep it fresh; then I would recommend using one of the WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get) sites like  Wix  or  Weebly . These tools will allow you to register your domain name, host your website, and provide templates that are pre-configured for a dog daycare business and will cost less than $250 per year. If you are ok with spending a bit more to build a site that is going to be more robust and customizable, then I would recommend using  WordPress . 

Key Elements of a Successful Dog Daycare Website

The modern pet parent is looking for a safe and fun environment for their dogs to socialize, play, jump, chase, and sniff around. They will start their quest for the perfect dog daycare for their furry family member by using Google to find “dog daycare businesses in their town” (typically within 7 miles of their home).  Be sure that your website provides the following items. 

• Clearly state what services you offer.
• Includes a video that shows pet parents what a “day in the life” of a dog is at your daycare facility.
• Includes social proof that the community loves you (using reviews and video testimonials).
• Includes a clear CTA (call to action) for pet parents to schedule their dog daycare evaluation (this should be powered by the dog daycare software solution that you choose to integrate into your website).
• Provides a way for them to ask questions via live chat or a text number (be sure to respond to these as quickly as possible).

SEO Strategies for Dog Daycare Websites

While it’s easy to get a website built using pre-built templates, you need to be sure to optimize the site so that people who are looking for dog daycare services in your area are going to find you in the top 10 results of their Google search. Even as you read through this article, you will notice that I use keywords multiple times so that Google will recognize that my site contains information for people who are searching for specific keywords. (can you guess the 2 keywords that I’m trying to optimize for?)

For a dog daycare business, you want to consider the words that a pet parent would type into Google to find your business.  Once you have identified a few keywords/phrases that you want to rank high for search results, you will then want to start adding content to your website that contains those keywords.  In addition to the content, you will want to update URLs, make sure headers on the page have those keywords, and that your website is mobile-friendly and easily readable.  The one thing I can’t stress enough is that SEO (search engine optimization) is a long-game task.  It requires you to consistently publish content and refresh your website to stay at the top page of Google search results. 

Another way to build authority for your website is to make sure that you register your business listing on all of the free listing sites.  The basics are Google listing, Bing listing, and Yelp, but if you dig a bit deeper you will find that there are over 50 different websites that are appropriate for your dog daycare business to be listed.

Choosing the Best Dog Daycare Software for Your Business

In the pet care industry, the dog daycare software you choose will help run your entire business and will cost anywhere from $100 to $300 per month.  65% of the leading dog daycare software solutions are very similar, so as you evaluate which software is going to be the best fit for your dog daycare business, you will want to dig into what is different.  Dog daycare business owners should look for a software solution that is going to provide the following baseline functionality, however, the key differences in most of the leading solutions are around online reservation requests, customer support, financial reporting, and client marketing.  These core areas of dog daycare software can save you hundreds of labor hours, improve your customer experience, and streamline daily pet care operations allowing your team to deliver the highest quality of care and safety. 

CRM: Customer & Pet Profile Management

This should manage all their contact information, appointment history, notes on each dog, history of texts they’ve received, dog daycare package usage and balance, vaccination, feedings, and medications.

Schedule Management

Regardless of the size of your dog daycare business, you will want to make sure that you know who is in-house, who is arriving, and who is leaving.  You will need to choose your dog-to-staff ratio, create playgroups with dogs who play well together, rotate the dogs who have chosen to personalize their pet’s stay with enrichment activities, and deliver feedings (for some not all) and medications.

POS Payment Integration

Your dog daycare software should provide a way to take payments (cash, check, Venmo, credit cards, debit cards, gift cards, etc).  These payments will integrate directly into the software so you can store credit cards on file, prompt pet parents to tip your staff, take deposits for appointment requests made through your website, and purchase dog daycare packages through your website.  The Kennel Connection dog daycare software solution also includes the ability to “Text to Pay” by sending a link directly to their cell phone.

Financial, Operational & Performance Reporting

As the owner of a dog daycare business, you need to know your numbers inside and out.  There are key performance indicators that you should be looking at weekly to understand the growth of your dog daycare, to understand the profitability, and to uncover the opportunities.  When you are evaluating which dog daycare software is the best fit for your business, be sure to do a deep dive and make sure you can easily get the numbers you need.  If you want to understand what metrics matter most check out this other article on metrics that matter for pet care businesses.

Online Reservation Request Integration

Pet parents doing research into a new dog daycare business should have the ability to take action and book a dog daycare evaluation.  When you use the best dog daycare software you can configure the pet parent customer experience so that they can select their enrichment activities, upload copies of their dog’s vaccinations, digitally sign your liability waivers, and pay a deposit. 

Marketing Automation

After you have worked in the industry as long as I have, you realize that most pet parents have no idea about what happens after they drop off their dog for daycare.  They have no idea how much cleaning occurs, the rotation schedules for the dogs, and the million moving parts to ensure that you foster safe playgroups for both staff and the furry guests they are caring for.  The right dog daycare software solution will have integrated marketing tools that allow you to easily communicate with pet parents through email and text.  They will support your ability to send marketing text messages to improve your average revenue per pet through departure baths and dog daycare enrichment activities and they will drive 5-star reviews with automated check-out texts. 

Employee Management

The right dog daycare software will allow you to customize the access rights for employees to view financial reports, respond to clients via two-way text messaging, update client and pet profiles, and update/manage invoices and payments.  There should also be a built-in time clock for tracking pay for hourly employees and managing commissions for dog groomers and dog trainers. When you leverage a cloud-based dog daycare software you can also restrict employees to only access information within the software when they are onsite at your dog daycare facility and logged into your network. 

Preparing for Your Dog Daycare Business Launch

Before you open the doors to your dog daycare business, you will want to make sure that you have designed an amazing customer and staff experience.  To be successful, you will want to define policies and processes, set standards for how the phone is answered, empower staff to do the “right thing” when something doesn’t go right, and find a pricing & services model that is profitable and differentiates you from the other dog daycare businesses in your area. 

Policies & Processes for a Dog Daycare Business

When a pet care business designs the right processes & policies you can reduce the stress for staff, improve profitability, and ensure you are creating a safe and fun environment for both staff and pets. 

Dog Daycare Rules:

To ensure that you focus on safety first, you will want to decide on the rules for accepting a dog into your dog daycare playgroups.  The most common rules for your dog daycare are age restrictions, vaccination requirements, and having the appropriate dog daycare evaluation process.  The key to remember is that it is “ok” to let a client know that the dog is not a good fit for socialization and offer an alternative solution like a day board when the dog won’t thrive in a social environment. 

Daycare Evaluation Screening & Check-out Experience:

The average dog daycare will lose about 20% of their customers on an annual basis due to behavior changes, customers moving, changes in financial situations, and the unfortunate death of a dog.  To ensure your dog daycare sees the appropriate growth, you need to focus on targeted marketing campaigns to drive a minimum of 25 dog daycare evaluations per month.  The goal of every dog daycare evaluation is to end with a package purchase.  Each business should design an automated email campaign that explains the evaluation process, what makes an ideal daycare candidate, and a special “intro to daycare” package offer at the end of the evaluation.  I believe the ideal package will include 6 days of daycare for the price of 3 with the expectation of the dog coming into daycare 2x per week for the next 3 weeks. 

Check-in Experience:

As a pet parent walks through the front doors of your dog daycare, the ‘look’ of your front desk staff is going to be their first impression.  Having your staff look like they work for a safe and professional dog daycare is key to your brand.  At the bare minimum, every single employee should wear a company shirt (both front desk and daycare attendants).  But the check-in experience is so much more than just a company uniform; it also includes front desk staff coming out from behind the desk to greet the dog and point out the special enrichment activity for the day (ideally written on a chalkboard). 

Drop-off & Pick-up Policies:

 If you are opening your doors with limited staff, then a key to reducing labor and improving profitability is to limit the times clients can pick up and drop off for dog boarding and dog daycare services.  You want to ensure you are somewhat flexible, however, typically I would recommend a drop-off window of 7 am to 10 am and a pick-up window of 3 pm to 7 pm.  This allows you to reallocate front-desk staff hours to cleaning, go-home prep, and other key operational tasks. The other benefit is that your staff can better manage the level of energy of the dogs who are playing to ensure you don’t introduce an overstimulated dog with dogs who have already been playing for a few hours and are ready to be rotated for rest and enrichment. 

Dog to Staff Ratio:

The dog-to-staff ratio can vary greatly from region to region.  In some states like Colorado and North Carolina, these ratios are regulated and can be 10:1 or 12:1, while other states like Texas are allowed to operate 25:1 or higher based on personal preference.  The main factor in determining your personal approach to dog-to-staff ratio should be safety and that will depend upon the training and background of your daycare attendants.  When you operate at a higher dog-to-staff ratio you are reducing your labor as a percentage of revenue (with a target of 30%), but it is a careful balance because safety should be your number one priority. 

Departure Bath Requirements:

As you evaluate your policy around departure baths, each pet care business should consider the potential negative impacts to your brand should you send a dog home after multiple days of playing, covered in their best friend’s slobber and not smelling fresh.  The ideal schedule would be that every regular dog daycare customer would get a bath every two weeks and any dogs that are staying for 3 nights of boarding or more would depart with a bath as well.  Not only does this protect your brand, but it will also improve your average revenue per pet day/night.  The benchmark for success is that 90% of boarding appointments should have a departure bath and 50% of regular daycare clients would be on a regular bath schedule.  To optimize this process your staff should recommend a departure bath at the time of booking, 7 days before check-in as well as at the time of check-in.  In certain cases, it’s also important to give your team authority to provide a free departure bath for dogs who really need it (but be sure to let the customer know and build “goodwill”). 

Deposit and Cancellation Policy:

When you are accepting online reservation requests through your dog daycare software platform, collecting deposits is simple and automated.  Most dog daycare businesses do not require a deposit for daycare services, but it is very common to collect a deposit for dog boarding and pet grooming services.  Deposits can range from $50 per appointment to 50% of the estimated cost.  When you are evaluating the right cancellation policy, I think it should be based on how long you expect it to take to find a replacement for the cancellation.  If you have enough demand to fill a last-minute cancellation within 3 days, then deposits canceled 4 days or more in advance will be refunded.  

Dog Daycare Rotation Schedule: 

The ideal schedule for a dog will include a mix of socialization, mental stimulation, food enrichment, sensory enrichment, and rest.  The rotation schedule you design will allow your staff to deliver enrichment services that will ensure you are sending every dog home the best version of themselves and provide a more enjoyable structured experience for your staff.  I see some of the top-performing facilities using 2-hour rotation schedules. 

Dog Daycare Cleaning Protocols:

As customers enter your facility, you want them to be delighted with the scent of your brand (and that scent should not be “stinky dog”).  Having the correct cleaning protocol for all different service types is going to be a key to brand reputation, as well as the wellness of all the furry guests. While I wish that I could share the ideal cleaning protocols for,  Permatek floors ,  k9 grass ,  puppy playground  equipment,  Gator kennels ,  Kuranda beds , and the dozens of other optional surfaces, that is one aspect of operating a dog daycare that I do not have expertise in.   But what I can tell you is that the experts over at  Animal Health Technologies  have created hospital-level cleaning protocols for every surface that are not only for the health of the dogs but also to ensure your equipment will last for decades. 

Phone Call Scripts:

Creating a phone script for the different types of calls that come into your dog daycare business is key to optimizing the adoption of enrichment services, converting new customers into loyal customers, selling daycare packages, and differentiating your business from the competitors in your area.  Below are the key phone calls that you need to a call script/guide.  

• New Customer Calls: These calls need to be focused on a mix of telling your company story and capturing the necessary information to nurture these leads into loyal customers. 
• Reservation Calls: The goal of these calls is to educate customers on the value of enrichment services and how those services will ensure you can send their dog home the best version of themselves. 
• Pet Parents Check-in Calls: When you use a dog daycare software that includes digital charting, it will streamline communication between daycare attendants and the front desk staff.  This allows you to skip transferring a call and or using your walkie-talkie to get a pet update.  Instead, the digital charting makes all the details available so that, in real-time, you can share a happy update with the pet parents. 

Pet Assurance:

Pet business owners can think of pet assurance as a product that guarantees the pet parents that you will do the right thing, should an injury happen during their time at your facility.  I’ve seen “pet assurance” implemented as a daily rate of $1-3/per day, while other facilities charge $5 per appointment for the assurance.  What I like about “pet assurance” is that it can be used as a marketing tool in conjunction with touting the training process of your pet care team. When implemented along with appropriate safety protocols, pet assurance will become a profit center for your dog daycare business. 

Dog Daycare Supplies & Equipment

The supplies you purchase are going to vary based on the services that you are offering and the budget you have to spend.  The saying ‘you get what you pay for’ is also true for equipment and supplies in the industry.  

Equipment purchases that require a significant investment are Gator Kennels, puppy playground equipment,  iDog Cameras ,  Pet Aerapy UV Disinfection System , cleaning equipment,  washers, and dryers  (make sure you get commercial grade equipment like speed queens), as well as grooming dryers and adjustable tables.  These products should last a decade or longer and require intentional maintenance and care. 

The less expensive supplies to run your dog daycare business are going to be toys & balls, food &  water bowls  (I really like KINN products), leashes, agility equipment, flirt poles, pooper scoopers, and bags, first aid kits, laundry supplies, kitchen supplies and the right cleaning supplies based upon the surfaces and equipment you are needing to keep clean. 

Grand Opening Marketing Plan

Most dog daycare owners are investing significantly in the building of their dream facility, however many are skipping the critical point of creating a solid grand opening marketing plan to ensure their dog daycare business opens its doors with 35+ dogs on day one.  As you build your plan, you will want to ensure it incorporates a mixture of digital marketing, flyers left on cars, media coverage, mailers, partnering with local businesses, and social media.  The best marketers will start promoting their business anywhere from 90 to 120 days before their scheduled opening. 

Digital Marketing

When you think of digital marketing for your dog daycare business, you should be thinking of Google ads with very specific keywords that your ideal customers are looking for; “Dog Daycare in _____ (your town)”.  These are highly specific search terms the dog owners who are actively searching for care for their four-legged family members. You can expect that each lead that is generated is going to cost around $10.  When you are paying for paid keywords, your ad will show up in the top 4 ‘sponsored’ results for those keywords.   The key to optimizing your conversions of these leads is to have a website that allows dog owners to book a daycare evaluation (I like to call them “discovery day”) or make sure that you answer your business line EVERY time it rings.  If you start marketing your grand opening 120 days before opening, I would start with a budget of $500/month for the first 2 months and then $1000 a month for the last two.  With these leads, the goal is to make sure that 90% of the discovery days turn into a purchase of your “Grand Opening Special Package”.  

Flyers on Cars

The average daycare client will travel no more than 7 miles from their home to your new dog daycare business.  You will want to put on your shoes (or hire someone) and make sure that you are delivering these to all cars that are near your business.  The key to a successful flyer is including a QR code on the flyer to make it easy for dog owners to take action and book their ‘discovery day’.  I personally use  Canva  to design beautiful flyers because they have tons of templates and images that can perfectly match your brand with a QR code that links directly to your dog daycare software online booking page. 

There are likely thousands of homes within 7 miles of your business, which could be very costly if you do not refine the delivery list.  The key to mailers is finding the registered dog owners in your area which is available through public records.  I would recommend using the same flyers you designed using  Canva . 

Media Coverage

Media coverage is designed to boost brand exposure and foot traffic to your neighborhood business.  Local TV is surprisingly watched by 75% of adults and finding the right way to get free coverage will be key to a successful launch of your dog daycare business.  Depending on the date you are anticipating opening the business, you will want to craft your pitch to maximize the chances of being featured. Below are the 4 steps necessary to maximize the coverage. 

• Tune into the program you want to be featured on. One of the biggest mistakes in finding the right media coverage is pitching your grand opening to the wrong producer.  The average segment will last about 3 minutes and will be on-location and can either be a demo or an interview.  
• Keep in mind that media is a visual medium so you want to have a planned activity in the background during your interview that catches the viewer’s attention. 
• Subject Line
• Introduce your idea
• Share your credentials
• Describe the visuals
• Call to action
• Provide your follow-up contact information

Partnering with Local Businesses

There are two types of local business partnerships that you are going to want to explore.  The most obvious is going to be businesses that are also focused on providing products and services that are complimentary to your dog daycare business (vets, pet retailers, dog trainers, groomers, etc).  Go into these businesses and introduce yourself, ask if you can leave behind your flyers, and ideally come up with a way to incentivize the cashiers to include a flyer in every bag or receipt they provide.  

The less obvious option for partnerships is finding large local employers and building an “employee perks” program.  You will want to reach out to the Human Resources contact (you can find their name on  LinkedIn ). The ideal solution will not require you to pay for anything but rather offer a special package for their staff to use your services.  Ideally, they would send out a company-wide email 1x per quarter and include either a flyer or welcome packet for all new hires.  

Social Media Marketing

Once your website is up and running, you will want to immediately create a Facebook & Instagram page for your business. Most dog daycare business owners will post cute pictures, announce special activities, and share other educational information for dog owners.  If you connect both accounts, you can have a single post that is automatically shared on both platforms.  Initially, you should post here frequently to build the expectation and drive traffic to your page; I’d recommend daily if not multiple times per day once you are open and have tons of cute pictures to share. 

Other than Facebook and Instagram, I recommend getting on  Nextdoor  as that has grown into a great local community platform.  I don’t think the paid ads work, however posting on Nextdoor a few times per week to boost the community awareness of your new facility will help drive traffic to your website.  If you can get your customers to also comment on your posts about their experience and how much fun their dog has, that will be great social proof for community members to trust your business with their four-legged family members. 

Find Mentors & Subject Matter Experts

Building a business doing what you love is going to require long hours, working holidays, and having hard conversations.  However, with the right plan, the rewards of doing what you love will outweigh all the hard work.  As you embark on the journey as an entrepreneur, you should find several mentors and subject matter experts who can help you along the way.  I have always found it very helpful to also have an ‘accountability partner’; this is someone who you meet with each month to review your numbers and to share your action plan to continue to improve all aspects of your business.  

If you don’t know where to start looking for the right people to help you along the way; in the dog daycare world, Facebook groups can provide both a community and expertise.  The  Dog Daycare & Boarding Best Practices  group, comprising over 6,000 dog daycare experts, is highly engaged.  Members can address a wide array of inquiries and offer extensive insights spanning marketing, financial analysis, pet care operations, safe conflict resolution techniques, and meticulous cleaning protocols. 

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Dog Daycare Business Plan: The 2024 Getting Started Guide

While this guide covers the essentials, there is still much to delve into. You can navigate to specific sections if you already have a good understanding of what you're searching for, or continue reading from start to finish to gain a better understanding.

Get ready to give your furry friends a safe and comfortable home away from home!

How to Start a Doggy Daycare Business?

Before starting your dog daycare business, it's essential to have a clear understanding of several tried and tested concepts as it applies to building a business case and plan. To ensure a solid foundation for your new pet care business, you should begin by creating a detailed financial business plan.  

Profitability calculations will help you establish a path that best suits your situation and goals. To be able to make such calculations, you need to think about a few key questions: 1. What is my mission or goals? 

2. What is my branding and marketing strategy?

3. What kind of competition am I up against?

4. What location should I build my dog daycare business?

5. What licenses, rules and regulations should I be aware of?

6. How much money can I earn running a doggy daycare?

To investigate steps 1-5 a little further, check out our article about starting doggy daycare business  before reading on.

This article focuses on (the 6th step) the creation of your dog daycare business plan.

So how much can you earn running a doggy daycare? And is it worth it? Let's find out.

Will your dog daycare business be profitable?

Luckily it's an easy process to find out.

And we've made it even easier with a detailed calculator below . But first let's learn a little bit more about what we need to find out and plug into this tool.

To ensure profitability in your dog daycare business, it is crucial that the revenue generated from customer payments surpasses the costs associated with providing those services.

Expected Costs:

• Maintenance
• Salaries & Commissions
• Dog food & Treats

For example: to calculate total monthly staff salaries: (# of staff ) x ($ staff hourly wage) x (# of hours per week) x (4.345 Weeks Per Month) x (# of Doggy Daycare Locations)

Note: There are on average 4.345 weeks per month in a given year.

Expected Revenues:

• Doggy Daycare
• Pet Sitting

For example: to calculate the Doggy Daycare Revenues: (Full-Day Daycare $ Rate) x (# Full-Day Services Completed Per Week) x  (4.345 Weeks Per Month) x (# of Doggy Daycare Locations).

Managing the numerous variables involved in operating a profitable dog daycare can be a challenging task. However, by using the appropriate equations and considerations, you can better understand and manage these factors.

These costs can be categorized into two broad categories: Selling, General, and Administrative (SG&A) expenses and Cost of Goods Sold (COGS).

SG&A expenses are indirect costs that are not directly tied to the production of goods and services, such as salaries (facility workers like reception or cleaning staff, marketing and advertising expenses, legal and professional fees, rent and utilities, and other administrative expenses.

COGS , on the other hand, includes the direct costs associated with producing and selling goods, such as materials, labor, and overhead expenses directly tied to the production of services. More specifically, a professional groomer working out of your doggy daycare facility receives 70% commission  for any revenue you make from their services. This would go into the COGS.

Both SG&A and COGS are important metrics for measuring a company's financial performance and profitability, as they provide insight into the efficiency and success of a company's operations.

Calculating Profit from Revenues

Over a period of time, usually monthly: Gross Profit = Total Revenue - Cost of Goods Sold (COGS)

Gross profit is a key financial metric that measures a dog daycare's profitability after accounting for the direct costs of producing and selling its goods or services. It is calculated as the difference between total revenue and the Cost of Goods Sold (COGS). Gross profit is expressed as a dollar amount and as a percentage of total revenue, and provides important information about the success of a doggy daycares core business operations.

Gross profit is calculated by subtracting COGS from total revenue. For example, if a business generates $100,000 in total revenue that month and its groomers and pet sitters take a commission of 70% which is $70,000, its gross profit would be $30,000 ($100,000 - $70,000).

Gross profit is an important metric for evaluating a company's financial performance and profitability because it provides insight into the efficiency of a company's operations. 

Net Operating Profit

Over a period of time, usually monthly:

Net Operating Profit = Gross Profit - Indirect Costs (SG&A)

Net Operating Profit is a measure of a company's profitability that takes into account all operating expenses associated with running the business. It represents the amount of money a company earns after deducting all costs involved in producing and selling its products or services.

The net profit equation is calculated as follows:

Net Profit = Net Operating Profit - Non-Operating expenses 

Listed below are the more common non-operating expenses that a doggy daycare business owner needs to consider:

• Interest expenses: This includes interest on loans or other debts the company has taken on.
• Taxes: This includes any taxes the business may have to pay, such as income tax, property tax, or sales tax.
• Depreciation: This is an accounting expense that reflects the wear and tear of the company's assets, such as its building, equipment, and vehicles.
• Losses from investments: This includes losses from investments the company may have made in other businesses or financial instruments.
• Legal fees: This includes fees associated with any legal matters the company may be involved in.
• Bad debts: This includes any debts that the company is unable to collect from customers.
• Amortization of intangible assets: This includes the expense associated with the gradual reduction in value of intangible assets, such as patents or trademarks.

How To Price Your Doggy Daycare Business?

When the net profit is positive, this means that the business is making more money than it is spending, but even then you need to consider whether the amount is worth your while.

If the net profit is negative, the business is losing money, and it is important to identify the reasons for this loss and take corrective action (maybe you overestimated a cost or underpriced a service or two).

Don't worry if all the above equations and factors seem complicated - Easy Busy Pets has taken care of everything for you. Our Doggy Daycare Profitability Calculator is here to help you analyze your approximate profits with ease.

Start your profit analysis now!

Key Factors For A Winning Dog Daycare Business Plan

✅strong branding, ✅understanding competition, ✅location, location, location.

These concepts are further discussed in a sister article about starting a doggy daycare business . 

✅Modern Doggy Daycare Software

Here at Easy Busy Pets, we are dedicated to delivering the ultimate dog daycare software experience for business owners like you. If you're looking for a top-notch solution to streamline your doggy daycare and grooming operations, don't hesitate to reach out to us. Our team is ready and eager to provide you with more information and help you take your business to the next level. Contact us today !

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Here is a free business plan sample for a dog daycare center.

If you're passionate about dogs and have been considering turning that passion into a business by starting your own dog daycare, you've come to the perfect spot.

In the content that follows, we will guide you through a comprehensive sample business plan tailored for a dog daycare.

As any seasoned entrepreneur will tell you, a robust business plan is crucial for turning your dreams into reality. It serves as a roadmap, outlining your vision, objectives, and the strategies you'll employ to make your dog daycare a thriving enterprise.

To streamline your planning process and get started on the right paw, you can utilize our dog daycare business plan template. Our team is also on standby to provide a free review and fine-tuning of your plan.

How to draft a great business plan for your dog daycare center?

A good business plan for a dog daycare must cater to the unique aspects of pet care services.

Initially, it's important to provide a comprehensive overview of the pet care market. This should include current statistics and also pinpoint emerging trends within the industry, as illustrated in our dog daycare business plan template .

Your business plan should articulate your vision clearly. Define your target market (e.g., busy professionals, families, elderly pet owners) and your daycare's distinctive offerings (such as specialized care for different breeds, additional grooming services, or behavioral training).

Market analysis is a critical component. You need to thoroughly understand the local demand for dog daycare services, the competitive landscape, and the preferences of dog owners in your area.

For a dog daycare, it's imperative to detail the services you will provide. This can range from basic care and supervision to more specialized offerings like obedience training, socialization classes, or luxury pet accommodations.

The operational plan should outline the facility's location, the design of the play and rest areas, the staffing requirements, and the daily care routines. It's also important to discuss partnerships with veterinary services and pet food suppliers.

Quality of care is paramount in a dog daycare. Your plan should emphasize your commitment to animal welfare, staff training, and adherence to pet care regulations.

Then, delve into your marketing and sales strategies. How will you attract new clients and keep them coming back? Consider promotional tactics, loyalty programs, and value-added services that can differentiate your daycare from others.

Incorporating digital strategies, such as a user-friendly website, online booking systems, and an active social media presence, is crucial in the modern marketplace.

The financial section is vital. It should cover the initial investment, projected revenue, ongoing expenses, and the point at which the business will become profitable.

In a dog daycare, it's essential to understand the cost of providing high-quality care and to price your services accordingly. For assistance with this, you can refer to our financial forecast for a dog daycare .

Compared to other businesses, a dog daycare plan must address specific concerns such as pet safety, staff training in animal behavior, and the potential for liability issues.

A well-crafted business plan will not only help you to define your strategy and approach but also to attract investors or secure loans.

Lenders and investors are looking for a thorough market analysis, sound financial projections, and a clear operational strategy for managing a dog daycare.

By presenting a detailed and substantiated plan, you show your dedication and preparedness for running a successful dog daycare.

To achieve these goals while saving time, you can simply fill out our dog daycare business plan template .

A free example of business plan for a dog daycare center

Here, we will provide a concise and illustrative example of a business plan for a specific project.

This example aims to provide an overview of the essential components of a business plan. It is important to note that this version is only a summary. As it stands, this business plan is not sufficiently developed to support a profitability strategy or convince a bank to provide financing.

To be effective, the business plan should be significantly more detailed, including up-to-date market data, more persuasive arguments, a thorough market study, a three-year action plan, as well as detailed financial tables such as a projected income statement, projected balance sheet, cash flow budget, and break-even analysis.

All these elements have been thoroughly included by our experts in the business plan template they have designed for a dog daycare .

Here, we will follow the same structure as in our business plan template.

Market Opportunity

Market data and figures.

The pet care industry, particularly dog daycare services, is experiencing a surge in demand as pet ownership continues to rise.

Recent studies have shown that the global pet care market is valued at over 200 billion dollars, with expectations for continued growth as more people consider pets as part of their families.

In the United States alone, there are thousands of dog daycare facilities, contributing to an industry that generates billions of dollars annually. This underscores the significant role that pet care services play in American society and the economy.

The pet care industry is witnessing several key trends that reflect the evolving relationship between pet owners and their furry companions.

There is a growing emphasis on premium pet services, including luxury dog daycare facilities that offer enhanced amenities such as live webcams, personalized attention, and additional grooming services.

Health and wellness are becoming increasingly important, with dog daycares offering specialized diets, exercise programs, and even relaxation therapies to cater to the well-being of pets.

Technology integration is on the rise, with apps and online platforms making it easier for pet owners to schedule services, track their dog's activities, and communicate with caregivers.

Eco-friendly and sustainable practices are also becoming more prevalent, with facilities using biodegradable waste bags, non-toxic cleaning supplies, and installing energy-efficient systems.

Lastly, the demand for socialization and training services within daycares is growing, as pet owners seek to ensure their dogs are well-behaved and sociable.

Success Factors

Several factors contribute to the success of a dog daycare business.

First and foremost, the safety and well-being of the dogs are paramount. Facilities that prioritize a safe, clean, and stimulating environment are more likely to gain the trust of pet owners.

Customized services that cater to the individual needs of dogs, such as age-specific care or accommodations for pets with special needs, can set a daycare apart from competitors.

A convenient location with easy access for drop-off and pick-up is another critical factor for success.

Exceptional customer service, with a friendly and knowledgeable staff, ensures a positive experience for both pets and their owners, fostering loyalty and repeat business.

Lastly, effective business management, including cost control, marketing strategies, and the ability to adapt to industry trends, is essential for the long-term viability and profitability of a dog daycare.

The Project

Project presentation.

Our dog daycare project is designed to cater to the needs of pet owners who are seeking a safe, engaging, and nurturing environment for their dogs while they are at work or away. Situated in a community with a high number of pet owners, our facility will offer a variety of services including supervised play, socialization opportunities, exercise routines, and rest periods, all tailored to the individual needs of each dog.

We will ensure that each pet receives personalized attention and care, with a focus on their physical and emotional well-being. Our daycare will be equipped with indoor and outdoor play areas, comfortable resting spaces, and will follow the highest standards of cleanliness and safety.

Our goal is to become a trusted partner for pet owners, providing peace of mind that their beloved dogs are in good hands and enjoying their day to the fullest.

Value Proposition

The value proposition of our dog daycare is centered around offering a reliable, caring, and stimulating environment for dogs of all breeds and sizes. We understand the concerns of pet owners and the importance of a dog's well-being, which is why we are dedicated to providing a service that supports both.

Our commitment to quality care, socialization, and exercise ensures that each dog enjoys a fulfilling daycare experience. We aim to build a community of satisfied pet owners who feel confident that their pets are not only looked after but are also developing positively in terms of behavior and social skills.

We strive to be more than just a daycare; we want to be a place where dogs can thrive and where pet owners can find support, advice, and a network of fellow dog lovers.

Project Owner

The project owner is a passionate dog lover with extensive experience in animal care and a deep understanding of dog behavior and socialization needs.

With a background in veterinary assistance and dog training, the owner is committed to creating a top-tier dog daycare that stands out for its personalized care, innovative play programs, and a strong community focus.

Driven by a love for animals and a desire to provide a service that makes a real difference in the lives of pets and their owners, the project owner is the heart of this project, dedicated to ensuring that every dog has a joyful and enriching daycare experience.

The Market Study

Market segments.

The market segments for our dog daycare are diverse and cater to various needs.

Firstly, we have pet owners who work long hours or have demanding schedules, requiring a safe and engaging place for their dogs during the day.

Another segment includes those who travel frequently for business or leisure and need reliable short-term care for their pets.

Additionally, we serve dog owners looking for socialization opportunities for their pets, understanding the importance of interaction for their dog's well-being.

Lastly, veterinarians and pet trainers can be a significant segment as they may recommend our daycare services to clients seeking socialization and exercise for their dogs.

SWOT Analysis

A SWOT analysis of our dog daycare business reveals several key points.

Strengths include a passionate and experienced team, a well-equipped facility, and a strong understanding of pet care and behavior.

Weaknesses might involve the initial costs of setting up a high-quality facility and the challenge of building a reputation in a competitive market.

Opportunities can be found in the growing number of pet owners who treat their pets as family members and are willing to invest in their care, as well as the potential to offer additional services such as grooming and training.

Threats could include regulatory changes affecting pet care businesses and the entrance of new competitors into the market.

Competitor Analysis

Competitor analysis in the dog daycare industry indicates a mix of competition.

Direct competitors include other local dog daycares and pet sitters, as well as larger pet care chains.

These competitors vie for the attention of dedicated pet owners who prioritize the health and happiness of their dogs.

Potential competitive advantages include superior facilities, unique enrichment activities, exceptional staff training, and a strong community presence.

Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of these competitors is crucial for carving out a niche and ensuring customer loyalty.

Competitive Advantages

Our dog daycare stands out due to our commitment to providing a safe, fun, and nurturing environment for dogs.

We offer a variety of services, including playtime, exercise sessions, and rest periods, all supervised by our experienced and caring staff.

Our dedication to pet wellness and happiness allows us to foster a strong bond with our clients and their furry family members.

We also prioritize transparency and open communication with pet owners, providing them with peace of mind that their beloved dogs are in good hands.

You can also read our articles about: - how to open a dog daycare center: a complete guide - the customer segments of a dog daycare center - the competition study for a dog daycare center

The Strategy

Development plan.

Our three-year development plan for the dog daycare is designed to create a haven for dogs and peace of mind for their owners.

In the first year, we will concentrate on building a strong local reputation for excellent care and customer service, establishing trust with pet owners in the community.

The second year will focus on expanding our services, including overnight boarding, grooming, and training programs, to become a comprehensive pet care facility.

In the third year, we plan to explore additional locations and possibly franchise opportunities to extend our loving care to more pets and their families.

Throughout this period, we will prioritize the safety, happiness, and health of the dogs in our care, ensuring that our growth never compromises the quality of our services.

Business Model Canvas

The Business Model Canvas for our dog daycare is centered around pet owners who need reliable, high-quality care for their dogs.

Our value proposition is providing a safe, fun, and nurturing environment for dogs, coupled with convenience and peace of mind for their owners.

We offer our services through our physical daycare center and additional amenities such as pick-up and drop-off services, leveraging key resources like our well-trained staff and pet-friendly facilities.

Key activities include dog supervision, playtime coordination, and customer service excellence.

Our revenue streams are generated from daily daycare fees, additional services like grooming and training, and merchandise sales, while our costs are associated with staffing, facility maintenance, and marketing efforts.

Find a complete and editable real Business Model Canvas in our business plan template .

Marketing Strategy

Our marketing strategy is built on trust and community engagement.

We aim to connect with dog owners by showcasing our commitment to their pets' well-being and highlighting the benefits of our daycare services. Our approach includes community events, partnerships with local veterinarians, and engaging social media content featuring the dogs in our care.

We will also implement a referral program to encourage word-of-mouth recommendations from satisfied clients.

Finally, we will leverage targeted online advertising to reach pet owners in our area, emphasizing the convenience, reliability, and loving attention we provide to every dog.

Risk Policy

The risk policy for our dog daycare is focused on mitigating risks associated with pet care, such as health and safety incidents.

We adhere to strict health and safety protocols, ensuring all dogs are vaccinated and conducting behavioral assessments to maintain a harmonious environment.

Regular staff training ensures high-quality care and emergency preparedness. We also implement a conservative financial management strategy to sustain our business through unforeseen challenges.

Comprehensive liability insurance is in place to protect against potential claims, with the well-being of our canine clients and the trust of their owners as our top priorities.

Why Our Project is Viable

We are passionate about creating a dog daycare that serves the needs of pets and their owners with exceptional care and comprehensive services.

With our dedication to creating a safe and stimulating environment for dogs, and our commitment to customer satisfaction, we believe our business will flourish in the pet care market.

We are eager to make a positive impact on the lives of pets and their families while growing a successful and reputable business.

We remain adaptable to the evolving needs of our clients and are excited about the potential of our dog daycare to become a beloved staple in the community.

You can also read our articles about: - the Business Model Canvas of a dog daycare center - the marketing strategy for a dog daycare center

The Financial Plan

Of course, the text presented below is far from sufficient to serve as a solid and credible financial analysis for a bank or potential investor. They expect specific numbers, financial statements, and charts demonstrating the profitability of your project.

All these elements are available in our business plan template for a dog daycare and our financial plan for a dog daycare .

Initial expenses for our dog daycare include leasing or purchasing a suitable facility, adapting the space to create a safe and stimulating environment for dogs, obtaining necessary licenses and insurance, purchasing equipment such as kennels, play structures, and grooming supplies, as well as costs related to brand creation and launching targeted marketing campaigns to reach dog owners in the community.

Our revenue assumptions are based on a thorough analysis of local demand for dog care services, taking into account the increasing number of pet owners and the trend towards pet humanization.

We anticipate a steady influx of clients, starting with a conservative estimate and expanding as our reputation for quality dog care services grows.

The projected income statement indicates expected revenues from our dog daycare services, including daycare, boarding, grooming, and additional services, minus the costs of operations (supplies, labor, utilities), and other expenses (rent, marketing, salaries, etc.).

This results in a forecasted net profit that is essential for assessing the long-term viability of our dog daycare business.

The projected balance sheet reflects assets specific to our business, such as facility improvements, equipment, and supplies, and liabilities including loans and anticipated operating expenses.

It provides a snapshot of the financial health of our dog daycare at the end of each fiscal period.

Our projected cash flow budget details the expected cash inflows from our services and outflows for expenses, enabling us to predict our cash requirements. This will be crucial for maintaining a healthy cash balance and ensuring smooth operations.

The projected financing plan outlines the sources of funding we intend to tap into to cover our initial costs, such as bank loans, investor capital, or personal savings.

The working capital requirement for our dog daycare will be diligently managed to ensure we have sufficient funds to cover day-to-day expenses, such as employee wages, supply purchases, and facility maintenance.

The break-even point for our dog daycare is the level of sales necessary to cover all our costs, including the initial investment, and to begin generating a profit.

It will signal the point at which our business becomes financially sustainable.

Performance indicators we will monitor include the average revenue per dog, the occupancy rate of our daycare and boarding services, the customer retention rate, and the return on investment to gauge the efficiency of the capital we have invested in the dog daycare.

These metrics will assist us in measuring the financial performance and overall success of our dog daycare.

If you want to know more about the financial analysis of this type of activity, please read our article about the financial plan for a dog daycare center .

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Business Operations

How to Start a Dog Daycare Business In 2023

Many dog owners work long hours, have unpredictable schedules, or just simply need to be out of the house all day. For most of them, spending all day every day with their dogs is their dream, but for many, this simply isn’t possible. 

That’s where you and your new doggie daycare business step in! Lots of pet parents are in search of a caring and reliable person to look after their fur babies and you may be just the person they’re looking for! 

Keep reading to learn how to start your very own doggie daycare and become the number 1 choice for busy pet parents in need of a loving pet professional.

How to start a dog daycare in 8 easy steps.

Step 1: perform market research..

Before you start dedicating hours to building a doggy daycare business, you first need to research the local market. Market research is the analysis of businesses in your area and focuses on the demand for dog daycares, information about the competition, and any legal and zoning requirements. 

Your research is vital for setting up your business as a true competitor in the space and ensuring you aren't hit with any fines or violations down the road.

In your market research phase, you need to also look into what qualifications and experience you would need to start a doggy daycare. For many businesses that work with animals, you need to have, at minimum, experience with those animals and their behavior. You may also need to receive training in first aid and dog CPR depending on the area you are in.

Step 2: Create a budget.

You're likely starting a dog daycare center because you have a special fondness for dogs and want to spend your days playing and caring for them…who wouldn’t! 

You probably want your facility to have the best equipment to ensure the dogs have a wonderful experience. But spending without a budget can be harmful to your business' success. Over 20% of businesses fail within the first 2 years so it’s important to look after the dollars right from the get-go.

Creating a budget will detail your business’ finances to help you better understand what's coming in and going out monthly and annually. This is to ensure you remain profitable and have enough income to cover all of your expenses. 

Budgets can seem intimidating, but they give you a detailed plan of what you expect to earn versus what you actually bring in. With a budget, you can have the tools you need to control your cash flow and avoid overspending. 

So, what should you include in your business budget? You don't need anything fancy; you can start with a simple spreadsheet, but here is a list of items to include in your budget for your dog daycare. 

• Estimated revenue: Your estimated revenue will be what you expect to make monthly. This number is a rough estimate and will come from your market research. Be realistic about your expectations and try to make an educated guess on conservative earnings. 
• Fixed costs : Fixed costs are the items you know you will have to pay for monthly that are consistent. These items include rent, insurance, dog daycare software , accounting software, and banking fees.
• Variable costs: Variable costs are expenses that can change from month to month. These are going to be things like utilities, dog toys, cleaning supplies, marketing costs, and advertising fees. 
• One-time costs: These costs are going to be an expense that you only pay once, such as buying new equipment, paying for training, and obtaining your business license and permits.

It’s a good idea to open a business bank account to keep your personal finances separate from your business finances. This is important to be able to protect your personal assets should anything go wrong. 

Step 3: Write a dog daycare business plan.

Creating a business plan for your dog daycare is essential for setting you up for success. A business plan is a detailed strategy that summarizes your goals and plans for operations, helps secure financing, and forecasts the future of the business. There's a lot that goes into building your dog daycare business plan, and it is the perfect third step on your journey to becoming a business owner.

With a business plan, you don't want to leave anything out. Here's what to include:

1. Executive summary: The executive summary is a quick outline of your business plan for your dog daycare. It will provide the details of your vision for the business, the services you'll offer, marketing strategies, and what you'll need financially to achieve your goals.

2. Company description: As you move through your business plan, the next section will provide information about your company. This will include your experience, years in the industry, what you'll offer, and a more detailed plan for the future of your dog daycare.

3. Services: This section should include the dog daycare services you plan on providing for your clients. You will want to include what each service will cost and any plans for growth or changes in the future.

4. Competitive analysis: In most industries, there's always going to be a competitor you're going up against. The best way to ensure your success is to analyze your business and see how you will differentiate from all the others in the doggy daycare industry. 

5. Marketing plan: Marketing is a broad term that covers all aspects of how you're going to get your business in front of your target demographic. Your marketing plan will cover social media, customer reviews, special promotions, and anything else that will drive your clients to your business.

6. Financial summary: Your business plan will need a financial summary of your current finances and what you expect in terms of sales and growth. It's an opportunity for you to provide information to potential investors or lenders to get the money you need to open your business.

7. Management and team: Who is going to be on board to help you execute your business plan and help you reach your goals? Detail the people in your organization and their roles in your company. If you don't have someone in a role, you can outline the positions you plan on filling in the future.

Step 4: Plan your daycare facility.

You've got your market research, business plan, and a solid budget. You now get to take on the exciting task of planning out your day care centre for dogs. 

The first thing to consider is the location of where you want your dog daycare business to reside. Many people choose to start caring for dogs in their homes, and as they grow their client list, they choose a larger commercial facility.

If you start in your home, you want to ensure you have the right equipment, facilities, amenities, and space for the number of dogs you hope to care for. 

You'll need space for:

• Multiple kennels
• Indoor and outdoor play spaces
• Comfortable bedding
• Sanitary waste disposal and management system
• Feeding areas
• Multiple water bowls

Your doggie daycare can be set up as a basic care facility, to begin with, but it’s also a good idea to consider how you can scale your business to include other services. Does your facility include a space for grooming and training? Perhaps you won’t be needing those spaces in the beginning but it’s good to have them available for when you want to scale.

Step 5: Address legal requirements for dog daycares.

Whether you operate your dog daycare from your home or a commercial facility, most dog daycares are required to follow the same legal requirements. These will be stipulated by your local government. In some states, your dog daycare facility (including home-based businesses) may also need to be licensed. Be sure to check your local government’s website to see which regulations you have to be following.

In general, most dog daycare businesses will require you to:

• Select a business structure: Choose your business structure to determine how your business can be taxed. It can be set up as a sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, or corporation. Choosing a certain business structure also offers protection if your business is sued. 
• Register for taxes: You'll need to apply for an EIN through the IRS website to register for your business' state and federal taxes.
• Obtain a business license: Your business license allows you to legally operate in your location. You can refer to your local government's website for more information on what permits and licenses you need to apply for.
• Obtain business insurance : General liability insurance protects you in case you are sued for any injuries to pets or escaped pets that might cause damage to property.
• Obtain property insurance: Property insurance can protect your business if the property is damaged due to fires, floods, natural disasters, or more. 
• Meet zoning requirements : Your doggy daycare facility may need to comply with zoning regulations in your area. You may find that your facility has a maximum number of dogs it can look after at a time.
• Have contracts and waivers: It’s a good idea to have your clients sign liability waivers and contracts before you commence work. You can store all of these contracts and documents in a pet business software tool, such as PetExec . 

Step 6: Address health and safety requirements for dog daycares.

Checking the health and safety requirements for doggy daycare businesses is vital. You may need to follow both local and state requirements and obtain a  facility license to be in compliance with all the regulations. 

When you're housing multiple dogs, monitoring them at all times is essential in avoiding dog fights and injuries. You can invest in cameras or create a space that makes it easy for your employees to watch all the dogs at once.

Cleaning and sanitation help prevent illness from spreading amongst the dogs in your care. If your state does require your facility to have a dog daycare license then good sanitation will definitely be a requirement. Create a daily cleaning checklist to ensure the entire facility is kept clean and tidy.

Step 7: Create your daycare business marketing plan.

With any new business, you need to have a solid marketing plan to let people know you're open for business. Whether you are an introvert or an extrovert, there are plenty of ways to successfully market your new business.

Create a website. 

A website can provide potential clients with information about you and creates credibility. When a new client searches for doggy daycare, an optimized website allows your business to appear near the top of the search results allowing you to take in new clients. 

Get active on social media.

Social media is a great way to market your business and share more about your passions and day-to-day operations. You can create advertisements that appear in local feeds to get your business in front of more eyes. It's also a great way to connect with other local businesses such as veterinarians and pet stores to gain referrals. 

Collect reviews. 

As your business grows, your clients will be able to leave reviews for your business through Google and other review sites. With great customer service, you'll be able to build strong relationships with your clients and earn their trust. PetExec integrates with Broadly to make acquiring reviews a breeze.

Offer discounts and promotions to new clients.

When you're first starting out, your client base will be small, but you can start advertising discounts on services for your doggy daycare to bring in new clients. Then you can dazzle them with great customer service to keep them coming back.

Step 8: Plan daycare operations and hire staff.

Once your doggie daycare is up and running, there are steps you can take to ensure your business continues to run smoothly. Whilst caring for dogs seems like a dream to an outsider, there's a lot to take care of behind the scenes. 

When you first start out, you‘ll wear many hats as you grow and scale your business. You'll be greeting clients, regularly feeding and hydrating dogs, organizing schedules, potentially taking dogs for walks, and more. As you grow, you'll need to hire employees to take on some of the responsibilities. 

Some positions you'll need to consider include:

• Receptionist
• Accounting and bookkeeping staff member
• Employees to manage and look after the dogs
• Dog trainers/dog walkers/dog groomers 
• Social media and marketing expert

The employees you take on should be passionate about dogs and have at least some experience working with them. 

As you bring in more staff, invest in quality training, starting with customer service. Your clients will appreciate dropping their dogs off to friendly, welcoming staff. 

When the time’s right, you can also consider what services you can add to gain new clients and hold on to existing ones. You can add grooming, dog walking, and dog training services. A pet business software tool can help you schedule and manage all of the services you provide.

How can PetExec help your new dog daycare business?

PetExec can help you get your doggie daycare business off the ground. It is considered one of the best business software tools in the pet industry and can help you manage all of your day-to-day operations.

Pet business software reviews.

PetExec has countless positive reviews online from many satisfied customers. 

Software Advice:

Final Thoughts

Starting a doggy daycare can be an incredibly rewarding experience as you go into business doing something you're truly passionate about. By using this simple guide, you can learn how to start a doggy daycare and set yourself up for owning a successful business you love.

Book a free personalized demo with PetExec today to see how they can help you on your entrepreneurial journey!

What is a doggy daycare, and what services does it offer?

Doggy daycare is a service for pet owners to be able to drop off their dogs when they are away for extended periods. Dogs are entertained through playtime or outdoor activities, are provided food and water, and are looked after until their owner returns. 

Do I need any qualifications or experience to start a doggy daycare?

To start a doggy daycare, you need to have some experience working with dogs, but you do not need any formal training or certifications. 

Can I operate a Doggy Daycare out of my home?

It depends on your location. Most cities may not allow you to run your doggy daycare out of your home without the proper zoning and licenses. Check with your local government to find out the requirements in your area.

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Launching a Dog Daycare: A Business Plan PDF Guide

Launching a dog daycare requires a strategic business plan. Our comprehensive PDF guide covers all essential steps to get started.

Embarking on the adventure of opening a dog daycare presents a unique opportunity for animal enthusiasts to turn their passion into profit. Undoubtedly, as pet ownership continues to rise, the demand for quality pet care services follows suit, making it a potentially lucrative entrepreneurial venture.

Our expertly crafted business plan PDF guide is designed to offer clarity and direction, highlighting the critical elements involved in setting up a successful dog daycare. From understanding market needs to financial forecasting, zoning regulations to staffing requirements, this guide is an indispensable tool. It provides prospective business owners with insights into effective marketing strategies, operational logistics, and customer satisfaction principles necessary for fostering a thriving dog daycare environment.

Introduction To Dog Daycare Business

An entrepreneurial journey often begins with a passion and a plan. The Introduction to Dog Daycare Business breathes life into such a dream for pet lovers looking to embark on a new venture. This guide is your blueprint for understanding the in’s and out’s of starting a successful dog daycare.

Rising Trend Of Pet Services

The pet industry is booming worldwide , and dog daycare services stand front and center. Busy lifestyles demand quality care for furry family members. Entrepreneurs are recognizing this opportunity for growth in the pet-care niche.

• Increased pet ownership
• Desire for socialization and exercise for dogs
• Growing disposable income for pet care

Benefits Of Dog Daycare For Pooches And Parents

Peace of mind is priceless for dog parents. A dog daycare service provides numerous advantages:

Dog daycare isn’t just about convenience; it’s a quality of life enhancer . For dogs, it’s about fun, exercise, and learning. For parents, it’s about reliability and trust in their dog’s wellbeing.

Conducting Market Research

Before leaping into the dog daycare business, smart planning is crucial. A key step is market research. This phase helps you understand the demand and know who your competitors are. It also helps in pinpointing your ideal customer. Let’s dive into the specifics that will map out your path to success.

Analyzing Local Demand

Kickstart your business plan by gauging local interest in dog daycare services. Start with these steps:

• Survey the community: Use online tools or paper questionnaires to gather feedback.
• Assess pet population: Find data on local dog ownership numbers.
• Check dog park activity: Observe the traffic and peak times.
• Review local trends: Are pet services on the rise in your area?

Understanding Your Competitors

To stand out, know the competition. Follow these guidelines:

• Compile a list: Identify nearby dog daycare centers.
• Visit their facilities: Note their strengths and weaknesses.
• Analyze service offerings: Compare their services to your ideas.
• Gather pricing info: Understand the pricing landscape.

Identifying Your Target Customer

Knowing your customer shapes your business. Aim for these insights:

• Dog owner demographics: Age, income level, and lifestyle of local pet owners.
• Owner needs: What services do they seek most?
• Engage on social media: Learn what pet owners talk about online.
• Create customer profiles: Represent your ideal customers with clear personas.

Crafting Your Business Plan

Starting a dog daycare requires careful planning and a solid business strategy. A well-crafted business plan is your roadmap to success, guiding every decision. Let’s dive into the core components that will help your dog daycare stand out from the pack.

Mission Statement And Objectives

Defining your dog daycare’s mission sets the stage for your business. It outlines why you’re here and what you wish to achieve. Your objectives give shape to specific, measurable goals . They’ll keep your business on a successful path. Make sure they are clear, achievable, and tailored to your unique brand.

Services And Pricing Structures

A dynamic range of services ensures you cater to every dog’s needs. Consider these popular offerings:

• Full-day care for busy owners
• Half-day options for flexible schedules
• Overnight stays for extended care
• Grooming services for pampering pooches

Set your pricing to reflect the value of your services. It should cover costs while remaining attractive to dog owners. Simple, transparent pricing models work best. They ensure customers understand what they’re paying for.

Marketing Strategy And Branding

Your marketing strategy should shine a spotlight on your brand . Use a mix of online and offline tactics to reach potential customers. Social media profiles, a compelling website, and local networking events are critical in spreading the word. Show what makes your dog daycare special and why clients should pick you over competitors.

Build a memorable brand — logo, colors, and a catchy slogan . These elements help your business stick in minds and hearts. Offer exceptional experiences and encourage word-of-mouth advertising, your most powerful marketing tool.

Setting Up Your Dog Daycare

The journey to launching a dog daycare starts with careful planning and decision-making. Each step you take lays the foundation for a successful business that brings joy to dogs and their owners alike. This guide outlines the crucial elements in setting up your dog daycare to ensure safety, comfort, and compliance with legal standards. Ready to turn your dream into reality? Let’s dive in!

Choosing A Suitable Location

Finding the right spot for your dog daycare is pivotal. The location needs to be easily accessible and inviting to pet owners while providing ample space for pups to play. Consider these points:

• Proximity to residential areas – families should find your daycare effortlessly.
• Safe neighborhood – a secure area ensures peace of mind for clients.
• Zoning regulations – confirm that a pet facility is allowed.

Design Considerations For Safety And Comfort

The design of your daycare should cater to all pooch personalities . Various areas for play, rest, and meals must be considered. Here’s what’s vital:

• Non-slip floors – for secure paw grips during playtime.
• Climate control – to keep the space comfortable year-round.
• Separate zones – for different sizes and temperaments of dogs.
• Emergency exits – well-marked for quick evacuations.

Obtaining Necessary Licenses And Insurance

Before your doors open, tick off all legal boxes:

Don’t skip out on comprehensive insurance . It is crucial for issues that may arise with the dogs or any incidents on the property.

Operations Management

Stepping into the world of pet care requires a solid plan for operations management. This area is the engine of your dog daycare, ensuring everything runs effectively. It includes hiring the right team, creating consistent care routines, and setting up management systems. Let’s explore these elements in detail.

Hiring Qualified Staff

Building a capable team is crucial for your daycare’s success. Look for these qualities:

• Experience: Animal care background is a must.
• Passion: Team members should love dogs.
• Training: Certifications in pet first aid can set your staff apart.

Conduct background checks and hold in-depth interviews to assure a perfect fit.

Establishing Routine Care Procedures

Consistency in care keeps dogs happy and owners trusting. Set daily schedule for:

• Playtime: Group interaction is important.

Make sure to have a detailed cleaning regimen to maintain a healthy environment.

Implementing Booking And Customer Management Systems

An efficient system streamlines appointments and tracking. Use software that offers:

• Online booking for convenience.
• Pet profiles: Stores essential information about each dog.
• Customer histories for personalized care.

Choose a user-friendly platform for both staff and clients. Train staff effectively on these systems.

Financial Planning

Embarking on the journey of launching a dog daycare requires thoughtful financial planning . Every successful business begins with a solid plan for investments and understanding when it will start making profit. This guide will walk through the critical financial aspects such as initial investments, break-even analysis, ongoing expenses, revenue projections, and building diverse income sources for your dog daycare venture.

Initial Investment And Break-even Analysis

Your first step in the financial world of dog daycare involves mapping out initial costs. These initial investments form the foundation of your business and include expenses for facility leasing or purchase, equipment, licenses, and marketing strategies.

Let’s break down these expenses:

• Facility costs : Look for spaces that are safe and welcoming for dogs.
• Equipment : This includes kennels, play equipment, and grooming tools.
• Licenses and Insurance : Stay legally compliant from the start.
• Marketing : Invest in a robust marketing plan to attract clients fast.

Break-even analysis shows when your business will start to make as much money as it spends.

Varies based on location and business size.

Ongoing Expenses And Revenue Projections

Ongoing expenses keep your dog daycare running smoothly after launch. Include monthly rent, utilities, employee wages, insurance, and maintenance in your financial plan.

Create a one-year revenue projection to estimate how much your daycare will earn. Consider the number of dogs you can care for, the services you’ll offer, and your local market rates.

Creating Diversified Income Streams

Diversification can bring stability to your dog daycare business.

Think beyond standard daycare; offer grooming, training, and retail products to increase revenue.

• Grooming Services : Provides a steady influx of income.
• Training Classes : Builds a strong customer base.
• Retail Products : Offers convenience to customers for additional income.

Understand these streams and plan for seasonal trends in dog care and product sales.

Promotion And Growth Strategies

Welcome to the latest chapter of your dog daycare journey, where we explore crucial Promotion and Growth Strategies. A robust business plan isn’t just a launchpad; it’s your growth blueprint.

Building An Online Presence

Your dog daycare needs to shine online. Parents of furry friends turn to the web first. It’s vital. Create a user-friendly website. Make it visually appealing. Showcase happy dogs and smiling staff. Don’t forget Search Engine Optimization (SEO) . Use keywords like “dog daycare,” “pet care,” and your location to climb search rankings. Social media is your best friend here. Post fun dog content. Engage with pet owners. Offer online booking for convenience.

Community Engagement And Partnerships

Local bonds foster business growth. Attend pet fairs. Sponsor dog runs. Host adoption events with local shelters. Connect with pet shops and vets for cross-promotion. Mutually beneficial partnerships boost visibility. Community giving leads to loyal customers and referrals.

Expanding Services And Facilities

Continual improvement sets you apart. Survey your clients. What do they need? More space? Diverse services? Respond with upgrades. Add a grooming station or training classes. Happy dogs and relieved owners equate to positive word of mouth and repeat visits.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a dog daycare business plan.

A dog daycare business plan is a formal document detailing the strategy for operating a canine care facility. It covers objectives, market analysis, services offered, financial projections , and operational guidelines to ensure success and sustainability in the sector.

How To Start A Dog Daycare Service?

Starting a dog daycare service requires research, a comprehensive business plan, securing a location, obtaining necessary licenses, and creating a safe and engaging environment. Marketing strategies and a strong online presence are also key to attracting clients and their pets.

What Should A Dog Daycare Business Plan Include?

A dog daycare business plan should include an executive summary, market research, company description, organization and management structure, service offerings, marketing plans, logistical operations, and detailed financial projections.

How Profitable Is A Dog Daycare Business?

Profitability of a dog daycare business varies with location, services offered, and operational efficiency. Effective cost management and a strong customer base can result in significant profits, with some facilities yielding substantial annual incomes depending on scale and demand.

Embarking on your dog daycare adventure just became simpler. Our comprehensive Business Plan PDF Guide is the toolkit you need to navigate the path to success. With its clear strategies and actionable steps, starting your dream enterprise is now at your fingertips.

Let’s transform your passion for pets into a thriving business today!

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• Purchase History

Dog Daycare Business Plan Template

Trusted by 1,100+ Downloaders

What You Get

• A compelling & detailed pre-written Dog Daycare business plan template in WORD
• A full & automatic Dog Daycare financial plan model in EXCEL you can easily customize
• Customized text tailored to the Pet Daycare business
• The ability to paste advanced charts and tables within a click
• No accounting or specialized financial knowledge needed
• A truly low-cost solution saving you time and money

Dog Daycare Business Plan Template Description

Are you looking to launch a Dog Daycare venture? If yes, then you must create a business plan with financial projections to be able to properly plan a successful launch, and ultimately impress potential investors.

Our ready-made Dog Daycare business plan package is your most cost-effective solution to achieve these goals. It includes a pre-written business plan in Word and an automatic financial plan spreadsheet in Excel tailored to the Pet Daycare business. The good news is that you can easily customize these documents and tailor them to your own project.

Save tons of time and money and download our investor-grade Dog Daycare business plan template, no advanced financial or accounting expertise is required.  

Dog Daycare Business Plan Document in Word

Our ready-made Dog Daycare business plan template is in Word format and includes 23 pages. The document is divided into multiple sections. Each section contains the essential points that are necessary to effectively present your Dog Daycare project. Each section and sub-section offer you a sample text that you can easily customize to make your business plan unique. Below is a small excerpt from your pre-written Dog Daycare business plan in Word.  

Automatic Dog Daycare Financial Model in Excel

Our pre-populated financial model is in Excel format and includes multiples worksheets. You can easily edit the model’s inputs including changing costs and revenue assumptions to generate pro-forma financial forecasts including P&L, Cash flows and Balance Sheets. Below is a small extract from your pre-made Dog Daycare financial plan in Excel.

The Benefits of Creating a Business Plan for your Pet Daycare Project

Clarifying goals and objectives: Planning your business forces you to think through your goals and objectives for your Dog Daycare project. By doing so, you can better understand what you want to achieve and develop a clear plan for how to get there.

Identifying potential challenges: A business plan can help you identify potential challenges and risks that you may face when starting and operating a Dog Daycare business. By identifying these challenges early on, you can develop strategies to mitigate them and ensure the long-term success of your business.

Understanding your market and competition: A Dog Daycare business plan requires you to research and analyze your market and competition. This information allows you to better understand your target customers and develop a competitive advantage in your local market.

Creating a roadmap for growth: Consider your business plan as a roadmap for the growth and development of your Dog Daycare business. By outlining specific strategies for growth and expansion, you can ensure that your business is well-positioned to capitalize on new opportunities and navigate any challenges that may arise.

Securing funding: Finally, a well-written Dog Daycare business plan can be a critical tool for securing funding from investors or lenders. It demonstrates that you have a clear vision for your business and a plan for how to achieve your goals, which can increase your chances of getting funding.

This Ready-Made Pet Daycare Business Plan is For

• Entrepreneurs wishing to start a Dog Daycare business
• Aspiring Pet Daycare owners who want to create a business plan fast and easy
• Pet caregivers who wish to pitch their dog daycare project to investors
• Pet care professionals who wish to better understand the potential of the opportunity

Immediate Delivery by Email

• Once you complete the order, you will receive an email with links to download your documents
• Your order will contain the full pre-written business plan in Word
• Your order will contain the full customizable financial model in Excel

Your Dog Daycare Business Plan Content

Executive summary.

Our Dog Daycare business plan template starts with a compelling Executive Summary. This key section is very important as it summarizes in 1 page your Dog Daycare concept. It will introduce your business model, the key people behind the project as well as the unique selling proposition offered by your Dog Daycare concept. This section will also mention how market conditions and consumer trends are favorable for launching your project.

The Problem Opportunity

Next, your ready-made Dog Daycare business plan will list a number of problems experienced by your prospects in your target market and will show how this presents a unique opportunity for your Dog Daycare. These can include issues such as the lack of good Dog Daycares in a certain location, undifferentiated offering by current actors in the market…etc.

The Solution

This section explains how your Dog Daycare will take advantage of the current problems in the market and will detail your innovative solutions.

Mission & Vision

Your mission will explain in a couple of sentences your Dog Daycare’s reason for existence. In other words, it will summarize your unique value proposition and will explain how you are different than the competition. Your vision will explain the long-term plans for your Dog Daycare project. Are you planning to start with one branch today and expand to a multi-branch business model? Are you looking to transform your Dog Daycare business into a franchise model?…etc.

Business Model

This section details your Dog Daycare project using the business model canvas method. In a visually appealing table, we will detail your Dog Daycare’s key partners, activities, resources, value proposition, customer segments, customer relationship plan, marketing channels, cost structure and revenue streams.

Products & Services

Next, we will talk in detail about your offering including your pet daycare services, pet boarding and grooming…etc. We will also include your rate card and fees.

Market Analysis

This important section describes the various market statistics and consumer trends in the pet care and explains how they support your own Dog Daycare concept. The purpose of this section is to show that the market conditions are favorable for launching your new Dog Daycare.

Global Market Trends

In this sub-section of the market analysis, we will discuss the latest general market trends in the pet care industry. We will look at the global industry size, growth rate, growth diving factors and consumer trends.

Local Market Trends

This sub-section explains the local market trends that are relevant to your specific Dog Daycare business.

Target Customers

In this section, we will describe your various customer profiles by providing information about their demographics, behavior and purchasing habits.

Competitive Analysis

We will analyze key competitors active in your target market and provide insights about their strengths and weaknesses.

Competitive Advantages

After looking at the competitive landscape, we will then show how your Dog Daycare business is differentiating itself from the competition through a number of key advantages.

SWOT Analysis

This section features a 4-quadrant table with explanations about how your Dog Daycare intends to leverage its key strengths, mitigate weaknesses, capture opportunities and thwart any future threats.

Marketing Plan

This chapter provides detailed information about your go-to-market strategy. It includes a detailed action plan to help you build brand awareness and generate sales.

Branding & Awareness

We will describe in this sub-section your choice of key marketing channels to build branding and awareness.

Customer Acquisition

We will describe in this sub-section your choice of key marketing channels to acquire customers and increase sales.

Operating Plan

This chapter provides information about your Dog Daycare’s opening hours, internal processes and describes the interactions between various key departments and teams.

Management Team

It is very important to present the key people behind your Dog Daycare project and thus we have dedicated a section for this very purpose. It is also important to talk here about the founder’s vision, his past education and professional experience.

Hiring Plan

No business can succeed without having on board the right team. This section lists all the key positions you plan to hire with information about their salaries and expected start dates.

Key Milestones

To be able to launch and execute your Dog Daycare project, you need to follow a set of actionable tasks with target deadlines. This section serves this purpose.

Financial Plan

Without a robust financial plan, your Dog Daycare business plan would be an incomplete document. This important section provides crucial information about your pro-forma financial projections and shows that you have really done your homework. The data mentioned in this and the following sections will be provided by the dynamic Excel financial model accompanying your Dog Daycare business plan.

Projected Revenue

This module shows your Dog Daycare’s revenue projections over the next three years.

Projected Profit and Loss

This module shows your Dog Daycare’s income statement (also called profit and loss statement) over the next three years. Your income statement includes detailed projections about your sales and expenses and shows how your Dog Daycare’s revenue is converted into a net profit.

Projected Cash Flows

This module shows your Dog Daycare’s cash flow projections over the next three years. The first year of operation is even detailed on a monthly basis. Your cash flow statement will detail the various cash inflows your Dog Daycare will generate from its day to day operations and from funding sources, as well as the various cash outflows required to pay for operating expenses and business investments.

Projected Balance Sheet

This module shows your Dog Daycare’s balance sheet projections over the next three years. The balance sheet will provide a summary of your Dog Daycare’s short term and long term assets in addition to your short term and long term liabilities and capital.

Profitability Analysis

In this section, we will provide information about your gross margin, net margin and discuss the profitability of your Dog Daycare business.

Funding Requirement

This module states the amount of funding your need to be able to comfortably launch your Dog Daycare business. It also describes the planned allocation of the funds between Opex and Capex.

Finally, we will conclude your business plan by recapitulating the key points that make your Dog Daycare project compelling and reiterate the rationale behind your business opportunity.

Why Use our Ready-Made Dog Daycare Business Plan?

• Speed & Convenience:  Once you complete your order, you will receive the Dog Daycare business plan directly in your mailbox. Since it is already pre-written with fully customizable financials, you will only need to spend a couple of hours to edit it and adapt it to your own Dog Daycare project.
• High Quality:  Your Dog Daycare business plan has been written by our professional team of business plan writers in collaboration with experts from the pet care industry. You will receive a professional Dog Daycare business plan template ideal for presenting to potential investors or banks.
• Low-Cost:  Our pre-written business plan template is the most cost-effective solution in case you need to build a solid and professional Dog Daycare business plan. We are confident you will save hundreds if not thousands of dollars by ordering our premium business plan compared to hiring a consultant or subscribing to complicated and expensive software.

If you have any question regarding our ready-made Dog Daycare business plan package,  do not hesitate to contact us , we are here to help.

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Dog Daycare Business Plan

Hey there, aspiring pet daycare entrepreneurs! Are you ready to dive into the world of pooch-loving, tail-wagging opportunities? Well, you’re in luck because the pet daycare industry is booming like never before. In fact, the US pet-sitting market exceeded $1.2 billion for the first time in 2021! With pet owners increasingly seeking reliable daycare options, this is the perfect time to start your own pet daycare business. 

In this article, we’ll walk you through the essential steps of creating a winning business plan to secure capital for your pet daycare business. So, grab a cup of coffee, get cozy, and let’s get started!

Why Your Pet Daycare Needs a Business Plan

Before we jump into the nitty-gritty of creating a business plan, let’s address a common misconception: “Do I really need a business plan for my pet daycare?” The short answer? Absolutely, yes! 

A well-crafted business plan serves as your roadmap to success. It not only shows potential investors that you mean business, but it also helps you navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. By outlining your goals, target market, financial projections, and marketing strategies, you gain clarity and direction for your pet daycare business. So, let’s dive into creating a winning business plan for your pet daycare.

Understanding the Pet Daycare Industry

The pet daycare industry is not just about adorable furry friends. It’s also a rapidly growing market with tremendous potential. In recent years, the pet industry has seen an incredible rise, and pet owners are increasingly considering daycare options for their four-legged companions. In fact, a report by Grand View Research predicts that the global pet daycare market will reach $8.9 billion by 2025. This surge in demand can be attributed to various factors, including busy lifestyles, an increase in pet ownership, and the desire for high-quality care for pets. 

By understanding market trends and the needs of pet owners, you can position your pet daycare business for success. Conducting thorough market research will help you identify your target market, understand customer preferences, and tailor your services to meet their needs. By staying on top of industry trends and offering exceptional care, you’ll be a step ahead in the competitive pet daycare market.

Defining Your Unique Selling Proposition (USP)

In a sea of pet daycare businesses, how do you stand out? That’s where your Unique Selling Proposition (USP) comes in. Your USP is the special ingredient that sets your pet daycare business apart from the rest. It’s what makes pet owners choose you over your competitors. Think of it as the secret sauce that makes your business unique and irresistible. 

To define your USP, consider what makes your pet daycare special. Perhaps you offer a specialized training program for dogs, have a large outdoor play area, or provide pampering spa services for pets. By identifying and honing your USP, you create a distinct identity that appeals to your target market. 

By showcasing your unique features, you’ll attract pet owners who resonate with your vision and values.

Conducting Market Analysis

To succeed in the pet daycare industry, you need a comprehensive understanding of your local market and its dynamics. Conducting solid market research and analysis is essential for making informed decisions and tailoring your services to meet the needs of your target customers. 

Start by identifying the demographic profile of pet owners in your area. Consider factors such as age, income level, and location to gain insights into their preferences and behaviors. Next, analyze the competition in your area. Study the services they offer, pricing structures, and customer reviews. This will help you identify gaps in the market and opportunities for differentiation. 

Additionally, keep track of industry trends, such as the demand for eco-friendly products or the rise of dog-friendly workplaces. By staying informed and adapting your strategy accordingly, you can position your pet daycare business as a leader in the market.

Developing Financial Projections

While we believe in the love for animals, we can’t ignore the importance of financial planning for your pet daycare business. Investors are interested in numbers, and your business plan should reflect a realistic financial outlook. Start by creating revenue forecasts based on your market research and projected customer demand. Consider factors such as pricing, capacity, and market share to estimate your monthly and yearly revenue. Next, outline your expense budget, accounting for costs such as staff salaries, rent, utilities, food, and supplies. 

By identifying your fixed and variable costs, you’ll have a clearer picture of your breakeven point and profitability. Finally, create a cash flow projection to ensure you have enough working capital to cover expenses and navigate any unforeseen circumstances. Financial projections demonstrate your understanding of the financial aspects of running a pet daycare business, making your business plan more attractive to potential investors.

Marketing and Sales Strategies

Let’s be honest – you may have the most incredible pet daycare facility, but if no one knows about it, how will it flourish? That’s where marketing and sales strategies come in. These strategies will help you reach pet owners, build brand awareness, and attract customers to your pet daycare. 

Start by understanding your target market and their preferred communication channels. Embrace digital marketing by creating an engaging website, setting up social media profiles, and investing in online advertising. Utilize search engine optimization (SEO) techniques to increase your visibility in search engine results. Consider partnering with local veterinarians, pet stores, and groomers to cross-promote your services. Reward loyal customers with referral programs and offer incentives for repeat bookings. 

By implementing a well-rounded marketing and sales strategy, you’ll create a buzz around your pet daycare and convert curious pet owners into loyal customers.

Operational Plan and Staffing

To ensure a smooth operation and provide excellent care for your furry guests, you need a solid operational plan and a well-thought-out staffing strategy. 

Start by creating an organizational structure that outlines the roles and responsibilities of each team member. Consider factors such as the number of staff needed, their qualifications, and the ratio of staff to pets. Develop procedures for pet care, including feeding, exercise, grooming, and health monitoring. Implement a reservation system to manage bookings and ensure efficient scheduling of pets. Additionally, create guidelines for customer service, including response times, complaint resolution, and client communication. 

Don’t forget to address safety measures and protocols, such as vaccination requirements, cleaning routines, and emergency procedures. By having a well-defined operational plan, you’ll be able to provide a safe and enjoyable environment for pets while streamlining your business operations.

How Pet Daycare Business Plans Differ

Running a pet daycare business comes with its own set of unique considerations. While many aspects of a pet daycare business plan resemble a general business plan, there are specific industry-specific factors to keep in mind. 

For instance, space requirements are essential to ensure that your facility can accommodate multiple dogs comfortably and safely. You should incorporate safety measures such as separate play areas for large and small dogs and regulations for dog-to-staff ratios. 

Additionally, managing group dynamics among different breeds and temperaments is crucial for maintaining a safe and harmonious environment for all pets. Consider implementing behavior assessment procedures and staff training to handle potential challenges. 

Lastly, ensure that you adhere to any local regulations regarding pet daycare facilities, licenses, and permits. By addressing these industry-specific considerations in your business plan, you’ll demonstrate your preparedness and commitment to providing exceptional care.

By following the steps outlined in this article, you’re well on your way to creating a winning business plan for your pet daycare business . Remember, securing capital and standing out in the pet daycare industry requires careful planning, understanding your target market, and differentiating yourself from the competition. So, put those paws to work, brainstorm your unique selling proposition, conduct a thorough market analysis, and let your passion for pets guide you toward a tail-wagging success story.

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Animal Day Care Business Plan

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Doggie Pause

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.">.

Doggie Pause is a canine daycare facility catering to professionals who have disposable income and the desire to provide quality care for their pets while they are work. It is a response to a real market need in a high-end high-income market.

1.1 Objectives

• To launch the business and develop sales approaching $25K per month by the end of the first year.
• To break even in the second year, and be profitable by the third year.
• To increase sales by 20% per year in the second and third year while also becoming profitable.

1.2 Mission

We will be the leaders in the market of canine care for the upscale community by providing a positive environment for the animals that we house. Our operations will instill in owners confidence in our ability to care for their pets in appropriate ways. We will control significant market share and increase profit as we grow and expand. We will develop our business conservatively, financing our growth through operational revenue.

1.3 Keys to Success

• The initial location will be in an upscale community on the outskirts of the metropolitan area.
• We will cater to the needs of our canine owners as much as possible.
• We will uphold the statement ‘the customer is always right’ because when it comes to canines, owners know best.
• The business finances will be run in an organized and timely manner.

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.">

Doggie Pause will be established as a Subchapter S corporation owned in equal shares by two founders, Barque Oldeyeller and Rufe Rintintin. We are working with the local legal firm Akita, Shar-Pei, Pug & Kesshond, to establish the legal entity.

2.1 Start-up Summary

The start up for Doggie Pause will be simple and cost efficient. Rent and utilities will be the main expense, which will consist of a large building space and office. There will be many advertising expenses in the beginning that will promote the service, and this expense will lessen as months go on and people become aware of our service. Start-up inventory will be mainly shampoo and grooming supplies, food for the dogs, and other supplies like bedding. Assets will be the kennels and play structures for the dogs, and the bathing facilities.

Loans will be needed to start up the company, and we will also be investing some of our own funds. At this point we’re planning to invest $10,000 each as founders, and to take a small business loan of $42K. The loan will be paid off over three years as shown in the cash flow.

Doggie Pause offers upscale dog owners a place where they can leave their pets while at work, and away for weekend trips or on vacation. It also offers feeding and exercising, as well as washing, grooming and low-level veterinary services. The location will be a large lot on the outskirts of a high-income residential area. Our projections include a heavy rent because of the location requirements. Customers pay by the day, by the hour, or by the month. Our assumption is that the average customer generates about $250 per month. 

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

The market for Doggie Pause is all of the dog owners in the metropolitan area and surrounding areas of the city. We believe that this is going to be 2/3 of the population, and we have a goal of gaining a 50% market share. We have a target of a 20% yearly profit increase as the business continues.

4.1 Target Market Segment Strategy

We have chosen our target market because they own canines and have the ability to afford a service such as Doggie Pause. We are aware that our service is an extra in life, not a necessity. We anticipate and expect to cater to the upper-class citizens within our geographical area.

4.2 Service Business Analysis

Our familiarity with this business indicates that the service we offer is not currently available anywhere within the metropolitan area. We think our marketing problem will be more a matter of making dog owners aware of the Doggie Pause, than it will be related to the competition.

4.3 Market Segmentation

Our target market consists of canine owners that have the financial capabilities to care for their dogs in an elaborate manner. Most will be from double income homes with high profile jobs that require an extensive amount of time away from the home. Our target market consists of men and women primarily between the ages of 35 and 65. They live in the upscale suburbs surrounding the metropolitan area. Our market segment customers will lead a lifestyle in which their canines play a large part, and these pets are often seen as “children” by their owners. 

4.4 Competition and Buying Patterns

Our real competition is owners choosing to leave their dogs at home unattended. We recognize that only relatively wealthy people will be interested in spending an average of $250 monthly to provide daycare for their dogs. Still, there should be sufficient market.

Strategy and Implementation Summary

Doggie Pause will focus on the geographical market of upper-class suburbs surrounding the metropolitan area. Our initial site will be in West Linn, a suburb of Portland. Our target market consists mainly of men and women ages 35-65.

5.1 Competitive Edge

Doggie Pause is the first canine daycare facility of its kind. Never before has there been a place where a canine owner could take their dog to be cared for, for the day. The owner feels no guilt in leaving the dog because it is a secure, safe and fun environment.

5.2 Sales Forecast

Services will expand to include weekends and long-term “vacation” boarding as the need and demand arises.

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.">

The management team will consist of the two co-founders, Barque Oldeyeller and Rufe Rintintin. We do not anticipate taking on other managers until locations are opened in other metropolitan areas. As we grow we expect to need outside guidance in the areas of accounting and financial advising. 

Financial Plan investor-ready personnel plan .">

We want to finance the start-up of our company mainly through personal investment and a short-term business loan.  We think this is a good risk/return situation and we will provide the necessary personal guarantees to secure the business loan. We will finance growth through the collection of the fees for our services. We understand that without these payments we will not be able to be a profitable business.

7.1 Important Assumptions

Our important financial assumptions are shown below.

7.2 Break-even Analysis

According to our break-even projections, we need more than $12,000 in monthly sales to break even. We think this is a manageable sales amount. Furthermore, a significant portion of our fixed cost is our own salaries, so that reduces risk as well.

7.3 Projected Profit and Loss

The projections show how we intend to almost break even in the first year (a loss of less than $1,000), make a small profit in the second year and show profit of 9% on sales in the third year. We are confident that even though we have a loss in the first months after opening, we will be profitable in the future as years go on and business increases.

7.4 Projected Cash Flow

For Doggie Pause to be successful we need a steady growth in clientele. Without customers bringing in their canines we have no cash flow, no profit, and no business. The cash flow depends on a bridge loan in mid-year from the founders, to be repaid at the end of the year.

7.5 Projected Balance Sheet

The projected balance sheet shows stability and a gradual increase of net worth.

7.6 Business Ratios

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Dog Daycare Business Plan Sample

Published Dec.11, 2017

Updated Sep.14, 2024

By: Cynthia Turner

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Table of Content

Doggie daycare business plan for your own dog kennel

Are you planning to start a dog daycare business? Well, dogs are the most popular pet in the world especially in the United States where 89.7 million dogs were owned as pets in 2017. Most of these dog owners need the services of dog daycare centers which can take care of their beloved dogs when they are not around. The people in the United States never hesitate to spend on their pets, for instance, the US residents spend tens of billions of dollars on their pet friends, the majority of which are dogs. This shows how profitable a dog daycare business can be. So, if you are thinking about starting this venture you should know that you can earn some serious cash provided you plan your business efficiently.

The first thing before starting any business is to write a comprehensive business plan which establishes the basis of your company’s future operations and decisions. It also provides detailed guidelines about everything you will be doing in the next few years. If you are wondering how to write an effective dog daycare business plan then here we are providing you the business plan for a dog daycare startup named ‘The Dog Cave’.

Executive Summary

2.1 the doggy daycare business.

The Dog Cave will be located at the East Lake Shore Drive District in Chicago, Illinois. We will be strategically located in one of the richest neighborhoods in the United States. The company will be licensed by American Pet Association and equipped with all resources and manpower to provide the highest quality of services possible. The business will be owned and operated by Dr. John Spenks, a renowned veterinary doctor of the United States. Dr. Spenks studied Veterinary Sciences from the University of Florida and had been serving in various Government as well as privately-owned veterinary and pet care centers throughout the United States for the last 20 years. It is probably due to his vast experience spanning two decades that he knows everything about how to start a dog daycare business .

2.2 Management

The company will be initially launched as a small startup operating only in Chicago. Dr. Spenks will manage the overall operations of the company and will be assisted by his nephew Mike Spenks, who is an MBA from Harvard and has served in various managing positions at many small and medium-sized businesses. Mike will also manage the finances of the company. Opening a dog daycare business plan is not an easy task that’s why Dr. Spenks will hire a team before the company’s launch to help him throughout the process.

2.3 Customers

The company aims to serve one of the richest residential zones of the United States. The community living in the region has the annual mean household income of $593,454; hence, they can easily afford our quality services .

2.4 Target of the Company

The company aims to provide highest quality service to its customers and become the best daycare center in Chicago within three years of its launch. Dr. Spenks also plans to launch a few more centers in other cities as well.

2.4.1 Objectives

The target of the company can be achieved by fulfilling the following objectives:

• To achieve the net profit margin of $30k per month by the end of the first year
• To increase the profit margin by at least 20% each year
• To balance the initial cost of startup with earned profits by the end of three years

The company’s financial experts have forecasted following sales and profits for the next three years of launch.

2.4.2 Keys to Success

The keys to the success of fulfilling our objectives and achieving our target are as follows:

• Comprehensive planning of ‘everything
• Hiring the best staff for operations
• Respecting our customers and their beloved pets
• Maintaining strict checking on the staff with reference to health and cleanliness aspects of the facility

Company Summary

3.1 company owner.

The Dog Cave will be owned by Dr. Spenks who has been in veterinary and pet care industry for the last 20 years. Dr. Spenks has been planning this startup for the last couple of years and hence perfectly knows how to open a dog daycare business and operate it to yield profit even in the first year of launch.

3.2 Why the Dog Daycare Business is being started

Dr. Spenks has always wanted to start start a doggie daycare business  plan out of his love for dogs and had been planning for it for quite a time. But he finally decided to start this venture after receiving his share of wealth from his father recently. Starting this business was undoubtedly the best way to not only invest his money but also to fulfill his long-awaited dream.

3.3 How the Doggie Daycare Business will be started

The Dog Cave will be a bonded, insured and licensed dog daycare business. Dr. Spenks is nearly halfway through the process of acquiring a license for the company and has already procured a beautiful facility near the residential zone of the city. The facility was previously used as local school so a lot of work will be required to convert it into a dog daycare center. Dr. Spenks has acquired the services of a contracting firm which is currently working on the facility. Dr. Spenks has planned everything about his business. He has even hired a team of professional experts from various fields to just help him craft a detailed plan for his venture. His nephew, Mike, will be in charge of all financial activities and will oversee other experts. The initial main expenses for the startup include rent of the facilities and other utilities along with the expenses due to marketing or advertising of the company. After that, the biggest expense will be in the inventory needed for start-up including shampoo, grooming products, food and other supplies for the dogs. All the initial investment will be made by Dr. Spenks himself and he won’t need any loans, at least for the first year of operations. Mike, with the help of financial experts, has forecasted following costs for expenses, assets, investment, and loans for the Start-up.

The detailed start-up requirements, start-up funding, start-up expenses, total assets, total funding required, total liabilities, total planned investment, total capital and liabilities as forecasted by experts, is given below:

Services for customers

Our dog day care center is primarily aimed to provide a place to dog-owners where they can leave their dogs anytime. We will take care of our customer’s dogs while they are at work, or away on a vacation, or enjoying a weekend trip. Besides providing a safe place for their dogs, we will also provide many other services which are:

• Dog training
• Exercising and feeding
• Veterinary services
• Washing and grooming

Along with these services, we will also open a small store for selling pet-related products like shampoos, foods, medicines, ties, chains, and clothes for the dogs.

Marketing Analysis of dog daycare business

The most important and difficult part of developing an effective  dog daycare business plan  was its accurate marketing analysis that’s why Dr. Spenks acquired the services of marketing experts. They not only helped him throughout the process but also showed him several  dog daycare business plan samples  to give him an idea about how to carry out an accurate marketing analysis. Dr. Spenks then made his own  doggie daycare business plan  after he had gone through various  dog day care business plans . The success or failure of a startup is totally dependent upon its marketing strategy which can only be developed on the basis of accurate marketing analysis. There are four main steps to carry out an accurate marketing analysis which are to identify the current market trends of your business, identify your target audience and potential customers, set out the business targets to achieve, and finally set the prices of your products or services in accordance with the first three steps.

Operational and Strategic Planning

5.1 market trends.

The pet industry is one of the few industries which have seen a consistent increase in revenue. According to the American Pet Products Association, the residents of US spent a staggering amount of $60.28 Billion in 2015, $66.75 Billion in 2016, and are estimated to spend $69.36 by the end of 2017. These stats show that this industry can be immensely profitable provided that you market yourself successfully. The most interesting aspect of this industry is its dynamic nature. With latest technologies and luxurious pet products, pet owners’ demands have also changed accordingly. The need for daycare centers, especially for the dogs which is the most favorite pet in the United States, has increased the demand for such facilities beyond limits. Especially for the regions housing well-off community are in a dire need of daycare facilities.

5.2 Marketing Segmentation

A startup must develop a good plan to market itself to its target customers. A successful and efficient marketing strategy can only be developed after we completely know our potential customers. That’s why our marketing experts carried out an extensive research to identify our target customers and develop an effective marketing strategy for them. Our experts have identified the following type of target audience which can become the future consumers of our services and products:

The detailed marketing segmentation of our target audience is as follows:

5.2.1 Individual Households

The biggest consumer of our services and products will be the community living in the residential zones of Chicago. We will specifically target the neighborhood of East Lake Shore Drive which is also the location of our facility. The residential community often has to leave their homes for various purposes and most of the time they can’t take their dogs with them. That’s why they will need our daycare services throughout the year. Moreover, they are also much likely to acquire our dog grooming, washing, training and veterinary services along with the purchase of pet products from our adjacent store. These individual households will contribute the biggest portion of our sales hence they have a major role in deciding our strategies and policies.

5.2.2 Corporate Organizations

Many corporate organizations like police or security agencies also own a lot of detective dogs. We also plan to serve them by providing dog grooming, washing, and veterinary services. Although these organizations also own trained staff for these purposes yet they can still become our potential customers of various pet products like food, medicine, clothes etc.

5.2.3 Dog Dealers

There are also various dog dealers in the central business district of Chicago city. Although they a little far from our facility center but we have made a plan by which we can attract these dealers. We will arrange special transportation facilities for them so that they can easily bring their dogs to us. We will also offer special packages and discounts for the purpose of attracting them towards our services. We hope that these dealers will also help us generate a lot of revenue.

5.2.4 Animal Shelters

There are more than 3500 animal shelters in the United States for accommodating abandoned, stray, or lost animals. We also hope to target hundreds of animal shelters present in Chicago for washing, grooming, and veterinary services. We will also provide them transportation services and special offers. The detailed market analysis of our potential customers is given in the following table:

5.3 Business Target

We aim to become the best dog care business in Chicago within next three years. Our business target is to balance the cost of our startup within just three years of our launch.

5.4 Product Pricing

We have priced our products and services in the similar ranges as of our competitors. For daycare services, we have developed various plans for charging our customers such as per hour, per day and per week plans. We will provide better services than our competitors for the same prices. The reason behind this pricing policy is to achieve our minimum attractive rate of return while also attracting the customers towards us.

Dr. Spenks carried out extensive research and hired financial experts to help him develop an effective marketing and sales strategy for the startup. The experts made a detailed strategy for him to start dog daycare business .

High Quality Business Plan and Professional Support

It was amazing to work with OGS Capital for our business plan. They promptly responded our enquires and delivered document on time.The document was well organized high quality and content.We succeded with Alex and his team support. We thank you guys again for professional approach and easy communication.

It wasn’t that Dr. Spenks didn’t know how to open a doggie daycare business , he only took help from various experts to ensure the success of this great venture. The strategy of our company as developed by the experts is as follows:

6.1 Competitive Analysis

We have a really tough competition because there are several other dog daycare centers in Chicago, many of them are established since decades. But still, Dr. Spenks is positive that our company will beat all of the competitors within no time. Our competitive edge will be our better quality and luxurious services within the same amount as that of our competitors. Our second competitive edge will be our unparalleled customer service where we will treat our customers and their beloved pets with extreme respect.

6.2 Sales Strategy

We will introduce our startup to our target customers and stakeholders by sending brochures and introductory letters about us. We will also carry out a large-scale social media campaign for our advertisement.

6.3 Sales Forecast

We believe that people will always leave their dogs with us if they use our service even for once. Considering the market demand and the quality of our services, our sales pattern is expected to increase with years. By analyzing our market segmentation strategy, our experts have forecasted the following sales on the yearly basis which are summarized in the column charts.

The detailed information about sales forecast, total unit sales, total sales is given in the following table.

Personnel plan

Dr. Spenks acquired the services of a Human Resource Manager for helping him develop a personnel plan to open dog daycare business . He developed the following personnel plan for the staff needed for the dog daycare center along with their average salaries with the help of experts.

7.1 Company Staff

Dr. Spencer will manage the overall operations of the daycare center. The company will initially hire following people

• 1 Accountant to maintain financial records.
• 4 Sales and Marketing Executives responsible for dealing with corporate businesses, dog dealers, and animal shelters
• 15 Workers for performing various tasks such as feeding, washing, grooming, and training of dogs
• 5 Workers to maintain the facility and for doing its routine cleaning
• 4 Drivers to transportation of dogs owned by dealers, organizations, and shelters
• 1 Front Desk Officer to act as a receptionist in the company office
• 1 Salesperson to operate pet products store

To ensure the best quality service, all employees will be selected through vigorous testing and will be trained for a month before starting their jobs.

7.2 Average Salary of Employees

The following table shows the forecasted data about employees and their salaries for next three years.

Financial Plan

Mr. Spenks with his nephew Mike developed the financial plan for his business. Mike, being a financial expert, helped him through all the problems encountered in this phase. The problem wasn’t about how to open your own daycare business but the problem was how you plan it incorporating all financial aspects. The financial plan developed by them outlines the development of company over the next three years.

8.1 Important Assumptions

The company’s financial projections are forecasted on the basis of following assumptions. These assumptions are quite conservative and are also expected to show deviation but to a limited level such that the company’s major financial strategy will not be affected.

8.2 Brake-even Analysis

The following graph shows the company’s Brake-even Analysis.

The following table shows the company’s Brake-even Analysis.

8.3 Projected Profit and Loss

The following charts show the company’s expected Profit and Loss situation on the monthly and yearly basis.

8.3.1 Profit Monthly

8.3.2 Profit Yearly

8.3.3 Gross Margin Monthly

8.3.4 Gross Margin Yearly

The following table shows detailed information about profit and loss, and total cost of sales.

8.4 Projected Cash Flow

The following column diagram shows the projected cash flow.

The following table shows detailed data about pro forma cash flow, subtotal cash from operations, subtotal cash received, sub-total spent on operations, subtotal cash spent.

8.5 Projected Balance Sheet

The following projected balance sheet shows data about total current assets, total long-term assets, total assets, subtotal current liabilities, total liabilities, total capital, total liabilities and capital.

8.6 Business Ratios

The following table shows data about business ratios, ratio analysis, total assets, net worth.

OGS capital staff also specialize in writing business plans such as pet photography business plan , horse boarding business plan , dog walking business plan , horse training business plan , pet hotel business plan and etc.

Download Dog Daycare Business Plan Sample in pdf

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Dog Daycare Business Plan: The Ultimate Guide for 2021

BUSINESS  |   3/13/21 2:11 PM  |  by Team RP

If you love dogs as much as we do and want to start a dog daycare business, you are in the right place! Opening a dog daycare business is an excellent way to turn your passion for animals into a successful venture. But to get your dog daycare business up and running, you have a lot of work to do. (But, it’s worth it, we promise!) A solid business plan builds the foundation for a profitable enterprise, and this guide provides everything you need to create your dog daycare business plan. So, let’s dive in!

Why do I need a dog daycare business plan?

While your instinct is to snag every dog toy imaginable, wait! The first thing before starting any business is to write a business plan. The main reason you need a business plan is to secure funding. Investors or institutions through which you try to take a loan will request this to determine your qualifications for running a business.

Dog Daycare Business Plan Template

Your business plan should include eight sections. But don’t worry! We created this template to help.

Company Description

Include a short mission statement detailing your dog daycare business goals. Following the mission statement, include the following necessary information about your business:

• Company name
• Type of ownership (sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, etc.)
• Who will manage the business and their qualifications
• Products and services you will provide
• The market you will service
• Number of employees
• Customers you will serve

Products and Services

This section should be explicit about what you will sell and who you wish to sell it to. Say you want to open an all-natural, green dog daycare business specializing in natural and organic pet products. Your target audience is educated pet owners who are seeking the healthiest environment and products for their pets.

In this case, you should include a statement to support your mission: "Due to widespread pet food recalls and the rise in sick or dying pets because of poor quality pet foods, there is significant demand for organic pet products. This market is currently underserved." This statement is explicit about what your business will do, and it indicates how your business will satisfy a specific need in an underserved market, filling a void.

Market Analysis

The market analysis details:

• Demographics
• Target Market
• Market Need
• Competition
• Barriers to Entry

Additionally, highlight statistics about the booming dog daycare industry, and include annual pet spending statistics. Include as much data and statistics as you can to illustrate that your dog daycare business would be in demand and successful in your market.

Marketing Strategy

Your marketing strategy details how you will promote your dog daycare business, including:

• Marketing and advertising methods
• How you will achieve business growth
• Your plan to attract and retain customers

Management Summary

The management summary details the management team or if your business is a sole proprietorship. Include:

• Who is managing what
• Their qualifications

Financial Analysis

Estimate business operating costs and how much funding is needed for optimal operation. You can also detail possible profit-and-losses.

Appendices and Exhibits

This section contains information to make your business attractive:

• Demographic, research, and marketing data
• Media about pet spending
• Pictures of work you have done
• Case studies and testimonials

Executive Summary

The executive summary comes at the end of your plan as a summary of the business plan. The executive summary contains the name of your business, its location, and the products and services the business will provide.

Opening a Dog Daycare Checklist

Once you’ve created the business plan, it’s time to get into the specifics. Use this handy checklist to get started:

• Startup costs and how you will obtain these funds
• Mission statement outlining your business purpose and goals
• Rates and pricing menu
• Marketing and advertising strategies
• Hours of operation
• Services you will provide
• Supplies (cleaning products, toys, treats, etc.)
• Hiring needs
• Licensing requirements: Consult licensing requirements and zoning regulations where you plan to open your dog daycare business to determine if there are restrictions.
• Legal needs: A business attorney will help you through the process and ensure you follow the law.
• Logo: The fun part! Create something memorable and eye-catching!
• Dog daycare business software: Cut down on staff costs, lessen the risk of error, and stand out from the crowd with customer-facing features like easy payment processing and reservation booking.

Choosing the right software from the start sets your business up for success. Revelation Pets created the best pet care software platform for business owners like yourself. Check out all of the great features that will make Revelation Pets your new (non-furry) best friend.

While a lot of blood, sweat, and tears go into opening your dog daycare business, all of that hard work pays off when you welcome your first furry guest. 🐶

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Need a name for your business? Click to try our: Dog Daycare Business Name Idea Generator Once you have your business plan written up, use our Free Doggie Daycare and Pet Boarding Business Profit Spreadsheet to calculate your future business expenses, revenue, and your eventual break-even point (when you've paid off your initial investment).

Are you starting a doggie daycare or dog boarding facility? If so, you're in the right place. At least twice a week, we here at DoggieDashboard are emailed asking if we have a doggy daycare business plan template for new dog boarding businesses.

Seeing as so many people having been asking for a doggie daycare business plan, we decided it was in the best interest to produce one so that all you future owners of doggie daycares, pet hotels, dog-walking & pet-sitting businesses can start with the right foot forward. This dog boarding business plan asks you all the important questions that you need to answer before starting your pet boarding business.

All we ask is that you keep DoggieDashboard in mind when you start your doggie daycare or dog boarding facility. Our free online software will make keeping track of your clients and their pets very simple!

This is section from your heart. Talk about why you want to open a doggie daycare. Are you opening the business for the money or are you opening it because you have a passion for the pet-service industry?

Figure out the underlying motivation that is making you pursue this career path. Use this section to paint the ideal picture of your future doggie daycare. What’s the end result of all your hard working going to look like? When will you feel like you’ve succeeded?

- Why do you want to start a doggie daycare & pet boarding facility?

- Are you in it for the profit or the passion? There are many other business endeavors with higher success rates than opening a doggie daycare. If you’re not in it for your love of dogs, you might want to bow out of the race.

- Where do you see the business in 1 year? What about in 5 years? Will you expand? Sell? Future projections are a great way to figure out the longevity of your business concept. We’ll detail the inner details of the business further down the worksheet. For now, describe your ideal version of your doggie daycare. How many pets do you want to board per day, per month, etc. What’re your profit goals, etc?

- Have you ever started a business before? Everyone like to think of themselves as an entrepreneur, but it takes a LOT of hard work to get a business off the ground. Are you (and your family) prepared for the long hours and stress involved?

What to Put Here:

Now that you’ve decided to open a doggie daycare, do you know who you’re going to be working with? Where will you do your advertising? Here is where you'll break down your client acquistion strategies.

- What kind of animals will you be boarding? Large dogs, small dogs, any type of dog?

- How do you plan on attracting/advertising to this target market?

- How much are you willing to spend on advertising per month?

- Will you do in-house advertising and design work, or will you use a consulting firm?

- Does your business have a website yet? If not, how much are you willing to pay for a good website designer? Poorly-designed websites

First things first, take a minute to realize you aren’t the only doggie daycare in your area. Competition isn’t a bad thing though. It’ll actually make you a better business person by forcing you to constantly stay on your toes. Getting stagnant makes you an easy target for someone looking to push you out of business. In this section, lay out and analyze the competition that you’re going up against. Is it a wise choice to open in an area that’s already saturated? Really dig into how you’re going to deal with these issues.

- Do a quick Google search and look to see how many other doggie daycares are in your geographic area. Are more needed?

- Do you currently have a relationship with any of these doggie daycares?

- What will make your daycare more successful than your competition? There has to be something about your daycare that will attract people to yours and not someone elses. Better play toys, grooming options, vet visits?

- Do you have an friendly relationship with other daycare owners? If not, will they inhibit your entry into the market?

- What are your biggest weaknesses? How will you fix them? Be truthful with yourself. No business is invincible. Figure out your weaknesses and your mitigation strategy.

You need to consider your doggie daycare like it’s a tangible brand. You don’t want to just be known as another so-so business. I bet you know of at least a few doggie daycares in your city. That's called brand awareness.

- Does the name of your doggie daycare make it easy to produce marketing materials? Don't pick a name that is kitschy. Pick a name with longevity.

- Some business names sound great on paper, but don’t turn out well in the flesh. Names that are hard to pronounce or spell don’t help your brand. Purposely misspelling words can make it difficult for people to find you on the internet.

- Are you going to be visible to the public or hidden away in a industrial park? If you’ve got a good storefront location, you want good signage. If your signs are eye-catching, you’ll increase the window traffic at your daycare and get more pet clients.

- How are you going to build business at your daycare? Word of mouth advertising is the best way to increase the number of pet clients. If your current clients are in love with your daycare and the services you provide, they’ll happily encourage their friends to come bring their pets. Think about ways you can make your daycare and brand stand out amongst the crowd.

Now we’re getting down to the nitty gritty aspects of owning a pet boarding business. The little details that might be overlooked when you’re imagining running your own business and making profit hand-over-fist. Here is where you describe the inner details of your business. Lay out every aspect of how the business will operate, who’s in charge of what, etc.

- Does each employee have a written job description detailing their responsibilities?

- Who is in charge of hiring, firing, legal disputes, etc?

- Do you have a location/facility chosen for your box?

- Do you need to build out the facility?

- How much will build-out and equipment cost?

- Who has keys to the facility?

- Who runs the facility on a day-to-day basis and what are their hours?

- Do you make employees sign contracts?

- What’s the daily cost of doing business?

- How many days can you do business before running out of liquid capital.

- Have you registered the business yet?

- How long is the registration and inspection process going to take?

Running a doggie daycare can be a very profitable endeavor. However, you need to be prepared to endure some losses before you start turning a profit. In this section, lay out the details of your financial plan. Figure out every expense that you’ll have. Don’t tie is personal expenses, those are separate from the business. Visualizing the financial outlay of opening a doggie daycare will be help you better understand the (educated)risk you are taking.

- How do you plan on making a profit? Boarding fees? Pet training fees? Pet toy sales? Grooming fees?

- What is your monthly financial goal?

- How many months can you sustain business before you’ll need to turn a profit?

- How much money are you willing to spend on starting your pet boarding facility?

- Will you be providing all financial capital or will you be seeking outside investors?

- If using personal money, are you putting yourself/family in financial insecurity?

- If you decide on investors, what interest rate are you willing to pay them?

- What’s the maximum you are willing to LOSE in this venture? Not all businesses succeed. Be prepared to cut your losses if your business doesn’t work out.

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How to Write a Dog Daycare Business Plan

Starting your own business takes a lot of time and effort, and one of your first assignments will be to write a business plan . This is true for any business, from the most simple and small entrepreneurial ventures with dogs to the most elaborate, complex pet empires you dream of building. In this column we look specifically at how to write a dog daycare business plan  and all the information that should be included in it.

If this is your first visit, take a quick look at our last week's column on how to start a dog daycare business , where we talked more extensively about actually planning and launching this venture. Today's article will be focused specifically on how to write a dog daycare business plan and I'll try to be more specific.

There are many families that are not around during the day to take care of their dog's needs including feeding, playing, walking and relieving themselves. This is a void that can definitely be filled by an ambitious person who loves dogs and is interested in starting a doggy daycare.

Don't get too excited about your dog business plans just yet. There is a lot more that goes into a pet business than simple love of dogs and a desire in becoming an entrepreneur (petpreneur?) As a business owner you will wear many hats. Some of the duties that you'll be responsible for include:

• Communicating with customers
• Administrative work
• Financial documentation and taxes
• Advertising and marketing
• Website maintenance

…and many more. Especially in the beginning, business owners tend to do mostly everything by themselves to save on expenses. You may be working long hours, nights, and weekends. You'll have a lot on your plate as a business owner, but eventually you'll get a handle on everything and it will start to get easier.

If you’re just beginning to think about launching a dog daycare business and you’d like more information, you can also check out our older general post on  How to Start a Pet Business with Dogs . You’ll find lots of generic information about what to expect when starting your own venture and what you can do to ensure it is a success.

Like all businesses, if you want to undertake something like this then you should start with a well thought out business plan. A proper plan establishes the initial and long term goals of the operation and helps you focus on the core aspects of the canine daycare during the planning phase. The more you put into planning, the less surprises you'll have along the way. So let's talk about how to write a dog daycare business plan, and how to do this properly.

Your business plan is a crucial piece of securing the financing that you'll need to start your own dog daycare . It is the first thing that investors and banks look at. They want to see your plan on how you're going to get their money back with profit. They want to be able to understand what you're business will be like, how you'll get it started, what you're going to accomplish and how you will make it successful.

Even if you're able to fund your own dog daycare business yourself and do not plan on looking for investors, you should still  write a dog daycare business plan. Why? Because:

• It will help you set goals for yourself and your business
• It will help you to stay on the right track and remind you where you're going
• It will help to calculate all the costs that you'll endure throughout this journey
• It will paint a better picture of when and how you're going to start making profit

A business plan is certainly never set in stone and you can alter it as you go if necessary (most likely, you will) but it will outline the things that you want achieve and how you plan to do that.

Assess the need for a NEW dog daycare business

Before any new doggy daycare can be started, you must first make sure there is a need for that business in the area you want to establish it in. You need to have enough prospective customers to help feed the business . This can be done very easily.

Are there plenty of dogs in your area? Is there already an established dog daycare? Think about the owners. Do you live in a suburban area where there are many stay-at-home parents who are home for large parts of the day, or do you live in a place where most folks leave for work in the morning and don't return until dinner time?

RELATED: 10 Great Dog Business Ideas for Petreneurs

Dog daycare may be a service that people are willing to travel a small way for, but it probably wouldn't be worth it for someone to drive more than 15 or 20 minutes to get to your business. Focus on your local area. Be sure that there are plenty of dogs in your town, or neighboring towns that would require your services.

You could chat with friends and family in the area, but you may also want to survey dog owners at your local park, pet store, or grooming facility. Chatting with dog owners is the best way to find out if your services are needed and if pet parents would pay you for it.

Start with using your own logic first and the most simple opportunities for quick research. Write down all your thoughts and the results from whatever research you do by yourself. This will get you started before you devote more time to hard data, statistics and proper market research, which is going to be a crucial part of knowing how to write a dog daycare business plan properly.

State your initial and long term dog daycare business boals

The first and most important part of any business plan is stating the initial and long term goals of the business; it’s no different when establishing a doggy daycare. As I stated before, a carefully done plan will let you focus on the specifics of the undertaking startup and also help you plan for the future .

Here is an example as it relates to a doggy daycare business: I will start a doggy daycare that is initially done out of my home which has the capability to take care of 4 – 6 dogs comfortably during the day. Eventually when the business grows, it will be relocated to some rental space at my brother’s property to expand it to accommodate up to 20 – 25 dogs. Once you grow out of that space, you'll be able to afford something bigger and fancier. All of this should already be pre-planned; never go into this business war unprepared and thinking that “whatever happens, happens.”

Somewhere around this section you also need to include whether or not you will have a business partner(s) and what type of entity your business will be. Will it be a sole proprietorship, a single member LLC, or an S-Corp?

RELATED: How to Start a Dog Grooming Business

Most of the time, small businesses start out as a sole proprietorship for the first year or two. Then once you have all the paperwork, bills, and tax requirements under control you can start looking into filing for an LLC to separate your personal assets from your business.

If you have decided to start your pet business with a partner, you need to decide now if you will run it as a limited liability company (LLC), a corporation, or a partnership. You need to discuss all of this with your business partner and be sure to make all major business decisions together. This information has to be included within your doggy daycare business plan so your investors or the bank (and even yourself) will know how you and your partner plan to work together.

Make this section short and to the point. It's just a general overview of where you see your business in the first year and where you see it going in the future . Anyone reading your pet business plan is simply looking for the basics in this first section. The details will come later.

Who is your target clientele?

No dog related business will survive without customers and it is wise to market your business to your target clientele.

Your customers will likely be dog owners who are not home during the day to tend to their pet's needs. But what about seniors who have a hard time keeping up with energetic dogs? They may be interested in putting their pet in daycare a few days a week for some socialization and play time.

Think outside the box. There are many people that would like to use a dog daycare service, and you want to make sure your business appeals to all of them. This part of the plan should look something like this for the small doggie care mentioned above: The canine daycare will initially start to focus on potential customers that are in housing developments and apartment complexes which are within ½ mile of my home.

Scope of your dog daycare business

Planning for the scope of your business is one of the most essential things to keep in mind when learning how to write a dog daycare business plan. The first step is to decide where your place will be located. Will you run it out of your home or rent a commercial space?

Once you figure out how much space you'll need and/or have, you can decide how many dogs you're willing to take at one time. Maybe you only have the space for 4-6 dogs, or maybe you're renting a large commercial space with the ability to take 20 or more dogs each day. Just remember that the more dogs you watch, the more employees you'll need to care for them.

RELATED: How to Prepare Your Dog for Summer

This is also the place where you'll list the services that you're going to offer. Many dog daycare businesses offer bordering services, training programs, or grooming services to their customers as well. Is this something you're interested in? Will you provide these services yourself or partner with a professional trainer or dog groomer?

It's important to offer multiple services to broaden your customer base, but you don't want to offer too many. Make sure that you excel at the services that you provide, and if that means that you can only offer daycare and boarding in the beginning, that's fine. If you offer too many pet services, you may spread yourself too thin.

Keep in mind that the larger the scope of your dog business is, the more money it will cost to run it. Employee salaries and additional supplies add up quickly, and most commercial building's rent rates are based on the size of the space. Make sure to weight the additional costs against the extra money that a larger business will bring in.

How to finance your doggy daycare business

By the time you get to this part of the plan you will have a good idea what type of finances it will take to get your doggy daycare started. A general rule to follow here is to make sure you have enough financing in place to run the business without any revenue for 6 months. It may not take you that long to turn a profit, but in this case it is better to be safe than sorry. In terms of your own salary, this number varies greatly. A lot of future big business owners count for 3 years of no salary for themselves during the planning phase.

A majority of small businesses fail because they are underfunded during the startup phase. Surely you don't want to fall under this statistic.

None of your financial figures need to be set in stone, but you will need to have a good idea about what all your expenses will be. Remember, the more you plan for, the less surprises you'll have. You'll need to plan for large expenses like rent, utilities, equipment that you'll need to care for the dogs, and fencing. Once you have the final number, add an additional 20% on top of it for unexpected expenses.

Don't forget the expenses that aren't quite so obvious, like:

• Office equipment
• Furniture for you and your customers
• Any renovation costs you may incur
• Advertising and marketing expenses (including website design)

When figuring out how to write a dog daycare business plan, it is best to over-estimate your plan for potential expenses. You don’t want to underestimate and then have your business fail quickly because it was underfunded, or start desperately looking for extra funding. Do your research and be as accurate as possible, but make sure to leave yourself a little bit of wiggle room in terms of money. There are bound to be expenses that you didn’t plan for when starting your dog daycare business.

Advertising and marketing your doggy daycare business

Once you've selected the services that you'll offer and you have an estimate on the dog supplies, office supplies, utilities and other things that you'll be paying for, it's time to set your prices and begin advertising and marketing your new venture. You need to take this part very seriously, because better marketing and more ads mean more customers.

First things first, set the right pricing . You'll need to stay competitive with other dog daycare centers in your area. Call around to some other facilities and find out their rates. Your rates should be slightly less than theirs because you have no experience. Once you begin to build a reputation you can increase your prices.

Now onto advertising. It isn't just about television commercials, radio announcements and billboards. All those things are fine, if you can afford them. However, since most small businesses are working with a small budget, there are lots of ways to advertise that are cheaper than all of that.

Today's new advertising is marketing. Internet is the perfect platform for that: you can reach a huge customer base with very little investment (but a lot of time and hard work).

Getting creative can save you a lot of money when it comes to advertising and marketing. Once you've tried everything you could online – social media, your own website, reaching out to other sites, email marketing and so on – you can move onto the old-school methods which still work very effectively. My advice for the cheapest approach would be to print some fun doggy daycare related flyers and eye catching business cards and place them around your local area strategically. You can hang flyers in senior centers, coffee shops, grooming facilities , veterinarian offices and other places that dog owners who may need dog daycare will frequent.

You could also hand out flyers or business cards at your local dog park. If you are willing to put in some extra time you won't need to spend as much money. Thinking about your target market and the places that they will be mostly likely to see your advertisements will get you a lot farther than a generic television ad that will be viewed by hundreds of people that don't even own a dog.

Still, never forget the importance of a well made website and social media when advertising. In today's world most people look for services, whether for themselves or for their dogs, online. Establishing a website and advertising it through social media is a very inexpensive way to reach a large audience. Yet I still see so many dog businesses avoiding the online world, either with no websites and social media presence, or being very passive with their voice and having terrible and/or broken websites.

Internet is a holygrail of cheap marketing opportunities, so use it!

Legal responsibilities and management

Small doggy daycare business owners usually will run all the aspects of the business themselves. Larger pet daycares will most likely have employees and some type of management structure. Once you get to this part of the business plan you must state how many managers, employees, office personnel will be part of the day to day operations of the business. If you start with just yourself, that's fine too, but try to think a few steads ahead. Scaling should always be on your mind.

To go along with this you'll also need to include how you will care for all the legal responsibilities that a dog daycare owner has. This is the most important section of your business plan . Improper planning could result in major legal consequences for you, your employees and your clients.

Your legal responsibilities will vary depending on the region where you live in. Different states and cities have their own regulations that you'll need to follow.

Be sure that your doggy daycare business plan addresses the following points:

• Your licensing and certification responsibilities
• Liability waivers for your clients
• Pet business insurance
• Any specific laws in your region
• Client contracts
• Employee contracts

I cannot stress enough how important it is to properly plan for your dog business. Learning how to write a dog daycare business plan is only the first step. Now you need to do your research and create the most inclusive plan possible. Again, the better you plan now, the less surprises you'll have when actually launching your fresh pet venture.

References and further reading:

• Permitting for pet and animal-related businesses
• Guide to researching the doggie day care market
• Plan Example #1 (PDF)
• Plan Example #2  (PDF)
• Plan Example #3 (PDF)
• Woof Over Head Doggie Daycare and boarding
• What Is the Cost to Start a Dog Daycare Business?
• High-end doggy day care: No downsizing for Fido
• Become a Dog Daycare Owner

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How to start a dog daycare business

Table of Contents

Sniffing out what you need before starting a dog daycare business

Registration, sole trader, limited company, wales and scotland, qualifications, public liability, care, custody and control, small business loan, angel investor, services and pricing, opening up the doggy door to your first customers, market research, target audience, customer profiles, website and bookings, marketing channels, social media, keeping a leash on your financial management with countingup.

If you think dogs are a treat to be around , you’re not alone. The number of canine pets in the UK was 12.5 million last year.

More time at home during the pandemic lockdowns saw people able to welcome new dogs into their families. But what will owners do now they have to go back to work? The answer is dog daycare .

This is your paw-fect time to start a doggy daycare business of your own. You’ll combine your love for pups with your pursuit of commercial success .

This guide to starting a dog daycare business includes:

• Keeping a leash on your financial management

Start the ball rolling by registering with the UK government . To register the right way, choose which type of business ownership you’ll use.

• Unlimited liability — personally liable for the business’s debts.
• Simple registration — only responsibility is to register as self-employed .

For more information, see: What is a sole trader?

• Limited liability — only lose the money you put into a business if it can’t pay its debts.
• Complex registration — register the business with Companies House , which requires more responsibilities than just self-employed.

For more information, see: What is a limited company?

When starting a dog daycare business, the next important thing to consider is the licences you need.

A Boarding for Cats or Dogs Licence is required to open a pet daycare business in England. You can apply through the UK government, and you’ll receive an inspection shortly after.

Inspectors will check dogs you look after:

• Have food, drink and bedding .
• Get regular exercise .
• Aren’t diseased, injured or suffering .
• Aren’t in danger (e.g. fire hazards).
• Are cared for by someone qualified .

In Wales and Scotland, you need an Animal Boarding Establishment Licence which you can apply for with the UK government.

Local councils will conduct an inspection similar to England, which looks for the same key points.

To reassure your customers that you can take care of their precious pooches, you can get qualified through courses .

Inspectors for your licences will seek to determine if you have the training to care for animals, so consider the Level 3 Professional Day Care and Boarding course.

This course is available from:

• Dog Business School

The Ofqual regulated courses prove that you can comply with the terms of your licence arrangements .

Think about your daycare’s location to make sure it’s a safe place . You could use your own home or rent a property to use.

When you consider where to set up, think about if the space can:

• Allow for dogs to exercise (e.g. indoor area like a warehouse or outdoor like a field).
• Keep dogs warm (e.g. room for blankets, beds and heating for cold days).
• Prevent dogs escaping (e.g. high fences and secure areas).

If your business doesn’t employ anyone else, there’s no insurance you legally require. Although, cover can still be helpful and essential for any dog business.

Dogs can damage public property, and they can injure people . If you’re on a walk and either of those things happen, you could face legal action.

Public liability cover will help pay towards the court fees or compensation in that situation.

If a dog is injured or falls ill in your care, the owner could also claim against you. So care, custody and control cover would help you deal with that financially.

The cover can also pay for veterinary costs and advertising to help find lost dogs.

You can benefit from both of these covers with a specific dog daycare insurance, such as:

• Home boarding insurance
• Dog daycare, dog day creche insurance
• Pet sitting insurance

To pay for insurance, courses or property, you might seek extra funds for your business.

One option to secure funds is to approach a bank for a small business loan . They could offer you the money you need and you’ll arrange to pay it back over time with interest .

To apply for a loan, you’ll need to put together a business plan which explains what you’d do with the money and the likelihood of your success.

For more information on business plans, see: What should a business plan include?

Another option available for funding is to pitch to angel investors . These are wealthy individuals who can give you the money you need in exchange for a share of your company .

You’ll also need a business plan to impress them. But angel investors often invest in industries they are familiar with, so they could also offer helpful dog related contacts and advice for you .

A critical point to consider before starting a dog daycare business is the services you offer and their prices .

Think about whether you’ll look after the dogs over weekends if owners go away or do weekdays while they’re at work. If you have to work overnight for example, you can likely charge a higher rate.

You could have different packages you offer which include extras like:

• Trimming dogs nails
• Cutting and washing fur
• Dog massages
• Luxury food

When starting your dog daycare business, you’ll need to discover who your customers and competitors are . If you know who to target and who you’re up against, you’ll be able to market your business effectively.

To find out information for both, conduct market research . That can involve direct communication with the public through surveys or interviews . Ask what dog services people want and find groups are most likely to use them. 

You can look into your competitors online through their sites or visit them to see what services they offer .

If you search on Google which dog daycare businesses are run near you, you’ll likely find a few different ones. You’ll aim to stand out, so think about what you can provide that they don’t .

Through your market research, you may pick up on some similarities between the potential customers.

For example, you could find that most people who said they’d use your service are on higher incomes and above 35. 

Any helpful insights into those customers will form your target audience . These are your ideal people to focus on in your marketing. If you focus your advertising approach, it will be more efficient and save you money.

To decide which marketing channels to use to reach your target audience, you can create customer profiles (sometimes called customer avatars).

These are summaries of the lives of ideal customers, use them to discover when and where to market your business . For example, if they work during the day, you might target them in the evening.

A customer profile can include:

Another critical step before you shout about your dog daycare business is its branding . Your brand is the company’s public identity , and it’s how you can build familiarity with your customers.

Your brand can include your:

• Business name –– what you call your brand (e.g. House of Hounds).
• Slogan –– a phrase to associate with your brand (e.g. who let the dogs in).
• Logo –– an icon to represent your business (e.g. half, chewed toy).
• Colours –– two or three colours for your brand (e.g. brown and white).
• Tone of voice –– how you talk to customers (e.g. playful and excitable).

These points can form your brand guidelines to follow in your marketing. They’ll help maintain consistency to help you build recognition with the public . 

If people can easily remember your business, they may be more likely to trust you with their pets.

Now you’ve got an audience to target and a strong brand, the last step before marketing is a way to accept bookings.

It’ll be helpful to create a dedicated website to explain your services to customers. They’ll be able to learn what they want to know and see what options you have available for them.

There are a few website builders that you could use:

• Squarespace

Your site should also have contact information in case customers may have specific pet requirements to ask about.

For example, their dog may be allergic to certain foods, so they’d want reassurance they won’t come into contact with those.

Also, think about other ways to accept bookings like email and over the phone , but make sure you can manage all of that information together.

You can either use a physical diary or an appointment tool. These include:

Now you’ve got a place to direct your customers, you can build awareness of your brand and services. Your customer profiles should paint a clear picture of your ideal customers, so think about how to reach those.

For example, if you’d like to target young adults, you could use a social media platform like TikTok . You can show clips of the dogs and information about the service in a fun way while you reach your ideal audience .

Your business will likely cater to dog owners that are local to you. In that case, it may be a good idea to find ways to spread your messages within your community.

Facebook has plenty of groups specific to local areas for users to interact with people nearby . If you create a page on the platform, you can encourage family and friends to share the business on their accounts.

Another channel that might be great for a local approach is regional radio. It might be expensive where you live if there’s high demand, but everyone who hears it will likely live close to you .

You could put on a launch event for your business, and you can invite people to bring their pets for a dog themed party.

Everyone that attends could get a voucher for a free day of daycare. After a good experience, they’ll be more likely to choose your business again over a competitor.

If you like animals you could also consider starting a cat sitting business .

When starting a dog daycare business, you need to acknowledge the costs you might face.

These could include:

• Food — stock up, and different dogs might have their unique dietary requirements.
• Toys — keep the dogs entertained, and some will chew through them quickly.
• Beds — enough for all of the dogs in your care, which can vary in sizes too.

Apart from dog care specific costs, you’ll likely also have rent, utilities and marketing costs to monitor.

Countingup is a business account with built-in accounting software , and it lets you manage your finances through your phone. 

Its expense categorisation feature sorts all of your costs automatically. It labels them to show which areas you spend the most time on.

If you’re self-employed, you also need to consider filing your income tax Self Assessments . You must do these before the end of each tax year, but they can be time-consuming for new business owners.

Luckily, Countingup can provide you with tax estimates regularly . It means you’ll already know how much you should put aside each month, so taxes become easy to manage.

In a service industry like dog daycare, it’s essential to record what you bill your customers . It will help you understand whether you’ve charged reasonable fees for what you provide.

With Countingup’s invoicing feature, you’re able to create and send bills on the go. Sort invoices through your phone with one hand and still pet pups with the other.

Get started for free.

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Yekaterinburg

Yekaterinburg [lower-alpha 1] is a city and the administrative centre of Sverdlovsk Oblast and the Ural Federal District , Russia. The city is located on the Iset River between the Volga-Ural region and Siberia , with a population of roughly 1.5   million residents, [14] up to 2.2   million residents in the urban agglomeration. Yekaterinburg is the fourth-largest city in Russia, the largest city in the Ural Federal District, and one of Russia's main cultural and industrial centres. Yekaterinburg has been dubbed the "Third capital of Russia", as it is ranked third by the size of its economy, culture, transportation and tourism. [15] [16] [17] [18]

Imperial era

Contemporary era, demographics, administrative districts, administration, living costs and the labor market, finance and business, retail and services, transportation, public transit, media and telecommunications, life and culture, architecture, international relations, bric summit, twin towns – sister cities, notable people, bibliography, external links.

Yekaterinburg was founded on 18 November 1723 and named after the Orthodox name of Catherine I (born Marta Helena Skowrońska), the wife of Russian Emperor Peter the Great . The city served as the mining capital of the Russian Empire as well as a strategic connection between Europe and Asia. In 1781, Catherine the Great gave Yekaterinburg the status of a district town of Perm Province , and built the historical Siberian Route through the city. [3] Yekaterinburg became a key city to Siberia, which had rich resources. In the late 19th century, Yekaterinburg became one of the centres of revolutionary movements in the Urals. In 1924, after the Russian SFSR founded the Soviet Union , the city was renamed Sverdlovsk after the Bolshevik leader Yakov Sverdlov . During the Soviet era, Sverdlovsk was turned into an industrial and administrative powerhouse. On 23 September 1991 the city returned to its historical name.

Yekaterinburg is one of Russia's most important economic centres and was one of the host cities of the 2018 FIFA World Cup . The city is currently experiencing an economic and population boom, which resulted in some of the tallest skyscrapers of Russia being located in the city. Yekaterinburg is home to the headquarters of the Central Military District of the Russian Armed Forces , as well as the presidium of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences .

Yekaterinburg is famous for its constructivist architecture [19] [20] [21] and is also considered the "Russian capital of street art ". [22] [23] [24]

The area was settled in prehistory. The earliest settlements date to 8000–7000   BC, in the Mesolithic period . The Isetskoe Pravoberezhnoye I archaeological site contains a Neolithic settlement dated to 6000–5000   BC. It includes stone processing workshops with artefacts such as grinding plates, anvils, clumps of rock, tools, and finished products. Over 50 different types of rock and minerals were used in tool making, indicating extensive knowledge of the region's natural resources. The Gamayun peninsula (left bank of the Verkh-Isetsky Pond) has archaeological findings from the Chalcolithic Period : workshops for producing stone tools (upper area) and two dwellings of the Ayat culture (lower area). There are also traces of the Koptyak culture from 2000   BC: dishes decorated with bird images and evidence of metallurgical production. The Tent I site contains the only Koptyak culture burials discovered in the Ural Mountains . In the Bronze Age , the people of Gamayun culture lived in the area. They left fragments of ceramics, weapons, and ornaments. [25] [26] [27]

Archaeological artifacts in the vicinity of Yekaterinburg were first discovered during railway construction, at the end of the 19th century. Excavation and research began in the 20th century. Artifacts are held at the Sverdlovsk Regional Museum of Local Lore , at the Hermitage , at the Museum of Anthropology and Ethnography of the Academy of Sciences, and at other museums. [26]

The first Russian settlements within the boundaries of modern Yekaterinburg appeared in the second half of the 17th century — in 1672, an Old Believers village arose in the area of Shartash lake [28] (this fact is disputed by historians, since no evidence of the founding of the village at that time was found in the sources), [29] and in 1680 – 1682, the villages of Nizhny and Verkhny Uktus appeared on the banks of Uktus River (now the territory of the Chkalovsky district of the city). [30] In 1702, by the initiative of the head of Sibirskiy prikaz Andrew Vinius , the Uktus state ironwork plant was founded near Nizhny Uktus — the first ironworks within the boundaries of modern Yekaterinburg. [31] In 1704, the Shuvakish ironworks was built (now the territory of the Zheleznodorozhny district of the city). [28] With the beginning of active construction of factories in the Urals in the 18th century, relations with their southern neighbors, the Bashkirs , became strained. As a result of the Bashkir raid in 1709, the village of Verkhny Uktus was devastated, all buildings, including the wooden church and chapel, were burned, the residents fled to the protection of the Uktus plant fortifications. [30] On the night of 5 April 1718, a fire destroyed all the factory buildings of the Uktus plant, except for the dam, and the plant was restored only by 1720 under the supervision of Timofey Burtsev. [32] However, the plant did not receive further development due to the lack of water in Uktus river.

In 1720, by decree of Peter I , a delegation led by mining specialist Johann Blüher and statesman Vasily Tatishchev was sent to the Urals . [33] They were entrusted with managing the mining industry, identifying the causes of the collapse and reduction of production at state-owned factories. [33] On 29 December 1720, [33] Tatishchev and Blüher arrive at the Uktus plant, which became their main residence in the Urals. As a result of familiarizing himself with the state of nearby state-owned factories, Tatishchev came to the conclusion that on the basis of these factories, even if they were reconstructed and expanded, it would not be possible to quickly increase the production of iron, and it would be more profitable to build a new large plant. After inspecting the immediate area, together with the commissary of the Uktus plant, Timofey Burtsev, a place rich in ore and forest was chosen on the banks of the more full-flowing Iset River , 7 versts from Uktus. [33] On 6 February 1721, Tatishchev sent a message to the Collegium of Mining , in which he asked permission to begin construction of the plant, with detailed explanations and justification for this project. [33] On 1 March 1721, without waiting for a response from the Collegium, Tatishchev began construction of the new plant, [28] but he failed to convince Collegium, and by the Collegium decree of 10 December 1721, he was removed from the leadership of mining affairs in the Urals. [28] In 1722, by decree of Peter the Great, a mining engineer, Major General Georg Wilhelm de Gennin , was sent to the Urals in place of Tatishchev. Having studied all the circumstances, de Gennin fully supported Tatishchev’s project, and on 12 March 1723, construction of the plant on Iset resumed. [28]

Russian historian Vasily Tatishchev and Russian engineer Georg Wilhelm de Gennin founded Yekaterinburg with the construction of a massive iron-making plant under the decree of Russian emperor Peter the Great in 1723. [34] They named the city after the emperor's wife, Yekaterina, who later became empress regnant Catherine   I . [2] Officially, the city's founding date is 18 November 1723, when the shops carried out a test run of the bloomery for trip hammers. [2] The plant was commissioned 6 days later, on 24 November. [35] 1723 also saw the establishment of Yekaterinburg fortress , which would encompass many of the settlement's earliest buildings. Dmitry Mamin-Sibiryak very vividly described the beginning of the construction of a mining plant and a fortress: "Imagine completely deserted banks of the Iset river, covered with forest. In the spring of 1723, soldiers from Tobolsk, peasants of the assigned settlements, hired craftsmen appeared, and everything around came to life, as if by the dictates of a fairy tale. They dropped the forest, prepared a place for the dam, laid blast furnaces, raised the rampart, set up barracks and houses for the authorities... ". [36]

In 1722–1726 the Verkhne-Uktussky mining plant was built, [37] which was officially called the plant of the princess Elizabeth (the future village of Elizabeth, or Elizavetinskoe) and became a part of modern Yekaterinburg in 1934. [38] In 1726, Wilhelm de Gennin founded an auxiliary Verkh-Isetsky plant with a working settlement 2 versts from Yekaterinburg upstream ('verkh' in Russian) the Iset River. [39] The plant's dam formed the Verkh-Isetsky pond. Colloquially called by the Russian acronym VIZ, it was a satellite town until in 1926, with a population of over 20,000 people by this time, it was incorporated into Yekaterinburg as the core of the Verkh-Isetsky district. [39]

Yekaterinburg was one of the industrial cities of Russia prompted at the beginning of the 18th century by decrees of Tsar Peter the Great which demanded the development of the metalworking industry. With extensive use of iron, the city was built to a regular square plan with ironworks and residential buildings at the centre. These were surrounded by fortified walls so that Yekaterinburg was at the same time both a manufacturing centre and a fortress at the frontier between Europe and Asia. It, therefore, found itself at the heart of Russia's strategy for further development of the entire Ural region. The so-called Siberian Route became operational in 1763 and placed the city on an increasingly important transit route, which led to its development as a focus of trade and commerce between east and west, and gave rise to the description of the city as the "window to Asia". With the growth in trade and the city's administrative importance, the ironworks became less critical, and the more important buildings were increasingly built using expensive stone. Small manufacturing and trading businesses proliferated. In 1781 Russia's empress, Catherine the Great, granted Yekaterinburg town status and nominated it as the administrative centre for the wider region within Perm Governorate . [3] In 1807, the role of the capital of the mining and smelting region was confirmed by assigning it the status of the only "mountain city" in Russia. Until 1863, Yekaterinburg remained subordinate to the head of the mining plants of the Ural ridge , the minister of finance and personally to the emperor, and enjoyed considerable freedom from the governor's power. Since the 1830s, mountainous Yekaterinburg has become the center of mechanical engineering. [36]

In 1820–1845, 45% of the world's gold was mined in Yekaterinburg. This is the first ever "Gold Rush". [40] Until 1876, 80% of the coins in circulation in the Russian Empire were produced at the Yekaterinburg mint. [41]

Following the October Revolution , the family of deposed Tsar Nicholas II was sent to internal exile in Yekaterinburg where they were imprisoned in the Ipatiev House in the city. In July 1918, the Czechoslovak Legions were closing on Yekaterinburg. In the early hours of the morning of 17 July, the deposed Tsar, his wife Alexandra , and their children Grand Duchesses Olga , Tatiana , Maria , Anastasia , and Tsarevich Alexei were murdered by the Bolsheviks at the Ipatiev House. Other members of the Romanov family were killed at Alapayevsk later the same day. The Legions arrived less than a week later and captured the city. [42] [43] The city remained under the control of the White movement in which a provisional government was established. The Red Army took back the city and restored Soviet authority on 14 July 1919. [44] [45]

In the years following the Russian Revolution and the Russian Civil War , political authority of the Urals was transferred from Perm to Yekaterinburg. On 19 October 1920, Yekaterinburg established its first university, the Ural State University , as well as polytechnic, pedagogical, and medical institutions under the decree of Soviet leader Vladimir Lenin . Enterprises in the city ravaged by the war were nationalised, including: the Metalist (formerly Yates) Plant, the Verkh-Isetsky (formerly Yakovleva) Plant, and the Lenin flax-spinning factory (formerly Makarov). In 1924, the city of Yekaterinburg was renamed Sverdlovsk after the Bolshevik leader Yakov Sverdlov . [46] [28] [44]

By the 1934, following a series of administrative reforms carried by the early Soviet government, the earliest Russian settlements which predated Yekaterinburg and laid the basis of its founding, were incorporated into the city proper. [38] [47]

During the reign of Stalin, Sverdlovsk was one of several places developed by the Soviet government as a centre of heavy industry. Old factories were reconstructed and new large factories were built, especially those specialised in machine-building and metalworking. These plants included Magnitogorsk and the Chelyabinsk Tractor Plant in Chelyabinsk oblast , and Uralmash in Sverdlovsk. During this time, the population of Sverdlovsk tripled in size, and it became one of the fastest-growing cities of the Soviet Union. At that time, very large powers were given to the regional authorities. By the end of the 1930s, there were 140 industrial enterprises, 25 research institutes, and 12 higher education institutions in Sverdlovsk. [48] [49]

During World War II, the city became the headquarters of the Ural Military District on the basis of which more than 500 different military units and formations were formed, including the 22nd Army and the Ural Volunteer Tank Corps. Uralmash became the main production site for armoured vehicles. Many state technical institutions and whole factories were relocated to Sverdlovsk away from cities affected by war (mostly Moscow), with many of them staying in Sverdlovsk after the victory. The Hermitage Museum collections were also partly evacuated from Leningrad to Sverdlovsk in July 1941 and remained there until October 1945. [50] In the postwar years, new industrial and agricultural enterprises were put into operation and massive housing construction began. [51] [44] The lookalike five-story apartment blocks that remain today in Kirovsky, Chkalovsky, and other residential areas of Sverdlovsk sprang up in the 1960s, under the direction of Nikita Khrushchev 's government. [52] In 1977, Ipatiev House was demolished by order of Boris Yeltsin in accordance to a resolution from the Politburo in order to prevent it from being used as a rallying location for monarchists . Yeltsin later became the first President of Russia and represented the people at the funeral of the former Tsar in 1998. [53] There was an anthrax outbreak in Sverdlovsk in April and May 1979, which was attributed to a release from the Sverdlovsk-19 military facility . [54]

During the 1991 coup d'état attempt , Sverdlovsk, the home city of President Boris Yeltsin, was selected by him as a temporary reserve capital for the Russian Federation, in case Moscow became too dangerous for the Russian government. A reserve cabinet headed by Oleg Lobov was sent to the city, where Yeltsin enjoyed strong popular support at that time. [55] Shortly after the failure of the coup and subsequent dissolution of the Soviet Union, the city regained its historical name of Yekaterinburg on 23 September 1991. However, Sverdlovsk Oblast, of which Yekaterinburg is the administrative centre, kept its name. [56] [57]

In the 2000s, an intensive growth of trade, business, and tourism began in Yekaterinburg. In 2003, Russian President Vladimir Putin and German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder negotiated in Yekaterinburg. On 15–17 June 2009, the SCO and BRIC summits were held in Yekaterinburg, which greatly improved the economic, cultural, and tourist situation in the city. On 13–16 July 2010, a meeting between Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and German Chancellor Angela Merkel took place in the city. [58]

In 2018, Yekaterinburg hosted four matches of the 2018 FIFA World Cup and hosted the inaugural University International Sports Festival in 2023. [59]

Geographically, Yekaterinburg is in North Asia, close to the Ural Mountains (which divide Europe from Asia), 1,667   km (1,036   mi) east of the nation's capital Moscow.

The city has a total area of 1,111   km 2 (429   sq   mi) .

Yekaterinburg is on the eastern side of the Urals. The city is surrounded by wooded hills, partially cultivated for agricultural purposes. Yekaterinburg is located on a natural watershed, so there would be many bodies of water close and in the city. The city is bisected by the Iset River , which flows from the Urals into the Tobol River . There are two lakes in the city, Lake Shuvakish and Lake Shartash. The city borders Verkh-Isetskiy Pond, through which the Iset River flows. Lake Isetskoye and Lake Baltym are both near the city, with Lake Isetskoye located near Sredneuralsk , and Lake Baltym located near the towns of Sanatornyy and Baltym.

Yekaterinburg uses the Yekaterinburg Time, which is five hours ahead of UTC (UTC+5), and two hours ahead of Moscow Time . [60]

The city possesses a humid continental climate ( Dfb ) under the Köppen climate classification . [61] It is characterised by sharp variability in weather conditions, with well-marked seasons. The Ural Mountains, despite their insignificant height, block air from the west, from the European part of Russia. As a result, the Central Urals are open to the invasion of cold arctic air and continental air from the West Siberian Plain. Equally, warm air masses from the Caspian Sea and the deserts of Central Asia can freely penetrate from the south. Therefore, the weather in Yekaterinburg is characterised by sharp temperature fluctuations and weather anomalies: in winter, from frost at −40   °C to thaw and rain; in summer, from frosts to temperatures above 35   °C (95   °F) . [61]

The distribution of precipitation is determined by the circulation of air masses, relief, and air temperatures. The main part of the precipitation is brought by cyclones with a western air mass transfer, that is, from the European part of Russia, while their average annual amount is 601   mm. The maximum falls on a warm season, during which about 60–70% of the annual amount falls. For the winter period is characterized by snow cover with an average capacity of 40–50   cm. The coefficient of moistening(the ratio of yearly precipitation and potential evaporation ) – 1. [61]

• The average temperature in January is −12.6   °C (9.3   °F) . The record minimum temperature is −44.6   °C (−48.3   °F) (6 January 1915);
• The average July temperature is 18.9   °C (66.0   °F) . The record maximum temperature is 40.0   °C (104.0   °F) (11 July 2023);
• The average annual temperature is 2.1   °C (35.8   °F) ;
• The average annual wind speed is 2.9   m/s (10   km/h; 6.5   mph) ;
• The average annual humidity is 75%;
• The average annual precipitation is 534   mm (21.0   in) ;

According to the results of the 2021 Census , the population of Yekaterinburg was 1,544,376 ; [64] up from 1,349,772 recorded in the 2010 Census . [7]

As of 2021, the ethnic composition of Yekaterinburg was: [65]

Christianity is the predominant religion in the city, of which most are adherents to the Russian Orthodox Church. The Yekaterinburg and Verkhotursky diocese is located in the Holy Trinity Cathedral in the city. Other religions practised in Yekaterinburg include Islam , Old Believers , Catholicism , Protestantism , and Judaism .

Yekaterinburg has a significant Muslim community, but it suffers from a lack of worship space: there are only two small mosques . Another mosque was built in the nearby city of Verkhnyaya Pyshma . On 24 November 2007, the first stone was laid in the construction of a large Cathedral Mosque with four minarets , and space for 2,500 parishioners in the immediate vicinity of the cathedral and a synagogue , thus forming the "area of the three religions". [66] The mosque was planned to be built for the SCO summit, but due to funding problems, construction did not move from zero and is now frozen.

Construction of a Methodist church started in 1992, and with the help of American donations, finished in 2001. [67] A synagogue was opened in 2005, on the same place a 19th-century synagogue was demolished in 1962.

Most of the city's religious buildings were destroyed during the Soviet era, in addition to the synagogue, the three largest Orthodox churches in Yekaterinburg were demolished – the Epiphany Cathedral, the Ekaterininsky Cathedral, and the Great Zlatoust Church . Other Christian churches such as the Lutheran Church of Yekaterinburg and the Roman Catholic Church of St. Anne (a new Catholic St. Anne's Church was built in 2000) were demolished as well. Other churches were used as warehouses and industrial sites. The only religious building in Yekaterinburg in the Soviet era was the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. Recently, some churches are being rebuilt. Since 2006, according to the surviving drawings, the Great Zlatoust Church was restored in 2012. On 17 April 2010, the city was visited by Patriarch Kirill . [68]

Yekaterinburg is the administrative centre of Sverdlovsk Oblast . [1] Within the framework of the administrative divisions , it is, together with twenty-nine rural localities , incorporated as the City of Yekaterinburg, [9] an administrative unit with the status equal to that of the districts . [1] As a municipal division, the City of Yekaterinburg is incorporated as Yekaterinburg Urban Okrug. [10]

Each district is not a municipal formation, and the historical centre of the city is divided into five inner-city districts (except Chkalovsky and Ordzhonikidzevsky).

A district named Akademicheskiy was formed from the parts of Leninsky and Verkh-Isetsky districts on 3 January 2020. [70] On 1 October 2021, more settlements were transferred from Verkh-Isetsky to Akademicheskiy district. [71]

The Charter of Yekaterinburg establishes a four-link system for the organisation of local authorities, which includes: the Head of Yekaterinburg, who serves as the chairman of the Yekaterinburg City Duma, the Yekaterinburg City Duma, the Administration of the City of Yekaterinburg, and the Chamber of Accounts. [74]

According to the charter of Yekaterinburg, the highest official of the municipal formation is the mayor of Yekaterinburg. The mayor is elected by universal suffrage, but since 3 April 2018, the procedure for direct elections of the mayor of the City of Yekaterinburg was abolished. The mayor of the city is endowed with representative powers and powers to organize activities and guide the activities of the City Duma. In addition, the mayor of the city exercises other powers such as concluding a contract with the head of the city administration and ensuring compliance with the Russian Constitution, Russian legislation, the city charter, and other normative acts. [75] [76]

In the event of a temporary absence of the mayor of Yekaterinburg, his authority under his written order is exercised by the deputy mayor of Yekaterinburg. [77]

The representative body of the municipal formation is the Yekaterinburg City Duma, which represents the city's entire population. The membership of the Duma is 36 deputies (18 deputies were elected in single-mandate constituencies and 18 in a single electoral district). Residents of the city elect deputies on the basis of universal suffrage for a period of 5 years. [74]

The executive and administrative body of the municipal formation is the Administration of the City of Yekaterinburg, led by the head of the Administration, currently held by Aleksandr Yacob. The administration is endowed with its own powers to resolve issues of local importance, but it is under the control and accountable to the Yekaterinburg City Duma. The building of the Administration of Yekaterinburg is located on 1905 Square . [76]

The Chamber of Accounts is a permanently operating body of external municipal financial control. The Chamber is formed by the apparatus of the City Duma and is accountable to it. The Chamber consists of the chairman, deputy chairman, auditors and staff. The structure and number of staff of the chamber, including the number of auditors, is determined by the decision of the City Duma. The term of office of the Chamber staff is 5 years. The Chamber of Accounts is a legal entity. [77]

In accordance with the regional charter, Yekaterinburg is the administrative centre of the Sverdlovsk Oblast. [1] The executive power is exercised by the governor of Sverdlovsk Oblast, the legislative power by the legislative assembly of Sverdlovsk Oblast, and the judicial power by the Sverdlovsk Regional Court, located in the building of the Palace of Justice. [78] The building serving the regional government is the White House and the building serving the legislative assembly is located next to it on October Square. The ministries of the Sverdlovsk Region are located in the building of the regional government, as well as in other separate buildings of the city. [79]

Yekaterinburg serves as the centre of the Ural Federal District. As a result, it serves as the residence of the presidential envoy , the highest official of the district and part of the administration of the President of Russia. The residence is located the building of the regional government on October Square near the Iset River embankment.

In addition, Yekaterinburg serves as the centre of the Central Military District and more than 30 territorial branches of the federal executive bodies, whose jurisdiction extends not only to Sverdlovsk Oblast, but also to other regions in the Ural Mountains, Siberia, and the Volga Region.

According to the results of the September 2013 elections, the mayor of the city was Yevgeny Roizman , nominated by the Civil Platform party. Out of the 36 seats in the City Duma, 21 belong to United Russia , 7 to A Just Russia , 3 to the Civil Platform, 2 to the Communist Party and 1 seat to the LDPR . The turnout in the mayoral elections was 33.57%. [80]

It was the last popular vote in Yekaterinburg. Since 2018, there have been no elections, but a vote in the Municipal Duma. On 25 September 2018 the majority of the representatives in the Duma voted in favour of the Vice-Governor of Sverdlovsk oblast, Alexander Vysokinskiy.

Yekaterinburg is one of the largest economic centres in Russia. It is included in the City-600 list (it unites the 600 largest cities in the world that produce 60% of global GDP), compiled by the McKinsey Global Institute, a research organisation. In 2010, the consulting company estimated the gross product of Yekaterinburg to be about $19   billion (according to the calculations of the company, it should grow to $40   billion by 2025). [82] [83]

By volume of the economy, Yekaterinburg ranks third in the country, after Moscow and St. Petersburg. According to a research of the Institute for Urban Economics, in the ranking of the largest cities and regional capital cities according to economic standards for 2015, Yekaterinburg ranked third. The city's gross urban product (GVP) was 898   billion rubles. Per capita GDP was 621.0 thousand rubles (18th place). [84] In 2015, the gross urban product of the Yekaterinburg metropolitan area amounted to 50.7   billion international dollars (the fourth place in the country) or 25.4 thousand international dollars in terms of per inhabitant of the metropolitan area. [85]

In the Soviet era, Yekaterinburg (as Sverdlovsk) was a purely industrial city, with a share of industry in the economy of 90% (of which 90% were in defense production). With Chelyabinsk and Perm, the three cities formed what to be the Urals industrial hub. [86]

The former head of Yekaterinburg, Arkady Chernetsky, has set the goal of diversifying the city's economy, which has resulted in the development of sectors such as warehousing, transportation, logistics, telecommunications, financial sector, wholesale and retail trade, etc. in Yekaterinburg. [86] Economist-geographer Natalia Zubarevich points out that at the present stage, Yekaterinburg has practically lost its industrial specialisation. [87]

The standard of living in Yekaterinburg exceeds the average standard across Russia. According to the Department of Sociology of the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, it is among the top ten cities with the highest standard of living. Compared to other Russian cities with a population of around or over one million, in 2015, Yekaterinburg held a leading position in terms of average monthly wages and retail turnover, in terms of the total volume of investments in fourth place of fixed assets, and second place in housing placement. [88] [89]

The average monthly wage in Yekaterinburg following the results of 2019 was 54,976 rubles. This is the first place among the millionth municipalities of the Russian Federation. [90] There are on average 440,300 people employed by large and middle-sized organisations and companies. The unemployment rate at the end of 2015 was 0.83% of the total economically active population. Locals labelled the main problems of the city such the current state of the healthcare system, housing system, and transportation system. [89] [91]

The budget of Yekaterinburg in 2015 was executed on income in the amount of 32,063.6   million rubles, for expenses in the amount of 32,745.8   million rubles. Among the budget expenditures: 17 billion rubles were spent on education, over 1 billion rubles on culture, and about 900 million rubles on health. The main part of the revenue of the city treasury was its own tax and non-tax revenues (more than 18 billion rubles). The revenues from the regional and federal budgets were at the lowest level in 10 years. Specialists noted a decrease in tax revenues and an increase in tax debt (exceeded 2 billion rubles). [89] [92]

The main budget expenditures are the development of the economy (which accounts for 19% of expenditures) and the social security of the townspeople (11% of expenditures go). Cities such as Perm, Kazan and Ufa, spend for these purposes in a smaller percentage of costs (from 2 to 6%). Also, a fairly strict budgetary discipline is noted—the budget deficit is kept at the level of 2% of its volume. [93]

Yekaterinburg is one of the largest financial and business centres in Russia, with offices of multinational corporations, representative offices of foreign companies, and a large number of federal and regional financial and credit organisations. The financial market of Yekaterinburg is characterised by stability and independence, based both on the broad presence of large foreign and Moscow credit organisations and on the availability of large and stable local financial holdings. [94]

The financial sector of Yekaterinburg has more than 100 banks, including 11 foreign banks. The list of the largest Russian banks for assets for 2016 included 10 banks registered in Yekaterinburg, including but not all: Ural Bank for Reconstruction and Development, SKB-Bank, Uraltransbank, and UM Bank. [95] [96]

IT "SKB Kontur" from Yekaterinburg – the largest software manufacturer in Russia – first place according to the RAEX rating [97]

Also in Yekaterinburg is the Ural headquarters of the Central Bank of Russia. Since 7 August 2017, by order of the Bank of Russia, the branches of the Siberian, Far Eastern and part of the Prevolzhsky Federal Districts have been transferred to the control of the Ural Megaregal Directorate. Thus, this is one of the three main departments of the Mega-regulator in the territory of Russia. [98]

A major role in the formation of Yekaterinburg as a business centre has its infrastructural potential, which is growing at a high rate: transport accessibility for Russian and foreign economic entities, the availability of hotels, advanced communication services, business related services (consulting, exhibition activities, etc.). [94] Yekaterinburg has its own central business district, Yekaterinburg City. [99]

Yekaterinburg has been a major industrial centre since its foundation. In the 18th century, the main branches were smelting and processing of metal. Since the beginning of the 19th century, machine building appeared, and in the second half of the 19th century, light and food (especially milling) industry was widely spread. A new stage in the development of production occurred during the period of industrialisation – at this time in the city, factories were built, which determined the industry specialisation of heavy engineering. During World War II, Yekaterinburg (as Sverdlovsk) hosted about sixty enterprises evacuated from Central Russia and Ukraine. As a result, there was a sharp increase in the production capacity of existing plants and the emergence of new branches of the Urals industry.

At present, more than 220 large and medium-sized enterprises are registered in Yekaterinburg, 197 of them in manufacturing industries. [94] In 2015, they shipped 323,288 million rubles worth of own-produced goods. Production by industry was divided accordingly: metallurgical production and metalworking 20.9%, food production 13.3%, production of electrical equipment, electronic and optical equipment 9.2%, production of vehicles 8.4%, production of machinery and equipment 6.4%, chemical production 5.5%, production of other nonmetallic mineral products 3.7%, production of rubber and plastic products 2.8%, pulp and paper production, publishing and printing 0.5%, and other 29.3%. [100]

Several headquarters of large Russian industrial companies are located in the city: IDGC of Urals, Enel Russia, Steel-Industrial Company, Russian Copper Company, Kalina, NLMK-Sort, VIZ-Stal, Sinara Group, Uralelectrotyazhmash, Automation Association named after academician NA Semikhatov, Ural Heavy Machinery Plant (Uralmash), Fat Plant, Fores, confectionery association Sladko, Machine Building Plant named after M.I. Kalinin, Ural Turbine Plant, Uralkhimmash and others. [101]

Yekaterinburg ranks first in retail trade of the Russian Federation per capita, ahead of Moscow. [102] The consumer market contributes significantly to Yekaterinburg's economy. Revenue of retail stores in 2015 amounted to 725.9   billion rubles, and the number of retailers totaled 4,290. [103] As of 1 January 2016, 36 shopping centers operate in the city, taking up a total area of which was 1,502,700   m 2 (16,175,000   sq   ft) . The availability of shopping centres per 1,000 inhabitants increased to 597.2   m 2 (6,428   sq   ft) . [104]

Retail areas amounted to 2,019,000   m 2 (21,730,000   sq   ft) , with the availability of retail space reached 1,366.3   m 2 (14,707   sq   ft) per 1,000 inhabitants. According to these statistics, Yekaterinburg holds leading positions among other major cities of Russia. In the consumer market of Yekaterinburg, 1041 network operators are represented. The number of wholesale enterprises totalled 1,435. Among the Federal construction stores represented in the city, you can select: Leroy Merlin, [105] Castorama, [106] Domostroy, [107] Maxidom, [108] OBI, [109] Sdvor. [110] Yekaterinburg has an agricultural market named Shartashsky. [104] [111]

The revenue of catering in 2015 totalled 38.6   billion rubles. The network of catering enterprises in Yekaterinburg is presented as follows: 153 restaurants, 210 bars, 445 cafes, 100 coffee houses, 582 dining rooms, 189 eateries, 173 fast-food establishments, 10 tea shops, 319 other types of institutions (buffets, cafeterias, catering companies). 82.6% of catering enterprises provide additional services to consumers. [112]

The revenue of the services industry in 2015 totalled 74.9   billion rubles. The fastest pace in the city is developing hairdressing services, sewing and knitting atelier services, pawnshop services, fitness centre services. The network of public service enterprises in Yekaterinburg includes 5,185 facilities. In 2015, the provision of service areas for service enterprises totaled 382.1   m 2 (4,113   sq   ft) per 1,000 citizens. The highest concentration of household services is observed in the Verkh-Isetsky, Oktyabrsky and Leninsky districts. [113]

Greenwich Shopping Center, as of 2021, is the largest shopping center in Europe. [114]

The largest store in the world by area is Sima-Land. [115]

Yekaterinburg is a major centre for the Russian tourist industry. In 2015, the city was one of the top five most visited Russian cities (others being Moscow, St. Petersburg, Novosibirsk , and Vladivostok ) according to the Global Destinations Cities Index, which represents the payment system Mastercard . [116] In recent years, a lot of work has been done to create a positive image of Yekaterinburg as a centre for international tourism, including holding of summits for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in 2008 and 2009 and the international exhibition Innoprom in 2009 and 2010. [117] In 2014, Yekaterinburg ranked third among Russian cities in popularity among foreign tourists after Moscow and St. Petersburg. [118]

In 2015, the total flow of inbound tourism grew by 10% compared to the previous year and amounted to 2.1   million people. [119] In recent years, there has been a tendency to reduce the role of business tourism in the overall flow: if in 2013 about 80% of trips were business, in 2015 their number was already 67%. Most tourists go to "bow to the memory of the last [czar] and his family." In addition, new tourist ideas are developing such as the Bazhov theme, the geological and mineralogical theme, industrial tourism, and the event calendar. [120]

Yekaterinburg is the third largest transport hub of Russia, behind Moscow and St. Petersburg. The city has 6 federal highways, 7 main railway lines, and an international airport. The location of Yekaterinburg in the central part of the region allows for 7 to 10 hours to get from it to any large city of the Urals. [121] The formation of Yekaterinburg as an important transportation hub is largely due to the city's favourable geographical location on a low stretch of the Ural Mountains, through which it was convenient to lay the main roads connecting the European and Eastern parts of Russia. [122]

Yekaterinburg is one of the ten Russian megacities with the largest car fleet (0.437 megacars were registered in the city in 2014), which has been intensively increasing in recent years (by 6–14% annually). [123] [124] The level of car ownership in 2015 has reached 410 cars per 1,000 people. [125] Its pace in the past few years has seriously exceeded the pace of development and the capacity of the road infrastructure. For the first time, transport problems started to appear in Yekaterinburg in the 1980s and though it did not seem threatening at first, the situation gets worse every year. Studies have shown that as early as 2005, the capacity limit for the road network was reached, which has now led to permanent congestion. [126] To increase the capacity of the street-road network, stage-by-stage reconstruction of streets is being carried out, as well as multi-level interchanges being built. In order to reduce the transit traffic, the Sverdlovsk Oblast administration announced two road projects in 2014: the Yekaterinburg Ring Road (EKAD) and an overpass road on Sovetskaya Street. The Yekaterinburg Ring Road would surround the largest municipalities of Yekaterinburg. Its purpose would be to help the city's economy and reduce traffic on the Middle Ring Road of the city, making it easier for civilians to commute around the city than going through the city's traffic congestion. Eventually, the Ring Road would connect to other federal roads in order for easier access between other Russian cities. Construction of the road started in the same year. The projects were assigned to the Ministry of Transport and Communications since the projects were crucial to the city's economy. Officials hope the road projects will build environments more conducive to improving local quality of life and outside investments. Completing these major inter-regional roads will increase productive traffic by 50% to 100%, improving the local economy with its ease of access to industries. [127]

Since 2014, the project for the introduction of paid parking in the central part of Yekaterinburg is being implemented. The project is implemented in parallel with the increase in the number of intercepting parking lots and the construction of parking lots. At the end of 2015, in the central part of the city there were 2,307 paid parking places. [125]

The total length of the road network in Yekaterinburg is 1,311.5   km (814.9   mi) , of which 929.8   km (577.8   mi) is cobbled carriageways, 880   km (550   mi) is with upgraded coverage, 632   km (393   mi) is backbone networks, of which 155   km (96   mi) are on the citywide backbone network movement. 20 interchanges have been constructed at different levels within the city limits, including 11 on the EKAD and 9 on the middle ring. 74 transport facilities (27 bridges across the Iset River, Patrushikha, Mostovka, Istok Rivers, 13 dams on the Iset, Patrushikha, Istok, Olkhovka, Warm, Shilovka Rivers, 23 road overpasses , and 18 out-of-the-way pedestrian crossings) were built as well. [128]

Yekaterinburg is served by the following highways: [129]

Yekaterinburg uses almost all types of public transport. The largest transportation services—the Municipal Association of Bus Enterprises, the Tram-Trolleybus Office, and the Yekaterinburg Metro —transported 207.4   million people in 2015. [130] The total volume of passenger transportation by all land transport modes decreases annually. If the annual passenger traffic of municipal transport was 647.1   million people in 2002, and according to this index the city occupied the third place in the country with a wide margin, then in 2008 this figure would be 412 million people (the fourth place in Russia). [131] [132]

Since 1991, the city operates the sixth metro in Russia and the thirteenth in the CIS . At the moment there is one line with 9 stations. In 2015 49.9   million passengers were transported; according to this metric the Yekaterinburg Metro is the fourth in Russia, behind the Moscow Metro, Saint Petersburg Metro, and Novosibirsk Metro . [133] Although the metro is the second most popular type of public transport, in recent years significant problems have appeared in its work: loss-making, obsolete rolling stock, and a shortage of funds for modernisation. [134] The tram network was established in 1929 and currently [ when? ] plays a leading role in the urban transport system. The volume of passengers carried for 2013 is 127.8   million, [135] but this declines every year (245   million people in 2013 [136] ). In 2016 there were 30 routes operating 459 cars. The total length of the tracks is 185.5   km. As of 2016 [ update ] , the construction of a tram line "Ekaterinburg-Verkhnyaya Pyshma" was planned. [137]

There are 93 bus routes operating in Yekaterinburg, including 30 municipal ones (EMUP "MOAP"). [138] In 2007, 114.5   million passengers were transported by municipal intercity buses (124.6   million in 2006). [139] The decrease in volume is due to the increasing role of the fixed-route taxis in the urban transport system of Yekaterinburg, as well as the high cost of travel. However, the city bus transport network provides significant employment for the people of Ekaterinburg, including the formidable babushkas who collect passenger fares. In the park of EMPU, there are 537 buses. [140] In 2013, there are 19 routes, which employ 250 trolleybuses. The total length of trolleybus lines is 168.4   km. The number of passengers transported by trolleybus in 2007 amounted to 78.4   million (84.3   million in 2006). [139]

In addition, the city operates an electric train route linking the north-western and the southern parts of Yekaterinburg, from Sem' Klyuchey to Elizavet.

Yekaterinburg is a major railway junction. In the Yekaterinburg node, 7 main lines converge (to Perm , Tyumen , Kazan , Nizhny Tagil , Chelyabinsk , Kurgan , and Tavda ). The Sverdlovsk Railway Administration is located in the city, which serves trains on the territory of the Sverdlovsk and Tyumen Regions, the Perm Territory, the Khanty-Mansiysk and Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Districts, as well as parts of the Omsk Region, and there is a single road traffic control centre. The Perm–Yekaterinburg–Tyumen section is now part of the main route of the Trans-Siberian Railway .

Yekaterinburg is served by two primary airports: Koltsovo International Airport (SVX) and the smaller Yekaterinburg Aramil Airport . Koltsovo Airport is one of the largest airports in the country, serving 5.404   million passengers (including 3.485   million serviced by domestic airlines, 1.919   million at international flights) in 2017, making it the sixth busiest airport in Russia . [141]

Yekaterinburg has an extensive network of municipal, regional and federal health facilities. There are 54 hospitals, designed at a capacity of 18,200 beds, [142] 272 ambulatory polyclinics, and 156 dental clinics and offices. [143] Some health facilities are based on medical research institutes such as the Research Institute of Phthisiopulmonology, [144] the Research Institute of Dermatology and Immunopathology, [145] and the Ural State Medical University, as well as others.

In clean areas of the city, there is the Yekaterinburg Medical Centre, which includes the Sverdlovsk Regional Clinical Hospital No. 1 (also includes a polyclinic and a boarding house), Central City Hospital No. 40 (polyclinic, therapeutic building, surgical building, infectious body, neuro-surgical building, maternity hospital), Regional Cardiology Centre, Centre for Prevention and Control of AIDS, and MNTK Eye Microsurgery. [146]

Other large medical centres are the Uralmash Health Centre (Hospital No. 14), the Hospital of veterans of the Great Patriotic War, the district hospital of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the district military hospital, the Oncology Centre, the Sverdlovsk Oblast Psychiatric Hospital, the Disaster Medicine Centre, the Sanguis Blood Transfusion Centre, children's versatile hospital No. 9, and the regional rehabilitation centre on Chusovsky lake. There are about 300 pharmacies in the city. [143] The number of doctors in public medical institutions is 11,339 people (83.9 per 10,000 people) and the number of nurses is 16,795 (124 per 10,000 people).

Private medical institutions also operate in the city. [147]

Yekaterinburg's education system includes institutions of all grades and conditions: preschool, general, special (correctional), and vocational (secondary and higher education), as well as others. Today, the city is one of the largest educational centres of Russia, with Yekaterinburg considered to be the leading educational and scientific centre of the Urals . [148]

There are 164 educational institutions in Yekaterinburg: 160 of them operate in the morning and the other 4 in the evening. In 2015, 133,800 people were enrolled in general education institutions, which holds a capacity of 173,161 people. [149] Yekaterinburg's education system also includes state pre-school educational institutions, non-state pre-school institutions, out-of-town health camps, and municipal city health facilities with a one-day stay. [150] Five educational institutions of the city: SUNC UrFU, Gymnasium No. 2, Gymnasium No. 9, Gymnasium No. 35, and Lyceum No. 135, were included in the rating of the five hundred best schools in the country by the Moscow Center for Continuous Mathematical Education and the Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation . [151]

On 16 July 1914, the Ural Mining Institute of Emperor Nicholas II (now the Ural State Mining University ) was established as Yekaterinburg's first educational institution. [152] In 1930, the Sverdlovsk Power Engineering College (now the Ural Technical Institute of Communications and Informatics) was opened to train specialists in the field of communications. The Alexei Maximovich Gorky Ural State University (now the Ural Federal University ) became the first university in Yekaterinburg by decree of the Council of People's Commissars of the RSFSR , signed by Vladimir Lenin on 19 October 1920. The Sverdlovsk Engineering and Pedagogical Institute (today the Russian State Vocational and Pedagogical University) became the first university of the USSR for the training of engineering and pedagogical personnel when it was opened in 1979.

In terms of the level of qualification of the graduates, Yekaterinburg's universities are among the leading in Russia, in particular in terms of the number of graduates representing the current managing elite of the country, Yekaterinburg universities are second only to the educational institutions of Moscow and Saint Petersburg. [153] [154] Currently, there are 20 state universities in the city, which currently holds a total of 140,000 students. [155] In addition, there are 14 non-state institutions of higher education in the city, such as the Yekaterinburg Academy of Contemporary Art and the Yekaterinburg Theological Seminary. The prestigious architecture school, the Ural State Academy of Architecture and Arts , is also located within the city limits. Other institutions of higher education Ural State Pedagogical University, Ural State University of Forestry, Ural State University of Railway Transport, Ural State University of Economics, Military Institute of Artillery, Ural State Conservatory , Ural State Agricultural Academy, Ural State Law Academy , Ural State Medical University, Ural State Academy of Performing Arts, Ural Academy of Public Service, and Institute of International Relations .

In May 2011, the Ural State University and Ural State Technical University merged to form the Boris N. Yeltsin Ural Federal University , making it the largest university in the Urals and the largest university in Russia. As of 1 January 2016, the university had 35,300 students and 2,950 teachers. The university's budget in 2015 totalled 9,1   billion rubles and the volume of research and development work totalled 1,6   billion rubles. [156] As of 2021, UrFU is the largest university in Russia in terms of the number of students, being on the 351st place in the QS World University Rankings. [157] [158] The number of publications of the university in the Web of Science database is about a thousand per year. [159]

There are many branches of non-resident universities in the city, including the Ural branch of the Siberian State University of Telecommunications and Informatics, the Ural branch of the Russian Academy of Private Law, the Yekaterinburg branch of the Plekhanov Russian Economic Academy, the Yekaterinburg branch of the University of the Russian Academy of Education, the Yekaterinburg branch of the Moscow State University, and Sholokhov Humanitarian University, as well as others.

In Yekaterinburg, a large number of print publications are published: about 200 newspapers, the most read being the Ural Worker , Vecherny Yekaterinburg , Oblastnaya Gazeta , and For Change! , and 70 magazines, with most read being Red Burda and I'm Buying . [160] [161]

A television studio was built in Yekaterinburg (as Sverdlovsk) in 1955 and on 6 November of the same year, the first telecast appeared. Coloured television later appeared in 1976. [162] Now the television is broadcast by 19 companies, including but not all: STRC Ural, Channel Four, 41 Home, Channel 10, OTV, Union (Orthodox), and UFO 24. Broadcasting is carried out from the TV tower on Lunacharsky street (television studio GTRK Ural), the TV tower on the Moskovskiy Hill, and from the TV tower (radio relay tower) on Blyukher Street. In 1981, construction of a new television tower was started, which was to become the second tallest in Russia after the Ostankino Tower and cover the territory of most of the Sverdlovsk region, but economic difficulties postponed construction. As a result, the television tower was the tallest uncompleted structure in the world. On 24 March 2018, the television tower was demolished by detonation for the city's beautification in preparation of the 2018 FIFA World Cup . [163] The Shartash radio mast, which broadcasts, is the tallest structure in the city, with a height of 263 meters. [164] In addition, several dozens of national and local news agencies are broadcast in Yekaterinburg, with the most watched being ITAR-TASS Ural, RUIA-Ural, and Interfax-Ural.

At the moment [ when? ] , there are 26 internet providers and 6 cellular operators in the city. [165] According to Yekaterinburg News , the city has signed a cooperative agreement with the Russian mobile operator Vimpelcom , working under the Beeline brand. The partnership will involve cooperation on investment projects and social programmes focused on increasing access to mobile services in the city. Beeline has launched an initiative to provide Wi-Fi services in 500 public trams and trolley buses in Yekaterinburg. [166]

Yekaterinburg is a multipurpose cultural centre of the Urals Federal District. [148] There are about fifty libraries in the city. The largest library organisations are the Sverdlovsk Oblast Universal Scientific Library, the V.G. Belinsky Scientific Library, which is the largest public library in Sverdlovsk Oblast, and the Municipal Library Association, which is composed of 41 libraries throughout the city, including the AI Herzen Central City Library. [167]

There are about 50 different museums in the city. [168] Yekaterinburg has unique museum collections, such as the collections of Russian paintings in the Yekaterinburg Museum of Fine Arts and the Nevyansk icons in the Nevyansk Icon Museum , with more than 300 icons representing the eighteenth through the twentieth centuries on display. There is also a unique exhibit, the Kaslinsky cast iron pavilion, which received main awards at the 1900 World Exhibition in Paris. The Kasli Pavilion was registered by UNESCO as the only cast-iron architectural structure in the world, which is in the museum collection. [169] Museums of the city also have collections of jewellery and stone ornaments. The United Museum of Writers of the Urals presents exhibitions in memory of writers such as Dmitry Mamin-Sibiryak and Pavel Bazhov . It also is the home of the Shigirskaya Kladovaya ( Шигирская кладовая ), or Shigir Collection, which includes the oldest known wooden sculpture in the world. The sculpture was found near Nevyansk and originally estimated to have been made approximately 9,500 years ago, but now is estimated to have been made 11,500 years ago. [170] Yekaterinburg museums annually participate in the international event Long Night of Museums .

Yekaterinburg has the third most theatres in Russia. [171] The influence of theatrical life of the city was made by the Moscow Art Academic Theater and the Central Theater of the Soviet Army when they evacuated to Yekaterinburg (as Sverdlovsk) during World War II, and they had their own theater in the city. [172] Notable theatres that operate in the city are Academic Theater of Musical Comedy, Drama Theater, Kolyada-Theater , the youth theatre, and the puppet theatre, as well as others. The Yekaterinburg Opera and Ballet Theater received four awards at the Golden Mask 2020 Festival in Moscow, including the main Golden Mask for the Best Opera Performance [173]

In 2014, the city showcased its education, literary, art, and theatre culture through the Russian Year of Culture Programme. [174]

The city has a well-developed film industry. Opened back in 1909, Laurage was the first cinema in Yekaterinburg. In 1943, the Sverdlovsk Film Studio was opened and produced its first feature film Silva a year later. After the Second World War, the studio produced up to ten feature films a year. There are more than 20 cinemas in Yekaterinburg, the oldest of which is the Salyut, while the most capacious is the Cosmos spacecraft. [175] [176] There are also chains of movie theatres such as Premier-Zal, Kinomaks, and Kinoplex, which usually open in shopping and entertainment centres.

A number of popular Russian rock bands, such as Urfin Dzhyus, Chaif , Chicherina , Nautilus Pompilius , Nastya, Trek, Agata Kristi , Slaughter to Prevail and Smyslovye Gallyutsinatsii , were originally formed in Yekaterinburg ( Ural Rock is often considered as a particular variety of rock music. Yekaterinburg and St. Petersburg are actually considered to be the main centres of the genre in Russia). Also, opera singers like Boris Shtokolov , Yuri Gulyayev , Vera Bayeva graduated from the Urals State Conservatory. The Ural Philharmonic Orchestra (currently conducted by Dmitry Liss ), founded by Mark Paverman and located in Yekaterinburg, is also very popular in Russia and in Europe, as well as the Ural Academic Popular Chorus, a folk-singing and dance ensemble. [ citation needed ]

Yekaterinburg V. I. Filatov State Circus is located in the centre of the city, on the western bank of the Iset River. In 2012, the Yekaterinburg Circus was nominated "Best Circus of the Year" for the circus show Sharivari by the Rosgoscirk and the Ministry of Culture . [177]

The Presidential Center named after Boris Yeltsin was built in Yekaterinburg in 2015. It is considered to be a public, cultural and educational center. Center has its art gallery, library, museum equipped with the newest multimedia technologies that help to present the documents, video materials and archive photos. In 2017, the Yeltsin Center was recognized as the best museum in Europe by the Council of Europe, the first of the museums in Russia. [178]

The Urals Society of Natural Science Lovers pushed Yekaterinburg to have a zoo. Currently, the zoo has more than 1,000 animals that belong to more than 350 species. The zoo covers an area of 2.7 hectares.

On 18 June 2011, Yekaterinburg launched Red Line as a pedestrian tourist route for self-guided tours by residents and visitors to go to 34 landmarks in the historical section of the city. [179]

Many buildings of Yekaterinburg are ranged from a different number of architectural styles. The city had a regular layout, based on the fortresses of the Renaissance and by the principles of French town planning during the 17th century. By the 18th century, the Baroque movement was not that influential in Yekaterinburg, with the style being seen in churches which later declined [180]

In the first half of the 19th century, neoclassicism grew influential in the Yekaterinburg's architecture. The estates were built in the neoclassic style, including the main house, wings, services, and often an English-style park. This style's influence in Yekaterinburg is mostly due to the contributions of architect Michael Malakhov, who worked in the city from 1815 to 1842. He designed the assemblies of the Verkhne-Isetsky factory as well as the Novo-Tikhvinsky Monastery. [180]

At the beginning of the 20th century, eclecticism became a dominant influence in Yekaterinburg's architecture. Buildings such as the Opera House and Yekaterinburg railway station were built in this style. During the 1920s and the 1930s, constructivism took effect, influencing residential complexes, industrial buildings, stadiums, etc. Architects Moses Ginzburg, Jacob Kornfeld, the Vesnina brothers, Daniel Friedman, and Sigismund Dombrovsky contributed greatly to the constructivism in the city. More than 140 structures in Yekaterinburg are designed through the constructivist style. [181]

During the 1930s to 1950s, there was a turn back to neoclassicism, with much attention paid to public buildings and monuments. Notable examples include the buildings of the Ural Industrial Institute on Lenin Avenue, the City Party Committee and the City Council Executive Committee building (now the City Administrative building), the District Officers' House, and the House of Defense complex. Cultural buildings are built in the squares in orderly composition. In these years, architects Golubev, K. T. Babykin, Valenkov worked fruitfully in Yekaterinburg with this style. In the 1960s, changes in the approach to construction led to widespread distribution of apartment blocks common in the Khrushchev era . Buildings built by individuals were rare, among them being: KKT "Kosmos", the Palace of Youth, and DK UZTM. [182]

From the 1960s to the 1980s, as industrial development grew in Yekaterinburg, so did rationalism . The situation changed in the 1990s when Russia transferred into a market economy. At that time, older buildings were restored, giving the urban area a new environment such as: the Cosmos Concert Hall, the Puppet Theater, the children's ballet theatre The Nutcracker, the Palace of Justice, the Cathedral of the Blood, and the Church of the Transfiguration . At the same time, the construction of new buildings was accompanied by the demolition of historical buildings, leading to the development of the "facade" phenomenon, where the facades of historic buildings are preserved while adjacent modern buildings are built. [183]

The centre of Yekaterinburg became the centre of new construction, where banks, business centres, hotels, luxury residential complexes, and sports and shopping centres were built. High-tech architecture grew influential, with buildings such as the Center for Railway Transportation Management, the Summit business centre, the Aquamarine residential complex, and the retail strip at Vaynera Street being notable examples. Along with this, postmodernism revived interest in the older architectural styles of Yekaterinburg, growing more emphasis on historicalism and contextualism. In the late 1990s, architects grew interested in regionalism . [183]

At the beginning of the 21st century, Yekaterinburg architects turned back to the Soviet-based avant-garde, and influence future city buildings with the neoconstructivist style. The practice of attracting large foreign investors to projects has become popular. In 2007, the construction of the Central business district started, being headed by the French architect Jean Pistre. [183] In 2010, Yekaterinburg became one of the largest centers for the construction of High-rise buildings. In the city, 1,189 high-rise buildings were built, including 20 skyscrapers, the tallest of which is the Iset Tower , with a height of 209 meters. [184]

Yekaterinburg is also a leading sports centre in Russia. A large number of well-known athletes, both world and Olympics champions, are associated with the city. Since 1952, Yekaterinburg athletes have won 137 medals at the Olympic Games (46 gold, 60 silver and 31 bronze). In the 2008 Summer Olympics , 8 residents of Yekaterinburg returned with medals (1 gold, 3 silver and 4 bronze). [185]

In 1965, Yekaterinburg (as Sverdlovsk), along with a number of Russian cities, hosted the Bandy World Championship . In 2018, Yekaterinburg was one of the 11 Russian cities that hosted the 2018 FIFA World Cup. The matches were played on the upgraded Yekaterinburg Arena (called Central Stadium before the World Cup). [186]

Yekaterinburg has a total of 1728 sports facilities, including 16 stadiums with stands, 440 indoor gyms and 45 swimming pools. There are 38 sports children's and youth schools for reserves for the Olympic Games, in which more than 30,000 people are participating. [187]

Sport clubs

Yekaterinburg has many professional sports clubs in sports such as volleyball, basketball, futsal , bandy , and ice hockey for both women and men. Bandy club SKA-Sverdlovsk , women's volleyball club VC Uralochka-NTMK , women's basketball club UMMC Yekaterinburg , and futsal club MFK Sinara Yekaterinburg were among the best teams in Russia and Europe.

2018 FIFA World Cup

Yekaterinburg hosted four matches of the 2018 FIFA World Cup [59] Yekaterinburg is one of the 11 Russian cities that hosted the 2018 FIFA World Cup. The matches were played on the upgraded Yekaterinburg Arena . [186]

For the World Cup 2018, from 7 October 2015 to 29 December 2017, the Central Stadium was upgraded to bring it into compliance with FIFA requirements for the World Cup and was renamed Yekaterinburg Arena. The architectural concept of the new stadium is built on a combination of historical walls and the built-in core of the modern arena. During the reconstruction of the sports facility, which is a monument of history and culture, the facades are carefully preserved, and the arena itself is equipped with the latest technical achievements of the sports industry. Temporary stands extending outside the stadium's original perimeter were erected to comply with the FIFA requirement of seating for 35,000 spectators. They can hold a total of 12,000 spectators, but the seating will be removed after the World Cup, decreasing the seating capacity back to 23,000. [188] [189]

The FIFA Fan Fest in Yekaterinburg is located in the Mayakovsky Central Park of Entertainment and Culture. Located just outside the city centre in a popular and well-known amusement park, it will have a capacity to hold 17,000 people. [190]

Koltsovo Airport was also reconstructed and had a second runway built. In addition, work was done to prepare another passenger terminal, modernize the technical infrastructure, and launch the business aviation hangar. The airport's capacity in preparation for the World Cup has increased to two thousand people per hour. The street and road network was also upgraded. [191]

The United States, [192] United Kingdom, [193] Germany, [194] France, [195] China [196] and several other countries have consulates in Yekaterinburg.

The BRIC countries met for their first official summit on 16 June 2009, in Yekaterinburg, [197] with Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva , Dmitry Medvedev , Manmohan Singh , and Hu Jintao , the respective leaders of Brazil, Russia, India and China, all attending.

The foreign ministers of the BRIC countries had also met in Yekaterinburg previously on 16 May 2008.

In June 2013, at the 153rd General Assembly of the Bureau of International Expositions held in Paris, representatives from Yekaterinburg presented the city's bid to host the 2020 World Expo . Yekaterinburg's concept for the upcoming exhibition relates to the impact of globalisation on the modern world.

Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed during a televised statement in English to earmark the required funds to build an exhibition complex large enough to receive the estimated 30 million visitors from more than 150 countries. [198]

Yekaterinburg later bid for the Expo 2025 . Yekaterinburg's concept for the bid exhibition relates to the technologies to make people happy by changing the world with innovation and quality of life. The host was announced on 23 November 2018 and Yekaterinburg lost out to Osaka, Japan.

Yekaterinburg hosted the Global Summit on Manufacturing and Industrialization (GMIS — 2019) GMIS under the auspices of the United Nations. [199] The annual INNOPROM exhibition is among the five largest industrial exhibitions in the world. [200]

Yekaterinburg is twinned with: [201]

• Anton Bakov , Leader of the Monarchist Party
• Irina Antonenko , Miss Russia 2010
• Aleksei Balabanov , film director, screenwriter, producer
• Vera Bazarova , pairs figure skater
• Pavel Bazhov , folklorist and children's author
• Old Man Bukashkin , artist and poet
• Pavel Datsyuk , ice hockey player
• Nikolay Durakov , bandy legend
• Chiang Fang-liang , former first lady of Taiwan
• Aleksey Fedorchenko , film director, producer
• Denis Galimzyanov , sprinter cyclist
• Anna Gavrilenko , Group rhythmic gymnast Olympic Gold medalist
• Nikolay Karpol , national women volleyball team coach
• Nikolai Khabibulin , ice hockey player
• Alexei Yashin , ice hockey player
• Alexei Khvostenko , avant-garde poet, singer-songwriter, artist, and sculptor
• Nikolay Kolyada , actor, director, writer, playwright, and playwriting teacher
• Ilya Kormiltsev , poet, translator, publisher
• Olga Kotlyarova , Olympic runner
• Maxim Kovtun , figure skater
• Vladislav Krapivin , children's author
• Valeria Savinykh , WTA Professional player
• Nikolay Krasovsky , mathematician
• Yulia Lipnitskaya , figure skater
• Iskander Makhmudov , businessman
• Vladimir Malakhov , ice hockey player
• Gennady Mesyats , vice-president of the Russian Academy of Sciences
• Maxim Miroshkin , pairs figure skater
• Vladimir Mulyavin (1941 – 2003), Belarusian musician and the founder of the folk-rock band Pesniary [202]
• Alfia Nazmutdinova , rhythmic gymnast
• Ernst Neizvestny , sculptor
• Oleg Platonov , writer, historian, and economist
• Daria Pridannikova , rhythmic gymnast
• Eduard Rossel , ex-governor of Sverdlovsk Oblast
• Boris Ryzhy , poet
• Mikhail Shchennikov , race walker
• Vera Sessina , rhythmic gymnast
• Georgy Shishkin , painter
• Vassily Sigarev , playwright, screenwriter, film director
• Anastasiia Tatareva , Group rhythmic gymnast Olympic Gold medalist
• Sergei Tchepikov , Olympic biathlon competitor
• Vladimir Tretyakov , ex-rector of the Ural State University
• Lev Vainshtein , Olympic shooter
• Sergei Vonsovsky , physicist
• Alexander Dudoladov , writer
• Alexander Malinin , singer
• Petr Yan , Former UFC Bantamweight Champion
• A ballistic missile submarine of the Project 667BDRM Delfin class ( NATO reporting name: Delta IV ) is named Ekaterinburg (K-84/"807") in honour of the city.
• The asteroid 27736 Ekaterinburg was named in the city's honour on 1 June 2007.