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If you don’t plan and track your kennel & pet boarding service budget properly, you're setting yourself up for failure.
When we developed our strategy pack for kennel owners, we saw a lot of kennel owners struggling with finances and planning.
They were disorganized, had no grasp of cash flow, and were drowning in financial troubles despite having substantial revenue.
Don’t let this be you—stand out and succeed.
We’ve created a small, free tool to help you get started: our Budget Tracker and Planner. Let’s turn your kennel's finances around and set you on the path to success!
Get the budget tracker tailored for pet services
Most pet service providers don't know how to plan and track their budget. This spreadsheet will help you.
Example of a full budget for pet services
Here is an example of a (very) detailed budget for a kennel & pet boarding service, to give you some inspiration
1. Rent and Utilities
| Item | Description | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent | Lease for kennel space | $4,000 | $48,000 |
| Electricity | Power consumption for heating, cooling, and lighting | $600 | $7,200 |
| Water | Water usage for cleaning and pet care | $300 | $3,600 |
| Internet & Phone | Internet service and business phone | $100 | $1,200 |
| Waste Removal | Garbage and pet waste removal services | $150 | $1,800 |
| Pest Control | Monthly pest control services | $75 | $900 |
| Insurance | Property and liability insurance | $400 | $4,800 |
2. Salaries & Wages
| Position | Number of Employees | Monthly Cost per Employee | Total Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manager | 1 | $3,500 | $3,500 | $42,000 |
| Pet Care Specialist | 3 | $2,500 | $7,500 | $90,000 |
| Groomer | 1 | $3,000 | $3,000 | $36,000 |
| Receptionist | 1 | $2,000 | $2,000 | $24,000 |
3. Pet Care Supplies
| Item | Description | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pet Food | High-quality pet food and treats | $1,500 | $18,000 |
| Cleaning Supplies | Detergents, sanitizers, etc. | $300 | $3,600 |
| Bedding & Toys | Beds, blankets, and toys for pets | $400 | $4,800 |
| Grooming Supplies | Shampoos, brushes, clippers, etc. | $200 | $2,400 |
| Medical Supplies | First aid kits, medications, etc. | $150 | $1,800 |
4. Marketing & Advertising
| Item | Description | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online Advertising | Google Ads, Facebook Ads, etc. | $250 | $3,000 |
| Social Media Management | Managing social media accounts | $400 | $4,800 |
| Print Advertising | Flyers, posters, newspaper ads | $150 | $1,800 |
| Website Maintenance | Hosting, domain, updates | $100 | $1,200 |
| Email Marketing | Email campaigns and newsletters | $100 | $1,200 |
| Promotional Events | Special events and promotions | $150 | $1,800 |
5. Miscellaneous Expenses
| Item | Description | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Equipment Maintenance | Regular maintenance of kennels and equipment | $300 | $3,600 |
| Uniforms | Staff uniforms and aprons | $150 | $1,800 |
| Licenses & Permits | Business licenses, health permits, etc. | $100 | $1,200 |
| Software Subscriptions | Pet management and booking software | $200 | $2,400 |
| Contingency Fund | Emergency repairs and unexpected costs | $400 | $4,800 |
| Office Supplies | Stationery, pens, printer ink, etc. | $100 | $1,200 |
| Staff Training | Training programs and materials | $200 | $2,400 |
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What are the biggest expenses for a kennel & pet boarding service?
Be mindful of these key expenses. Here are five major costs every kennel & pet boarding service owner needs to consider, along with some tips on how to manage them effectively.
- Pet food and suppliesThese can take up a significant portion of your budget. You're dealing with perishables and consumables, and prices can vary based on brand, quality, and availability. To keep these costs under control, focus on bulk purchasing, negotiate better prices with suppliers, and minimize waste. It's easy to overspend by buying too much or opting for premium brands that don’t add enough value.
- Your staffYour team is essential, but paying for their wages, benefits, and training can be costly. This expense is always high because you need a sufficient number of employees to provide excellent care and keep operations running smoothly. You can optimize labor costs by scheduling efficiently, cross-training staff, and monitoring productivity. However, be careful not to underpay or overwork your staff, as this can lead to high turnover and poor service.
- Facility rent and utilitiesPrime locations come with high rent, but they can attract more clients. Utilities like electricity, water, and heating are essential but can add up quickly. To optimize these costs, negotiate favorable lease terms and invest in energy-efficient appliances and lighting. Overspending often happens when you choose a location that's too large or too luxurious for your needs.
- MarketingYou need to promote your kennel & pet boarding service, but advertising can be expensive, whether it's online ads, social media campaigns, or traditional media. Optimize this expense by focusing on cost-effective methods like the ones we recommend. Overspending can occur if you invest in flashy campaigns without a clear return on investment.
- Facility equipment and maintenance costsThis includes everything from kennels and play areas to grooming tools and cleaning supplies. These are expensive because quality equipment and regular maintenance are crucial for smooth operations and pet satisfaction. Optimize by investing in durable, energy-efficient equipment and maintaining it regularly to avoid costly breakdowns. You can overspend by going for the latest high-tech gadgets you don’t really need.
How to spend less with your kennel and pet boarding service?
Here are practical tips to help you, as a kennel & pet boarding service owner, optimize your budget and manage expenses more effectively.
| Expense | Tips to Optimize |
|---|---|
| Pet Food Costs | Partner with local pet food suppliers for bulk purchases and seasonal discounts. |
| Labor Costs | Implement a scheduling software to optimize staff hours and reduce overtime. |
| Utilities | Install LED lighting and energy-efficient heating and cooling systems. |
| Marketing | Run social media contests for your kennel and collaborate with local pet influencers for free exposure. |
| Cleaning Supplies | Train staff on efficient use of cleaning supplies to reduce waste and ensure a hygienic environment. |
| Equipment Maintenance | Set up a maintenance log for regular checks and servicing of kennels, grooming tools, and other equipment. |
| Rent/Mortgage | Negotiate lease terms during renewal or consider moving to a less expensive location. |
| Insurance | Regularly review insurance policies to ensure they meet current needs and compare rates annually. |
| Pet Supplies | Use cost-effective, eco-friendly pet supplies and offer discounts for customers bringing their own items. |
| Facility Upkeep | Invest in high-quality, durable materials for kennels and play areas that can withstand frequent use. |
| Booking System | Choose a booking system that offers essential features with low transaction fees and integrates with other systems. |
| Staff Training | Conduct regular in-house training sessions and use free online resources to keep staff updated on best practices. |
| Waste Management | Implement a waste tracking system to minimize waste and ensure proper disposal of pet waste. |
| Technology | Invest in multi-functional equipment and utilize management software for bookings and customer communications. |
| Linen and Laundry | Partner with a cost-effective linen service and consider reusable bedding and towels. |
| Advertising | Use digital advertising boards or QR codes for service information to reduce printing costs. |
| Licensing and Permits | Stay up-to-date with local regulations to avoid fines and costly renewals. |
| Transportation | Plan pet pick-up and drop-off routes to maximize efficiency and reduce fuel costs. |
| Office Supplies | Purchase supplies in bulk and go paperless where possible with digital management systems. |
| Inventory Management | Use inventory management software to track stock levels and reduce spoilage of pet food and supplies. |
| Pest Control | Schedule monthly pest control services and maintain cleanliness standards to prevent infestations. |
| Music and Entertainment | Use a streaming service for background music in common areas and host local pet events during off-peak times. |
| Uniforms | Choose durable, easy-to-clean uniforms and offer staff a stipend for maintenance instead of using an external service. |
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Expenses that are just useless for a kennel & pet boarding service
Yes, some expenses for your kennel & pet boarding service are just unnecessary. They don't contribute to increasing revenue or improving the experience for pets and their owners.
| Kennel Expense | Reason It's Useless |
|---|---|
| Luxurious Pet Suites | Overly lavish pet suites don't necessarily attract more clients and can be a drain on the budget. |
| Premium Pet Food Brands | Unless you cater to a high-end clientele, most pet owners are satisfied with mid-range options. |
| Excessive Toy Varieties | A large variety of toys increases inventory costs and leads to more waste. |
| High-End Grooming Equipment | Top-of-the-line grooming equipment is not always necessary and can be cost-prohibitive. |
| Paper Advertising | Traditional paper ads often have a lower return on investment. Don’t include them in the marketing strategy of your kennel. |
| Multiple Uniform Styles | Having various uniform styles increases costs without adding significant value to the customer experience. |
| Excessive Staff | Overstaffing leads to higher labor costs without necessarily improving service quality. |
| Premium Subscription Services | Expensive subscriptions for music or magazines often go unnoticed by clients and their pets. |
| Exclusive Pet Treats | Using rare treats can inflate costs and complicate supply chains. |
| Costly Furniture | High-end furniture is not always appreciated by clients and can be a significant expense. |
| Custom Printed Collars | Personalized collars are a minor detail that most clients overlook, and they can be expensive. |
| Unnecessary Software | Paying for software with features you don’t use is a waste of resources. |
| Premium Water Brands | Most clients are content with filtered tap water for their pets, making expensive bottled water unnecessary. |
| Extra Transport Vehicles | Maintaining a larger fleet than needed increases operational costs. |
| Excessive Membership Fees | Paying for multiple industry memberships often yields little benefit. |
| Overly Frequent Renovations | Constantly updating decor and layout can be costly and disrupt operations. |
| Expensive Kennel Decorations | Elaborate decorations are often ignored by clients and add to the cost. |
| High-End Pet Bowls | Luxury pet bowls are prone to damage and expensive to replace, often going unnoticed by clients. |
| Excessive Staff Meetings | Too many meetings can reduce productivity and increase labor costs. |
| Expensive Marketing Materials | Frequently redesigning marketing materials is costly and often unnecessary. |
| Unused Promotional Materials | Ordering more promotional items than needed leads to waste and unnecessary expense.Get our marketing budget planner template. |
| Paid Directory Listings | Many free listing options are available, making paid listings often redundant. |
| High-End Pet Transport Equipment | Specialized transport equipment is often unnecessary and adds to costs without a proportional benefit. |
Stop working with a tight budget for your kennel and pet boarding service!
Managing a budget for a kennel & pet boarding service when funds are tight can feel overwhelming. It's like being trapped in a cycle where any unexpected expense can throw everything off balance.
This constant pressure makes it nearly impossible to invest in improvements or expansion, leaving you always scrambling to cover costs. It's a life filled with stress and sleepless nights.
Yes, you can continue down this path, cutting corners and just getting by. But there's another part of the equation you might be overlooking. Instead of just trying to reduce expenses, you can focus on increasing your revenue. More income means more flexibility and more resources to enhance your services.
And no, you don't necessarily have to spend money to grow. There are plenty of zero-cost initiatives and strategies that can help you boost your revenue by 10%, 20%, or more. We've detailed all of these strategies in our guides, after studying dozens of kennels & pet boarding services just like yours. Get them now!
Make your kennel and pet boarding service more profitable
We have studied the strategies of the best pet services in the world. All their tactics are explained in our pack!
