Dog Daycare Myths Debunked What You Really Need To Know
Dog Daycare Myths Debunked What You Really Need To Know
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Creating a Dog Daycare Pickup Procedure
Dog daycare requires a lot of moving parts to run smoothly. From scheduling and paperwork to health and safety rules, having solid processes in place is critical.
Dog daycare is a group play environment, and therefore there is inherent risk of bites, scratches and wounds. Pet Parents are responsible for veterinarian care costs associated with these injuries.
Check-In
Clearly explain your process for bringing in pets to drop off and again when they come in to pick up. It’s important to create a system that is clear so the staff can work efficiently and avoid misunderstandings.
You will also want to state in your customer handbook that the business is insured, how refunds are handled and what happens if a pet is sick while their owner is away. You will also need to include how the pet parents can contact your staff if they have questions or concerns.
You may also want to include information about the business structure (corporation or LLC) and a statement that the company cannot be held responsible for injuries, bites and scratches that dogs sustain while in group play. This can be an area that is confusing to new customers so it is best to be up front with them about the inherent risks. It is a good idea to offer some sort of reimbursement for medical bills for dog bites and wounds so the customer knows they are not out of pocket.
Social Distancing
In addition to providing your customers with appropriate customer processes and dog rules, you need to institute a social distancing policy. This will help to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
This will mean that you should only allow people into your facility who have had their flu vaccines and have been in close contact with an infectious person. You should also be careful to avoid letting dogs from the same household play together.
Additionally, you should consider implementing age restrictions for canine guests. This will protect your staff and other dogs from potentially aggressive or unruly dogs that can cause problems.
You may want to consider registering your business as a corporation or a limited liability company (LLC). This will separate your dog kennels near me boarding personal assets from the debts and lawsuits that could be filed against your company. It will also make it easier to hire and fire employees as necessary. You should always seek legal advice to decide which structure is best for your situation.
Pick-Up
Dogs are pack animals, and they thrive on interaction with other dogs on a regular basis. Daycare provides a supervised environment where dogs can socialize with each other and build their confidence.
Providing pick-up services allows pet parents to leave their dog with you even if they can’t drop them off during your opening hours. This service can help your business attract customers who live far away or work long shifts, and it can give existing clients more flexibility in their schedules.
Your policies should state how old your consumers’ dogs must be to start with daycare and when they can start coming in for half-days. You should also describe how you relay information to pet owners about any injuries or other incidents that occur while their dog is in your care. You can also explore different ways to communicate with them about other pet news or local events. If you’re thinking about incorporating your business, consider an LLC instead of a sole proprietorship to protect your personal assets from any debts or lawsuits that may be filed against you in the future.
Check-Out
A well-run daycare center has a number of customer service processes in place for both the dog owners and their pets. These processes are designed to keep everyone safe and happy during their time at the daycare.
Pet owners require information about how to drop off their dogs and to pick them up each day. They also need to know the process for making reservations, changing those reservations and canceling them.
The pricing for your services should be clearly stated. Pricing tells prospective customers about your level of care and if it is competitive with other dog daycare centers in the area.
Your business should have insurance coverage in place. The type of insurance you purchase depends on your state's requirements and the specific risks associated with running a dog-related business. You should also consider the legal structure for your business. You may want to consider a corporation or a limited liability company that separates your personal assets from the debts and lawsuits of the business.