HOW MUCH DO DOG BOARDING BUSINESSES MAKE?

TL;DR – Key Takeaways

• Dog boarding businesses earn $28,000+ monthly with 20 dogs at $50/night
• Daily revenue potential: $1,000 for a 20-dog facility
• Operating costs typically run $1,500+ monthly
• Professional dog trainer certification increases profitability through premium services.
• Combining daycare and overnight boarding can significantly boost overall income.

How Much Revenue Do Dog Boarding Facilities Generate?

Dog boarding facilities typically charge $40–$80 per night per dog, depending on location, services, and demand.

A business boarding 20 dogs per night at $50 generates:

• Daily Revenue: $1,000 (20 dogs × $50)
• Monthly Revenue: $30,000 (assuming full occupancy)
• Annual Revenue Potential: $360,000+

Actual earnings vary depending on occupancy rates, local competition, and whether the facility also offers add-on pet care services such as grooming, training, or enrichment programs.

What Are Dog Boarding Business Operating Costs?

Typical monthly expenses for dog boarding facilities include:

• Staff wages: $800–$2,000+
• Food and supplies: $200–$500
• Insurance: $150–$400
• Utilities: $200–$600
• Facility maintenance: $100–$300

Total Monthly Costs: $1,500–$3,800+
Net Profit Potential: $26,200+ monthly (after operating costs)

Understanding your fixed and variable expenses early on helps create accurate pricing models and stronger long-term profitability.

What Factors Affect Dog Boarding Profitability?

Capacity and Safety Management

The number of dogs you can safely board directly determines your earning potential. Professional education allows you to:

• Evaluate canine body language and temperament
• Manage group play and prevent conflicts
• Maintain structured routines for calm, balanced dogs
• Confidently handle reactive or nervous dogs

Well-trained staff and clear safety protocols are essential for both client trust and sustainable revenue growth.

Location and Market Demand

Urban Areas:

• High demand allows premium pricing ($60–$80+ per night)
• Higher overhead costs but steady bookings year-round

Rural Areas:

• Lower rates ($35–$50 per night)
• Reduced expenses and more outdoor space
• May require a broader marketing reach to attract clients

Premium Service Offerings

Boarding businesses increase revenue and customer loyalty by offering extra services such as:

• Board & Train programs: $100–$150 per day
• Canine enrichment activities: $10–$20 daily
• Private training sessions: $75–$125 per session
• Grooming or spa treatments: $30–$80 per visit
• Structured playgroups and socialization sessions: Premium-tier add-ons

These services not only raise income but also set your facility apart from basic kennels that provide only overnight care.

How Much Do Different Types of Dog Boarding Cost?

Facilities that integrate daycare, enrichment, and training often achieve the highest profit margins and client retention rates.

What Skills Do You Need for Profitable Dog Boarding?

Essential Business Skills

• Canine behaviour and group management
• Dog safety and sanitation protocols
• Customer service and scheduling systems
• Business management and budgeting

Advanced Skills for Higher Profits

• Professional dog training techniques
• Behaviour modification and enrichment planning
• Leadership and staff development

Ongoing professional development ensures a safer environment, smoother operations, and stronger client satisfaction.

How Does Professional Training Increase Boarding Profits?

Certified dog trainers who operate boarding facilities can:

• Charge 30–50% higher rates due to specialized expertise
• Offer behavioural modification and anxiety support
• Accept complex cases that other facilities may turn away
• Lower liability through advanced handling knowledge
• Build strong client loyalty through consistent, professional care

Training certification not only enhances your credibility but also enables your facility to provide a broader range of premium services.

What’s the ROI Timeline for Dog Boarding Businesses?

• Startup Costs: $15,000–$50,000 (facility, permits, insurance, equipment)
• Break-Even Timeline: 6–12 months for well-marketed operations
• Full ROI: 18–24 months for established facilities

ROI Influencers

• Initial investment size and financing
• Local competition and pricing structure
• Quality of customer experience
• Marketing reach and reputation management

Facilities that prioritize professionalism and client relationships achieve faster returns and higher repeat bookings.

Is Dog Boarding a Profitable Long-Term Business?

Yes. The pet care industry continues to grow, with 70% of U.S. households owning pets and annual spending on pet services steadily increasing.

Premium dog boarding and daycare services remain in demand even during economic downturns, making this a recession-resilient business model.

Long-Term Success Factors

• Professional certification and continuing education
• High safety and welfare standards
• Excellent client communication and transparency
• Diversified services and community reputation

How to Start a Profitable Dog Boarding Business

1. Obtain professional certification (PDT or Daycare & Boarding Management)
2. Research local licensing and zoning regulations
3. Secure a properly equipped facility and insurance coverage
4. Develop safety, cleaning, and emergency protocols
5. Launch with targeted marketing and referral partnerships

Following a structured launch plan helps ensure compliance, consistency, and faster profitability.

Why Choose Professional Education for Dog Boarding?

Good Dog Academy’s
Professional Dog Trainer (PDT) and Daycare & Boarding Management programs provide:

• Behavioural and training expertise for safe, stress-free boarding
• Business management tools for long-term success
• Safety and risk-reduction strategies to protect staff and clients
• Skills to build premium service packages that attract loyal customers

Professional education gives you the confidence, knowledge, and credibility to stand out in the growing pet care industry.

Ready to Start a Profitable Dog Boarding Business?

Professional training is the smartest investment you can make in your success. With expert skills, ethical practices, and a passion for dogs, you can build a thriving, respected boarding facility in your community.