Opening a pet care business involves more moving pieces than most people expect. I've seen groomers open shops without proper insurance, boarders forget about zoning permits, and daycare operators discover their fire code doesn't allow the occupancy they planned. This checklist covers everything — work through it methodically and you'll open with a professional operation.
Legal and Business Formation
- Choose a business structure (LLC recommended for liability protection)
- Register your business name with the state
- Get an EIN from the IRS (free at irs.gov)
- Open a business bank account — keep personal and business finances separate from day one
- Apply for your city/county business license or occupational license
- Apply for state kennel license if boarding (varies by state)
- Verify zoning compliance — commercial, agricultural, or home-based restrictions
- Register for state sales tax collection if applicable
- Set up business accounting (QuickBooks, Wave, or your CPA)
Insurance
- General liability insurance ($1M-$2M coverage)
- Professional liability / bailee coverage (covers animals in your care)
- Property insurance for your facility and equipment
- Workers' compensation (required once you hire employees in most states)
- Commercial auto insurance (if offering transport or mobile grooming)
- Umbrella policy for additional protection
Facility and Equipment
- Lease or purchase facility — verify pet business is allowed in the lease terms
- HVAC system — climate control is mandatory, not optional
- Ventilation system — proper airflow prevents respiratory issues and odor buildup
- Epoxy-coated floors with drainage — non-porous, easy to sanitize
- Grooming tables (hydraulic recommended)
- Professional grooming tub with ramp or lift
- High-velocity dryers — at least 2 for a multi-groomer shop
- Clipper set with full blade range (10, 7F, 5F, 4F, 3F at minimum)
- Shear set — straight, curved, thinning
- Kennels or boarding suites (stainless steel or coated wire)
- Fenced outdoor exercise area with double gates
- Security cameras — every kennel area, exercise yard, common space
- Washer and dryer for towels and bedding
- Cleaning and sanitation supplies — veterinary-grade disinfectant
- First aid kit for animals
- Fire extinguisher and fire suppression system per code
Software and Technology
Get software set up before you open — not after you're drowning in paper scheduling:
- Pet care management software (Animal Friends OS — $45/month, includes everything below)
- Online booking system for client self-scheduling
- Client and pet CRM with vaccination tracking
- Automated SMS appointment reminders
- Staff scheduling and timeclock
- Invoicing and payment tracking
- Payment processing terminal (Square, Clover, Stripe — your choice)
- Business phone number
- Business email address
- Website with booking integration
Animal Friends OS covers the first six items on that list for $45/month flat. You bring your own payment processor and keep 100% of your transactions. Start with the 14-day free trial to set everything up before opening day.
Staffing
- Define roles — groomer, bather, kennel attendant, receptionist
- Create job descriptions and pay ranges (check local market rates)
- Set up payroll (Gusto, ADP, or your accountant)
- Develop employee handbook — policies, safety procedures, dress code
- Create training program for new hires — handling techniques, safety protocols, breed-specific knowledge
- Background check process for employees handling animals
- Establish scheduling system — consistent schedules reduce turnover
Marketing and Client Acquisition
- Google Business Profile — claim, complete every field, add photos
- Website — mobile-friendly, with online booking and transparent pricing
- Facebook business page — post pet photos, hours, promotions
- Instagram account — pet content gets massive organic reach
- Yelp business listing
- Nextdoor business page
- Grand opening promotion — discount, free add-on, or giveaway
- Referral program — existing clients get a discount for referring new ones
- Local vet and pet store partnerships for mutual referrals
- Vehicle signage if doing mobile or transport
- Printed business cards and leave-behinds for vet offices
Before You Open the Doors
- Soft launch with friends and family — work out the kinks before real clients arrive
- Test all software systems — booking, reminders, invoicing, check-in/check-out
- Train all staff on emergency procedures — what to do if a dog fights, escapes, or has a medical emergency
- Stock consumables — shampoo, conditioner, ear cleaner, styptic powder, towels, waste bags
- Verify all permits are posted and displayed as required by local law
- Set up a review request system — ask every happy client starting on day one
This checklist looks extensive because it is. Opening a pet care business is a real undertaking. But working through it methodically means you open with a professional, compliant operation that's ready to scale — not a half-built shop that needs constant patching.
And if you want the shortcut, Animal Friends Pet Care offers a franchise program that covers most of this checklist with proven systems and hands-on support.