Since I'm new to hosting doggie daycare and boarding in my house, what are some of the most important items to have on hand at home that will come in handy when boarding and day care for dogs?
I would like to have these items on hand before I go ahead and advertise that my house is equipped to host doggie daycare and boarding =)
I'm cheap, I guess but I have the owners bring all of their dog's own stuff. Crate, food, treats, toys etc. I do have a leash that we like and extra poop bags .
My current stash includes:
Amber gave a Lot of great advise!
-Crates are also great for separating dogs when feeding. Some dogs like to "cave" for comfort and security.
-Besides leashes and collars of various sizes, I also use the "double" or Y leashes for walking 2 mid size and larger dogs together. Holding 1 or 2 leashes instead of 4 is so much easier.
-And, I have the chest "stop pull" or "no pull" harnesses. Some of my customers have dogs that use the nose "friendly leader", but they can't sniff with the other dogs or forget to bring the No Pull for their high energy dog.
-Don't forget the poop bags. I use them on walks and the plastic grocery bags for picking up in the backyard.
**Toys should include balls of various sizes, kongs, and anything else that looks like fun. Just be warned, most stuffed toys get ripped/torn apart and the stuffing strung all over.
*I get some things at Walmart "when on sale", but also keep checking Ross stores for items.
*Don't forget to check all the Thrift/Resale stores for dog items.
*You can sometimes find child gates, vacuum cleaner for "pet hair", crates, etc. for a great price;
*And, check CL under- "FREE", "Farm & Garden", etc. Just make sure you check the prices for New first before paying someone on CL.
Hope this didn't over whelm you. You don't need to buy extra leashes, collars and some other things right away. It depends on how many dogs you plan on taking at one time. Watch for sales (Ross and a Christian Charitable Thrift/Resale are my Favorite Stores) These seem. to accumulate very quickly. I have had friends and customers "give" me doggie beds and items because they were buying new.
Have Fun and Welcome!
I forgot... Good treats and dog food. Some times owners don't bring enough food. AND not everyone will approve but Citronella bark collars, depending on if you want to keep your neighbors happy, you will need to control the barking. I have a sitter friend having a hard time with complaints to animal control. She might not be able to sit any more.
I second all of the above! Lint rollers are good for dog hair, a carpet cleaner is a must if you have carpet where the dogs will stay, Swiffer wet/dry for other floors, extra bowls, a doggy diaper in case a pet parent is not as forthcoming with a spay as they should be, belly bands for males that insist on marking (and pads to go in the diaper/belly bands). Natures Miracle urine destroyer is a wonderful product! Extra blankies are almost a must but can be the small ones.
I also get small little "thank you" card bundles so that I give a Thank you card to each when they leave. That way they remember us and know that we appreciate their business but this is not a requirement.
Anything that you purchase can be a tax write off if you have a business. Everything that you use for the pets! Keep ALL receipts for pet items for that purpose.
...Probably a bunch more stuff, but this is what's coming to mind. If you--any of you--aren't already, sign up for Doggy Loot ( https://doggyloot.com/invite/327095f4 ). You can find some great deals on basic necessities or things that you might not otherwise try at full price. I get a bunch of beds and treats this way, and they occasionally have the front clip harnesses on sale for $15.
This wasn't my question but thanks for the list!
Variety of durable toys! Chicken broth for picky eaters who won't eat their kibble. Extra dog beds/crate, Dog gate, and Sensitive baby wipes. Squirt bottle with water (to break up fights or discourage barking) Pill pockets if the dog needs to take medicine and the owner says its okay. Extra fixed length leashes/harnesses (I don't use retractable and that's what a lot of owners bring). Lots of poop bags and Lots of carpet and hard surface cleaners.