Dog Daycare: Equipment Budget

This article was written by our expert who is surveying the industry and constantly updating the business plan for a dog daycare.

Who wrote this content?

The Dojo Business Team

A team of financial experts, consultants, and writers

We're a team of finance experts, consultants, market analysts, and specialized writers dedicated to helping new entrepreneurs launch their businesses. We help you avoid costly mistakes by providing detailed business plans, accurate market studies, and reliable financial forecasts to maximize your chances of success from day one—especially in the dog daycare market.

How much total square footage should I equip?

Equip 1,500–3,000 sq ft for a standard dog daycare.

This range safely serves 20–40 dogs when you allocate 70–100 sq ft per dog, including play zones, nap areas, intake/reception, and storage. A layout with clear sightlines and non-slip, washable surfaces is mandatory for efficient supervision.

Within that total, designate separate spaces for large/small dog play, an isolation room for potentially ill animals, and a back-of-house cleaning area with floor drains. Keep high-traffic corridors at least 4–5 ft wide to move dogs and cleaning carts without stress.

If you plan premium services (training or grooming add-ons), push toward 2,400–3,000 sq ft to avoid crowding and schedule compression. It’s a key part of what we outline in the dog daycare business plan.

Always confirm your local occupancy and animal-care rules before signing a lease.

What full capacity should I plan for?

Plan an optimal full capacity of 25–35 dogs for a mid-sized dog daycare.

This capacity maintains safe group density, predictable staffing ratios, and smooth rotations between play and rest. It also reduces noise and arousal, which cuts wear on equipment and staff fatigue.

If you expect fluctuating demand, aim for 30 dogs and build a waitlist rather than overfilling; this stabilizes daily revenue while keeping quality high. For future growth, design runs and storage so you can add 5–10 more places without major renovation.

Match booking rules to capacity (half-day blocks, breed/size mixes, temperament screens) to keep your floor manageable. You’ll find detailed market insights in our dog daycare business plan, updated every quarter.

Use staggered drop-off windows to avoid peak congestion.

What equipment categories are essential?

You need eight core categories to run a safe and efficient dog daycare.

These include kennels/containment, play structures, cleaning/sanitation, grooming stations, feeding/watering, safety/first aid, climate control, and office/storage. Each category should prioritize durability, easy sanitation, and non-toxic materials.

For play, choose sturdy tunnels and ramps with textured, non-slip finishes; for cleaning, specify commercial mop systems, wet/dry vacs, and pet-safe disinfectants. For grooming, specify height-adjustable tables, a professional bathing tub, and high-velocity dryers.

Buy bowls that are stainless steel and stackable, and install auto-refill water fountains where plumbing allows. We cover this exact topic in the dog daycare business plan.

Maintain a labeled first-aid station with restocking logs near the play floor.

What standards and rules must my equipment meet?

• Per-dog space: plan 70–100 sq ft per dog and comply with any local minimums (often ~65 sq ft).
• Surfaces: non-slip, sealed, and easily sanitized (epoxy, coated concrete, or rubberized matting).
• Fencing/gates: robust panels with secure latches; separate zones for size/temperament and isolation.
• Hygiene: washable, non-toxic toys, bowls, and bedding; grooming tools sanitized between uses.
• Environment: adequate lighting and climate control; maintain temperature and airflow within welfare guidelines.
• Supervision: documented playgroup policies and inspection-ready checklists.
• Emergency: posted evacuation routes, stocked first-aid kits, and working fire safety devices.

What is the current price range per unit by category?

Use these 2025 supplier price ranges to estimate each purchase in your dog daycare.

Prices reflect mainstream commercial-grade options; premium brands or custom fabrication will trend higher. Verify shipping, installation, and drain/hookup costs before finalizing orders.

How many units of each item do I really need for 30 dogs?

Set unit counts to match a 30-dog daily peak while avoiding clutter and overspend.

The table below gives realistic counts to run rotations smoothly with backup capacity for busy days and sanitizing cycles.

What is my total upfront equipment investment?

Budget $20,000–$40,000 to equip a mid-sized dog daycare for 30 dogs.

This range covers kennels/fencing, play equipment, cleaning/sanitation gear, a basic grooming station, feeding/watering, climate control, and office/storage. Fit-out quality, local supplier pricing, and whether you buy used or new will shift your final number.

Target the middle of the range if you want durable, easy-to-sanitize materials without going fully custom. Push higher if you add premium grooming capacity, decorative theming, or outdoor upgrades.

Phase purchases—start with core safety/containment and cleaning, then add optional items as cash flow stabilizes. This is one of the strategies explained in our dog daycare business plan.

Document serial numbers and warranties to streamline future service calls.

How much should I allocate annually for repairs and replacements?

Set an annual maintenance/replacement budget at 10–15% of equipment cost.

For a $25,000 setup, this equals $2,500–$3,750 per year; for $40,000, plan $4,000–$6,000. This covers wear on gates/latches, resurfacing or mat replacements, grooming dryer maintenance, and replacing chewed toys and bowls.

Schedule quarterly inspections of hinges, seals, and floor coatings to prevent small issues from becoming expensive fixes. Track lifespan by category so you can forecast replacements 12–18 months ahead.

Store backup parts (latches, hinges, wand heads, hose gaskets) to avoid downtime. Get expert guidance and actionable steps inside our dog daycare business plan.

Keep a labeled maintenance tool kit on-site and restrict access.

What financing or leasing options can I use for big-ticket items?

• Equipment leases (24–60 months) for kennel systems and grooming washers/dryers, often with low deposits.
• Manufacturer financing programs with promotional rates or deferred payments for 90–180 days.
• SBA-backed loans for broader fit-out plus working capital, subject to eligibility and underwriting.
• Specialized pet-business lenders familiar with seasonal demand and service add-ons.
• Bank term loans or lines of credit to bridge opening purchases and early marketing.
• Lease structures that allow equipment upgrades as technology changes (e.g., quieter dryers).

How can I reduce my equipment costs without hurting quality?

• Buy secondhand or “demo” units for runs, tables, and shelves after verifying welds, latches, and coatings.
• Bundle orders with one supplier to get 10–20% multi-item discounts and consolidated freight.
• Join industry groups to access partner pricing and seasonal rebates.
• Standardize SKUs (bowls, cots, toys) to cut replacement complexity and qualify for bulk pricing.
• Time purchases around supplier promotions and year-end inventory clearances.
• Use durable, washable items to reduce long-run replacement frequency.

What utility and consumable costs should I expect each month?

Expect $300–$800 per month for utilities and consumables in a mid-sized dog daycare.

Actuals depend on climate (HVAC load), grooming volume (dryer and hot water use), and cleaning frequency. Track costs per occupied dog-day to spot seasonal changes and efficiency gains.

How much contingency should I reserve?

Reserve 5–10% of your equipment budget as a contingency.

For a $25,000 setup, set aside $1,250–$2,500; for $40,000, hold $2,000–$4,000. This protects operations if a dryer fails, fencing needs reinforcement, or regulators require an unplanned upgrade.

Park the reserve in a separate account and replenish it annually after major purchases. Review near-miss incidents quarterly to adjust the reserve level.

Document approval rules for tapping the reserve so spending stays disciplined. This is one of the many elements we break down in the dog daycare business plan.

Link your incident log to purchase orders to close the loop.

What equipment should I prioritize first?

Prioritize safety, containment, and sanitation before anything else in a dog daycare.

Buy kennel runs/gates, non-slip surfaces, and cleaning/sanitation gear first; these directly reduce risk and satisfy inspections. Add basic play pieces next to distribute activity and cut crowding.

Install a minimal grooming station (tub, table, dryer) if you plan to offer add-ons from day one; otherwise, defer. Sequence deliveries so your floor drains, hose bibs, and electrical circuits are in place before large items arrive.

Confirm lead times for custom panels to avoid opening delays. Keep all vendor install notes and warranties in a central binder.

Photograph the as-built layout for future maintenance planning.

How do I lay out zones to protect equipment and dogs?

Divide the dog daycare into sightline-friendly zones with controlled transitions.

Separate large- and small-dog play, provide a quiet rest area, and keep an isolation room near a secondary exit. Place cleaning storage and a floor drain where staff can reach it quickly from the play floor.

Use half-height visual breaks to reduce arousal without creating blind spots; keep gates swinging away from high-traffic paths. Mount water bowls or fountains at stable stations to cut spills and slips.

Post traffic rules for staff (who opens which gate, where leashes hang) to prevent hardware damage. Revisit flow after two weeks of operations and adjust.

Record near-collisions to refine gate placement and latch types.

How do I control wear-and-tear to extend equipment life?

Standardize materials and build a preventive maintenance calendar for your dog daycare.

Choose powder-coated or stainless hardware, sealed floors, and washable textiles. Rotate toys weekly and retire damaged items immediately to avoid ingestion risks and premature replacements.

Lubricate hinges monthly, tighten fasteners, and replace worn foot caps on ramps to protect floors. Keep dryer filters clean to prevent overheating and extend motor life.

Track issues in a shared log (date, item, fix, cost) to spot patterns and negotiate better supplier terms. Align inspections with your cleaning schedule to capture problems early.

Reward staff who report early signs of failure—this saves money.

How do I forecast equipment cash flow alongside revenue?

Pair equipment amortization with predictable revenue blocks in your dog daycare.

Map 24–60 month lease payments against average dogs per day, ARPU, and seasonality. Add a per-dog reserve line for maintenance so you never underfund replacements when demand is strong.

Model low, base, and high scenarios for occupancy (e.g., 22, 28, 34 dogs/day) and test breakeven with higher utility rates. Include timing of add-on services (grooming, training) before upgrading equipment.

Use a simple monthly dashboard: dogs/day, revenue, consumables, utilities, maintenance, lease payments, and cash. Adjust pricing if the maintenance ratio drifts above 15% of equipment value.

Automate reorder points for consumables to avoid rush-buy premiums.

Conclusion

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are encouraged to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We accept no liability for any actions taken based on the information provided.

Sources

1. Upmetrics – Dog Daycare Startup Costs
2. The Dog Gurus – Space Needs for Dog Daycare
3. UK Statutory Guidance – Dog Day Care Licensing
4. SPCA Certified – Dog Day Care Standard (2024)
5. Dojo Business – Dog Daycare Equipment List
6. PetExec – Cost to Start a Doggy Daycare
7. Businessplan-templates – Running Costs for Dog Facilities
8. District Dogs – Daycare Capacity Practices
9. Easy Busy Pets – Daycare Business Plan Tips
10. Kennel Connection – Starting a Dog Daycare Guide