This article was written by our expert who is surveying the industry and constantly updating business plan for a dog daycare.
Our business plan for a dog daycare will help you build a profitable project
Opening a dog daycare is an exciting venture, but figuring out what equipment you need can feel overwhelming.
The tricky part is knowing exactly what to buy without going broke or missing something crucial for dog safety and comfort.
Every dog daycare has different needs, and equipment costs can quickly spiral out of control if you're not careful about planning.
Complete Dog Daycare Equipment List
Opening a successful dog daycare requires careful planning and the right equipment. This comprehensive list covers everything you need to get your dog daycare up and running safely and efficiently.
Play Area Equipment
- Artificial turf flooring - Provides safe, non-slip surface that's easy to clean
- Rubber matting - Cushions joints and prevents injuries during play
- Dog play equipment - Tunnels, ramps, and agility obstacles for enrichment
- Shade structures - Protects dogs from sun during outdoor play
- Water fountains - Automatic systems keep dogs hydrated throughout the day
- Kiddie pools - Provides cooling relief and water play opportunities
- Tennis balls and toys - Various sizes and types for different dog breeds
- Rope toys - Durable options for interactive play and tug-of-war
- Chew toys - Safe alternatives to prevent destructive behavior
- Frisbees - Encourages active play and exercise
Safety & Containment
- Fencing system - Secure perimeter with appropriate height for different dog sizes
- Security gates - Multiple entry/exit points with self-closing mechanisms
- Dog runs/kennels - Individual spaces for time-outs or feeding
- Baby gates - Separates different play groups and areas
- Emergency exit systems - Quick access for staff during emergencies
- First aid stations - Strategically placed throughout facility
- Emergency contact boards - Quick reference for veterinarians and owners
- Security cameras - Monitors all areas for safety and liability
- Alarm system - Protects facility when closed
Cleaning & Sanitation
- Pressure washer - Deep cleans outdoor areas and equipment
- Industrial mop and bucket system - Maintains clean indoor surfaces
- Pet-safe disinfectants - Kills germs without harming animals
- Waste pickup stations - Strategically placed throughout facility
- Waste disposal bags - Biodegradable options for environmental responsibility
- Hand sanitizing stations - Maintains staff hygiene standards
- Cleaning supply storage - Organized area for all sanitation materials
- Laundry equipment - Washing machine and dryer for towels and bedding
- Steam cleaner - Deep cleans carpets and upholstery effectively
Dog Care Equipment
- Food and water bowls - Stainless steel, various sizes for different breeds
- Elevated feeding stations - Better digestion and comfort during meals
- Dog beds and blankets - Comfortable resting areas throughout facility
- Grooming table - Basic grooming and health checks
- Dog brushes and combs - Various types for different coat types
- Nail clippers - Basic nail care for regular customers
- Leashes and collars - Backup equipment for dogs without proper gear
- Dog harnesses - Safer alternative for dogs that pull
- Treats and rewards - Training aids and positive reinforcement
- Medication storage - Secure area for dogs requiring daily medications
Climate Control
- HVAC system - Maintains comfortable temperature year-round
- Industrial fans - Provides air circulation in play areas
- Heating systems - Keeps facility warm during cold weather
- Air purification system - Reduces odors and allergens
- Humidity control - Prevents mold and maintains air quality
- Outdoor misters - Cooling system for hot weather play
Office & Reception
- Reception desk - Check-in/out area for customer service
- Computer system - Manages appointments and customer records
- Point-of-sale system - Processes payments and tracks services
- Filing cabinets - Stores important documents and records
- Phone system - Multi-line capability for customer communication
- Printer/scanner - Handles contracts and documentation
- Customer seating area - Comfortable space for pick-up/drop-off
- Retail display - Showcases pet products for additional revenue
Staff Equipment
- Uniforms/aprons - Professional appearance and easy identification
- Walkie-talkies - Communication between staff in different areas
- Break room furniture - Tables, chairs, and refrigerator for staff
- Lockers - Secure storage for personal belongings
- Training materials - Resources for proper dog handling techniques
- Time clock system - Tracks employee hours accurately
Storage Solutions
- Food storage containers - Keeps dry food fresh and pest-free
- Supply shelving - Organizes toys, leashes, and equipment
- Outdoor storage shed - Houses landscaping and maintenance equipment
- Lost and found area - Organized system for misplaced items
Utilities & Infrastructure
- Adequate electrical supply - Powers all equipment and lighting
- Plumbing connections - Supports cleaning stations and water features
- Drainage system - Prevents water accumulation in play areas
- Lighting system - Ensures visibility during early/late hours
- Emergency generator - Maintains essential systems during outages
Software & Technology
- Dog daycare management software - Tracks attendance and customer info
- Scheduling system - Manages appointments and staff assignments
- Billing software - Automates invoicing and payment processing
- Camera monitoring system - Allows remote facility supervision
- Mobile app integration - Enables customer communication and updates
Our financial plan for a dog daycare will help you build a profitable project
What Equipment Budget Should You Plan?
Most dog daycare owners spend between $30,000 and $150,000 on equipment, depending on their size and services offered. You really can't go below $20,000 for even the smallest setup because you need proper fencing, safety equipment, and climate control just to operate legally and safely.
- Small Neighborhood Dog Daycare
A small neighborhood dog daycare with basic play areas needs around $20,000-$40,000, and most of that budget goes toward proper fencing and safety equipment.
- Medium-Sized Dog Daycare
A medium-sized dog daycare serving multiple dog groups typically runs $40,000-$80,000, with more specialized equipment like separate play areas and grooming stations.
- Large Dog Daycare
A large dog daycare or one with extensive services can easily hit $80,000-$150,000, especially when you add things like swimming pools and advanced climate control systems.
Equipment Budget Examples
Small Neighborhood Dog Daycare ($20,000 - $40,000)
Small dog daycares focus on essential equipment that can handle daily care for 15-30 dogs. The goal is getting quality basics without overspending on features you won't use right away.
| Equipment Category | What's Included | Budget Range |
|---|---|---|
| Fencing & Safety | 6-foot chain link fencing with gates, basic security system, emergency exits, baby gates for separation | $5,000 - $8,000 |
| Play Equipment | Basic artificial turf, water fountain, kiddie pool, assorted toys and balls, shade structure | $3,000 - $6,000 |
| Climate Control | Basic HVAC system, industrial fans for air circulation, outdoor misters for cooling | $4,000 - $7,000 |
| Cleaning Equipment | Pressure washer, industrial mop system, pet-safe cleaners, waste stations, basic storage | $2,000 - $4,000 |
| Dog Care Items | Food and water bowls, basic beds, leashes and collars, first aid supplies, treats | $2,000 - $4,000 |
| Office Setup | Basic reception desk, computer system, simple POS, filing cabinet, phone system | $2,000 - $5,000 |
| Installation & Setup | Equipment installation, basic permits, initial setup and testing | $2,000 - $4,000 |
Medium-Sized Dog Daycare ($40,000 - $80,000)
Medium dog daycares need more capacity and specialized areas to handle 30-60 dogs with different needs. You're investing in efficiency and the ability to offer more services to customers.
| Equipment Category | What's Included | Budget Range |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced Fencing | Multiple play yards with different heights, automated gates, advanced security system with cameras | $10,000 - $15,000 |
| Specialized Play Areas | Rubber matting, agility equipment, multiple water features, varied toys for different sizes | $6,000 - $12,000 |
| Climate & Comfort | Advanced HVAC with zones, air purification system, heated indoor areas, outdoor cooling systems | $8,000 - $15,000 |
| Grooming Station | Professional grooming table, basic grooming tools, drying equipment, water access | $3,000 - $6,000 |
| Enhanced Cleaning | Industrial cleaning equipment, steam cleaner, laundry facilities, organized storage systems | $4,000 - $8,000 |
| Technology Systems | Dog daycare management software, camera monitoring, mobile app integration, advanced POS | $4,000 - $8,000 |
| Staff & Customer Areas | Break room setup, customer seating, retail display area, communication systems | $3,000 - $6,000 |
| Installation & Training | Professional installation, staff training, permits and inspections, system setup | $4,000 - $8,000 |
Large-Scale Dog Daycare ($80,000 - $150,000)
Large dog daycares operate with advanced systems and specialized services. The focus shifts to maximizing efficiency, safety, and the ability to handle 60+ dogs with diverse needs including boarding and grooming services.
| Equipment Category | What's Included | Budget Range |
|---|---|---|
| Premium Facility Setup | Multiple specialized yards, premium fencing with automated systems, advanced drainage, landscaping | $20,000 - $35,000 |
| Advanced Play Features | Swimming pool with filtration, custom agility courses, premium flooring, multiple climate zones | $15,000 - $25,000 |
| Climate Control Systems | Zoned HVAC with smart controls, advanced air purification, heated pools, emergency backup systems | $12,000 - $20,000 |
| Full Grooming Suite | Multiple grooming stations, professional equipment, specialized tools, drying systems, retail area | $8,000 - $15,000 |
| Boarding Facilities | Individual kennels with comfort features, specialized lighting, sound control, premium bedding | $10,000 - $18,000 |
| Technology Integration | Comprehensive management software, live streaming cameras, automated feeding systems, mobile apps | $6,000 - $12,000 |
| Premium Amenities | Customer lounge, retail store setup, staff training facilities, specialized storage systems | $5,000 - $10,000 |
| Professional Installation | Complete facility setup, staff training programs, all permits and certifications, system integration | $8,000 - $15,000 |