Running a successful animal boarding business, whether it’s a cattery, kennel, or both, takes more than just offering a safe place for pets. With more people owning pets across the UK, there’s a real opportunity to grow. At the same time, competition is strong, and relying on word of mouth alone just isn’t enough anymore.
To help you stay ahead, we’ve put together five practical strategies to grow your animal boarding business while continuing to provide excellent care for every pet that stays with you.
Jump to:
Upgrade your facilities
Revamp your marketing strategy
Prioritise exceptional pet care
Protect your business with the right insurance
Focus on sustainable growth
1. Upgrade your facilities
Facilities can make or break a pet owner’s decision to book with you. Modern, clean, and thoughtfully designed spaces show that you care about pets’ comfort and wellbeing.
Ideas for facility upgrades:
- Add luxury suites with extra space, cosy bedding, and webcams for owners to check in on their pets.
- Create outdoor play areas where pets can run, play, and socialise safely.
- Improve ventilation and soundproofing to minimise stress for the animals in your care.
Why it works:
Upgraded facilities attract more premium clients, allow you to charge higher rates, and create a better experience for both pets and their owners.
Pro tip:
Offer tours of your boarding facility so potential clients can see your attention to detail and dedication to quality care.
2. Revamp your marketing strategy
Even the best boarding business won’t thrive without a strong marketing strategy. you need to make it easy for potential clients to find you and trust you before they even walk through your door.
Steps to improve your marketing
Optimise your Google Business profile
- Ensure your business appears in local search results.
- Add high-quality photos and encourage clients to leave reviews.
Leverage social media
- Post photos and videos of pets enjoying their stay to build trust and showcase your care.
- Share helpful pet care tips to engage with your audience.
- Run referral programs or giveaways to attract new clients.
Build local partnerships
- Partner with local vets, groomers, and pet shops to cross-refer services.
- Attend pet fairs and community events to expand your network.
Why it works:
Smart marketing helps more people find your business and builds trust with potential clients. It can make a real difference in keeping your bookings steady, even during quieter periods.
3. Prioritise exceptional pet care
At the end of the day, pet care is at the core of your business. When you look after each pet well, owners are far more likely to return and recommend you to others.
How to deliver outstanding care
- Get to know each pet’s unique personality, preferences, and needs.
- Send regular updates with photos or videos to reassure owners their pets are happy.
- Maintain a clean, hygienic environment and use high-quality food and bedding.
Why it works:
When pets are happy and well cared for, their owners take notice. Exceptional care not only boosts repeat bookings but also earns glowing reviews that attract new clients.
Pro tip:
Ask for feedback after each stay and use it to fine-tune your services.
4. Protect your business with the right insurance
Working with animals is rewarding, but it comes with risks. The right insurance protects your business from unexpected incidents and gives your clients peace of mind.
Key insurance types to consider:
- Public liability insurance: Covers you if a client or pet is injured on your premises.
- Care, custody, and control insurance: Protects you if something happens to a pet while under your care.
Why it works:
Insurance not only safeguards your finances but also reassures pet owners that their furry friends are in safe hands.
Pro tip:
Review your insurance coverage regularly to ensure it aligns with your growing business.
5. Focus on sustainable growth
Growth is exciting, but expanding too fast can lead to stress and lower service quality. Instead, aim for steady, sustainable growth that supports your long-term success.
How to grow sustainably:
Hire and train great staff
- Bring on experienced animal care professionals who share your passion.
- Offer regular training to maintain high standards across your team.
Expand your services
- Add pet daycare, grooming, or specialised care for senior pets.
- Offer flexible options like short-term boarding or hourly stays.
Invest in technology
- Use booking software to streamline reservations and avoid double bookings.
- Offer online payment options to make the process easier for clients.
Why it works:
Sustainable growth ensures you can scale your business without sacrificing the quality of care that sets you apart.
Ready to grow?
Growing an animal boarding business is not just about bringing in more clients. It also comes down to delivering great care, making smart marketing decisions, and protecting what you’ve built. By following these five proven strategies, you’ll be in a strong position to succeed in the competitive UK pet care market.
Want to learn how business insurance can help protect and grow your kennel or cattery? Check out our guide: 5 ways business insurance can protect your animal boarding business.