Location, Location, Location: Finding the Perfect Spot for Your New Doggy Daycare or Grooming Salon.

You’ve got the business plan. You’ve got the passion. But now you face one of the most critical decisions that will shape the future of your new doggy daycare or grooming salon: choosing the right location. The old real estate mantra of “location, location, location” is doubly true for pet businesses, where you need to please both your human clients and your canine guests.

Finding the perfect spot is a balancing act between visibility, accessibility, affordability, and suitability. A wrong choice can lead to a constant struggle for clients or endless complaints from neighbours. A great choice, on the other hand, can become a significant competitive advantage. Here’s what you need to consider.

1. Know Your Local Council Regulations

This is the absolute first step. Before you even start Browse commercial real estate listings, you must understand the zoning laws in your target area. Contact the local council and ask about the regulations for “animal care facilities” or similar classifications. Some areas are strictly residential and will not permit a business that houses animals. Others may be in industrial zones that are perfect for a daycare’s noise levels but might be inconvenient for client drop-offs. Don’t fall in love with a property only to find out it’s impossible to get the required permits. This single step will save you weeks of wasted time.

2. Think Like Your Ideal Client

Who are you trying to attract? And where do they live and work? For a doggy daycare, your ideal location is often on the commuter belt—a place where clients can easily drop off their dog on the way to work and pick them up on the way home. High visibility on a main road is great, but it must be paired with safe and easy access. Is there ample, convenient parking? Trying to parallel park on a busy street with an excited dog on the leash is a stressful experience for a client.

For a grooming salon, you might target a spot with high foot traffic in a suburban shopping strip, where convenience is key. Being next to a popular cafe or supermarket could be a major bonus.

3. Assess the Property’s “Pet-Friendliness”

A building that looks great on the outside might be a nightmare on the inside. When you inspect a potential property, look at it through the eyes of a pet business owner:

• Outdoor Space: Is there a secure, safe area for dogs to toilet and play? If not, can one be created? What about drainage?
• Flooring: Is it durable, non-porous, and easy to clean? Concrete or sealed vinyl is great. Carpet is a definite no. The cost of replacing flooring can be huge.
• Noise Control: Will the sound of barking dogs travel easily to neighbouring businesses or residences? Concrete walls are your friend. Thin plasterboard walls are not.
• Ventilation: Good airflow is crucial for managing odours and maintaining a healthy environment.
• Layout and Flow: Can you create a safe and efficient layout? You’ll need a secure reception area to prevent escapes, separate zones for different dogs (e.g., grooming vs. daycare, large vs. small), and space for storage and cleaning.

4. The Neighbourhood Watch: Consider Your Neighbours

Your business neighbours are important. Being next to a quiet office or a noisy workshop might be fine. Being next to a high-end fashion boutique or a specialist medical clinic could lead to constant complaints about noise or smell. Do a “stakeout” of the area at different times of day to understand the comings and goings and the general vibe of the neighbourhood.

5. How Your Location Impacts Your Operations and Technology

Your physical location directly impacts your operational workflow. A small, cramped reception area can become a point of chaos during busy drop-off and pick-up times. This is another reason why having your business management software set up from day one is so important.

Imagine your peak morning rush. With a system like Pet Manager running on a tablet at your front desk, the process becomes streamlined. As a client walks in, you can instantly pull up their profile, confirm their booking, and see any special notes for the day. You’re not fumbling with paper files or trying to manage a queue while taking a phone booking. Your efficient digital process makes even a small physical space manageable.

Furthermore, your location’s internet connectivity is a key utility. You need reliable, high-speed internet to run your cloud-based software, process payments, and communicate with clients. Don’t sign a lease without confirming the quality of internet service available.

Choosing your location is one of the most significant decisions you’ll make. Take your time, do your homework, and think through every angle—from the client’s perspective, the dog’s perspective, and your operational perspective. The perfect spot will not only house your dream business but will actively help it to grow and succeed.

A great location deserves a great management system to run it efficiently. Ensure your check-in and check-out process is smooth and professional, no matter the space. See how Pet Manager can streamline your front desk operations. Start your FREE 30-day trial today!