Buying or starting a business requires a plan. But before you start to put your business plan together, ask yourself – is a pet resort right for you? Maybe or maybe not. To help you assess, begin with the most obvious question – do you like animals? As a pet resort owner you would be providing care for many different sizes, types, and temperaments of animals. Is this something that you are comfortable with?
One of the most challenging aspects for any business owner is the hiring and managing of staff. Your staff can make or break your business. One of the main reasons owners give for selling their pet resort is the unanticipated challenges of staff management. As in any retail or service business, work ethic, skills and customer service are important. When you add in the complexity of taking responsibility for the care of customers’ furry family members, it becomes even more important to hire, train and provide appropriate guidance for the right individuals.
Pets’ behavior can also be a challenge. Someone’s little sweetie may actually be a little hellion around other people and/or animals. Planning ahead by setting clear expectations for owners and training your team on best practices for managing “guests” are good first steps. Learning how to troubleshoot and deal with some of the more commonly encountered issues can help keep staff, pets and their families safe.
While you don’t have to be a veterinarian or need specialized degrees for the care and keeping of animals, you and your team will be responsible for living beings. Experience with pet care is important. You and your staff may need training in pet first aid and you’ll want a relationship with a veterinary clinic or hospital, just in case of emergency. Additionally, many pets will come to you with prescription regimens that you’ll have to administer, so comfort and ease with providing that care is also valuable.
Finally, strong customer service skills to promote loyalty with your pet owners and encourage them to return. Knowing they can trust their pets are receiving the best care in their absence is of utmost importance to keep them coming back – and recommending your business to their friends and neighbors.
As usual, you’ll want to build a business plan and do your market analysis before opening a new business. If a pet resort sounds like a fit for you, put together a plan with your trusted advisors. Who knows, you may soon have the hottest resort for the furry set in your area.
