Now that you have established a new doggie day care or pet boarding business, have you considered a plan to grow your customer base and get them excited about your brand? How do you go beyond one dog at a time to build a great reputation for your facility? Establishing a unique image and offering specialized services – without cookie-cutter style operations – can be a challenge in this competitive market, but it is critical to your long term success. In addition to traditional small business marketing strategies there are many approaches to take in marketing your pet boarding business that will create customer loyalty, community recognition, and high demand for your services. Here are some tips:
Make Your Facility an Enriching, Engaging Environment for Pets
• Your employees represent you – make sure to hire animal lovers!
• Earn credentials and expertise in the training and management of animals. Become a certified dog trainer and hire or certify those who work with animals in your facility. Post these credentials where customers can see them.
• Establish a routine or structure for the animals so that the pets and their owners know what to expect every time they come to you, regardless of which employee is working that day
• Plan time for mentally and physically stimulating games when the pets are not confined and write progress reports for each animal.
Add Convenient Retail and Services:
• Working pet owners will appreciate one-stop shopping for pet supplies and services
• Offer grooming and pet training services.
• Add a retail section where customers can purchase necessities, such as food, treats and toys, while they are picking up or dropping off their pets.
• Partner with a vet to be on site once a week or month for vaccinations and general health exams.
Actively Participate in Community Outreach for Animals in Your Community:
• Sponsor pet adoptions and hold fundraisers for local shelters.
• Donate resources to first time pet owners who rescue animals.
• Donate to pet shelters.
• Make sure to publicize your community outreach on your website or write press releases to local media. Charity and compassion relieves the suffering of animals and generates public interest for your pet care business!
Treat each dog as part of the family:
• Create a family atmosphere in your lobby by including photographs and videos of regular customers, their owners and staff.
• Celebrate a pet’s birthday.
• When possible, accommodate special requests that make pets more comfortable in your facility.
Employ Social Networking:
• Use networks to expand your business marketing and generate valuable word of mouth marketing
• Create a Facebook page and build a network with clients.
• You can gain exposure through pet friendly social networks that help spread good word-of-mouth about your pet boarding business
• Fresh and current social networks sites will keep your clients and their networks engaged. Your message will reach a gazillion people!
• Become a member of pet associations and participate in expos and tradeshows. Look for speaking opportunities at these events to share your expertise and be a leader in the industry.
