How Much Does It Cost to Start A Dog Breeding Business?
If you are a dog lover, you definitely consider dogs to be man’s best friend. They are loyal, loving and fun to hang around with. You can turn your passion into a business by starting a dog breeding business. Starting a dog business is more challenging than caring for your pet; it has its challenges. However, you can succeed in the industry with time, work, and knowledge. Notably, a dog breeding business’s general start-up costs range from around $4,500 to about $11,000.
The expenses vary greatly based on the amount you will spend on your first female dog, among other factors. In this article, we will provide the cost breakdown involved in a dog breeding business and factors to consider when you want to start one.
Facts to Consider When Starting a Dog Breeding Business
-
Pick a breed
Now that you want a dog breeding business ensure you are specific to a breed. Remember that every breed has its health requirements, breeding process and temperament. It takes almost five years to become proficient in one breed. Hence, consider the breed type you want to invest in for nearly half a decade. If you haven’t kept dogs before, get one, try keeping it as a pet, and see whether you enjoy that breed. Once you decide on the breed you want to keep, try networking with established dog breeders. Establishing connections will help you have a group of people who you can consult to get expert advice. You can also ask them how they have established their business if they happen to sell.
2. Choose your female dog
Remember, you want to grow your number of dogs. If you already have a female dog, you can use your dog to breed rather than opting for a championship stud. However, ensure your female dog is breedable; you must produce quality and pure breeds to get a market. You can also opt to buy a few champion-level puppies and adequately take care of them to ensure atleast one is viable for breeding.
3. Run examinations
Before focusing on breeding, ensure you have taken your female dog to undergo all the standard health tests. Check out the required health tests for your breed and conduct all the tests before starting breeding. In this process, you also get a chance to understand your breed. Notably, this will play a crucial role when looking for studs.
4. Create a business plan
To open a business, you must start by laying a business plan. A business plan will help you develop a strategy for running your business. It will help you highlight the opportunities, set goals, and understand the market, target audience, expenses and even estimated profits. It acts as a guide to running your dog breeding business and even helps you seek funding when needed. Hence, don’t just start your business; ensure that you develop a dog breeding business plan. Find a sample of a business plan guide here.
Costs to Start a Dog Breeding Business
-
Purchase female dogs/puppies
If you dont have a female dog, you need to purchase one. Remember, you must also budget for its health tests to ensure it meets the required threshold to be a reputable breeder. You may also buy puppies and take care of them to breed them. Either way, you need to budget for a dog if you don’t have one. The amount to buy one depends on the breed you want to purchase.
Here are some excellent dog breeds to consider:
- Labrador retriever
- French bulldog
- Golden retriever
- Rottweiler
- Daschund
- Bulldog
- German shepherd
- Poodle
- Beagle
- Chihuahua
-
Business registration
Foremost, it would help if you decided whether you want to start the business alone as a solo presenter or involve your friends and make it a partnership. Before committing yourself, check your state’s rules and regulations for registering your business. Depending on the state, registering a DBA may cost $10 to $150. On the contrary, registering an LLC costs around $150 to $4000, depending on the fees you will be asked to pay. As much as an LLC is more costly, it offers more protection to your business. If you are unsure which registration to go for, you can always consult a professional to help you make the most appropriate decision.
-
Business license
After registering your business to be on the safer side, you need to have a business license. Depending on your state, the cost may vary between $0 and $250. In that, some states won’t require you to obtain a permit; hence, confirm with your state. At the same time, others will need you to pay to get one. With a business license, you can conduct your business peacefully without interference from the state.
-
Insurance
If you want to go big, you must secure your business. You can opt for pet-sitting insurance; it protects your business, staff and clients. It may cost between $100 to $140. There are other types of insurance you can look into and pick the one that suits your business. Insurance is crucial as it secures your business in case of any accidents or calamities; you will be compensated and can start over again.
-
Supplies
You might need some supplies to make your work easier, for instance, poop bags, dog treats, water bowls, kennel crates, collars and leashes, blankets and dog beds. Luckily, you can get all these supplies from your nearest pet store. The budget will vary depending on the supplies you pick and the quantity. Remember, you don’t need to go wild with supplies; you are just starting, hence focus on getting the basics. As you grow, you will know what to add to your list of supplies.
-
Location
You need adequate space and appropriate dog facilities for this type of business. The dogs need space for exercise, training, and a breeding area. Also, as you pick a location, ensure you are close enough to potential clients and a veterinarian. Your location should also be suitable for regular dog food deliveries and other supplies. You might need to rent or lease if you don’t own a space. Rent may cost up to $2000, and you may need to pay a few months upfront. Hence, you should be ready with 2 to 3 months of rent. If you opt to lease, involve a lawyer to get a contract and a suitable lease agreement. Remember that location greatly influences the success rate of your business; hence, ensure to pick a reliable place that meets most of the qualifications.
7. Pet first aid class
You probably didn’t expect to see a class, but you must be well-equipped to care for your dogs. You will learn valuable lessons you can teach your staff once you expand. You will also be Pet First Aid and CPR Certified, which you can utilize to gain more clients. Also, you will be in a position to provide first aid to your dog in case of any injury before you get to the vet. Investing in your business will bring returns. Here, you will spend around & $50 to $200, depending on your location.
8. Marketing materials
People probably know you as a dog lover but are yet to learn you have started a dog breed business. Hence, it is crucial to start advertising your business to your friends, neighbours, and potential clients. Marketing may cost between $10 to $100, depending on how big you want to go.
Foremost, to reach clients near you, you can use word of mouth, flyers, or even business cards to give to people in your neighbourhood and friends. Encourage them to share with their contacts, and you will gain clients.
On the other hand, to get new clients, you can utilize online marketing methods like social media and open a Google My Business. Utilize your online pages to reach new people; start by posting images of your dogs and make small videos playing with the puppies. Gradually, you will attract a following and start building a brand. Later, you can utilize Meta Ads and Google Ads to make advertisements.
Conclusion
Starting a dog breeding business could be your way to financial freedom. You need to ensure that you conduct thorough research on your breed and comprehend the environment that works best for them. Treat your dogs with high-quality care, and you will get returns.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can you earn from a dog breeding business?
If you ensure your female dog is healthy, it can have up to 3 litters in a year. Notably, the average litter size is six puppies. If you take good care of your puppies within 8 to 10 weeks, they are ready for sale. Depending on their health and breed, a puppy can cost between $500 to $3,000. Your profit after eliminating expenses could be 70%. As your brand grows and gains visibility, you could acquire two more female dogs and have up to 9 litters yearly, significantly increasing your profit.
