The post-lockdown puppy boom might have settled, but the demand for reliable dog care in the UK hasn’t. As owners head back to the office and finally book those long-awaited holidays, searches for local boarding and daycare are going through the roof.For kennel and daycare owners, this should be great news. But if you’re still running your business using a paper diary, WhatsApp messages, and a prayer, that extra demand just means extra stress.You didn’t get into this business to spend your evenings chasing deposits or deciphering handwriting in a logbook. You did it to care for dogs.Here’s how to modernise your booking process, fill your quiet periods, and secure those 5-star Defra ratings all while getting your evenings back.
Why “Near Me” Searches Are Your Bread and Butter
When a dog owner in Birmingham or Manchester types “dog boarding near me” into Google, they aren’t just browsing; they’re ready to book. They want a facility that looks professional, safe, and easy to deal with.If your website asks them to “call for availability” or “download a PDF form,” you’ve already lost them to the competitor down the road who offers instant online booking.Modern clients expect convenience. They want to check availability, book a slot, and pay a deposit from their phone while watching the telly. If your system can’t do that, you’re leaving money on the table.What British Pet Owners Actually Want
It’s not just about a dry bed and a bowl of kibble anymore. To command higher rates and loyal clients, you need to show value.- Transparency: Owners are anxious about leaving their “fur babies.” A quick photo update via a dedicated app can be the difference between a one-off visit and a client for life.
- Simplicity: No one wants to play email tennis to confirm a drop-off time. Automated confirmations are standard practice now.
- Safety: A slick, digital registration process (where vaccination certs and vet details are uploaded before arrival) screams “professionalism” and reassures owners you’re on top of your licensing requirements.
Work Smarter, Not Harder
Stop losing money to empty runs and administrative faff.- Automate Your Admin: Using dedicated UK dog boarding software isn’t just a fancy extra; it’s an extra pair of hands. It handles the boring stuff invoices, vaccination reminders, and consent forms so you can focus on the dogs.
- Smart Pricing for Peak Times: Bank Holidays, school half-terms, and Christmas are your goldmines. A smart system lets you adjust pricing for peak dates automatically, ensuring you maximise revenue when demand is highest without the awkward money conversations at the front desk.
- Fill the Gaps with Packages: Quiet Tuesdays? Offer a “mid-week muddy paws” daycare package. Regular income is better than feast-and-famine. Selling 10-day passes upfront secures your cash flow and keeps your facility buzzing even during the off-season.
