Opening a doggy daycare is a dream for many, but the jump from “dog lover” to “licensed business owner” is a steep one. In the UK, the pet care sector is more strictly regulated than ever. It takes more than a secure field and a few tennis balls to run a profitable, five-star rated centre.
To help you get off on the right foot, we’ve rounded up the 10 most common mistakes new owners make and how to avoid them.
1. Treating Licensing as an Afterthought
In the UK, your local council determines your “Star Rating.” One of the biggest mistakes is not reading the Defra Animal Activity Licensing (AAL) guidelines cover-to-cover before you even sign a lease. From the specific size of your isolation crates to the height of your fences, failing a council inspection on day one is an expensive mistake you can’t afford.
2. Underestimating Staff-to-Dog Ratios
Licensing isn’t just about the building; it’s about the people. Many new owners plan their budget without accounting for the mandatory staffing ratios (usually 1 person to 10 dogs, though this varies by star rating). If a staff member calls in sick and you’re over capacity, you aren’t just stressed you’re potentially in breach of your license.
3. Skipping the “Trial Day”
It is tempting to accept every dog that comes your way when you’re trying to pay the bills. However, one aggressive or overly anxious dog can ruin the “pack dynamic” and lead to injuries. A mandatory, paid trial assessment is essential to ensure every dog in your care is safe and happy.
4. Poor Record-Keeping (The “Paper Diary” Trap)
The council expects to see meticulously kept records of vaccinations, feeding times, and “enrichment” activities. If you’re still using a paper diary or a messy spreadsheet, you’ll dread inspection day. Using a dedicated platform like PawPal ensures your digital paper trail is always audit-ready.
5. Competing on Price Alone
There will always be someone in your area charging £15 a day from their back garden. If you try to match “hobbyist” prices while paying for commercial premises, insurance, and staff, your margins will vanish. Compete on quality, safety, and professionalism not on being the cheapest.
6. Ignoring “Bio-security” and Cleaning
Kennel Cough and stomach bugs can rip through a daycare in days. New owners often underestimate the cost and time required for high-grade, pet-safe disinfection. A “quick mop” isn’t enough; you need a robust cleaning schedule that stands up to professional scrutiny.
7. Failing to Set Professional Boundaries
If you let clients drop dogs off 15 minutes early or pick them up 20 minutes late without a fee, they will do it every time. Set your opening hours and late fees in stone from day one. Your time is your inventory, don’t give it away for free.
8. All Play and No Rest
A common mistake is thinking dogs need to “play” for eight hours straight. Over-stimulated dogs are more likely to snap or become exhausted. A professional daycare incorporates structured rest periods in crates or quiet zones to keep the energy levels manageable.
9. Inadequate Insurance Coverage
Standard public liability isn’t enough. You need specific Care, Custody, and Control insurance. If a dog is injured while in your care or escapes through an open gate, you need to know you are fully covered for vet bills and legal costs.
10. Forgetting Your Own “Work-Life Balance”
Running a daycare is physically and mentally punishing. Many new owners work 12-hour days, 5 days a week, and then spend their weekends doing admin and invoicing. Use automation to handle your bookings and payments so you can actually enjoy your time off.
Transition from “Overwhelmed” to “In Control”
Most of these mistakes stem from the same problem: being buried in admin instead of managing your business.
PawPal was built by UK pet professionals to handle the heavy lifting. From managing your Defra-mandated records to automating your invoices and “school run” schedules, we help you focus on the dogs while the software handles the rest.
Don’t wait for your first council inspection to get organised. Book a demo today and start your daycare journey with the right tools in place.
