Dog Breeding Business Plan Template
Written by Dave Lavinsky
Dog Breeding Business Plan
Over the past 20+ years, we have helped over 500 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans to start and grow their dog breeding companies.
If you’re unfamiliar with creating a dog breeding business plan, you may think creating one will be a time-consuming and frustrating process. For most entrepreneurs it is, but for you, it won’t be since we’re here to help. We have the experience, resources, and knowledge to help you create a great business plan.
In this article, you will learn some background information on why business planning is important. Then, you will learn how to write a dog breeding business plan step-by-step so you can create your plan today.
Download our Ultimate Business Plan Template here >
What Is a Business Plan?
A business plan provides a snapshot of your dog breeding business as it stands today, and lays out your growth plan for the next five years. It explains your business goals and your strategies for reaching them. It also includes market research to support your plans.
Why You Need a Business Plan
If you’re looking to start a dog breeding business or grow your existing dog breeding company, you need a business plan. A business plan will help you raise funding, if needed, and plan out the growth of your dog breeding business to improve your chances of success. Your dog breeding business plan is a living document that should be updated annually as your company grows and changes.
Sources of Funding for Dog Breeding Businesses
With regards to funding, the main sources of funding for a dog breeding business are personal savings, credit cards, bank loans, and angel investors. When it comes to bank loans, banks will want to review your business plan and gain confidence that you will be able to repay your loan and interest. To acquire this confidence, the loan officer will not only want to ensure that your financials are reasonable, but they will also want to see a professional plan. Such a plan will give them the confidence that you can successfully and professionally operate a business. Personal savings and bank loans are the most common funding paths for dog breeding companies.
How to Write a Business Plan for a Dog Breeding Business
If you want to start a dog breeding business or expand your current one, you need a business plan. The guide below details the necessary information for how to write each essential component of your dog breeding business plan.
Executive Summary
Your executive summary provides an introduction to your business plan, but it is normally the last section you write because it provides a summary of each key section of your plan.
The goal of your executive summary is to quickly engage the reader. Explain to them the kind of dog breeding business you are running and the status. For example, are you a startup, do you have a dog breeding business that you would like to grow, or are you operating an established dog breeding business that you would like to sell?
Next, provide an overview of each of the subsequent sections of your plan.
- Give a brief overview of the dog breeding industry.
- Discuss the type of dog breeding business you are operating.
- Detail your direct competitors. Give an overview of your target customers.
- Provide a snapshot of your marketing strategy. Identify the key members of your team.
- Offer an overview of your financial plan.
Company Overview
In your company overview, you will detail the type of dog breeding business you are operating.
For example, you might specialize in one of the following types of dog breeding businesses:
- Popular breed: This type of dog breeder specializes in breeding a specific breed that many customers are looking for such as the Siberian Husky or the French Bulldog.
- Pet stores: This type of dog breeder may breed one or more types of dogs to be sold to pet stores that will then sell them to the general public.
- Showdog breeds: This type of breeder specializes in breeding pedigree show dogs to be raised for dog show competitions.
In addition to explaining the type of dog breeding business you will operate, the company overview needs to provide background on the business.
Include answers to questions such as:
- When and why did you start the business?
- What milestones have you achieved to date? Milestones could include the number of customers served, the number of dogs sold, or reaching $X amount in revenue, etc.
- Your legal business Are you incorporated as an S-Corp? An LLC? A sole proprietorship? Explain your legal structure here.
Industry Analysis
In your industry or market analysis, you need to provide an overview of the dog breeding industry.
While this may seem unnecessary, it serves multiple purposes.
First, researching the dog breeding industry educates you. It helps you understand the market in which you are operating.
Secondly, market research can improve your marketing strategy, particularly if your analysis identifies market trends.
The third reason is to prove to readers that you are an expert in your industry. By conducting the research and presenting it in your plan, you achieve just that.
The following questions should be answered in the industry analysis section of your dog breeding business plan:
- How big is the dog breeding industry (in dollars)?
- Is the market declining or increasing?
- Who are the key competitors in the market?
- Who are the key suppliers in the market?
- What trends are affecting the industry?
- What is the industry’s growth forecast over the next 5 – 10 years?
- What is the relevant market size? That is, how big is the potential target market for your dog breeding business? You can extrapolate such a figure by assessing the size of the market in the entire country and then applying that figure to your local population.
Customer Analysis
The customer analysis section of your dog breeding business plan must detail the customers you serve and/or expect to serve.
The following are examples of customer segments: individuals, schools, families, and corporations.
As you can imagine, the customer segment(s) you choose will have a great impact on the type of dog breeding business you operate. Clearly, individuals would respond to different marketing promotions than corporations, for example.
Try to break out your target customers in terms of their demographic and psychographic profiles. With regards to demographics, including a discussion of the ages, genders, locations, and income levels of the potential customers you seek to serve.
Psychographic profiles explain the wants and needs of your target customers. The more you can recognize and define these needs, the better you will do in attracting and retaining your customers.
Finish Your Dog Breeding Business Plan in 1 Day!
Don’t you wish there was a faster, easier way to finish your business plan?
With Growthink’s Ultimate Business Plan Template you can finish your plan in just 8 hours or less!
Competitive Analysis
Your competitive analysis should identify the indirect and direct competitors your business faces and then focus on the latter.
Direct competitors are other dog breeding businesses.
Indirect competitors are other options that customers have to purchase from that aren’t directly competing with your product or service. This includes other places people can go to get a new dog such as animal shelters, or retailers of other types of pets such as cats, birds, or rabbits. You need to mention such competition as well.
For each such competitor, provide an overview of their business and document their strengths and weaknesses. Unless you once worked at your competitors’ businesses, it will be impossible to know everything about them. But you should be able to find out key things about them such as
- What types of customers do they serve?
- What type of dog breeding business are they?
- What is their pricing (premium, low, etc.)?
- What are they good at?
- What are their weaknesses?
With regards to the last two questions, think about your answers from the customers’ perspective. And don’t be afraid to ask your competitors’ customers what they like most and least about them.
The final part of your competitive analysis section is to document your areas of competitive advantage. For example:
- Will you make it easier for your customers to acquire your product?
- Will you offer products or services that your competition doesn’t?
- Will you provide better customer service?
- Will you offer better pricing?
Think about ways you will outperform your competition and document them in this section of your plan.
Marketing Plan
Traditionally, a marketing plan includes the four P’s: Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. For a dog breeding business plan, your marketing strategy should include the following:
Product : In the product section, you should reiterate the type of dog breeding company that you documented in your company overview. Then, detail the specific products or services you will be offering. For example, will you sell Siberian Husky puppies, Rottweiler puppies, or mixed-breed puppies?
Price : Document the prices you will offer and how they compare to your competitors. Essentially in the product and price sub-sections of your plan, you are presenting the products and/or services you offer and their prices.
Place : Place refers to the site of your dog breeding company. Document where your company is situated and mention how the site will impact your success. For example, is your dog breeding business located in a busy retail district, a business district, a standalone facility, or a home-based operation? Discuss how your site might be the ideal location for your customers.
Promotions : The final part of your dog breeding marketing plan is where you will document how you will drive potential customers to your location(s). The following are some promotional methods you might consider:
- Advertise in local papers, radio stations and/or magazines
- Reach out to websites
- Distribute flyers
- Engage in email marketing
- Advertise on social media platforms
- Improve the SEO (search engine optimization) on your website for targeted keywords
Operations Plan
While the earlier sections of your business plan explained your goals, your operations plan describes how you will meet them. Your operations plan should have two distinct sections as follows.
Everyday short-term processes include all of the tasks involved in running your dog breeding business, including answering calls, feeding and bathing dogs, cleaning the kennels, meeting with customers, and collecting payments, etc.
Long-term goals are the milestones you hope to achieve. These could include the dates when you expect to acquire your Xth customer, or when you hope to reach $X in revenue. It could also be when you expect to expand your dog breeding business to a new city.
Management Team
To demonstrate your dog breeding business’ potential to succeed, a strong management team is essential. Highlight your key players’ backgrounds, emphasizing those skills and experiences that prove their ability to grow a company.
Ideally, you and/or your team members have direct experience in managing dog breeding businesses. If so, highlight this experience and expertise. But also highlight any experience that you think will help your business succeed.
If your team is lacking, consider assembling an advisory board. An advisory board would include 2 to 8 individuals who would act as mentors to your business. They would help answer questions and provide strategic guidance. If needed, look for advisory board members with experience in managing a dog breeding business.
Financial Plan
Your financial plan should include your 5-year financial statement broken out both monthly or quarterly for the first year and then annually. Your financial statements include your income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statements.
Income Statement
An income statement is more commonly called a Profit and Loss statement or P&L. It shows your revenue and then subtracts your costs to show whether you turned a profit or not.
In developing your income statement, you need to devise assumptions. For example, will your dogs produce an average of 20 puppies per year and will you sell each puppy for $1,000? And will sales grow by 2% or 10% per year? As you can imagine, your choice of assumptions will greatly impact the financial forecasts for your business. As much as possible, conduct research to try to root your assumptions in reality.
Balance Sheets
Balance sheets show your assets and liabilities. While balance sheets can include much information, try to simplify them to the key items you need to know about. For instance, if you spend $50,000 on building out your dog breeding business, this will not give you immediate profits. Rather it is an asset that will hopefully help you generate profits for years to come. Likewise, if a lender writes you a check for $50,000, you don’t need to pay it back immediately. Rather, that is a liability you will pay back over time.
Cash Flow Statement
Your cash flow statement will help determine how much money you need to start or grow your business, and ensure you never run out of money. What most entrepreneurs and business owners don’t realize is that you can turn a profit but run out of money and go bankrupt.
When creating your Income Statement and Balance Sheets be sure to include several of the key costs needed in starting or growing a dog breeding business:
- Cost of kennel equipment and supplies
- Payroll or salaries paid to staff
- Business insurance
- Other start-up expenses (if you’re a new business) like legal expenses, permits, computer software, and equipment
Attach your full financial projections in the appendix of your plan along with any supporting documents that make your plan more compelling. For example, you might include your kennel location lease or photos of your puppies.
Writing a business plan for your dog breeding business is a worthwhile endeavor. If you follow the template above, by the time you are done, you will truly be an expert. You will understand the dog breeding industry, your competition, and your customers. You will develop a marketing strategy and will understand what it takes to launch and grow a successful dog breeding business.
Dog Breeding Business Plan FAQs
What is the easiest way to complete my dog breeding business plan.
Growthink's Ultimate Business Plan Template allows you to quickly and easily write your dog breeding business plan.
How Do You Start a Dog Breeding Business?
Starting a dog breeding business is easy with these 14 steps:
- Choose the Name for Your Dog Breeding Business
- Create Your Dog Breeding Business Plan
- Choose the Legal Structure for Your Dog Breeding Business
- Secure Startup Funding for Your Dog Breeding Business (If Needed)
- Secure a Location for Your Business
- Register Your Dog Breeding Business with the IRS
- Open a Business Bank Account
- Get a Business Credit Card
- Get the Required Business Licenses and Permits
- Get Business Insurance for Your Dog Breeding Business
- Buy or Lease the Right Dog Breeding Business Equipment
- Develop Your Dog Breeding Business Marketing Materials
- Purchase and Setup the Software Needed to Run Your Dog Breeding Business
- Open for Business
Learn more about how to start your own dog breeding business .
Don’t you wish there was a faster, easier way to finish your Dog Breeding business plan?
OR, Let Us Develop Your Plan For You
Since 1999, Growthink has developed business plans for thousands of companies who have gone on to achieve tremendous success.
Click here to see how a Growthink business planning advisor can create your business plan for you.
Other Helpful Business Plan Articles & Templates
How to Start a Dog Breeding Business
Many dog lovers are very enthusiastic about a particular breed of dog. A dog breeding business lets dog lovers who like a specific breed pick out a puppy of that breed. Most businesses focus on raising one breed of dog and, thus, serve people who love that breed.
Ready to form your LLC? Check out the Top LLC Formation Services .
Learn how to start your own Dog Breeding Business and whether it is the right fit for you.
Start a dog breeding business by following these 10 steps:
- Plan your Dog Breeding Business
- Form your Dog Breeding Business into a Legal Entity
- Register your Dog Breeding Business for Taxes
- Open a Business Bank Account & Credit Card
- Set up Accounting for your Dog Breeding Business
- Get the Necessary Permits & Licenses for your Dog Breeding Business
- Get Dog Breeding Business Insurance
- Define your Dog Breeding Business Brand
- Create your Dog Breeding Business Website
- Set up your Business Phone System
There is more to starting a business than just registering it with the state. We have put together this simple guide to starting your dog breeding business. These steps will ensure that your new business is well planned out, registered properly and legally compliant.
Exploring your options? Check out other small business ideas .
STEP 1: Plan your business
A clear plan is essential for success as an entrepreneur. It will help you map out the specifics of your business and discover some unknowns. A few important topics to consider are:
- What are the startup and ongoing costs?
- Who is your target market?
How much can you charge customers?
What will you name your business.
Luckily we have done a lot of this research for you.
What are the costs involved in opening a dog breeding business?
The startup costs for a dog breeding business can be substantial, although they’re controllable. Business owners must have a facility for their dogs, purchase female dogs, buy a male dog or pay a stud fee, have food for their dogs and pay for their puppies’ shots and tests. Most dog breeding businesses are located in rural areas, in order to keep facility costs minimal.
Additionally, a dog breeding business should be registered with the AKC, and each litter ought to be registered with the club. Registering a business is $100, and litter registrations are $25 plus $2 per puppy. Here is a full list of the AKC’s fee schedule .
Other startup costs include licensing and insurance fees.
Business owners who want to keep their costs as low as possible can begin by breeding just one female dog. Starting out with just one dog keeps feeding costs, veterinary costs for puppies and AKC litter registration fees minimal. A single dog can also usually be housed in a home without building any special facilities. As puppies are sold, the proceeds can be reinvested in the business to grow it.
What are the ongoing expenses for a dog breeding business?
The ongoing expenses for a dog breeding business include purchasing food for dogs, veterinary costs for puppies and mothers, and AKC registration fees. Each litter must be tested by a veterinarian and should be registered with the AKC.
Who is the target market?
A dog breeding business makes money by selling the puppies they birth and raise.
How does a dog breeding business make money?
Dog breeding businesses have two ideal customers. Dog lovers who are enthusiastic about a specific breed and have discretionary income are often willing (and able) to pay a premium for a well-bred dog in their favorite breed.
Pet stores can provide a more stable revenue stream, even though they may not pay as much as an individual. Many pet stores, however, prefer to work with rescue agencies and offer adoptions, and are moving away from reselling puppies purchased from breeders.
A dog breeding business may charge anywhere from $500 to $3,000 for each puppy. Where a puppy falls within this price range usually depends on the pedigree of the puppy’s parents and how much care the breeder puts into breeding their dogs. Responsible breeders, for instance, won’t breed dogs who have behavioral problems or genetic health issues. Breeders must be able to cover the potential costs of having such a dog.
How much profit can a dog breeding business make?
How much a dog breeding business can make depends on the quality of its dogs and how many litters it breeds in a year. A high-end breeder may have just four litters a year, but sell their dogs for $2,500 each. If each litter had six dogs, the business would have an annual revenue of $60,000. A low-budget breeder who doesn't have the same quality of dogs may only sell theirs for $800 each. To make the same amount, they’d need more than 12 litters of six dogs each.
How can you make your business more profitable?
A dog breeding business can increase its revenue by entering dogs in shows and winning. This not only adds prestige to the business, but it also lets the business breed award-winning dogs that will have puppies with better pedigrees.
Choosing the right name is important and challenging. If you don’t already have a name in mind, visit our How to Name a Business guide or get help brainstorming a name with our Dog Breeding Business Name Generator
If you operate a sole proprietorship , you might want to operate under a business name other than your own name. Visit our DBA guide to learn more.
When registering a business name , we recommend researching your business name by checking:
- Your state's business records
- Federal and state trademark records
- Social media platforms
- Web domain availability .
It's very important to secure your domain name before someone else does.
Find a Domain Now
Powered by godaddy.com, step 2: form a legal entity.
The most common business structure types are the sole proprietorship , partnership , limited liability company (LLC) , and corporation .
Establishing a legal business entity such as an LLC or corporation protects you from being held personally liable if your dog breeding business is sued.
Form Your LLC
Read our Guide to Form Your Own LLC
Have a Professional Service Form your LLC for You
Two such reliable services:
You can form an LLC yourself and pay only the minimal state LLC costs or hire one of the Best LLC Services for a small, additional fee.
Recommended: You will need to elect a registered agent for your LLC. LLC formation packages usually include a free year of registered agent services . You can choose to hire a registered agent or act as your own.
STEP 3: Register for taxes
You will need to register for a variety of state and federal taxes before you can open for business.
In order to register for taxes you will need to apply for an EIN. It's really easy and free!
You can acquire your EIN for free through the IRS website, via fax, or by mail. If you would like to learn more about EINs and how they can benefit your LLC, read our article, What is an EIN?.
Learn how to get an EIN in our What is an EIN guide or find your existing EIN using our EIN lookup guide.
Small Business Taxes
Depending on which business structure you choose, you might have different options for how your business will be taxed. For example, some LLCs could benefit from being taxed as an S corporation (S corp).
You can learn more about small business taxes in these guides:
- Sole Proprietorship vs LLC
- LLC vs Corporation
- LLC vs S Corp
- How to Start an S Corp
- S Corp vs C Corp
There are specific state taxes that might apply to your business. Learn more about state sales tax and franchise taxes in our state sales tax guides.
STEP 4: Open a business bank account & credit card
Using dedicated business banking and credit accounts is essential for personal asset protection.
When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your business is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing your corporate veil .
Additionally, learning how to build business credit can help you get credit cards and other financing in your business's name (instead of yours), better interest rates, higher lines of credit, and more.
Open a business bank account
Besides being a requirement when applying for business loans, opening a business bank account:
- Separates your personal assets from your company's assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
- Makes accounting and tax filing easier.
Recommended: Read our Best Banks for Small Business review to find the best national bank or credit union.
Open net 30 accounts
Net 30 accounts are used to establish and build business credit as well as increase business cash flow. With a net 30 account, businesses buy goods and repay the full balance within a 30-day term.
NetMany net 30 credit vendors report to the major business credit bureaus (Dun & Bradstreet, Experian Business, and Equifax Business Credit). This is how businesses build business credit so they can qualify for credit cards and other lines of credit.
Recommended : Read our best net 30 vendors , guide and start building business credit.
Get a business credit card
Getting a business credit card helps you:
- Separate personal and business expenses by putting your business' expenses all in one place.
- Build your company's credit history, which can be useful to raise money later on.
Recommended: Apply for an easy approval business credit card from Divvy and build your business credit quickly.
STEP 5: Set up business accounting
Recording your various expenses and sources of income is critical to understanding the financial performance of your business. Keeping accurate and detailed accounts also greatly simplifies your annual tax filing.
Make LLC accounting easy with our LLC Expenses Cheat Sheet.
STEP 6: Obtain necessary permits and licenses
Failure to acquire necessary permits and licenses can result in hefty fines, or even cause your business to be shut down.
State & Local Business Licensing Requirements
Legally a commercial breeder is defined as someone who breeds more than 20 dogs within a 12 month period. Commercial breeding is state regulated. Here is a list of dog breeding regulations categorized by state .
Other state and local state permits and licenses may be needed to operate a dog breeding business. Learn more about licensing requirements in your state by visiting SBA’s reference to state licenses and permits .
Most businesses are required to collect sales tax on the goods or services they provide. To learn more about how sales tax will affect your business, read our article, Sales Tax for Small Businesses .
In addition, certain local licensing or regulatory requirements may apply. For more information about local licenses and permits:
- Check with your town, city or county clerk’s office
- Get assistance from one of the local associations listed in US Small Business Associations directory of local business resources .
Service Agreement
Dog breeding businesses should consider requiring clients to sign a services agreement before starting a new project. This agreement should clarify client expectations and minimize risk of legal disputes by setting out payment terms and conditions, service level expectations, and intellectual property ownership. Here is an example services agreement.
Recommended: Rocket Lawyer makes it easy to create a professional service agreement for your breeding business when you sign up for their premium membership. For $39.95 per month, members receive access to hundreds of legal agreements and on call attorneys to get complimentary legal advice.
Dog Breeder Contact
It is important to have a contract or purchase agreement which clarifies what is to be expected of both the breeder and the buyer.
- Example dog breeder contract
STEP 7: Get business insurance
Just as with licenses and permits, your business needs insurance in order to operate safely and lawfully. Business Insurance protects your company’s financial wellbeing in the event of a covered loss.
There are several types of insurance policies created for different types of businesses with different risks. If you’re unsure of the types of risks that your business may face, begin with General Liability Insurance . This is the most common coverage that small businesses need, so it’s a great place to start for your business.
Learn more about General Liability Insurance .
Another notable insurance policy that many businesses need is Workers’ Compensation Insurance . If your business will have employees, it’s a good chance that your state will require you to carry Workers' Compensation Coverage.
Recommended: Learn what business insurance for your Dog Breeding Business will cost.
Business Insurance for Dog Breeding Business
STEP 8: Define your brand
Your brand is what your company stands for, as well as how your business is perceived by the public. A strong brand will help your business stand out from competitors.
If you aren't feeling confident about designing your small business logo, then check out our Design Guides for Beginners , we'll give you helpful tips and advice for creating the best unique logo for your business.
Recommended : Get a logo using Truic's free logo Generator no email or sign up required, or use a Premium Logo Maker .
If you already have a logo, you can also add it to a QR code with our Free QR Code Generator . Choose from 13 QR code types to create a code for your business cards and publications, or to help spread awareness for your new website.
How to promote & market a dog breeding business
A dog breeding business that specializes in a particular breed should look for ways to reach dog lovers who are enthusiastic about that breed. Joining both local breed-specific clubs and participating in online groups about the breed are two good ways to begin connecting with potential businesses.
How to keep customers coming back
Both the quality and treatment of puppies are two concerns that potential customers have. A dog breeding business can set itself apart by carefully considering genetics and pedigrees to breed the best puppies possible, and by providing excellent care for dogs.
Still unsure about what kind of business you want to start? Check out the latest Small Business Trends to help inspire you.
STEP 9: Create your business website
After defining your brand and creating your logo the next step is to create a website for your business .
While creating a website is an essential step, some may fear that it’s out of their reach because they don’t have any website-building experience. While this may have been a reasonable fear back in 2015, web technology has seen huge advancements in the past few years that makes the lives of small business owners much simpler.
Here are the main reasons why you shouldn’t delay building your website:
- All legitimate businesses have websites - full stop. The size or industry of your business does not matter when it comes to getting your business online.
- Social media accounts like Facebook pages or LinkedIn business profiles are not a replacement for a business website that you own.
- Website builder tools like the GoDaddy Website Builder have made creating a basic website extremely simple. You don’t need to hire a web developer or designer to create a website that you can be proud of.
Using our website building guides , the process will be simple and painless and shouldn’t take you any longer than 2-3 hours to complete.
Recommended : Get started today using our recommended website builder or check out our review of the Best Website Builders .
Other popular website builders are: WordPress , WIX , Weebly , Squarespace , and Shopify .
STEP 10: Set up your business phone system
Getting a phone set up for your business is one of the best ways to help keep your personal life and business life separate and private. That’s not the only benefit; it also helps you make your business more automated, gives your business legitimacy, and makes it easier for potential customers to find and contact you.
There are many services available to entrepreneurs who want to set up a business phone system. We’ve reviewed the top companies and rated them based on price, features, and ease of use. Check out our review of the Best Business Phone Systems 2023 to find the best phone service for your small business.
Recommended Business Phone Service: Phone.com
Phone.com is our top choice for small business phone numbers because of all the features it offers for small businesses and it's fair pricing.
Start a Dog Breeding Business in your State
- Connecticut
- District of Columbia
- Massachusetts
- Mississippi
- New Hampshire
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- West Virginia
TRUiC's Startup Podcast
Welcome to the Startup Savant podcast , where we interview real startup founders at every stage of the entrepreneurial journey, from launch to scale.
Is this Business Right For You?
People who like dogs and caring for them may be interested in opening a dog breeding business. A business owner should be in good enough physical condition to interact with, care for and play with puppies -- which are often on the floor. Business owners also usually help female dogs with births, so owners should be able to make themselves available when a dog goes into labor. It also helps to not be off-put by the birthing process.
Want to know if you are cut out to be an entrepreneur?
Take our Entrepreneurship Quiz to find out!
Entrepreneurship Quiz
What happens during a typical day at a dog breeding business?
A dog breeding business involves caring for all dogs, including both adult dogs that are bred together and puppies. This typically involves feeding, exercising and playing with dogs, as well as picking up after them. A business owner also puts male and female dogs together when a female is in heat and births puppies. Some business owners offer to deliver puppies to customers.
What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful dog breeding business?
A dog breeder needs to be familiar with the breeding process, and they have to be able to choose two dogs that are suited for each other. Additionally, they should be comfortable birthing dogs, as taking a female to a veterinarian for each birth is expensive.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) has courses on genetics, breeding systems, pedigree and other topics. These courses can either be taken for free, or breeders can pay a nominal fee for an official certificate. The AKC also has a recommended reading list . PetMD has a short, but informative, slideshow on the birthing process.
Dog breeders need to know what shots and tests new puppies need. The AKC maintains a list of health testing requirements by breed .
Breeders should also become intimately familiar with the breed they’re specializing in. Reading books on the breed and joining organizations that work with the breed are ways to learn about it.
What is the growth potential for a dog breeding business?
While dog breeding businesses usually have only one location where dogs are bred, a business can sell dogs locally, regionally or nationally. A business may breed just one or two litters a year and sell them to nearby dog lovers, or they might breed hundreds (possibly thousands) of puppies and sell them throughout the country.
Not sure if a dog breeding business is right for you? Try our free Business Idea Generator and find your perfect idea.
TRUiC's YouTube Channel
For fun informative videos about starting a business visit the TRUiC YouTube Channel or subscribe to view later.
Take the Next Step
Find a business mentor.
One of the greatest resources an entrepreneur can have is quality mentorship. As you start planning your business, connect with a free business resource near you to get the help you need.
Having a support network in place to turn to during tough times is a major factor of success for new business owners.
Learn from other business owners
Want to learn more about starting a business from entrepreneurs themselves? Visit Startup Savant’s startup founder series to gain entrepreneurial insights, lessons, and advice from founders themselves.
Resources to Help Women in Business
There are many resources out there specifically for women entrepreneurs. We’ve gathered necessary and useful information to help you succeed both professionally and personally:
If you’re a woman looking for some guidance in entrepreneurship, check out this great new series Women in Business created by the women of our partner Startup Savant.
How and when to build a team
A dog breeding business can be run as a single-person operation, although some large breeders hire employees to help with all the dogs. Most breeders hire part-time help that assists on an as-needed basis, even if they only have a few puppies. A part-time helper can assist with births, and they can care for dogs for short periods of time so that the breeder can take occasional vacations.
Get more ideas with our Business Ideas Generator .
Check out our How to Start a Business page.
Sign up at the Business Center to access useful tools for your business.
Useful Links
Truic's free business tools.
- Business Name Generator
- Free Logo Generator
Industry Opportunities
- American Kennel Club
- Breeder Education Course
Real World Examples
- Peyton Farms Dog Breeding and Training
- Dog Breeder Marketplace
- Jubilee Breeder
- Independent dog breeder
Further Reading
- Qualities of a great dog breeder
- Dog breeding course & tips
- Reasons to become a breeder
Additional Sources
- Courses For Breeding
- Dog Breeding Resources
- Dog Birthing Basics
- Health Testing Requirements
- Forbes Article
Related Business Ideas
Coronavirus Small Business Relief
Dog Training Business
Dog Walking Business
Guard Dog Business
Pet Clothing Store
Pet Food Business
Pet Grooming Business
Pet Photography Business
Pet Portraits Business
Pet Shelter
Pet Supply Store
Pet Waste Removal Business
Pet-Sitting Business
Veterinary Practice
Youtube Business
Chicken Renting Service
Dog Sledding Business
Babysitting Business
Animal Husbandry Business
Have a question leave a comment.
- CBD for Dogs
How to Write a Dog Breeding Business Plan
There are not many things that are cuter than a little newborn puppy, and being able to watch him be born and grow to be independent is simply amazing. If you are the type of person that likes to be around dogs and puppies , then maybe you should consider looking into starting your very own dog breeding operation. The startup expenses are relatively small and many people make a fairly decent living from being a responsible breeder.
Breeding dogs takes a lot of know-how, and anyone who wants to run that kind of business must be highly educated and informed about the breed they are going to sell. You will also need to be an expert on the canine birthing process and the proper way to take care of the mother and pups.
Perhaps outside of determining which breed you will sell, the most important thing you'll need to do when starting a dog breeding operation is to make a good business plan and stick to it as you get the business started. I know what you're thinking…
“How hard can it be to be a dog breeder? Why would I need a business plan for such a simple business?”
If you think owning and operating any kind of business is simple, think again! You may be an expert on your breed and you may have tons of experience with the canine birthing process, but you'll still need a business plan. Running a dog breeding business is much more than just snuggling puppies.
Your business plan isn't just about how you will run the day to day operations of the business. It will explain how you'll acquire financing, how you'll get the business up and running, how you'll advertise it, and most importantly how you'll continue to keep your dog breeding business running for years to come.
For more information on starting a dog breeding business, check out our column How to Start a Dog Breeding Business . You'll read about everything you'll need to prepare for before you decide to take on the task of becoming a dog breeder. Once you've decided that this business venture is for you, you'll need to begin writing your dog breeding business plan.
Before starting any business plan you first need to assess the need for your business in your local area. You won't just be selling your puppies to people in your neighborhood, so you can expand your view a little bit. You want to do your breeding in an area or region that has a demand for the type of breed that you will raise. No business can survive without demand.
Dog breeding is unique in this area. No matter what type of puppies you decide to sell, there will certainly be a market for them somewhere. You'll just need to decide how far you're willing to travel or ship your puppies. The scope of your business will define all your decisions from here on out, so be sure to give this careful thought. Whether you choose to market in a large or small area, be aware of your competition and be sure there is enough demand for your business to succeed.
RELATED: How to Start a Dog Daycare Business
You also need to check and meet the entry requirements into the breeding field. There are usually zoning laws for places where dogs can be kept, and you can’t forget about the certificates and specialized knowledge that will be required too. These must be attainable or there is no reason to go ahead with your business planning.
State the Initial and Long Term Goals of Your Dog Breeding Business
The most important part of any business plan, not just for dog breeding, is to state the initial and long term goals of the business. This will help form the focus for the entire business plan. Remember that this is the first thing that investors will see, so make it short and to the point. Let them know what your specific goals are and then explain the details later in your business plan.
Here is an example of the goals for a dog breeding business plan: I will start a dog breeding business on my farm. We will raise Black Labrador Retrievers and will start out with one well pedigreed and papered male and four purebred female dogs. If the business goes well there is room for expansion on the property to double the business size or more.
You can make the statement as detailed as you want; the more detailed, the easier the business plan is to write. Keep in mind this outline is not set in stone ; it is merely a guideline of the important things to cover in any dog breeding business plan. It can be tricky to keep things concise while still being detailed, but just remember to focus on the main goals of your dog breeding business.
Who Is Your Target Clientele And How Will You Market Your Puppies?
You must clearly define who you want to sell the dogs you breed to. You'll need to do a lot of research to complete this part of your business plan. The more market research you do now, the faster your business will become a success. You know your target market is potential pet owners that are interested in your breed, but it isn't quite that simple.
Will there be something special about your breed that makes people want to travel a large distance to pay a premium price for them or will they just be purebred dogs that you will move at a fair price to anyone that has an interest in the breed? What about the qualifications that you will require your adoptive dog parents to have? Being as specific as possible in this part of your business plan will help you a great deal when it actually comes time to market your business in the future.
RELATED: 10 Great Business Ideas for Petreneurs
Speaking of marketing your business, you'll have to explain exactly how you're going to do that in this section. You'll probably need to do such things as build an internet website no matter who your target clientele is, and if you're planning to sell in a large region you will have to know how to drive traffic to your website to draw interest in your pups . It may be wise to request the help of a professional with this , if you can afford it.
Think of other ways to advertise your business as well that may get attention from your target audience. What about magazines, websites, or other publications that are geared toward your specific breed? Because your target audience is smaller than many other businesses, you'll need to get creative and think outside of the box to reach as many potential clients as possible.
Management and Employees
Depending on the size of your breeding operation there has to be some sort of management structure put in place, especially if you are planning on hiring employees. For a small operation that you are dedicated to full time, it will probably be easy enough for one person to do everything themselves.
RELATED: How to Start a Pet Business with Dogs
For bigger operations or if your only interest is to oversee the business, then you will need to hire employees or subcontractors to handle some of the day to day operations of the business. If you plan on working with other breeders, you'll also need to touch on that in this sections. They may not be your employees, but if you plan to use a dog from another breeder you'll have to explain your policy on that and how you will oversee the breeding.
This is by far the most crucial part of your business plan. Most entrepreneurs use their business plan to attain financing from banks or investors. Even if you can front the cost yourself, you need a detailed plan for how much capital it will take to get your business off the ground and how you will use the money appropriately.
Make it a point to be very honest about such things as your ability to finance the project. For example, do not plan the business around buying and breeding champion dogs if you only have $2,000 to get the business started. For undercapitalized breeding operations, it is best to raise dogs and enter them into contests to build your name and reputation.
If you look at your business plan when you get to this point and realize you may not be able to finance it, either rewrite the business plan to appeal to investors or bank officials, or rewrite it to cut costs so it aligns with your budget . The number one killer of new businesses is being underfunded from the beginning. You don't want to become part of that statistic.
Another smart rule to follow is to make sure you have enough financing in place to run the business without any revenue for 6 months. Keep in mind the gestation period for dogs is around 60 days alone.
When you're making a list of your planned expenses the obvious things like rent, utilities, and dog food will come to mind quickly, but you also need to plan for the not-so-obvious expenses. You'll need whelping boxes, supplies for the puppies, and playpens for them to roam around in. What about…
- office expenses including a computer, furniture, and office supplies
- a furnished area where potential pet parents can meet the puppies
- any fees associated with using a stud dog or a canine from another breeder
- initial shots and vet checks for the puppies
- any necessary vet care for the adult dogs
- licensing and insurance costs
…and more. Leave no stone unturned when planning your expenses. The more comprehensive your business plan , the less surprises that you'll have as you begin your business venture.
Legalities and Fees
The point of any business is to make a profit and the price point of your puppies is what enables you to do that if you market them and sell them right. You will need to find out the prices that your competition is charging and seek the advice of other breeders of your type of dog too.
RELATED: How to Write a Dog Walking Business Plan
Take into consideration that you are an inexperienced breeder. Even if you've been around dogs your entire life and you've worked with breeders in the past when their dogs have given birth , you are still inexperienced at breeding your own dogs and running your business, so your prices shouldn't be comparable to those of experienced breeders. As you gain experience and your reputation in the dog breeding industry grows, so will your fees.
You can charge more for your pups if your stud dog has a renowned pedigree or for anything else that makes your dogs of higher quality than the competition. You must also price yourself so that you can establish and count on a steady revenue stream to keep the breeding operation going.
Once you've set your prices you must write contracts that all your adoptive parents must sign. This contract will prevent you from being held liable for any legal issues associated with the dog. It will also protect your clients and the dogs as well. Having a contract is a must , and it may be well worth it to work with a lawyer or other professional when drawing up your initial contract.
Many breeders do create their own contracts, but just be sure you do your research to make sure that all your bases are covered. You can get information on what should be written in your contract and some excellent free samples from the following websites:
- Printable Contracts
- American Dog Breeders Association
- Bulldogs World
There are a lot of other resources you can find as well, and your local library's legal section would be another great resource. If you have contacts in the dog breeding industry, you may want to ask them for a sample of their contract or some guidance with writing yours. Use all the resources you have available to make sure that you take as many legal precautions as possible.
Once your business plan is complete, it's time to line up your financing and get your dog breeding business started!
Do yourself a great big favor and take your time and be thorough when making your dog breeding business plan. Remember that it isn't set in stone, but it will make a great guide for you to follow as you begin the exciting journey of becoming a business owner. The more detailed your business plan is, the easier it will be to get your breeding business up and running.
RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR
Fly Bites on Dogs: Prevention, Signs and Treatments
Swimmer Puppy Syndrome: How to Help Your Dog
Dog Vomiting Vet Treatments
What to Say When Someone Loses a Pet
DHA For Dogs: The Importance and Benefits of DHA In Your Dog’s Diet
False Pregnancy in Dogs (Phantom Pregnancy): How To Identify, Causes, Treatment, and Prevention
Latest features.
DHA For Dogs: The Importance and Benefits of DHA In Your...
False Pregnancy in Dogs (Phantom Pregnancy): How To Identify, Causes, Treatment,...
Muscle Relaxers for Dogs: What They Are and When to Use...
What to Do If Your Dog Pulled a Muscle
4 Common Types of Worms in Dog Poop
14 Reasons Your Dog Is Drinking a Lot of Water
- Terms of Use
- Privacy Policy
Home » Business Plans » Pet Sector
A Sample Dog Breeding Business Plan Template
Are you about starting a dog breeding business? If YES, here is a complete sample dog breeding business plan template & feasibility report you can use for FREE . Dogs are amongst the top three most popular pets owned by individuals and families. Owning a dog is fun especially as it serves as a companion -as they are friendly and can co-habit perfectly with humans, as well as provide security.
In America for example; dogs are highly regarded and accorded esteem and 1 in every 3 households where there are pets, own a dog or had owned one. It is due to this fact that there are several dog related services, such as dog breeding, grooming, training, daycare, running, and amongst all these services is dog walking.
Dog walkers are people who love dogs, are in-tune with canine ways and are also people who love the out weather regardless of any conditions. If you think starting this business will be a great bet for you, you will need to write a business plan.
Business plans are like a map that helps in the roadmap of any business. Here is a sample Dog breeding business plan for your use;
Table of Content
1. Industry Overview
3. our products and services, 4. our mission and vision statement, 5. job roles and responsibilities, 6. swot analysis, 8. our target market, our competitive advantage, 9. sales and marketing strategy, 10. sales forecast, 11. publicity and advertising strategy, 12. our pricing strategy, 14. sustainability and expansion strategy.
Dog breeding business is a business in the pet industry that involves mating selected dogs with the aim to maintain or produce specific qualities and characteristics in a puppy for commercial purpose.
Dog breeding business can be categorized under the Pet Grooming and Boarding industry and the industry proven to be one of the few established industries to publish consistently strong gains over the last decade, nearly doubling in size and growing even in the face of recession as consumers purchase a wider array of luxury services for their four-legged companions.
The growing industry has benefited from changing consumer attitudes, which increased demand for a variety of new luxury pet services to acquiring new dogs et al. Going forward, this trend is expected to gain further momentum as more and more people seek to own one or more dogs.
The Pet Grooming and Boarding industry of which dog breeding business is a part of is indeed a very large industry and pretty much thriving in all parts of the world especially in developed countries such as United States of America, Canada, United Kingdom, Portugal Germany, Australia and the Caribbean et al.
Statistics has it that in the united states of America alone, there are about 106,319 licensed and registered pet grooming and boarding companies directly responsible for employing about 195,070 employees and indirectly responsible for employing roughly 1,339,900.
The industry rakes in a whooping sum of $7billion annually with an annual growth rate projected at 6.6 percent. It is important to state that there are no establishments with a lion share of the available market in this industry. The requirements for establishing a dog breeding business are low since there are no formal industry licensing or training requirements for aspiring entrepreneurs who would want to start a dog breeding business.
In addition, the cost of establishing an at-home or mobile service is relatively low. More so, this industry is in the growth stage of its economic life cycle. Therefore, companies are still entering the industry due to rising demand from dogs and other pet related services.
If you are looking towards leveraging on the pet industry to generate huge income, then one of your best bet is to start a dog breeding business. One thing is certain about starting dog breeding business, if you are able to conduct your market research and feasibility studies, you are more likely not going to struggle to sell your puppies and dogs especially if they are of good breeds or the breeds that are of high demand in your location or city.
2. Executive Summary
Percy Paul Dog Breeding Company is a standard and licensed dog breeding and one stop pet shop company that will be located in Concord – New Hampshire in a neatly renovated and secured housing facility. Aside from the fact that we are into full time dog breeding services, we are an organization that will carry out all round services as it relates to dogs and other pets.
Percy Paul Dog Breeding Company is a family owned and managed business that believe in breeding the healthy puppies and also giving dogs and pets the right treatment they need to enable them perform their roles as defined by the owner.
We will ensure that any dog or pet under our custody are well taken care of and in the pursuit of excellence and financial success with uncompromising services and integrity which is why we have decided to venture into dog breeding business and other pet complimentary services.
We are certain that our values will help us drive the business to enviable heights and also help us sell loads of puppies and dogs to a wide range of clients in and around Concord – New Hampshire.
At Percy Paul Dog Breeding Company our clients’ overall best interest would always come first, and everything we do will be guided by our values and professional ethics. We will ensure that we hire professional dog breeders, dog handlers and vet doctors et al that are well experienced and passionate in breeding dogs and also imparting knowledge and skills to dogs at various learning ladder.
Percy Paul Dog Breeding Company will at all times demonstrate her commitment to sustainability, both individually and as a dog walking services business, by actively participating in our communities and integrating sustainable business practices wherever possible.
We will ensure that we hold ourselves accountable to the highest standards by meeting our clients’ needs precisely and completely. We will cultivate a working environment that provides a human, sustainable approach to earning a living, and living in our world, for our partners, employees and for our clients.
Our overall business goal is to position our dog breeding business to become the leading dog breeding brand in the pet industry in the whole of Concord – New Hampshire and also to be amongst the top 10 dog breeding and pet related business in the United States of America within the first 5 years of operations.
This might look too tall a dream but we are optimistic that this will surely come to pass because we have done our research and feasibility studies and we are enthusiastic and confident that Concord – New Hampshire is the right place to launch our dog breeding and pet related business.
Percy Paul Dog Breeding Company is founded by Dr. Percy Paul who is a qualified vet doctor with well of 10 years of hands on experience in the dog breeding and pet industry. Before starting Percy Paul Dog Breeding Company, Dr. Percy Paul was a the lead vet doctor in one of the leading pet companies in the United States of America before starting his dog breeding business.
Percy Paul Dog Breeding Company is into dog breeding business that will also offer varieties of pet related services (dog walking and dog training services inclusive) within the scope of the pet industry in the United States of America.
Our intention of starting our dog breeding business and pet related services is to breed good spices of puppies and dogs and also to help in developing our client’s dogs and pets in any skills and knowledge of their choice as it relates to specific useful competencies they want their dogs or pet to possess.
We want to help our clients develop their pets and dogs capability, capacity, productivity and performance and of course to also make profits from the dog breeding and pet industry and we will do all that is permitted by the law in the US to achieve our aim and business goal.
Our products and service offerings are listed below;
- Breeding and sale of different breeds of dogs / puppies for the United States Market
- General dog and pet walking services
- Training / grooming dogs and pets in specific skills (hunting skills, security skills, running errands and circus skills et al)
- Construction and sale of kennels
- Operating dog pounds
- Guard dog training
- Supply of well – trained security dogs
- Operating standard vet clinic
- General merchandize of pet related products (pet foods, shampoos, dog tie, dog chains, and pet clothes et al)
- Our vision is to build a highly competitive and effective dog breeding business that will become the number one choice for both individuals and corporate organizations looking to purchase puppies and dogs in Concord – New Hampshire and the whole of the United States of America.
- Our mission is to breed a wide range of dog breeds and to provide affordable professional and highly effective dog walking services and other pet related products and services to a wide range of clients.
- Our overall business goal is to position Percy Paul Dog Breeding Company to become one of the leading dog breeding cum pet services brand in the industry in the whole of Concord – New Hampshire, and also to be amongst the top 10 dog breeding cum pet services brand in the United States of America within the first 5 years of operations.
Our Business Structure
Percy Paul Dog Breeding Company is a privately owned and managed dog breeding business that intend starting small in a community in Concord – New Hampshire, but hope to grow big in order to compete favorably with leading dog breeding companies in the pet industry both in the United States and on a global stage.
We are aware of the importance of building a solid business structure that can support the picture of the kind of world class business we want to own. This is why we are committed to only hire the best hands within our area of operations.
At Percy Paul Dog Breeding Company, we will ensure that we hire people that are qualified, hardworking, and creative, result driven, customer centric and are ready to work to help us build a prosperous business that will benefit all the stake holders (the owners, workforce, and customers).
As a matter of fact, profit-sharing arrangement will be made available to all our senior management staff and it will be based on their performance for a period of five years or more as agreed by the board of trustees of the company. In view of the above, we have decided to hire qualified and competent hands to occupy the following positions;
- Principal Partner / Chief Executive Officer
- Human Resources and Admin Manager
- Dog Breeders, Dog Walkers / Pet Trainers for Various Skill Sets
- Accountant / Bursar
- Marketing and Sale Executive
Client Service Executive
Chief Executive Office:
- Increases management’s effectiveness by recruiting, selecting, orienting, training, coaching, counseling, and disciplining managers; communicating values, strategies, and objectives; assigning accountabilities; planning, monitoring, and appraising job results; developing incentives; developing a climate for offering information and opinions; providing educational opportunities.
- Responsible for providing direction for the business
- Creates, communicates, and implements the organization’s vision, mission, and overall direction – i.e. leading the development and implementation of the overall organization’s strategy.
- Responsible for signing checks and documents on behalf of the company
- Evaluates the success of the organization
Vet Doctor:
- Responsible for handling the overall operations in the vet clinics
- Assists in the dog breeding
- Handles the treatment of pets
- Gives medical advises and recommendations as it relates to the health and welfare of pets
Human Resources and Admin Manager
- Responsible for overseeing the smooth running of HR and administrative tasks for the organization
- Designs job descriptions with KPI to drive performance management for dog walkers and pet trainers
- Regularly hold meetings with key stakeholders (clients and member of the organizations’ board) to review the effectiveness of the organizations’ Policies, Procedures and Processes
- Maintains office supplies by checking stocks; placing and expediting orders; evaluating new products.
- Ensures operation of equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements; calling for repairs.
- Defines job positions for recruitment and managing interviewing process
- Carries out staff induction for new team members
- Responsible for training, evaluation and assessment of employees
- Responsible for arranging travel, meetings and appointments
- Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities; reading professional publications; maintaining personal networks; participating in professional organizations.
- Oversees the smooth running of the daily activities of the organization
Dog Breeders, Dog Walker / Pet Trainers
- Handles dog breeding
- Takes care of little puppies when they are born
- Handles general dog and pet walking services
- Effectively training dogs and pets in specific skills (hunting skills, security skills, running errands and circus skills et al)
- Evaluates and document the progress of dogs / pets under his or her care
- Contributes his / her quota towards growing Percy Paul Dog Breeding Company
- Receives complaints from clients and channel it to the appropriate quarters
- Handles any other duty as assigned by the HR and Admin Manager.
Marketing and Sales Executive
- Responsible for the sale of different breeds of puppies
- Handles general merchandize of pet related products (pet foods, shampoos, dog tie, dog chains, and pet clothes et al)
- Identifies, prioritizes, and reaches out to new clients, and business opportunities et al
- Identifies development opportunities; follows up on development leads and contacts; participates in the structuring and financing of projects; assures the completion of development projects.
- Writes winning proposal documents, negotiate fees and rates in line with organizations’ policy
- Responsible for handling business research, market surveys and feasibility studies for clients
- Responsible for supervising implementation, advocate for the customer’s needs, and communicate with clients
- Develops, executes and evaluates new plans for expanding increase sales
- Documents all customer contact and information
- Represents the organization in strategic meetings
- Helps to increase sales and growth for the organization.
- Responsible for preparing financial reports, budgets, and financial statements for the organization
- Provides managements with financial analyses, development budgets, and accounting reports; analyzes financial feasibility for the most complex proposed projects; conducts market research to forecast trends and business conditions.
- Responsible for financial forecasting and risks analysis.
- Performs cash management, general ledger accounting, and financial reporting for one or more properties.
- Responsible for developing and managing financial systems and policies
- Responsible for administering payrolls
- Ensures compliance with taxation legislation
- Handles all financial transactions for the organization
- Serves as internal auditor for the organization.
- Welcomes clients and their pets by greeting them in person or on the telephone; answering or directing inquiries.
- Ensures that all contacts with clients (e-mail, walk-In center, SMS or phone) provides the client with a personalized customer service experience of the highest level
- Through interaction with clients on the phone, uses every opportunity to build client’s interest in the company’s products and services
- Manages administrative duties assigned by the HR and Admin Manager in an effective and timely manner
- Consistently stays abreast of any new information on the organizations’ products, promotional campaigns etc. to ensure accurate and helpful information is supplied to clients when they make enquiries
- Receives parcels / documents for the organization
- Distributes mails in the organization
- Handles any other duties as assigned by the Human Resources and Admin Manager.
Percy Paul Dog Breeding Company do not intend to launch out with trial and error hence the need to conduct a proper SWOT analysis. We know that if we get it right from the onset, we would have succeeded in creating the foundation that will help us build a standard dog breeding company that will favorably compete with leading players in the dog breeding business cum pet industry in the United States of America and in the rest part of the world.
We engaged the services of a core professional in the area of business consulting and structuring to assist our organization in building a well – structured dog breeding company that can favorably compete in the highly competitive dog breeding cum pet industry in the United States and the world at large.
Part of what the team of business consultant did was to work with the management of our organization in conducting a SWOT analysis for Percy Paul Dog Breeding Company. Here is a summary from the result of the SWOT analysis that was conducted on behalf of Percy Paul Dog Breeding Company;
Our core strength lies in the power of our team; our workforce. We have a team that are considered experts in dog breeding cum pet industry, a team with excellent qualifications and experience in dog breeding, dog walking and pet related services including veterinary medicine.
Aside from the synergy that exist in our carefully selected workforce, Percy Paul Dog Breeding Company is well positioned in a community with the right demography; loads of people who own pets and who would want own dogs. With that we know we will attract loads of clients from the first day we open our doors for business.
As a new dog breeding and pet related services company in Concord – New Hampshire, it might take some time for our organization to break into the market and gain acceptance especially from top profile clients in the already saturated dog breeding cum pet industry; that is perhaps our major weakness. Other perceived weakness is that, we may not have the required capital to pump into publicity and advertisement as we would love to do.
- Opportunities:
No doubt, the opportunities in the dog breeding cum pet industry is massive considering the number of individuals and corporate organizations who would want to own puppies, those who own dogs and other pets who would want them to acquire new skill sets and to perform excellently well in their jobs or who would want to bring their pets for treatment or to purchase pet supplies. As a standard dog breeding and pet related business, we are ready to take advantage of any opportunity that comes our way.
Every business faces a threat or challenge at any part of the life cycle of the business. These threats can be external or internal. This shows the importance of a business plan, because most threats or challenges are to be anticipated and plans put in place to cushion what effect they might bring to the business.
Some of the threats that we are likely going to face as a dog breeding and pet related business operating in the United States of America are unfavorable government policies that might affect businesses such as ours; the arrival of a competitor within our location of operations and global economic downturn which usually affects spending / purchasing power.
There is hardly anything we can do as regards these threats other than to be optimistic that things will continue to work for our good.
7. MARKET ANALYSIS
- Market Trends
One thing is certain, the trend in the pet industry is such that if you want to be ahead of your competitors, you should be able to be highly creative, simplify your processes and you should be able to have loads of testimonies from your clients.
The truth is that, if your clients can successfully purchase healthy puppies from different breeds from you or if they noticed tremendous changes in their pets as a result of your input, then they will be compelled to help promote your organization.
Another notable trend in this industry is the demographic and psychographic composition of those who have affinity for dogs or those who would require the services of a dog walker.
They are working class women especially women who work long hours or hold two jobs, men who work for long hours, the elderly who might not have the necessary strength to walk a dog, those who might be physically impaired, and youths who are have a short attention span due to technology.
Even though the economy has a poor outlook, the projected revenue through 2016 is pegged at 4.4%. This figure could likely change once there is an improvement in the economy.
Prior to starting our dog breeding business and pet related services, we are certain that there is a wide range of both corporate and individual clients who would definitely need puppies from different breeds and also our pet related services.
We will ensure that we develop strategic pacts with communities and corporate organizations especially security agencies that make use of dogs for guards. This will give us several options to generate revenue for our company. In view of that, we have created strategies that will enable us reach out to various corporate organizations (security agencies) and individual (pet owners) who we know can’t afford to do without our services.
We have conducted our market research and survey and we will ensure that our dog breeding business and pet related services is well accepted in the market place. Below is a list of the people and organizations that we have specifically market our products and services to;
- Corporate organizations (especially security agencies)
- Households / Families
- College Students
- The Government (Public Sector)
The fact that starting a dog breeding business or even dog walking business is not that difficult, anyone can start the business especially as the start-up cost is quite low and if they have passion for dogs. Even though, this is basically a new area of business that doesn’t have stiff major competitors, there are still competitors all the same.
The competition available is most likely those within the same locality, and anyone looking to stay above competition would have to consider sweetening the services offered to dog owners or concentrate on breeding puppies that are well accepted or in high demand in your community; it could be pit bull, bulldog, German Shepherd or any other breed.
Even so, local dog walkers who are serious with the business can comfortably compete with franchises that are located in the same neighborhood. We are quite aware that to be highly competitive in the personal training and coaching industry means that you should be able to deliver consistent quality service, your students should be able to experience remarkable difference and improvement and you should be able to meet the expectations of your clients at all times.
Percy Paul Dog Breeding Company might be new in Concord New Hampshire, our competitive advantage lies in the power of our team; our workforce. We have a team that are considered experts in the dog breeding cum pet industry, a team with excellent qualifications and experience in dog walking and pet related services including veterinary medicine.
Aside from the synergy that exist in our carefully selected workforce, Percy Paul Dog Breeding Company is well positioned in a community with the right demography; loads of people who would want new puppies and those who already own dogs and other pets. With that we know we will attract loads of clients from the first day we open our doors for business.
Lastly, our employees (dog breeders, dog walkers / pet trainers, and vet doctors) will be well taken care of, and their welfare package will be among the best within our category (startups dog breeding and pet related businesses in the United States) in the industry. It will enable them to be more than willing to build the business with us and help deliver our set goals and achieve all our business aims and objectives.
- Sources of Income
Percy Paul Dog Breeding Company is established with the aim of maximizing profits in the dog breeding cum pet industry and we are going to go all the way to ensure that we do all it takes to attract clients on a regular basis. Percy Paul Dog Breeding Company will generate income by offering the following products and services;
One thing is certain, there would always be corporate organization and individual / household pet owners who would need new puppies or who would need that extra coaching or grooming for their dogs and other pets. This is the major reason why the services of dog breeders and pet trainers will always be needed.
We are well positioned to take on the available market in Concord – New Hampshire and we are quite optimistic that we will meet our set target of generating enough income / profits from the first six month of operations and grow our clientele base.
We have been able to critically examine the dog breeding and pet market and we have analyzed our chances in the industry and we have been able to come up with the following sales forecast. The sales projection is based on information gathered on the field and some assumptions that are peculiar to similar startups in Concord – New Hampshire.
Below are the sales projection for Percy Paul Dog Breeding Company it is based on the location of our dog breeding business, the breeds of puppies that we breed, vet clinic and of course the wide range of pet related services and products that we will be offering;
- First Year-: $120,000
- Second Year-: $350,000
- Third Year-: $750,000
N.B : This projection is done based on what is obtainable in the industry and with the assumption that there won’t be any major economic meltdown and there won’t be any major competitor offering same additional services as we do within same location. Please note that the above projection might be lower and at the same time it might be higher.
- Marketing Strategy and Sales Strategy
We are mindful of the fact that there are stiffer competition amongst dog breeding businesses and pet related services in the United States of America; hence we have been able to hire some of the best marketing experts to handle our sales and marketing.
Our sales and marketing team will be recruited based on their vast experience in the industry and they will be trained on a regular basis so as to be well equipped to meet their targets and the overall goal of Percy Paul Dog Breeding Company.
We will also ensure that our clients’ pets becomes experts with the skills they acquire; we want to build a standard and first – class dog breeding and pet related business that will leverage on word of mouth advertisement from satisfied clients (both individuals and corporate organizations).
Our goal is to grow Percy Paul Dog Breeding Company to become one of the top 10 dog breeding company in the United States of America which is why we have mapped out strategy that will help us take advantage of the available market and grow to become a major force to reckon with not only in Concord – New Hampshire but also in other cities in the United States of America.
Percy Paul Dog Breeding Company is set to make use of the following marketing and sales strategies to attract clients;
- Introduce our dog breeding and pet related business by sending introductory letters alongside our brochure to corporate organizations, households and key stake holders in pet industry in Concord – New Hampshire.
- Print out fliers and business cards and strategically drop them in offices, libraries, public facilities and train stations et al.
- Use friends and family to spread word about our dog breeding and pet related business
- Post information about our dog breeding and pet related business on bulletin boards in places like schools, libraries, and local coffee shops.
- Placing a small or classified advertisement in the newspaper, or local publication about our business
- Attend relevant pet related expos, seminars, and business fairs et al
- Engage direct marketing approach
- Encourage word of mouth marketing from loyal and satisfied students
Any business that wants to grow beyond the corner of the street or the city they are operating from must be ready and willing to utilize every available means (both conventional and non – conventional means) to advertise and promote the business. We intend growing our business which is why we have perfected plans to build our brand via every available means.
We know that it is important to create strategies that will help us boost our brand awareness and to create a corporate identity for our dog breeding business. Below are the platforms we want to leverage on to boost our dog breeding brand and to promote and advertise our business;
- Place adverts on both print (newspapers and magazines) and electronic media platforms
- Sponsor relevant community based events / programs
- Leverage on the internet and social media platforms like; Instagram, Facebook , twitter, YouTube, Google + et al to promote our business
- Install our Bill Boards on strategic locations all around Concord – New Hampshire
- Engage in road show from time to time in targeted neighborhoods
- Distribute our fliers and handbills in target areas
- Contact corporate organizations and residence in our target areas by calling them up and informing them of Percy Paul Dog Breeding Company and our services and product we offering
- List our dog breeding business in local directories / yellow pages
- Advertise our dog breeding business in our official website and employ strategies that will help us pull traffic to the site.
- Ensure that all our staff members wear our branded shirts and all our vehicles and trucks are well branded with our company logo et al.
Aside from selling our puppies based on the breed and the number of weeks, generally for dog walking services business both per hour billing and flat fees on a weekly or monthly basis applies. As a result of this, Percy Paul Dog Breeding Company will charge our clients flat fees except for few occasions where there will be need for us to charge special students on hourly basis.
At Percy Paul Dog Breeding Company we will keep our fees and the prices of our puppies a little below the average market rate for all of our clients by keeping our overhead low and by collecting payment in advance. In addition, we will also offer special discounted rates to all our loyal clients at regular intervals.
We are aware that there are some clients that would need special assistance for their pets, we will offer flat rate for such services that will be tailored to take care of such clients’ needs.
- Payment Options
The payment policy adopted by Percy Paul Dog Breeding Company is all inclusive because we are quite aware that different customers prefer different payment options as it suits them but at the same time, we will ensure that we abide by the financial rules and regulation of the United States of America.
Here are the payment options that Percy Paul Dog Breeding Company will make available to her clients;
- Payment via bank transfer
- Payment with cash
- Payment via online bank transfer
- Payment via check
- Payment via bank draft
- Payment via mobile money
In view of the above, we have chosen banking platforms that will enable our client make payment for farm produces purchase without any stress on their part. Our bank account numbers will be made available on our website and promotional materials to clients who may want to deposit cash or make online transfer for the purchase of puppies / dogs and other pet related services.
13. Startup Expenditure (Budget)
When it comes to calculating the cost of starting a dog breeding business, there are some key factors that should serve as a guide. The capacity of the dog breeding business, the breeds of puppies and other related services that will be offered
Besides, in setting up any business, the amount or cost will depend on the approach and scale you want to undertake. If you intend to go big by renting / leasing a big facility, then you would need a good amount of capital as you would need to ensure that your employees are well taken care of, and that your facility is conducive enough for workers to be creative and productive.
This means that the start-up can either be low or high depending on your goals, vision and aspirations for your business. The tools and equipment that will be used are nearly the same cost everywhere, and any difference in prices would be minimal and can be overlooked.
As for the detailed cost analysis for starting a dog breeding business; it might differ in other countries due to the value of their money. Below are some of the basic areas we will spend our start – up capital in setting up our dog breeding business;
- The Total Fee for incorporating the Business in United States of America – $750.
- The amount needed to acquire / lease a facility – $50,000
- The amount required for preparing the dog kennel – $50,000
- Legal expenses for obtaining licenses and permits as well as the accounting services (software, P.O.S machines and other software) – $3,300.
- Marketing promotion expenses for the grand opening of Columbus & Sons Dairy Farms, LLC in the amount of $3,500 and as well as flyer printing (2,000 flyers at $0.04 per copy) for the total amount of $3,580.
- The total cost for hiring Business Consultant – $2,500.
- The total cost for payment of insurance policy covers (general liability, workers’ compensation and property casualty) coverage at a total premium – $9,400
- The amount required for the purchase of the first set of different breeds of both male and female dogs – $15,000
- Operational cost for the first 3 months (salaries of employees, payments of bills et al) – $60,000
- The Cost of Launching an official Website – $600
- Additional Expenditure (Business cards, Signage, Adverts and Promotions et al) – $2,000
Going by the report from detailed research and feasibility studies conducted, we will need an average of $500,000 to start a standard dog breeding business with a vet clinic in the United States of America.
Generating Funding / Startup Capital for Percy Paul Dog Breeding Company
Percy Paul Dog Breeding Company is a family business that is solely owned and financed by Columbus Packer and his immediate family members. We do not intend to welcome any external business partners, which is why we have decided to restrict the sourcing of the start – up capital to 3 major sources.
These are the areas we intend generating our start – up capital;
- Generate part of the start – up capital from personal savings
- Source for soft loans from family members and friends
- Apply for loan from my Bank
N.B: We have been able to generate about $200,000 (Personal savings $150,000 and soft loan from family members $50,000) and we are at the final stages of obtaining a loan facility of $300,000 from our bank. All the papers and document have been signed and submitted, the loan has been approved and any moment from now our account will be credited with the amount.
The future of a business lies in the numbers of loyal customers that they have the capacity and competence of the employees, their investment strategy and the business structure. If all of these factors are missing from a business (company), then it won’t be too long before the business close shop.
One of our major goals of starting Percy Paul Dog Breeding Company is to build a business that will survive off its own cash flow without the need for injecting finance from external sources once the business is officially running.
We know that one of the ways of gaining approval and winning customers over is to sell our puppies and the pet related services we offer a little bit cheaper than what is obtainable in the market and we are well prepared to survive on lower profit margin for a while.
Percy Paul Dog Breeding Company will make sure that the right foundation, structures and processes are put in place to ensure that our staff welfare are well taken of. Our company’s corporate culture is designed to drive our business to greater heights and training and re – training of our workforce is at the top burner.
As a matter of fact, profit-sharing arrangement will be made available to all our management staff and it will be based on their performance for a period of six years or more. We know that if that is put in place, we will be able to successfully hire and retain the best hands we can get in the industry; they will be more committed to help us build the business of our dreams.
Check List / Milestone
- Business Name Availability Check:>Completed
- Business Registration: Completed
- Opening of Corporate Bank Accounts: Completed
- Securing Point of Sales (POS) Machines: Completed
- Opening Mobile Money Accounts: Completed
- Opening Online Payment Platforms: Completed
- Application and Obtaining Tax Payer’s ID: In Progress
- Application for business license and permit: Completed
- Purchase of Insurance for the Business: Completed
- Leasing of facility and building of standard dog pens: In Progress
- Conducting Feasibility Studies: Completed
- Generating capital from family members: Completed
- Applications for Loan from the bank: In Progress
- Writing of Business Plan: Completed
- Drafting of Employee’s Handbook: Completed
- Drafting of Contract Documents and other relevant Legal Documents: In Progress
- Design of The Company’s Logo: Completed
- Graphic Designs and Printing of Packaging Marketing / Promotional Materials: In Progress
- Recruitment of employees: In Progress
- Purchase of the Needed furniture, racks, shelves, computers, electronic appliances, office appliances and CCTV: In progress
- Creating Official Website for the Company: In Progress
- Creating Awareness for the business both online and around the community: In Progress
- Health and Safety and Fire Safety Arrangement (License): Secured
- Opening party / launching party planning: In Progress
- Compilation of our list of products that will be available in our pet stores cum vet clinic: Completed
- Establishing business relationship with vendors – key players and merchant in the pet industry: In Progress
More on Pet Sector
Please select your country
- Dog Walking Insurance
- Pet Sitting / Boarding Insurance
- Pet Grooming Insurance
- Dogs to Schools Insurance
- Dog Breeders Insurance
- Pets as Therapy Insurance
- Dog Club Insurance
- Pet Party Insurance
- Dog Hydrotherapist Insurance
- Dog Trainer Insurance
- Horse Sitter Insurance
- Kennel and Cattery Insurance
- Pet Microchipper Insurance
- Pet Taxi Insurance
- Public Liability Insurance
- Pet Accidents & Injury Insurance
- Loss of Keys
- Loss of Money
- Loss of Animal
- Business Interruption
- Equipment Insurance
- Glass Insurance
- Travel Costs Insurance
- Professional Indemnity
- Animal Illness Cover (Vet Fees Insurance)
How to Start a Dog Breeding Business
For dog lovers, a puppy is the best thing in the world. For dog lovers with a talent for running a small business, starting a dog breeding business combines their passions and can be deeply satisfying on top of the financial benefits.
Like any other business though, if you’re going to start a dog breeding business you need to get a few things in order before you get started.
1. Write a business plan
Your first step after deciding on a dog breeding business should be to write a business plan. If you need financing, you’ll need to show this to most banks. If you’re fully self-financed, a business plan will lay out your goals and requirements, and lay the groundwork for a successful business.
You can find free business plan templates online, from simple templates to more complex ones.
Top business plan tip: Most local government sites will have a free template up to help new business owners and a help section to talk you through the different parts of the plan.
2. Insurance is king
Insurance is a must for any business. When starting your dog breeding business, you have to find insurance that takes your animals into account.
Any business will need insurance that covers standard concerns like fire, flood, theft and equipment.
As a dog breeder, you need insurance that covers your premises, your animals, and yourself. Public liability insurance is vital; you will be dealing with the general public on a regular basis and accidents can happen very fast.
Insurance is one of the key areas where you should never skimp. Get a full package to cover all eventualities, and give yourself peace of mind so that you can concentrate on building your business and providing the best start in life for your puppies.
Top insurance tip: Make sure you read all conditions and exclusions on the insurance pack you want before taking it out. Most insurance needs to be in place for a minimum time before claims are allowed, although some companies have coverage that starts immediately.
3. Choose a breed of dog to specialize in
You have the whole range of doggydom to choose from here. If you already have a dog breed you know and love, this choice will be easier, but if you’re starting from scratch you’ll want to do your research carefully. For first time breeders, you’ll be better off choosing a single breed to start with and investing in the best bitch you can find.
Are you breeding for family pets, show dogs, or working dogs? Will your local market support the breed you chose? It’s an unpleasant fact that dog breeds go in and out of fashion, and some breeds suffer from discriminatory legislation. If you’re breeding specifically for family pets, you need to ensure that you have a market for your dogs, and that you are in code with your local by-laws.
Different breeds can have very different temperaments and requirements, and every dog breed has potential health and behaviour issues you need to be aware of before starting your programme.
Large breeds need a lot more space and exercise, so keep in mind the size of the dog and your available property before you pick your pup.
4. Avoid trend breeding
If you’re breeding specifically to meet a trend, what are your plans for when that trend ends?
101 Dalmatians resulted in an explosive demand for dalmatian puppies, only for a huge number of those dogs to end up in shelters when the owners realised they could not cope with the breed. Game of Thrones did the same thing to huskies.
Unscrupulous breeders took advantage of the demand and bred for speed instead of good genetics, and released animals with health and temperamental issues to new owners who had no idea of how to deal with them.
The people who bought these animals took two working dog breeds and tried to turn them into lapdogs, and the results will always be catastrophic. Until humans stop being influenced by media, trend breeds will remain a thing, but it’s unfair to the dogs.
Breeding to trend raises serious ethical issues, and can lead the buyer off of a financial cliff. If you want a long term business here, it’s a practice best avoided.
5. Write a detailed budget
Expenses for any business add up in a hurry, and dog breeding is no exception.
When you’re starting up, you’re going to want to price everything you’ll need in advance, plus have a surplus for unexpected expenses – and with animals, there are always unexpected expenses.
You need to budget for food, equipment, vet fees and potential emergencies, stud fees, travel and marketing as a starting point. If you intend on running your dog breeding business as your main income earner, you’ll need to include rent or mortgage and utilities as an extra expense. A genealogy programme is a nice to have – you can go old school with pen and paper, but checking lines manually can take hours of work. If you can afford it, add it to your budget.
Once the pups arrive, you’ll have your puppy packs and promotional materials to add, plus registration fees and vaccinations.
Top budget tip: Work out what you think it will cost, and add at least 40%. There are always unexpected expenses.
6. Get the right equipment
Everything from crates to dog bowls to the collars and leads are dependent on two things: the size of the dog breed and your budget.
This includes the property you are using; there is a massive difference between the size requirements for say, a chihuahua versus a great dane.
Equipment can range from home-made, to pre-made budget items, to top-of-the-line luxury. Choose what’s right for your dogs and your finances, and budget wisely.
Top equipment tip: Start with budget-appropriate affordable items, and reinvest some profit into upgrading equipment.
7. Keep it legal
Different countries and local areas have licensing requirements for breeders, and you need to check to make sure you’re compliant.
Check with your local council and make sure you meet all of the licence requirements – any buyer is going to want to see your licence before shelling out for a puppy, and display your licence prominently to greet your customers when they visit your property.
Top licence tip: Being a licenced seller gives your business credibility and peace of mind to your buyers. Make sure you note it on your website.
8. Market yourself on social media and get your website up and running
Social media is the making or breaking of a small business in todays world. A dog breeding business is perfect for picture rich sites like Instagram and TikTok, and will drive customers to your website.
Make sure you update your social media on a regular basis, because your followers will drop away otherwise. You want a reputation for reliability, and that starts with your marketing.
Keep your website up-to-date with a weekly or monthly blog, including count-down posts to puppy day. Make sure to interact with fans who reach out to you and keep things light-hearted and pleasant.
A business is completely reliant on their customer base and public image, and poor reviews can sink you faster than you think. What you post on the internet is permanent.
Keep your business and personal feeds strictly separate, and be careful about what you post if it’s not related to your business.
Top social media tip: Once the puppies are on their way, setting up a live feed in the birthing crate can really get your audience invested in your dogs.
9. Open a separate bank account
A separate bank account makes it easier to track your income and expenses for your business. It’s a lot harder to budget if your business finances keep getting mixed up with your weekly shopping.
Most banks will have a small business account option, including lower fees up to a certain income level.
Using a business account to pay any salaries, website costs and other expenses makes it a lot easier to deal with tax season; keeping your records up to date in an easily accessible trail means never getting confused over whether you’re operating in the green or not.
Top banking tip: There are now multiple online banks that offer business accounts for small and new businesses. They often have lower fees than the standard banks, and many will look at all credit levels.
10. Save up for a rainy day
Save a percentage of your earnings and put it aside for emergencies every month.
This needs to cover anything from broken equipment to emergency vet visits, so it’s a vital step for your dog breeding business.
While the right insurance will cover you for most issues that come up, emergencies almost always need a cash outlay at the time. Putting money aside on a monthly basis means you don’t have a sudden unexpected expense taking a massive chunk out of your hard-earned cash flow.
Top savings tip: Aim for 20%, but realistically 15% of your income should be tucked away. Try and put this money into the highest interest earner you can find, while still being able to access it immediately.
11. Find a vet you trust
For any animal owner, a vet you can trust is important. As a dog breeder, a vet you connect with is a vital investment in your business.
Not all vets are created equal. Some are better with large animals, some with small. Even the best dog-orientated vet is going to have breeds they are just better at handling. It’s important you find someone has a rapport with both you and your dogs. You and your dogs will be happier and more confident during visits.
For a good vet, word-of-mouth is the way to go. Online reviews can be useful as guidelines, but speaking to people who take their loved pets to a vet and either rant or rave about them is the best way to narrow the field down, followed by a visit to the surgery.
You want a surgery that is clean, friendly, and ensure people keep visiting animals under control at all times. A surgery that is dirty, chaotic, with surly, unhappy front-of-house staff is unlikely to give you the best treatment for your animals.
Your vet is going to be one of your best friends especially during puppy season. You’ll be visiting for vaccinations, help during pup delivery, and check-ups as well as any accidental mishaps. Some vets are happy to assist during the breeding process as well; this will depend on the vet, the practice policy, and your relationship with them.
You’ll likely end up on first name terms with most of the staff.
Top vet tip: A good vet will happily give you advice and guidance on how to keep your animals healthy and happy – vets love animals, and their priority is always going to be your dogs. If you find a new bit of kit or fancy food that you’re unsure of, checking with the vet is a great idea.
Once you’ve ticked off this list, you’re ready to start the best job ever. Dog breeding is hard work, but one of the most rewarding and fulfilling jobs you could ever do.
You get to work with some of the best animals on the planet, with unconditional love from your furry employees – there aren’t many bosses who can say that!
Need more? We’ve got a great dog breeders insurance package, tailor-made for your peace of mind and business needs.
Pictures references:
Pic 1: Great Dane looking at a French Bulldog puppy in front of a white background ID number: 78864094 Website: https://depositphotos.com/78864094/stock-photo-great-dane-looking-at-a.html Artist: Eric Philippe Isselée
Pic 2: Pile of puppies ID number: 17848635 Website: https://depositphotos.com/17848635/stock-photo-pile-of-puppies.html Artist: @ willeecole
Pic 3: Little chihuahua and money in front of white background Id number: 383539140 Website: https://depositphotos.com/383539140/stock-photo-little-chihuahua-money-front-white.html Artist: @ cynoclub
Pet Businesses
Insurance cover, more resources, latest news, contact pbi.
Glandore Business Centres Ltd Fitzwilliam Hall Fitzwilliam Place Dublin D02 T292
Telephone: +353 1 574 2899
- [email protected]
LRMS Europe Limited, trading as Pet Business Insurance, Pet Business International is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.
Copyright © 2004-2022 Pet Business Insurance™. All Rights Reserved
- Skip to content
Additional menu
How to start a dog breeding business in 5 simple steps.
Published on October 18, 2021 - Written By: Lars Lofgren
For dog lovers, the idea of starting a dog breeding business may seem like a natural fit.
This type of business pretty much requires someone who has an appreciation and affection for dogs, as they will be spending a lot of time together.
However, dog breeding sometimes is a difficult business, as health concerns for the animals, problems at birth, and constant cleaning requirements can be challenging.
Dog breeders need to understand what they are facing with this type of business before they make the initial investment.
For an established breeder, generating a steady income becomes an easier process over time, but it can be a significant challenge to reach that point.
5 Steps to Start a Dog Breeding Business
Ready to start breeding dogs? Just follow this guide:
- Understand the costs
- Focus on a particular breed
- Find a location for the business
- Create a legal entity and name
- Prepare for opening the business
The Easy Parts of Starting a Dog Breeding Business
Starting a dog breeding business has quite a few challenges, but it also can be quite rewarding. Some of the easier aspects of starting this type of business include the following.
Starting As a Part-Time Business
A dog breeding business often works well for someone seeking a part-time business. The owner can try breeding while holding another job to see if he or she enjoys it before devoting the time to make dog breeding a full-time endeavor.
Understand, though, that once the puppies are born, the owner, another family member, or an employee must be present for many hours each day. During this time, it will be tough to work full time and tend to the needs of the litter.
Related Businesses
To supplement the income the dog breeding business generates, some owners may want to operate related businesses. These could include:
- Dog grooming
- Doggie daycare or extended stay facilities
- Dog training and obedience classes
The dog breeding process is intense after the puppies are born, but finding time to handle these related businesses can be easier in between litters.
Generating Steady Profits
Once the business establishes itself, dog breeders are able to generate steady profits after each litter. Successful breeders sometimes will sell all of the puppies before the litter is even born. These breeders may even be able to collect deposit checks from the customers well ahead of delivering the puppies, which helps with expenses and cash flow.
Dog breeders often can make enough money on each litter for a desirable profit that easily covers expenses, so there’s no need to cut corners on care. For breeders who truly care about the well-being of the dogs, this provides peace of mind.
Tapping Into the Science of Breeding
Some dog breeders appreciate the science and genetics behind breeding dogs. Breeders need to pay attention to the types of traits they want their dogs to have. They then can focus on finding mates that have the best chance of enhancing those traits in the puppies.
At the same time, the dog breeder needs to be aware of any genetic defects they may see in a litter and work to avoid having those occur again in the future. Responsible breeders will not sacrifice breeding healthy puppies with desirable traits by cutting corners on the cost of finding the perfect mates.
The Difficult Parts of Starting a Dog Breeding Business
Dog breeding is a challenging business in a lot of different ways. It requires quite a bit of time and patience to do the job correctly. It also requires significant communication skills to find customers and to keep them happy.
Unpredictability of Working With Animals
It can be helpful for dog breeders to think of this type of business as being similar to an agricultural business. Farmers work to control as much as they can with regard to caring for livestock or crops. However, in the end, nature may have its own ideas.
The litter of puppies could end up with a genetic defect, meaning the breeder cannot sell them. Some puppies could die after serious illnesses, even if the vet gives them a clean bill of health. Some of them may not survive birth. These can be highly emotional situations that are difficult to handle.
Even if the owner takes every precaution and cares for the dogs perfectly, things may not work out as desired. For those people who have a hard time dealing with these kinds of setbacks, especially where it involves animals and dogs, dog breeding may not be a good business choice.
Dealing With Emotions
Those who love dogs may believe starting a dog breeding business will be a lot of fun. For some breeders, this is true.
However, some breeders find that having to sell the puppies after each litter is very difficult to do. They become emotionally attached to the puppies. Other times, the breeder may not like the need to have a favorite dog remain pregnant for much of the year.
Finally, there’s the sadness involved with any kind of accident involving the puppies or the mother, as we mentioned earlier.
Many people treat their dogs like family. For these kinds of people, operating a dog breeding business may be a significant struggle emotionally.
Constant Cleaning Is Necessary
Dogs can generate significant messes. Puppies won’t be able to walk, but they will defecate and urinate frequently. To keep the puppies healthy, the breeder needs to constantly clean the area for the puppies and mother.
The breeder needs to remove odors and soils from the area where visitors and potential customers will visit the puppies as well. Cleanliness is key to any successful dog breeding business.
For someone who doesn’t like cleaning, starting a dog breeding business is not going to be a good idea. And even if you’re willing to handle some cleaning, you may prefer to hire someone to help with it or take it over for you.
Stigma Associated With Dog Breeding
Unfortunately, because some dog breeders don’t care for the dogs properly and don’t keep them safe, dog breeding can have a stigma associated with it. When some people hear the term “dog breeding,” they immediately think of cruel puppy mills.
Dog breeders will encounter some people who think this type of business is cruel, regardless of the circumstances. Prepare to take criticism.
Additionally, some people believe dog breeding is unnecessary, as so many dogs in shelters and rescue or foster homes need adopting. Those people wonder why a breeder is bringing more dogs into a world that already has too many dogs. Again, a new dog breeding business may take the brunt of criticism from these people.
Some breeders feel strongly that they can improve the industry’s reputation from within by doing everything as safely and humanely as possible. Maintaining a clean facility, caring for the dogs’ health constantly, and treating the dogs properly can offset some of these criticisms.
Step 1: Understand the Costs
When preparing to start a dog breeding business, be prepared for a series of initial and ongoing costs.
Initial Costs
Startup costs can be pretty significant for a dog breeding business, and the owner generally must have the money upfront. Leasing a building simply doesn’t work well with this type of business. And, of course, owners can’t lease the female dogs.
In addition to paying for a location, the dog breeder will need to:
- Purchase a female dog or dogs for breeding
- Pay a male dog owner for a stud fee or purchase a male dog outright
- Pay for regular veterinarian visits to ensure the health of the dogs
- Set up a sterile location for the mother and puppies to live after the birth
- Set up a fenced area that will be safe for the dogs to spend time outside
- Set up security for the facility, including cameras and locks for buildings and gates
Breeders will want to register the business with the American Kennel Club (AKC). This legitimizes the operation in the eyes of potential customers.
Depending on the location of the business, it may need to purchase licenses or permits from local, county, or state governing bodies.
Ongoing Costs
Dogs will need food and regular veterinary care. These costs aren’t significantly more than what occurs with a dog a family may own as a pet, however, at least until the puppies appear.
With dogs meant for breeding, the owner may not want to take the dog to a “doggie daycare” or similar place when the owner is traveling. This could expose the dog to illness. Some dog care facilities will only accept neutered or spayed dogs as well.
This means the owner may need to hire someone to help tend to the dogs when the owner will not be present. After a litter of puppies, the animals will need frequent observation and attention, which could be difficult for one person to handle.
A dog breeder will need liability insurance as well. If any of the dogs bite someone, or if a visitor looking at the puppies suffers some sort of injury on the property, the business will need insurance. Large breeders with several employees may need to purchase workers’ compensation insurance too.
Costs After Puppies Are Born
Veterinary bills will increase quite a bit after the puppies are born. But the person purchasing the puppies understands that part of the fee for the dog covers these early veterinarian appointments and vaccinations.
For a dog breeder, registering the dogs with the American Kennel Club (AKC) is a must. Without verified breeder papers, charging a premium for the puppies will not be possible. Both the male and female parents will need AKC papers.
The breeder will need to register the litter and the individual puppies with the AKC too. Registering the litter should be less than $50, although expedited registrations cost quite a bit more.
Step 2: Focus on a Particular Breed
A dog breeder will want to focus on a particular breed of dog. By becoming an expert on a breed, customers seeking that particular breed will trust the business more.
Some breeders will have multiple breeds and try to appeal to many areas of the market. However, this can be challenging. Each breed has nuances, and to have the most success, the breeder should fully understand the breed. Trying to become an expert on multiple breeds is very difficult.
Some breeders may add a second or third breed to their business over time as the business grows. Having more than one breed can be a nice hedge for the viability of the business. To gain the desired level of knowledge about a new breed, perhaps the owner can hire someone with that knowledge as an employee.
Pick a Breed You Will Love
Dog breeders need to have an affection for the dogs they’re breeding. The owner will be spending significant amounts of time with these dogs, caring for the mother and puppies before they go to their new homes.
An owner who doesn’t like the shrill bark of small dogs or who has a fear of large dogs will want to avoid those breeds. Owners should stick with a breed or two that they know well and will enjoy being around.
Understand the Profits for Different Breeds
Different dog breeds will command different prices from customers. The majority of breeds will bring several hundred dollars per puppy. A few breeds can bring a few thousand dollars per puppy under the right circumstances, though.
Most breeds can have litters up to three times per year, while others will only have two litters. Some breeds have more puppies than others per litter. Some breeds of female dogs have a longer timespan over which they can have litters too.
Although it can be challenging to just focus on a breed that will generate the greatest profits for the business, this often results in disaster. Some breeds may bring more money per puppy, but they may be tougher to sell. If the owner doesn’t know anything about the expensive breed or doesn’t like this type of dog, the business almost certainly will struggle.
Step 3: Find a Location for the Business
Many dog breeders will set up outside of a city in a rural location. This gives the dogs more free space to exercise. The noise from barking dogs at a breeding business won’t bother neighbors in a rural location like it might in an urban location.
The dogs will need areas both indoors and outdoors to be as healthy as possible. They need protection from the weather and from parasites and insects like worms, fleas, mosquitos, and ticks.
The puppies will need a location that offers some temperature control. If the puppies are born in the summer, they’ll need an area with some air flow and shade. If the puppies are born in winter, they’ll need a heated area that’s out of the elements.
Some dog breeders choose to purchase a rural home with a few acres of land and set up dog breeding buildings on the property. These buildings need to be in good shape. Avoiding infestations of mice or rats can be a challenge in a rural location, so the building will need protection against these pests.
A metal building with a cement floor will be easier to keep clean, and it should be safe for puppies versus an old wood barn that may have multiple problems with structural damage. Set up a space that includes a whelping box the owner can secure. The owner should be able to easily and safely expand the space as the puppies age and need room to move around.
Step 4: Create a Legal Entity and Name
Some dog breeders treat the business like a hobby, so they never really name the business or set up a business structure. This works fine for some people who don’t have plans to grow or expand beyond one or two litters per year or who mostly sell to friends and family.
However, setting up a business structure for the dog business can create a safer situation for the dog breeder.
Using a limited liability company (LLC) business structure is helpful for dog breeders. It creates a separation between the assets and finances of the business and the owner’s personal finances and assets. Should the business become the subject of a lawsuit or default on a loan, the owner’s personal assets don’t have exposure.
Each state has slightly different rules for setting up an LLC. The entire process should cost a few hundred dollars in the majority of states. At the time of creating the LLC, the owner will select a unique name too.
Try to select a name that also has a related web domain name and social media names available. Having consistent branding across multiple digital properties is helpful. Potential customers will love seeing the new puppies on social media, developing excitement for this litter and future litters.
Step 5: Prepare for Opening the Business
Dog breeding business owners will need to take a few final steps to begin operating the business.
Preparing for Visitors
People preparing to purchase the puppies are almost certainly going to want to visit the facility. They will want to feel comfortable that the facility is clean and that the dogs are receiving proper care.
It is absolutely vital that the business has a place to greet visitors and to let them view the puppies. Always keep the facility as clean as possible, as people may sometimes show up unannounced.
Selling the Puppies
Owners of dog breeding businesses will need to find a place to advertise upcoming litters. Once the breeder becomes established, it’s common to sell many or all of the puppies before the mother even has the litter.
Finding a place to advertise can be challenging, but social media is very helpful. Several social media groups exist with a devotion to a certain breed, and these can be helpful to find customers.
After selling a litter of puppies, word of mouth is a great way for the business to draw in customers. Acquaintances of those people who purchased the puppies may also want a puppy from the business, and they may reserve a puppy in the next litter. This shows the importance of giving customers great service and the importance of breeding healthy, beautiful puppies that their new families will love.
Privacy Overview
We earn commissions if you shop through the links below. Read more
Back to All Business Ideas
How to Start a Dog Breeding Business
Written by: Carolyn Young
Carolyn Young is a business writer who focuses on entrepreneurial concepts and the business formation. She has over 25 years of experience in business roles, and has authored several entrepreneurship textbooks.
Edited by: David Lepeska
David has been writing and learning about business, finance and globalization for a quarter-century, starting with a small New York consulting firm in the 1990s.
Updated on March 6, 2023
Investment range
$4,500 - $11,500
Revenue potential
$36,000 - $110,000 p.a.
Time to build
Profit potential
$25,000 - $75,000 p.a.
Industry trend
- Decide if the Business Is Right for You
- Hone Your Idea
- Brainstorm a Business Name
- Create a Business Plan
- Register Your Business
- Register for Taxes
- Fund your Business
- Apply for Licenses/Permits
- Open a Business Bank Account
- Get Business Insurance
- Prepare to Launch
- Build Your Team
- Start Making Money!
Dogs make wonderful pets – loving, loyal, and fun! Many a dog lover finds that beloved breed that holds a special place in their hearts, which is why the US dog and pet breeding industry is worth $2 billion. If you choose to breed dogs, you can get a share of that market while caring for and enjoying dogs and giving people the pet of their dreams.
Starting a dog breeding business presents many challenges, however, and will take time, work, and knowledge to launch. This step-by-step guide is loaded with all the information you need to get you on your way to starting a lucrative dog breeding business.
Looking to form an LLC? Check out the Best LLC Formation Services .
Step 1: Decide if the Business Is Right for You
Pros and cons.
Starting a dog breeding business has pros and cons that you should weigh before deciding if it’s the right path for you.
- Dog Days – Spend your time caring for adorable dogs and pups
- Strong Demand – Who doesn’t love a cute puppy?!
- Never Leave Home – Breed your dogs at home
- Time Consuming – Dog breeding is a 24/7 job
- Expensive – Costs for shots and vet care add up fast
- Knowledge Required – Extensive breeding knowledge is a must
Dog breeding industry trends
Industry size and growth.
- Industry size and past growth – Market analyst IBISWorld values the US dog and pet breeding industry at an impressive $2 billion.(( https://www.ibisworld.com/industry-statistics/market-size/dog-pet-breeders-united-states/ ))
- Growth forecast – While the industry has declined slightly in recent years, it’s still a huge industry and full of opportunity.
- Number of businesses – There were more than 200,000 dog and pet breeders in the US in 2021.(( https://www.ibisworld.com/industry-statistics/number-of-businesses/dog-pet-breeders-united-states/ ))
- Number of people employed – The industry employs more than 219,000 people.(( https://www.ibisworld.com/industry-statistics/employment/dog-pet-breeders-united-states/ ))
Trends and challenges
Some trends include:
- The number of US dog owners has increased during the pandemic, from 50% to 54% of US households, according to the American Kennel Association (AKA). ((https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/current-trends-pet-spending-2021-2022/))
- The share of pet owners that own purebred pets has held steady at 56%.
- The most popular dog breeds in 2020 were Labrador retriever, French Bulldog, German Shepherd, and Golden Retriever.
Some challenges also exist in the industry, including:
- Pet and animal health costs are rising, including dog medication. The number of dog owners who give their dogs medication has increased from 63% to 70% since 2018.
- Dog breeding, also sometimes known as dog farming, is suffering due to bad press. Some people and organizations, including leading animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), present a negative view of dog breeders (with criticisms such as “puppy mill!”), and promote dog rescues instead.
Consumer spending
- Average consumer spend – Dog owners spend an average of $1,200 a year on their pets.(( https://www.statista.com/statistics/250851/basic-annual-expenses-for-dog-and-cat-owners-in-the-us/ ))
- Potential customer base – Nearly 70 million US households own a dog.(( https://www.americanpetproducts.org/press_industrytrends.asp ))
- Average prices – A puppy costs $500 to $3,000, depending on the breed and condition.
How much does it cost to start a dog breeding business?
Startup costs for a dog breeding business range from $4,500 to about $11,000. The expenses will vary based on how much you spend on your first female dog and your first stud fee, as well as your vet bills and equipment such as kennel crates. Breeder education courses are included as well. You can take courses through the AKA, which range from free to $60 per course.
You’ll need a handful of items to successfully launch your dog breeding business. Here’s a list to get you started:
- Kennel crates
- Leashes and collars
- Blankets and dog beds
How much can you earn from a dog breeding business?
A female dog can have 3 litters per year and the average litter size is 6 puppies. Puppies can be sold when they reach the age of 8 to 10 weeks. Puppy prices range from $500 to $3,000 depending on their breed and condition. You should look for the finest pedigree dogs. Your profit margin after food and veterinary expenses should be about 70%.
In your first year or two, if your one female has three 6-puppy litters per year and you sell each for $2,000, you’ll have $36,000 in annual revenue and about $25,000 in profit, assuming that 70% margin. As your brand gains recognition, you can add two female dogs and have 9 litters each year, giving you annual revenue of nearly $110,000 and more than $75,000 in profit. And that’s with only three females!
What barriers to entry are there?
There are a few barriers to entry for dog breeding. Your biggest challenges will be:
- You need enough space, indoors and out, to care for your dogs
- Extensive knowledge of the breed and pregnant dog care is a must
Related Business Ideas
How to Start a Dog Walking Business
How to Start a Doggy Daycare
How to Start a Dog Grooming Business
Step 2: hone your idea.
Now that you know what’s involved in being an animal breeder and starting a dog breeding business, it’s a good idea to hone your concept in preparation to enter a competitive market.
Market research will give you the upper hand, even if you’re already positive that you have a perfect product or service. Conducting market research is important, because it can help you understand your customers better, who your competitors are, and your business landscape.
Why? Identify an opportunity
Research dog breeders in your area to examine their offerings, price points, and customer reviews. You’re looking for a market gap to fill. For instance, maybe the local market is missing a Bulldog breeder.
You might consider targeting a niche market by specializing in a certain aspect of your industry, such as only breeding dogs of a particular breed.
Focusing on an unusual breed like Tibetan mastiff, Irish wolfhound, or Chow Chow could jumpstart your word-of-mouth marketing and attract clients right away.
What? Determine your products or services
You can specialize in one breed, or you can choose to have a variety of breeds. You also need to decide if you want to offer to spay or neuter the dogs for your customers after they are adopted or offer any other kinds of follow-up services such as training or medication. Remember, pet medication is a growing market that could offer added opportunity.
How much should you charge for puppies?
Prices for puppies from dog breeders range from $500 to $3,000. Your price will mainly depend on the type of breed. You’ll have ongoing expenses for food and vet care. You should aim for a profit margin of 70%.
Once you know your costs, you can use this Step By Step profit margin calculator to determine your mark-up and final price point. Remember, the price you use at launch should be subject to change if warranted by the market.
Who? Identify your target market
Your target market will be dog lovers. Interestingly, according to the AKA, most purebred dog owners are millennials. You can find this target market on sites like Instagram.
Where? Choose your business premises
In the early stages, you may want to run your business from home to keep costs low. But as your dog breeding business grows, you’ll likely need to hire workers for various roles and may need to rent out a facility. You can find commercial space to rent in your area on sites such as Craigslist , Crexi , and Instant Offices .
When choosing a commercial space, you may want to follow these rules of thumb:
- Central location accessible via public transport
- Ventilated and spacious, with good natural light
- Flexible lease that can be extended as your business grows
- Ready-to-use space with no major renovations or repairs needed
Step 3: Brainstorm a Business Name
Your business name is your business identity, so choose one that encapsulates your objectives, services, and mission in just a few words. You probably want a name that’s short and easy to remember, since much of your business, and your initial business in particular, will come from word-of-mouth referrals.
Here are some ideas for brainstorming your business name:
- Short, unique, and catchy names tend to stand out
- Names that are easy to say and spell tend to do better
- The name should be relevant to your product or service offerings
- Ask around — family, friends, colleagues, social media — for suggestions
- Including keywords, such as “purebred dogs” or “dog breeder”, boosts SEO
- Name should allow for expansion, for ex: “Jim’s Bakery” over “Jim’s Cookies”
- Avoid location-based names that might hinder future expansion
- Use online tools like the Step by Step Business Name Generator . Just type in a few keywords and hit “generate” and you’ll have dozens of suggestions at your fingertips.
Once you’ve got a list of potential names, visit the website of the US Patent and Trademark Office to make sure they are available for registration and check the availability of related domain names using our Domain Name Search tool. Using “.com” or “.org” sharply increases credibility, so it’s best to focus on these.
Find a Domain
Powered by GoDaddy.com
Finally, make your choice among the names that pass this screening and go ahead with domain registration and social media account creation. Your business name is one of the key differentiators that sets your business apart. Once you pick your company name, and start with the branding, it is hard to change the business name. Therefore, it’s important to carefully consider your choice before you start a business entity.
Step 4: Create a Business Plan
Every business needs a plan. This will function as a guidebook to take your startup through the launch process and maintain focus on your key goals. A business plan also enables potential partners and investors to better understand your company and its vision:
- Executive Summary : Brief overview of the entire business plan; should be written after the plan is complete.
- Business Overview : Overview of the company, vision, mission, ownership, and corporate goals.
- Product and Services : Describe your offerings in detail.
- Market Analysis : Assess market trends such as variations in demand and prospects for growth, and do a SWOT analysis .
- Competitive Analysis : Analyze main competitors, assessing their strengths and weaknesses, and create a list of the advantages of your services.
- Sales and Marketing : Examine your companies’ unique selling propositions (USPs) and develop sales, marketing, and promotional strategies.
- Management Team : Overview of management team, detailing their roles and professional background, along with a corporate hierarchy.
- Operations Plan : Your company’s operational plan includes procurement, office location, key assets and equipment, and other logistical details.
- Financial Plan : Three years of financial planning, including startup costs, break-even analysis, profit and loss estimates, cash flow, and balance sheet.
- Appendix : Include any additional financial or business-related documents.
If you’ve never created a business plan yourself before, it can be an intimidating task. Consider hiring an experienced business plan writer to create a professional business plan for you.
Step 5: Register Your Business
Registering your business is an absolutely crucial step — it’s the prerequisite to paying taxes, raising capital, opening a bank account, and other guideposts on the road to getting a business up and running.
Plus, registration is exciting because it makes the entire process official. Once it’s complete, you’ll have your own business!
Choose where to register your company
Your business location is important because it can affect taxes, legal requirements, and revenue. Most people will register their business in the state where they live, but if you are planning to expand, you might consider looking elsewhere, as some states could offer real advantages when it comes to dog breeding businesses.
If you’re willing to move, you could really maximize your business! Keep in mind, it’s relatively easy to transfer your business to another state.
Choose your business structure
Business entities come in several varieties, each with its pros and cons. The legal structure you choose for your dog breeding business will shape your taxes, personal liability, and business registration requirements, so choose wisely.
Here are the main options:
- Sole Proprietorship – The most common structure for small businesses makes no legal distinction between company and owner. All income goes to the owner, who’s also liable for any debts, losses, or liabilities incurred by the business. The owner pays taxes on business income on his or her personal tax return.
- Partnership – Similar to a sole proprietorship, but for two or more people. Again, owners keep the profits and are liable for losses. The partners pay taxes on their share of business income on their personal tax returns.
- Limited Liability Company (LLC) – Combines the characteristics of corporations with those of sole proprietorships or partnerships. Again, the owners are not personally liable for debts.
- C Corp – Under this structure, the business is a distinct legal entity and the owner or owners are not personally liable for its debts. Owners take profits through shareholder dividends, rather than directly. The corporation pays taxes, and owners pay taxes on their dividends, which is sometimes referred to as double taxation.
- S Corp – An S-Corporation refers to the tax classification of the business but is not a business entity. An S-Corp can be either a corporation or an LLC , which just need to elect to be an S-Corp for tax status. In an S-Corp, income is passed through directly to shareholders, who pay taxes on their share of business income on their personal tax returns.
We recommend that new business owners choose LLC as it offers liability protection and pass-through taxation while being simpler to form than a corporation. You can form an LLC in as little as five minutes using an online LLC formation service. They will check that your business name is available before filing, submit your articles of organization , and answer any questions you might have.
Form Your LLC
Choose Your State
We recommend ZenBusiness as the Best LLC Service for 2023
Step 6: Register for Taxes
The final step before you’re able to pay taxes is getting an Employer Identification Number , or EIN. You can file for your EIN online or by mail or fax: visit the IRS website to learn more. Keep in mind, if you’ve chosen to be a sole proprietorship you can simply use your social security number as your EIN.
Once you have your EIN, you’ll need to choose your tax year. Financially speaking, your business will operate in a calendar year (January–December) or a fiscal year, a 12-month period that can start in any month. This will determine your tax cycle, while your business structure will determine which taxes you’ll pay.
The IRS website also offers a tax-payers checklist , and taxes can be filed online.
It is important to consult an accountant or other professional to help you with your taxes to ensure you are completing them correctly.
Step 7: Fund your Business
Securing financing is your next step and there are plenty of ways to raise capital:
- Bank loans : This is the most common method but getting approved requires a rock-solid business plan and strong credit history.
- SBA-guaranteed loans : The Small Business Administration can act as guarantor, helping gain that elusive bank approval via an SBA-guaranteed loan .
- Government grants : A handful of financial assistance programs help fund entrepreneurs. Visit Grants.gov to learn which might work for you.
- Friends and Family : Reach out to friends and family to provide a business loan or investment in your concept. It’s a good idea to have legal advice when doing so because SEC regulations apply.
- Crowdfunding : Websites like Kickstarter and Indiegogo offer an increasingly popular low-risk option, in which donors fund your vision. Entrepreneurial crowdfunding sites like Fundable and WeFunder enable multiple investors to fund your business.
- Personal : Self-fund your business via your savings or the sale of property or other assets.
SBA loans are one of your best options. The SBA offers an SB 7(a) loan for small businesses with favorable terms. Personal funding is also a good option since the startup costs are not high, and you won’t have to make payments on a loan.
Step 8: Apply for Licenses/Permits
Starting a dog breeding business requires obtaining a number of licenses and permits from local, state, and federal governments. You should register your business with the AKA and register your litters and each puppy. Customers who go to dog breeders are looking for registered dogs.
Federal regulations, licenses, and permits associated with starting your business include doing business as, health license and permit from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration ( OSHA ), trademarks, copyrights, patents, and other intellectual properties, as well as industry-specific licenses and permits.
You may also need state-level licenses and local county or city-based licenses and permits. The license requirements and how to obtain them vary, so check the websites of your state, city, and county governments or contact the appropriate person to learn more. You could also check this SBA guide for your state’s requirements.
This is not a step to be taken lightly, as failing to comply with legal requirements can result in hefty penalties.
If you feel overwhelmed by this step or don’t know how to begin, it might be a good idea to hire a professional to help you check all the legal boxes.
For peace of mind and to save time, we recommend using MyCorporation’s Business License Compliance Package . They will research the exact forms you need for your business and state, and provide them to you to make sure you’re fully compliant.
Step 9: Open a Business Bank Account
Before you start making money, you’ll need a place to keep it, and that requires opening a bank account .
Keeping your business finances separate from your personal account makes it easy to file taxes and track your company’s income, so it’s worth doing even if you’re running your dog breeding business as a sole proprietorship. Opening a business bank account is quite simple, and similar to opening a personal one. Most major banks offer accounts tailored for businesses — just inquire at your preferred bank to learn about their rates and features.
Banks vary in terms of offerings, so it’s a good idea to examine your options and select the best plan for you. Once you choose your bank, bring in your EIN (or Social Security Number if you decide on a sole proprietorship), articles of incorporation, and other legal documents and open your new account.
Step 10: Get Business Insurance
Business insurance is an area that often gets overlooked yet it can be vital to your success as an entrepreneur. Insurance protects you from unexpected events that can have a devastating impact on your business.
Here are some types of insurance to consider:
- General liability : The most comprehensive type of insurance, acting as a catch-all for many business elements that require coverage. If you get just one kind of insurance, this is it. It even protects against bodily injury and property damage.
- Business Property : Provides coverage for your equipment and supplies.
- Equipment Breakdown Insurance : Covers the cost of replacing or repairing equipment that has broken due to mechanical issues.
- Worker’s compensation : Provides compensation to employees injured on the job.
- Property : Covers your physical space, whether it is a cart, storefront, or office.
- Commercial auto : Protection for your company-owned vehicle.
- Professional liability : Protects against claims from a client who says they suffered a loss due to an error or omission in your work.
- Business owner’s policy (BOP) : This is an insurance plan that acts as an all-in-one insurance policy, a combination of any of the above insurance types.
Step 11: Prepare to Launch
As opening day nears, prepare for launch by reviewing and improving some key elements of your business.
Essential software and tools
Being an entrepreneur often means wearing many hats, from marketing to sales to accounting, which can be overwhelming. Fortunately, many websites and digital tools are available to help simplify many business tasks.
You can use industry-specific software, such as DogBreederPro , Breeder Cloud Pro , or BreederZOO , to manage your dogs, contacts, puppy waiting lists, and veterinary records.
- Popular web-based accounting programs for smaller businesses include Quickbooks , Freshbooks , and Xero .
- If you’re unfamiliar with basic accounting, you may want to hire a professional, especially as you begin. The consequences for filing incorrect tax documents can be harsh, so accuracy is crucial.
Some of your business will come from the casual online visitors, but still, you should invest in digital marketing! Getting the word out is especially important for new businesses, as it’ll boost customer and brand awareness.
Once your website is up and running, link it to your social media accounts and vice versa. Social media is a great tool for promoting your business because you can create engaging posts that advertise your products:
- Facebook : Great platform for paid advertising, allows you to target specific demographics, like men under age 50 in the Cleveland area.
- Instagram : Same benefits as Facebook but with different target audiences.
- Website : SEO will help your website appear closer to the top in relevant search results, a crucial element for increasing sales. Make sure that you optimize calls to action on your website. Experiment with text, color, size, and position of calls to action such as “Schedule Appointment Now”. This can sharply increase purchases.
- Google and Yelp : For businesses that rely on local clientele, getting listed on Yelp and Google My Business can be crucial to generating awareness and customers.
Kickstart Marketing
Take advantage of your website, social media presence and real-life activities to increase awareness of your offerings and build your brand. Some suggestions include:
- Post a video – Post a video about your puppies. Try using humor and maybe it will go viral!
- Email marketing/newsletter – Send regular emails to customers and prospects. Make them personal.
- Start a blog – Start a blog and post regularly. Change up your content and share on multiple sites.
- Paid ads on social media – Choose sites that will reach your target market and do targeted ads.
- Pay–per-click marketing – Use Google AdWords to come up faster from searches. Research your keywords first.
- Make a podcast – This allows you to make a personal connection with your customers.
- Do a webinar – Share your dog breeding expertise online with a video seminar.
- Case studies – Show how your puppies helped a family find joy.
Develop your website
Website development is crucial because your site is your online presence and needs to convince prospective clients of your expertise and professionalism. They are unlikely to find your website, however, unless you follow Search Engine Optimization ( SEO ) practices. These are steps that help pages rank higher in the results of top search engines like Google.
You can create your own website using services like WordP r ess , Wix , or Squarespace . This route is very affordable, but figuring out how to build a website can be time-consuming. If you lack tech-savvy, you can hire a web designer or developer to create a custom website for your business.
Focus on USPs
Unique selling propositions, or USPs, are the characteristics of a product or service that sets it apart from the competition. Customers today are inundated with buying options, so you’ll have a real advantage if they are able to quickly grasp how your dog breeding business meets their needs or wishes. It’s wise to do all you can to ensure your USPs stand out on your website and in your marketing and promotional materials, stimulating buyer desire.
Global pizza chain Domino’s is renowned for its USP: “Hot pizza in 30 minutes or less, guaranteed.” Signature USPs for your dog breeding business could be:
- French Bulldogs bred with loving care
- Gentle Labradors for your family
- Registered purebred dogs – pick your breed
You may not like to network or use personal connections for business gain. But your personal and professional networks likely offer considerable untapped business potential. Maybe that Facebook friend you met in college is now running a dog breeding business, or a LinkedIn contact of yours is connected to dozens of potential clients. Maybe your cousin or neighbor has been working in dog breeding for years and can offer invaluable insight and industry connections.
The possibilities are endless, so it’s a good idea to review your personal and professional networks and reach out to those with possible links to or interest in dog breeding. You’ll probably generate new customers or find companies with which you could establish a partnership.
Step 12: Build Your Team
You may need help caring for your dogs and running your business at some point, even though you’ll be running your business from home. Potential positions for a dog breeding business would include:
- Helpers or Dog Sitters – help care for dogs, clean up after dogs
- Dog Trainers – help train dogs after adoption
At some point, you may need to hire all of these positions or simply a few, depending on the size and needs of your business. You might also hire multiple workers for a single role or a single worker for multiple roles, again depending on need.
Free-of-charge methods to recruit employees include posting ads on popular platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, or Jobs.com. You might also consider a premium recruitment option, such as advertising on Indeed , Glassdoor , or ZipRecruiter . Further, if you have the resources, you could consider hiring a recruitment agency to help you find talent.
Step 13: Start Making Money!
Most people agree that dogs are lovely animals and a great addition to any household. Dog breeding gives you the opportunity to care for dogs, find them good homes, and make a nice profit. It’s a $2 billion industry and you can capitalize on that market while providing a valuable service. You now have some knowledge about the business, so you’re ready to start your journey to becoming a successful dog breeder.
Dog Breeder Business FAQs
The costs to start will depend on what type of dog you purchase to begin breeding and how much equipment you need to purchase. You should be able to start for around $4,000.
Prices for puppies range from $500 to $3000. A dog can have up to 3 litters per year and litter sizes average 6 puppies. Even with one dog, you can make a nice profit, and if you acquire more dogs, you can increase your income substantially.
You can register your business, your litters, and your puppies with the American Kennel Association (AKA). Costs to register are nominal.
French Bulldogs are a very profitable breed, selling for high prices. They are also a very popular breed. German Shepherds are also very popular and profitable.
Featured Resources
57 Best Service Business Ideas
David Lepeska
Published on December 1, 2022
The services sector is undoubtedly the biggest economic sector in the US as it accounts for nearly 70% of the country’s gross domestic product. It ...
16 Business Ideas that Help the Community
Esther Strauss
Published on July 29, 2022
Just about everybody wants to live in a warm, welcoming close-knit community, and you can help build one by starting a business that helps peopleliv ...
16 Pet Business Ideas for Animal Lovers
Published on July 14, 2022
Americans are spending more on pet care and products as the pet humanization trend, which treats pets as family members, takes root. Annually, anown ...
- Privacy Overview
- Strictly Necessary Cookies
This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.
If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.
How to Start a Dog Breeding Business: Everything You Need to Know
How to start a dog breeding business requires careful consideration as the services the business provides can affect the health and well-being of the adult dogs involved in the breeding process and the puppies resulting from the breeding. 3 min read
Updated October 29, 2020
What Is a Dog Breeding Business?
How to start a dog breeding business requires careful consideration as the services the business provides can affect the health and well-being of the adult dogs involved in the breeding process and the puppies resulting from the breeding. Additionally, a dog breeding business is responsible for disease prevention among the dogs and the responsibility of maintaining the continuity of the breeds involved.
Step 1. The first consideration in how to start a dog breeding business should be to determine your level of interest and commitment and whether you are in physical condition to handle the demands of caring for and handling dogs.
Step 2. Questions to ask yourself before embarking on a dog breeding business include:
- What is my reason for starting a dog breeding business?
- Am I motivated enough to be successful?
- Can I be my own boss?
- What avenue should I take to ensure the business is profitable?
- What is the market for the breeds I want to work with?
- Is there a significant competition among breeders I should know about?
- Can I make a difference in improving the breed?
- Do I want to learn about the many inherited diseases that are specific to certain breeds?
Step 3. Decide which niche you want to pursue. There are different roles for dogs from family pets, comfort dogs for elderly patients, children who are hospitalized, and the visually impaired to security dogs, police dogs, rescue dogs, and border patrol dogs sniffing out contraband.
Step 4. You will need to have a secure facility to ensure the dogs and the puppies are safe along with appropriate insurance. You must also buy female and male dogs. In the case of the males, you have the option of using another breeder's dog by paying a stud fee. Your facility must provide food to meet daily requirements, flea and tick control, and have each puppy tested and vaccinated.
Step 5. Research or contact your state's offices that handle licenses and permits and what zoning requirements are applicable in your area. These need to be done before opening your business. In some states, registering as a kennel is a requirement. Contact the Small Business Administration for general information.
Step 6. As you begin your dog breeding business, you should register your business and subsequent puppies with the American Kennel Club.
Step 7. Have a contract drawn up that outlines the purchase agreement when a puppy is sold.
When operating a dog breeding business , owners have the option of selling the puppies locally or they may expand into other regions or go national.
It is possible to run a dog breeding business with just one person managing the operation from start to finish.
Prices for puppies with no health or pedigree issues can range from $500 to $3,000 per puppy.
An additional way to increase your business's revenue is by entering your dogs into shows where they'll be seen. If they win, it adds a level of prestige to your business and sends the message to potential buyers that you breed award-winning pups.
Your business is responsible for the management, health, and safety of the canines at all times.
Starting a dog breeding business can be a substantial monetary investment.
Prices for puppies depends on several factors such as the parent's pedigree, the health of the puppy, behavioral problems, and genetic health issues.
- I love dogs and would like to start my own breeding business. Is this a realistic goal?
A dog breeding business would be a good choice for those individuals who are knowledgeable about breeding dogs, birthing dogs and have the physical stamina to interact with adults and puppies during exercise and playtime. Individuals should also have an avid passion for the caring of dogs of all ages and breeds. It is a time-consuming job and one that requires a lot of patience and dedication to ensuring each dog's health.
- Are there any courses available to help me learn more about dog breeding?
Yes. You can take free courses or receive an official certificate - for a fee - from the American Kennel Club (AKC).
- What is a commercial breeder?
A business breeding 20 dogs or more in a 12-month timeframe is considered a commercial breeder. These businesses have state regulations to follow.
If you need help with starting a dog breeding business, you can post your legal need on UpCounsel's marketplace. UpCounsel accepts only the top 5 percent of lawyers to its site. Lawyers on UpCounsel come from law schools such as Harvard Law and Yale Law and average 14 years of legal experience, including work with or on behalf of companies like Google, Menlo Ventures, and Airbnb.
Hire the top business lawyers and save up to 60% on legal fees
Content Approved by UpCounsel
- What Is a Pet Purchase Contract?
- What Are Businesses That Do Not Require a License?
- Yellow Dog Contract
- Unilateral Offer Cases
- Conventional Patent Application
- Business Contracts Between Friends: What You Need to Know
- How to Start a Business: A Comprehensive Guide for Entrepreneurs
- Starting a Company
- Where Should I Register My Online Business
- Impossibility of Performance
IMAGES
VIDEO
COMMENTS
Executive Summary · Give a brief overview of the dog breeding industry. · Discuss the type of dog breeding business you are operating. · Detail your direct
Plan your Dog Breeding Business · Form your Dog Breeding Business into a Legal Entity · Register your Dog Breeding Business for Taxes · Open a
State the Initial and Long Term Goals of Your Dog Breeding Business · Who Is Your Target Clientele And How Will You Market Your Puppies? · Management and
Dog breeding business is a business in the pet industry that involves mating selected dogs with the aim to maintain or produce specific qualities and
1. Write a business plan · 2. Insurance is king · 3. Choose a breed of dog to specialize in · 4. Avoid trend breeding · 5. Write a detailed budget · 6. Get the right
Once the business establishes itself, dog breeders are able to generate steady profits after each litter. Successful breeders sometimes will
In the early stages, you may want to run your business from home to keep costs low. But as your dog breeding business grows, you'll likely need
When operating a dog breeding business, owners have the option of selling the puppies locally or they may expand into other regions or go national. It is
Be Harsh With Yourself If You Want To Breed Dogs Successfully · Write down your goals and work out how you're going to achieve them · Look at your
2 - Start Your Dog Breeding Business. Choose Your Breed. Design Your Farm. Find Your Veterinary. Set Up Your Company. Business Plan (with Excel files) BONUS.