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How to Start a Pet Transportation Business

29 January 2012, 3:47 am

Kennels

Pet Transportation Services are needed as the number of pets in the U.S. has grown tremendously over the past few decades. According to the U.S. Pet ownership and Demographics sourcebook, there are an estimated 60 million dogs and 70 million cats in American homes today. Apart from that, households which own pets have been recorded to spend 36% more in 2001 as compared to 1996. With this, owning a business that caters to the pet market, including a pet transportation service has lots of potential for healthy growth.

This is due to the fact that many Americans move around the country yearly and thus would require pet transportation services to move their pets as well. On a smaller scale, pet transportation services can also cater for local residents who require these services to transport their pets to and from the vet, within a local area or even to the crematorium for pets which have died.

Start Up Costs and Financing Sources:

Starting a pet transportation business really depends on the scale that you want your business to be. If you want to start on a smaller scale, all you really need is probably a pickup truck that has been modified to be safe and suitable for the transport of animals. Of course, you will need to set up an office or operate from your home with just a telephone, email and a fax machine. All of these will cost you less than $20,000.

On a larger scale, especially when you are considering cross border transportation, you will probably need to invest on a larger truck that can accommodate a few pets at the same time. Apart from that, the insides of the truck will need to be made suitable, safe and clean for pets, with adequate ventilation and cleaning facilities. In order to make this business viable, you may need to quickly expand your business to include sales agent offices in various locations. This way, you can build up business volume in order to increase profitability. All of these may cost you anywhere from $200,000 to $500,000 in initial start up costs.

Financing can be obtained from investors who may be interested in the potentials of such a business. Other than that, lending institutions such as banks can be approached to obtain a loan for the business. As with any business start-up, an impressive business plan must be developed for potential investors and financiers, indicating the potential growth as well as the estimated annual costs and revenue of the business.

Pricing Guidelines for Service:

The pricing strategy for a pet transportation service business fluctuates based on the fixed and variable cost of the business, as well as the nature of the service provided. Local transportation services may start with a minimum charge of $20 to $40 for the first 20 miles and an additional $10 for every 10 miles after that.

As for interstate transportation or transportation between cities, the distance between the origin and the destination will be the major price determinant. With this, prices may range from $100 and up, depending also on the size of the animal and the pet carrier.

Advertising and Marketing:

As you are targeting pet owners, the best marketing approach would to advertise in locations where pet owners would go. Reading material for pet owners as well as events that are attended by the same target group. Placing brochures within pet stores and probably awarding pet stores with commissions for every customer they recommend to you would be a good idea. Advertising in pet magazines or getting a write up on your services would be helpful. Of course, classified ads in the Yellow pages are a must in order to make it easy for customers to locate you.

Other channels of promotion would be participation as a vendor in dog shows or exhibitions. Doing this will help increase awareness on the existence of the business. Additionally, working with associations such as the American Kennel Association would create and improve visibility to pet breeders and pet store owners. Especially when you participate in events organized by these associations.

Launching a website and allowing potential customers to get instant price estimates from your website would also be a great idea.

Essential Equipment

This business requires a fair amount of equipment, in which the most important would be the vehicle that is used to transport the animals. Apart from that, other equipment such as crates, kennels and carriers may be required as some customers do not have these items with them. The size and usage of these crates must be according to the guidelines set by the Independent Pet and Animal Transport Association (IPATA).

Handlers and drivers will need to be employed to care for the animals while they are in transit. Other equipment required would be built-in sinks within the vehicle to allow for easy cleaning and water refills.

Recommended training, experience, or needed skills:

There is no extensive training required for a pet transportation service business. However, good and responsible drivers and animal handlers need to be engaged. It would be best if you have a background and experience in handling animals during travel so you can train your staff and ensure that they are handling animals in the correct manner. Apart from that, your staff must also know what to do if they encounter problems during the journey, and should also be equipped with the latest kennel and vet location information in case of emergencies.

Apart from that, the business owner must be well informed on all legal requirements pertaining to pet transportation. For example, there are IPATA guidelines on the size of crates and wire crates that are required by law. Moreover, all pets must be accompanied by an inter-state travel certificate that has been certified by a veterinarian.

Income potential:

The income potential of this business is dependent on how large the business grows to. A larger business with multiple offices and destinations will be able to sustain a higher sales volume. With this, the pet transportation business will be able to generate at least a six- figure income each year.

Target market:

Pet owners, pet stores and animal breeders.

Success tips:

A pet transportation business requires investment and a passion for welfare of animals in order for it to be successful. As it is also a niche market, lots of marketing and advertising need to be invested into the business in order to create the awareness of the services.

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Ring Worm in Dogs

4 January 2012, 11:22 pm

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Ringworm is one of the most common diseases in pets, especially dogs. Unlike its name, Ringworm is not a worm but fungi called Dermatophytes that thrives on dead tissues present on skin surface and follows circular path to spread infection.

Ringworm is an infectious skin disease and your pet usually picks it up from his surroundings like kennels, rodent burrows or from other animals who are already infected. There are about 35 species of ringworm that can affect dogs. The most common is ‘Mircosporum Canis’, which accounts for majority of ringworm cases

One symptom of ringworms in dogs is a lesion on the skin that looks like a rapidly growing circular patch of broken hair. The patch may look inflamed and may appear to have dandruff-like flakes on it. The most common areas where it can occur are face, ear tips, tails and paws.

If you find any of these symptoms, take your pet to the veterinarian. He may diagnose the disease by plucking hairs from the infected area and examining it under ultra violet light. On finding fungi traits, he may advise some anti fungal pills or topical medications for your pet

Humans need to take some precautions since ringworm is an infectious disease. Be sure to keep kids away from an infected pet, and adults should wear gloves when handling any items that have come in contact with the animal. Also keep your dog neat and clean and clip his hairs short since longer hairs promote unhygienic conditions.

Although, ringworm is a mild disorder the problems due to its infectious nature and slow recovery time can be problematic.

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Dog Boarding Kennel Or Pet Sitter – Which is Best?

15 January 2011, 12:04 am

When vacation time is upon us and families are looking to spend some time away from home, taking the family dog is not always possible. Will you choose a pet sitter or a dog boarding kennel?

A responsible decision has to be made for the care of your pet in your absence. If you do not have a trusted friend or family member to act as guardian, you have two other options that each have both pros and cons attached.

It is important to take your dog’s personality into account and how it’s likely to react to certain situations. Many dogs will become stressed in your absence and being at a kennel much more than they would in your absence and staying in their own familiar environment, where familiar scents, their dog crate, comfort zone or bed is. Would you be able to depend on the boarding kennel feeding your dog the food it’s accustomed to? Dogs that are fed different food from their usual diet may experience upsets such as vomiting or diarrhea, conditions that can be compounded and made worse with the addition of “stress”.

Many dogs confined in a small area coupled with the stress of boarding can induce a viral infection in some dogs such as kennel cough, a similar situation to having too many children in close quarters passing around a common “cold”. Proper sanitation is critical for preventing the spread of contagious diseases. Cages and kennel runs should look and smell clean, and the other animals currently being boarded should be clean and appear well cared for.

In case your dog becomes ill, how will it be addressed? Is there a veterinarian on call for treatment, or will your regular veterinarian be contacted. Be sure this is discussed with the kennel owner.

An animal hospital is not the best place to board your pet while on vacation for the simple reason that you increase the possibility of your dog coming in contact with other dogs’ illnesses that might transfer. If you are opting for the convenience of a dog boarding kennel, be sure to find a facility that you trust and, even better, that others have expressed trust in.

The most important things to look for in a boarding situation are general safety, and friendliness and competence of the staff. Not all boarding kennels are “great”. Some facilities do not give the dogs the play and attention you would desire for your pet. Extra amenities and attention in the way of treats, walks and play time can be optional “add-ons” to your base fee, so you need to consider these factors for cost analysis and your dog’s comfort, which is of primary importance.

Finding a boarding kennel with a good reputation is critical when entrusting the care of your pet to temporary guardians. Hopefully, you have gotten references and you can be confident that your dog is being monitored in a trustworthy establishment by professionals who understand their responsibility. The boarding kennel option removes any concern over having people you don’t know in your home.

The concern over strangers entering your home can be alleviated by doing a little advanced preparation and seeking the recommendation of reliable people and checking of references.

The pet sitting situation has positive aspects by offering you the advantage of someone checking your house, taking in mail and making your home look occupied with normal activity. If you desire a higher level of service, you can often find someone who is willing to stay at your home while you are away. This gives your pet companion the added advantage of plenty of attention with the least possible stress.

Office and technical staff at veterinary clinics make good candidates for pet sitting responsibilities or they can often offer you reliable referrals. They or those they might refer are “animal people” and are able to properly handle medical problems should they arise.

Whether you choose a boarding kennel or pet sitter (the better choice, in our opinion, is a pet sitter), make sure you give clear instructions on what food your dog should be fed and any required medications. Whoever is left in charge of your companion should walk and play with the dog several times a day. Give clear directions on what you expect with regard to play time and interaction. Be sure you provide good contact information in the case of an emergency.

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The Many Uses of Chain Link Dog Run Kennels

13 January 2011, 9:31 am


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Dog is man’s best friend, but sometimes we don’t treat dogs like friends. Instead, many dogs are either cooped up in inadequate spaces or they’re let to run loose in unsafe environments. Likewise, while some dogs can be left unattended others require a confined environment until their owner returns. There is a very simple and economical solution to this and that is a chain link dog run kennel.

What is a chain link dog kennel? It is a freestanding outdoor enclosure that has a galvanized steel frame and durable chain link wire mesh. It is portable and can be set in less than half an hour with no tools other than a set of pliers. Once assembled, it provides a secure outdoor containment area where dogs can play and enjoy the fresh air.

How big is a portable dog run? That varies. Kennels for small dogs or for use on a pickup truck bed may be four by four feet and four feet high. Kennels used in backyards or other open areas may be as large as ten by six feet and six feet high while still remaining portable. Even a large animal cage only weighs between 100 and 150 pounds and can easily be disassembled and moved elsewhere.

One potential problem with a smaller dog exercise pen is exposure to the sun. If a kennel is set up in the shade that’s generally not an issue, but just to be safe it’s best to use a cover. Most of the leading kennel products come with some sort of flexible cover. Covers should be UV-treated and offer good sun block protection so that dogs are kept cool and comfortable. Dog kennel covers are usually made of polypropylene, polyethylene or some other durable fabric and held in place with simple cable ties. If wind or other side exposure is an issue, covers can also be used for sidewalls.

Another thing to keep in mind is that portable dog kennels are meant to be a convenience for both dogs and dog owners, but they are not prisons. So always make sure that the kennel is large enough for your dog and the intended purpose. Also, while portable kennels are well made and sturdy, some training may be required to accustom the animal to the kennel and keep it from potentially harmful escape attempts. Likewise, portable kennels are not designed to contain aggressive dogs. If stability is an issue, there are anchor kits that can keep a kennel in place, or it can be installed on a specially constructed base.

The use of these chain link-type enclosures is not limited to dogs. They can also be used for other animals, including birds and poultry, or as an enclosure for whatever it is you want to keep safe from young children or roaming animals. Potential uses are endless, and the modularity and ease of assembly make chain link dog kennels a flexible solution for any number of projects.

So whether you want to keep your dog from digging up your herb garden, provide safe transportation, or simply want to provide your canine companion with a convenient open-air environment while you are away, portable chain link dog run kennels are an inexpensive and practical solution.

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Dog Kennels And Their Know How

11 January 2011, 4:31 pm


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Dog kennels are fenced-in enclosures that keep your pet safely contained. Dog kennels may be equipped with a dog house if desired.

A dog kennel is usually situated outdoors. It is ideally an enclosure that keeps your dog confined, secured, and safe. Dog kennels are commonly square or rectangular areas enclosed by a chain link fence, and they keep dogs away from people and people away from dogs.

When building dog kennels, the first consideration should be the size of your dog. Obviously, the bigger your dog, the bigger his kennel needs to be. You’d like a lockable kennel that confines your dog in a certain area, while at the same time preventing him from jumping over or digging under the fence. A low or poorly-built fence defeats the purpose of building a dog kennel in the first place.

Keep in mind that the kennel’s doghouse should provide your dog with good protection from the elements. It should be able to keep your dog comfortable and safe no matter the weather. This can be done by heeding the following guidelines:

First of all the doghouse should be well-insulated. It should have a dry and warm floor. It is advisable to cover the floor with wood shavings, sawdust or blankets in order to keep out cold and dampness. Raise the kennel or doghouse a few inches off the ground on a foundation of bricks or boards. This will protect your dog from water or snow going into his house, as well as preventing any water seepage coming from the foundation.

* Locating the kennel near a shady tree will keep your dog from being overheated during the summer months. Heat stroke can be lethal to your dog, so make sure to also keep his water pan full at all times during the summer months.

* Provide a windbreaker during winter to shield or deflect wind from your pet’s kennel. During extremely cold weather it is helpful to place a heat lamp in the dog house to keep your dog warm.

Make sure to situate your kennel in an area where there is good drainage. This will keep water from pooling in the kennel, and dogs generally prefer to keep their feet dry. Select an area where natural shade is available, and avoid putting your kennel near the property line to minimize any unforeseen disturbance to your neighbors. Make sure that your kennel can be easily viewed from your house so that you can monitor your pet’s condition.

The kennel that you select for your dog should be the biggest dimension you have space for. Dog kennels should be longer than it is wide to promote more exercise and activity – dogs need to keep moving in order to keep happy. Cramped living arrangements may develop resentment in your dog, especially if you don’t let him out every once in a while. Measure your dog and try to provide space with a least dimension of about five times his length. Space is especially important if you intend to put more than one dog in the kennel.

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