• A mop and mop bucket- (the most important two items you can own, I’m talking the industrial type, not the el cheapo versions that people get to clean a kitchen floor)

• Bleach/Kennel Cleaner- Most pathogens can only survive in the environment a few hours (canine distemper) or at most a few weeks (Bordetella) and all of them are made inactive by virtually all routinely used disinfectants. Adenovirus is an exception; it is can only be eradicated by a handful of disinfectants, including household bleach (5% sodium hypochlorite) diluted at 1:32, or roughly one/half cup of bleach per gallon of water.

• Window cleaner- Anywhere there is glass there will be dog nose and paw prints.

• Broom both the standard type and the janitorial push broom type

• Dust pan

• Leashes

• Towels

• Pee proof furniture or bedding

• Chew Proof furniture or bedding

• Stainless steel water and feeding dishes (also try and get some red anodized dishes to use as an identifier for dogs with medical issues if you will offer boarding)

• Flea and tick shampoo, regular shampoos, flea combs and general dog maintenance items.

• Canine First Aid kit

• Human First Aid Kit

• Muzzles

• A distraction device- To break things up when the dog are getting to rambunctious (A coffee can taped shut with coins inside works great for getting the dogs attention)

• Storage bins for holding each dogs individual leash, collar, luggage etc. that can hold an index card with the pets name on it. You can use hooks, but if you have over night boarding you will need bins.

• A trash can with a closable top, for disposing of solid waste.

• Poop Bags

• Desktop computer, phone and fax machine

• Kennel Management Software

• R. Financial Software

• Cash Drawer that is COMPATIBLE with your kennel Management Software

• Refrigerator

• Logo Imprinted Forms, Stationary and Business Cards

• Digital Camera

• Liability Insurance

• Coffee Maker- Although not a requirement, you will find that when you first start a Dog Daycare you have to be at work early and your days will be long. Having a coffee maker at the store to help give that extra perk in the early morning hours is nice.

• Microwave

• Shop Vac

• Deep Sink

• Always keep a Change of Clothes at the store as well

• Dehumidifier -If you offer grooming this will help in pulling all the moisture from drying dogs out of the air. The air conditioning is usually not adequate enough by itself.

Notice that a lot of the items in the list deal with cleaning, because that is what you will do the most of.  Dog Daycare is a messy business and you have to maintain it in a clean and sanitary condition for the protection and safety of your four legged guests.