Opening a doggy daycare is a dream for many, but the jump from dog lover to licensed business owner is a steep one. In the UK, the pet care sector is more tightly regulated than ever. Running a profitable, five-star rated centre takes far more than a secure field and a box of tennis balls.
To help you start on the right footing, here are the ten most common mistakes new UK daycare owners make and how to avoid them.
1. Treating Licensing as an Afterthought
In the UK, your local council determines your star rating. One of the most expensive mistakes new owners make is failing to fully understand the Defra Animal Activity Licensing guidelines before committing to a premises.
Requirements cover everything from isolation crate sizes to fencing height and layout. Failing an inspection on day one can delay your opening and drain cash before you even take your first booking.
2. Underestimating Staff-to-Dog Ratios
Licensing is not just about the building. It is also about people. Many new operators budget for average staffing rather than mandatory ratios, which are often one staff member to ten dogs depending on your licence level.
If someone calls in sick and you exceed your approved capacity, you are not just under pressure. You may be in breach of your licence.
3. Skipping the Trial Day
When you are trying to fill spaces, it is tempting to accept every dog that comes through the door. This can be risky. One anxious or reactive dog can disrupt the entire group and increase the chance of incidents.
A mandatory, paid trial day allows you to assess behaviour, suitability, and group fit before committing to long-term care.
4. Poor Record-Keeping and the Paper Diary Trap
Councils expect clear records covering vaccinations, feeding routines, enrichment activities, and attendance. Paper diaries and scattered spreadsheets quickly become stressful during inspections.
Using a dedicated system like TailPro keeps records digital, organised, and ready for inspection at all times.
5. Competing on Price Alone
There will always be someone charging bargain rates from a back garden. If you try to compete with hobby pricing while paying for commercial rent, insurance, and trained staff, your margins will disappear.
Professional daycares succeed by focusing on safety, structure, and quality of care, not by being the cheapest option.
6. Ignoring Biosecurity and Cleaning Standards
Illness spreads quickly in group environments. New owners often underestimate the time and cost required for proper, pet-safe cleaning.
You need documented cleaning routines, appropriate disinfectants, and clear protocols that stand up to council scrutiny. A quick mop is not enough.
7. Failing to Set Professional Boundaries
Allowing early drop-offs or late collections without charging sets a difficult precedent. Clients will repeat what you allow.
Clear opening hours, structured drop-off windows, and late collection fees protect both your time and your capacity. Your availability is inventory and should be treated as such.
8. All Play and No Rest
A common misconception is that dogs should be active all day. In reality, overstimulation leads to stress, exhaustion, and behavioural issues.
Professional daycares build in structured rest using quiet zones or crates to keep energy levels balanced and groups manageable.
9. Inadequate Insurance Coverage
Standard public liability insurance is not sufficient. You need Care, Custody, and Control insurance to protect your business if a dog is injured, becomes ill, or escapes while in your care.
Without the right policy, a single incident can put your business at serious financial risk.
10. Forgetting Your Own Work-Life Balance
Running a daycare is physically and mentally demanding. Many new owners work long days and then spend evenings and weekends dealing with admin.
Automation is not a luxury. It is essential for protecting your energy, your health, and your long-term commitment to the business.
Transition from Overwhelmed to In Control
Most of these mistakes stem from the same issue. Too much time is spent on admin and not enough on managing the business itself.
TailPro was built for UK pet care professionals who need structure, compliance, and efficiency from day one. From managing Defra-required records to automating bookings, payments, and schedules, TailPro helps you stay organised without adding unnecessary complexity.
Do not wait for your first council inspection to realise you need better systems.
Book a demo today and start your daycare journey with the right tools in place.