Exotic Dog Ownership Guide: What You Need to Know + How to Set Up a Legal Kennel

Table of Contents

1. What is an exotic dog?
2. Is an exotic dog right for you?
3. Real costs of owning an exotic dog
4. Daily care, training, and health
5. Why kennels can be a strong business
6. Legal requirements (what to check)
7. Step-by-step: setting up a kennel
8. Services that make money
9. Pricing & revenue models
10. Marketing your kennel
11. Scaling safely
12. Mistakes to avoid
13. FAQ (SEO)

1) What Is an “Exotic Dog”?

The keyword exotic dog is used online to describe dogs that are:

• Rare or uncommon in your area
• From distinctive lines or mixes
• Known for unique looks (size, coat, structure)

Examples often discussed under this term:

• American Bully variants
• Cane Corso lines
• Rare French Bulldog colors
• Uncommon working or guardian breeds

👉 Important: regardless of the label, every dog needs consistent care, training, and humane treatment.

2) Is an Exotic Dog Right for You?

Before you build anything around dogs, ask yourself:

• Do you have time every day for exercise and training?
• Can you afford vet care if something goes wrong?
• Do you have enough space?
• Are you prepared for a 10–15 year commitment?

Exotic dogs (especially larger or high-drive breeds) can require:

• More structured training
• Stronger containment (fencing/kennels)
• Higher food and medical costs

👉 If the answer is “not yet,” start with learning, volunteering, or offering pet services first.

3) Real Costs of Owning an Exotic Dog

Startup Costs

• Crate/kennel: $80–$300
• Bed, bowls, leash, harness: $50–$150
• Initial vet visit + vaccines: $100–$300
• Supplies (toys, cleaners): $50–$150

Typical start: $300–$900+

Monthly Costs

• Food: $60–$180
• Preventatives (flea/tick/heartworm): $20–$60
• Grooming (if needed): $30–$120
• Misc. (toys, treats): $20–$60

Typical monthly: $130–$400+

Yearly Snapshot

$1,500–$5,000+ depending on size, health, and care level.

Low cost supply check out:

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4) Daily Care, Training & Health

Routine

• Feed on a schedule (1–2x/day)
• Daily exercise (30–90+ minutes depending on breed)
• Basic obedience practice

Training

Start early:

• Sit, stay, come
• Leash manners
• Crate training

👉 Structured training reduces stress and risk.

Health

• Annual vet exams
• Vaccinations
• Parasite prevention
• Clean water at all times

Related: Exotic Food Stand Business

5) Why Kennels Can Be a Strong Business

Instead of focusing on selling dogs, build services around care. Demand is consistent because people:

• Travel
• Work long hours
• Need training help
• Want grooming convenience

Core revenue streams:

• Boarding (overnight stays)
• Daycare (daytime supervision)
• Training (basic obedience, behavior)
• Grooming (baths, nails)
• Add-ons (walks, enrichment, special diets)

👉 This model is repeatable, scalable, and more stable.

6) Legal Requirements (Check Locally)

Rules vary by city/state, but commonly include:

• Kennel license or permit
• Zoning approval (home vs. commercial)
• Animal capacity limits
• Inspections
• Liability insurance

Always verify locally before building.

7) Step-by-Step: Setting Up a Kennel

Step 1: Choose Your Setup Type

Step 2: Plan Layout

Create zones:

• Intake/check-in area
• Individual dog runs
• Exercise/play yard
• Cleaning/storage area
• Isolation area (for sick dogs)

Step 3: Build or Install Kennels

Each run should allow:

• Standing upright
• Turning around comfortably
• Separate space for rest

Materials:

• Chain-link or welded panels
• Concrete or sealed flooring
• Proper drainage

Step 4: Flooring & Sanitation

Best options:

• Sealed concrete (easy to disinfect)
• Rubber mats for comfort
• Sloped floor + drain

Daily cleaning is non-negotiable.

Step 5: Temperature & Airflow

You need:

• Shade in summer
• Heating in winter
• Cross-ventilation or fans

👉 Heat stress and cold exposure are real risks.

Step 6: Security

• Strong perimeter fencing
• Locked gates
• No gaps or weak points
• Cameras (optional but smart)

Step 7: Water & Feeding Stations

• Stainless bowls or auto-waterers
• Individual feeding routines (avoid conflicts)

Step 8: Cleaning Protocol

Daily

• Remove waste
• Sanitize surfaces
• Refresh water

Weekly

• Deep clean entire area
• Inspect for damage

8) Services That Make Money

Boarding (Core)

• $30–$75 per night per dog
• Higher for large dogs or special care

Daycare

• $20–$40 per day
• Package deals (5 days for a discount)

Training

• $50–$150 per session
• Group classes increase margins

Grooming (Add-On)

• Bath: $20–$50
• Nails: $10–$25

Premium Add-Ons

• Extra playtime
• One-on-one walks
• Special meals
• Photo/video updates

👉 Add-ons increase average ticket without more clients.

9) Pricing & Revenue Models

Example Small Setup (5 Dogs)

• Boarding: 5 dogs × $40/night = $200/day
• Monthly (20 booked days): $4,000

Add daycare/training:

• +$1,000–$3,000/month

Mid Setup (10–15 Dogs)

• $8,000–$18,000/month potential depending on occupancy and services

👉 Real profit depends on:

• Occupancy rate
• Efficiency
• Staffing (if any)
• Fixed costs (rent, utilities, insurance)

10) Marketing Your Kennel

Online Presence

• Google Business Profile
• Website (services, pricing, photos)
• Social media (before/after, daily life)

Content Ideas

• “Day in the life at our kennel”
• Training tips
• Dog care guides

Local Tactics

• Partner with vets
• Pet stores
• Dog parks
• Community boards

Reviews

Ask happy clients for reviews—this is huge.

11) Scaling Safely

Don’t rush growth.

Expand by:

• Adding more runs (space allowing)
• Extending hours
• Hiring trained help
• Adding services (training, grooming)

👉 Quality over quantity keeps your reputation strong.

12) Mistakes to Avoid

• ❌ Overcrowding dogs
• ❌ Skipping daily cleaning
• ❌ Ignoring zoning/permits
• ❌ Underpricing (burnout risk)
• ❌ Taking dogs you can’t safely handle

13) Final Thoughts

The exotic dog niche gets attention, but long-term success comes from:

• Responsible ownership
• Clean, safe facilities
• Consistent service

👉 Build a system that puts dog welfare first and the money follows.

FAQ

What is an exotic dog?

An exotic dog is typically a rare or unique breed or mix with distinctive traits.

How much does it cost to own an exotic dog?

Roughly $1,500–$5,000+ per year depending on size and care.

Can I make money with a dog kennel?

Yes—boarding, daycare, training, and grooming can generate steady monthly income.

Do I need a license for a kennel?

Often yes. Requirements vary by city/state, so check local rules.

What services make the most money?

Boarding + daycare + add-ons (training, grooming) usually produce the highest revenue.