For the real hustlers in the house, the idea of starting a dog breeding and training business in Kenya will sound like a heaven-sent gift. First, the business does not have seasonal fluctuations.
Secondly, if you’re really passionate about it you can even start with NO monetary capital. Thirdly, no formal training is required which means you can start as soon as you’re ready to get going. And the returns? Well, keep reading to find out.
Dog Breeding and Training Business in Kenya
Step 1: Get Dog Trainers Training
Dog trainers training is offered on an apprentice basis and NO FORMAL TRAINING is required. Past experience in a dog training facility and the disciplined service e.g. ex-NYS or local security companies can be a big boost.
Step 2: Do This Simple Market Survey
The reality of the market is that you need to go where the demand is high. Population density and dog-ownership percentages go hand-in-hand. A related consideration is that the demand for dog training services is high in urban areas than rural areas with Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Embu, Nakuru and Thika towns topping the list.
Step 3: Identify a Market Gap
It’s very easy to see if your market has a gap to be filled. If you notice most trainers in the area are usually busy for weeks or even months ahead, it means demand for services currently exceeds supply and hence you can join in. Remember, even if there is no gap in a market, you can still join in by adding a differentiating factor to your services. For instance, door-to-door services, boarding facilities or even free blog tips on dog care can significantly make you stand out.
Step 4: Start With Few Puppies
If you want to become a breeder cum trainer, it goes without saying you’ll need to keep a few dogs. You can talk to other local breeders (the East Africa Kennel Club is a good reference point) so that you can book puppies with them. Good dog breeds include:
- Boxer
- Great Dane
- Labrador Retriever
- Rottweiler
- German Shepherd
- Golden Retriever
- Chihuahua
- Japanese Spitz
Step 5: Build Kennels
As you wait for the puppies to be delivered, build a few kennels. For instance, you can start with 5 boarding kennels and 1 warm maternity kennel.
Step 6: Get the Word Out
Print out a few brochures and drop a few batches at busy shops and agro-vets in your target area. Put your contacts up in one of the many free classified ads websites. Place a cheap classified ad with the local daily newspaper and then do a bit of social media sensitization.
A Quick Note
Some of the services you can offer include:
(1)Dog training services – obedience and aggressive training, potty training, guard dog training (Average Price: Ksh30,000)
(2)Dog breeding services – breed puppies and sell them after training (Average Price: Ksh10,000 – Ksh50,000)
(3)Dog boarding services – when dog owners want to travel they can leave their dogs with you (Average Price: Ksh500 per dog, per day)
How Much To Invest
If you’re short of starting capital, you can start off as purely a freelance dog trainer and in that case you will not require any monetary capital, just sweat capital and a hustler’s attitude. You can however consider widening your opportunities by venturing into the more lucrative dog breeding business.
Kennels – Ksh10,000
Puppies – Ksh 20,000 (Pure breed)
Dog food – Ksh10,000
Marketing – Ksh10,000
City Council Dog License – Ksh1,000 (Rate applicable in Nairobi City Only)
Miscellaneous – Ksh20,000
Ideal Budget – Ksh100,000 to Ksh150,000.
How Much To Expect
On average, an established trainer and breeder makes Ksh500,000 per month (Ref).
Final Word
Contrary to popular opinion, starting a dog breeding and training business in Kenya isn’t that complicated. You only need to be passionate about the hustle and ready to do what it takes to get going. What’s stopping you?
