From facility expansion and kennel upgrades to working capital and holiday staffing surges — get $10,000–$500,000 in funding for your dog daycare or boarding business. Approvals in 24 hours.
Reviewed by MFE Funding Team | Updated March 2026
The U.S. pet boarding and daycare market exceeded $9 billion in 2025 and continues to grow at roughly 7% annually, driven by millennial and Gen Z pet ownership rates that now exceed 70% among households under 45. Pet owners increasingly treat dogs as family members — and they pay premium prices for quality overnight boarding, structured daycare play groups, and enrichment programs that keep their animals stimulated while they are away.
But building and operating a competitive dog daycare or boarding facility requires serious capital. The typical facility operators face three categories of ongoing capital pressure: facility build-out and expansion costs, equipment and technology investment, and seasonal cash flow gaps between peak periods.
Merchant Fund Express has funded hundreds of pet care businesses across the United States and understands the specific financial rhythms of the industry. This page explains your financing options, what lenders look for, and how to position your application for the best possible outcome.
A professional dog daycare facility requires substantially more build-out than most retail businesses. Key capital requirements include:
No industry experiences more dramatic seasonal cash flow swings than pet boarding. Understanding these patterns is essential for financial planning:
The smarter approach is to establish a business line of credit during a strong revenue period — ideally Q3 or Q4 — so you have an available credit facility entering the slow months. Lines of credit charge no interest on undrawn amounts, so the cost is minimal until you actually need the funds.
A lump-sum advance to cover operating expenses, payroll, marketing, supplies, or lease payments during slow seasons. Terms from 3 to 18 months. Repay via fixed daily or weekly ACH. Best for predictable short-term needs with a defined repayment plan.
Finance kennels, play yard equipment, HVAC systems, security cameras, grooming stations, and washing machines with the equipment as collateral. Preserve cash flow by spreading costs over 12–60 months. Rates are typically lower than working capital loans because the loan is secured.
Receive a lump-sum advance repaid as a percentage of daily credit card receipts. Ideal for boarding facilities with high card transaction volume. Repayments automatically slow during slow seasons — no fixed monthly payment to stress over in January.
Similar to MCA but repayment is structured as fixed ACH withdrawals rather than a percentage of card sales. Better for facilities that accept more checks, bank transfers, or app-based payments than traditional card transactions.
The most flexible option for established dog daycare operators. Draw only what you need, when you need it. Repay and redraw repeatedly. Pay interest only on outstanding balances. Best for managing predictable seasonal cash flow gaps without taking on unnecessary debt.
Dog daycare facilities that serve corporate clients, pet hotels with monthly billing accounts, or facilities that bill veterinary practices for boarding referrals can factor outstanding invoices for immediate cash — typically 80–90% of face value within 24–48 hours.
| Item | Brand Examples | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Indoor Kennel Runs (each) | Mason Company, Shor-Line, K9 Kennel Store | $800 – $3,000 |
| Commercial Play Yard Fencing | Americana Fence, Master Halco | $15,000 – $50,000 |
| Industrial HVAC / Ventilation | Carrier, Trane, custom commercial | $15,000 – $40,000 |
| Rubber Flooring / Turf | Greatmats, K9Grass, Matta USA | $10,000 – $30,000 |
| Security Camera System | Axis, Verkada, Hanwha | $5,000 – $20,000 |
| Doggy Daycare Software | Gingr, Kennel Connection, PetExec | $2,000 – $7,000/yr |
| Bathing / Grooming Station | Shor-Line, Flying Pig, Pet Gear | $3,000 – $12,000 |
| Full 30-Run Facility Setup | Mixed | $150,000 – $400,000 |
Prefer to talk first? Call (305) 384-8391 to speak directly with a funding specialist.
Merchant Fund Express funds dog daycare and pet boarding businesses from $10,000 to $500,000. Most established facilities qualify for $50,000 to $250,000.
Kennel construction, play yard fencing, climate control systems, grooming equipment, staffing, software, marketing, and seasonal working capital.
Holiday boarding surges can push revenue 40–60% above baseline. Pre-arranged credit lines let you staff up and prepare for peaks without draining reserves.
Yes. Our MCA and revenue-based programs approve based primarily on business revenue. Many owners with credit scores as low as 500 have qualified.
Most programs require $10,000–$15,000 in monthly gross revenue. Larger facility buildouts may require 12 months of revenue history.
Working capital and MCA products are approved within 24 hours and funded within 1–3 business days. Equipment financing may take 3–7 days.
MCA and revenue-based financing are unsecured. Equipment financing is secured by the equipment. Larger working capital loans may require a general UCC lien.
Yes. Working capital loans cover mixed-use expenses. We often combine working capital for renovation with equipment financing for kennels, HVAC, and play structures.
Fast approvals. Transparent terms. Funds in 1–3 days.
Start Your ApplicationOr call: (305) 384-8391
Expertise: Our team includes certified funding specialists with years of experience helping businesses access capital.
Trust & Transparency: We're committed to transparent lending practices with no hidden fees or surprise terms.
Fast Approvals: Our streamlined process provides decisions within 24 hours in most cases.
Flexible Solutions: We work with you to customize funding solutions that match your specific business needs and cash flow.