10 Simple Ways to Market or Advertise Your Doggie Daycare & Boarding Business

Running a doggie daycare or pet boarding business means juggling a lot. You're caring for pets, managing staff, keeping up with bookings, and still somehow finding time to market your business. And let’s be real… marketing can often feel expensive, overwhelming, or like something only the “big guys” can do. In fact, according to recent studies, the cost to gain new customers has increased 50% over the last 5 years.

That’s exactly where we come in at Pet Marketing Unleashed. Since 2017, we’ve helped pet care providers, from dog sitters to daycare and boarding facilities, ditch the stress and create marketing that actually works. Whether through strategic websites, branding, or resources like this blog, our goal is to help you attract the right clients without burning out.

And the good news is that you don’t need a massive budget or hours of free time to start seeing results. With the right strategies, you can consistently attract clients while focusing on what you do best.

Below are 10 simple, strategic ways you can start today to build visibility, increase loyalty, and make sure your business stands out from the competition.

1. Build a website that works for your daycare and boarding facility

Some daycare owners resist investing in a website, thinking referrals and social media are “enough.” But here’s the deal: your website is your online storefront. Unlike social platforms, you own it and it’s an investment that pays off for years to come. Not only that but think about where your social media posts and referrals are directed to... it's your website! It needs to be pulling its own weight in order to be effective and help you get more clients.

Think of it this way: would you book a hotel without a professional website? Pet parents feel the same about their daycare or boarding choice.

💡 Already have a site but not sure it’s working? Check out our FREE website fixes guide to turn your pet business website into a money-making machine!

2. Use booking software to save time

Managing inquiries, payments, and pet info manually is a recipe for burnout. Thankfully, there are platforms built just for daycare and boarding facilities that can streamline scheduling, payments, and communication. Look into tools like Revelation Pets, Paw Partner, Time To Pet (you'll get 50% off 4 months with our link) or Gingr to automate your systems and free up time to focus on client care.

3. Start an email marketing list

One of the most underused tools in pet care marketing is email. Sending even one newsletter a month can build brand loyalty, increase bookings, and encourage repeat visits. And unlike social media, you own your email list—it can’t be taken away.

My favorite email marketing platform is Flodesk for beautiful, easy-to-design emails. But, if you're not ready to pay for the email marketing feature, you can get started for free by just collecting email addresses on your site for when you're ready. Get 50% off your first year with our link, or use code UNLEASHED at checkout.

Speaking of emails, I 100% recommend up leveling your client experience. If you want to impress new clients right away, consider creating a Client Welcome Packet for daycare and boarding clients—it sets expectations, reduces back-and-forth, and helps you look professional from the start.

4. Show up consistently on social media

Pet parents want to see what life looks like inside your daycare. Sharing photos is great, but don’t stop there. Mix in educational, entertaining, and behind-the-scenes posts, too. Consistency builds trust, and trust brings in new bookings.

And if you need help getting started, we have a great blog on 33 Creative Instagram Post Ideas for Pet Businesses that will give you some great ideas!

5. Try targeted Facebook and Instagram Ads

Facebook advertising can work really well for small pet businesses. It’s budget-friendly, and when done strategically, it can have a really powerful ROI.

Ads can feel intimidating, but even a small budget can go a long way when you target the right audience. Pet parents in your zip code who search for boarding? Perfect match. Ads are a smart way to reach locals who may not know you exist—yet.

6. Create local blog content

Blogging is a powerful way to show up in Google, but if you’re running a doggie daycare or pet boarding business, it’s not just about writing any blog. The key is to write locally focused blog content. Think:

• “Best Dog Parks in [Your City]”

• “How to Choose the Right Boarding Facility in [Your City]”

• “What to Pack When Boarding Your Dog for a Weekend in [Your City]”

• 
  

Not only does this type of content position you as the local expert, but it also helps your website pop up when potential clients are searching for answers in your specific area.

When your blogs answer the exact questions pet parents are typing into Google, you’ll build trust before they even land on your services page and that trust often turns into booked daycare or boarding reservations.

Need help getting started? Our Pet Business Blogging Unleashed course gives you the templates and strategy to create content that actually gets seen (and brings in clients).

Or, check out our free blog post topic ideas to get started on your own!

7. Add extra touches that make clients refer

You can celebrate birthdays, offer training classes, host ice cream socials, perform art activities, and take photos during the holidays. Regular clients spend A LOT if they’re loyal to your business, so you need to show them that you truly spoil and cherish their pets. They LOVE those extra touches.

When those extra touches are associated with your business, it’ll be a lot easier for you to acquire new customers. Your loyal base will gladly expand your reach with positive reviews and referrals!

8. Reward existing and loyal clients

Existing clients will take up about 80% of your revenue compared to the cost of trying to acquire new clients.

Reward your loyal clients with perks like discounts, packages, or special bonuses. A small gesture goes a long way toward building lifetime loyalty.

9. Claim and optimize online listings

Make sure your business shows up where pet parents are searching, like Google Business Profile, Yelp, Bing, and others. Claim your listings, keep your information up to date, and encourage happy clients to leave reviews.

If someone searches for “pet sitter in San Diego” or "dog trainer near me, " you want your business to show up first, right?

One way to make that happen is through optimize your Google Business Listing. To learn more about how GBL can increase your visibility and best practices to optimize your profile, head to our interview with Amy Toman on Google Business Listings 101.

10. Share your story and your team

People don’t just book a daycare—they book you. Share why you started your business, showcase your staff’s credentials, and highlight what makes your care unique. Storytelling creates emotional connection, which builds trust and makes your business memorable.

Like most things in life, marketing takes a bit of practice. You have to be willing to go through trials and errors to see what’ll work best for your business and your clients. Marketing your doggie daycare doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Focus on 1–3 strategies from this list, stay consistent, and you’ll start seeing results.

And if you’re ready to make marketing easier? At Pet Marketing Unleashed, we’ve helped countless pet care providers and doggie daycare facilities create strategic websites, branding, and marketing systems that actually work. Explore our templates and resources to save time and attract more clients without the stress.