Financial Projections, Start-up Information, and a Get-Started Phone Call
THREE YEARS OF FINANCIAL PROJECTIONS
Coming up with financial projections for the first few years of a business is one of the most valuable, yet difficult, tasks to tackle. This is especially true when writing up a business plan that will be presented to a bank for a loan approval. Banks and investors want very detailed financial plans but you, as a start-up, can only provide a best guess estimate of what you hope to obtain.
If you are anything like me, simply guessing won't work for you. Yes, you can have an idea of how many daycare dogs you can accommodate, how many luxury suites you'll have, how many kennels, but can you guess how often your facility will be at capacity? Can you closely estimate the percentage growth you'll have year over year for the first three years? What will your expenses be each month? How much can you expect to spend on payroll, utilities, cleaning supplies, or insurance? Having answers to these questions will dramatically improve the accuracy of your projections.
That's where I can help. I've created a Google sheet that automatically calculates revenue and expenses month by month for three years. Each month is calculated based on a percentage occupancy for that time period and each year reflects revenue growth from the prior year.
My daycare Pawtropolis has been opened for over 21 years. I used the financial data collected over those years to determine what percentages are spent, on average, on specific categories. Our reservation totals by month were used to calculate possible percentage capacity throughout the year. A five year period of growth was used to determine growth year over year for the projected period or three years.
By inputting what base services you plan to offer, along with capacity and price, you'll get an instant detailed report by month and by year for three years. You will also have the ability to input a known rent or loan payment amount allowing you to see how said payments will affect your cashflow. You'll have two options available to calculate how much owner salary you will be able to pay. With the first option, you can leave the box labeled "Minimum Required Monthly Owner Salary" blank. Doing so will allow the chart to calculate owner's salary based off of the percentage put in that reflects what is done at Pawtropolis. The second option would be used if you knew there was a minimum amount of salary you'd need each month in order to cover personal expenses. You would put that amount in the "Minimum Required Monthly Owner Salary" box to have the chart calculate how that monthly amount would affect cash flow each month.
Once you have the projections completed with your information and it is ready to be presented to a bank or investor, I will provide a letter explaining how the formulas were determined along with background on Pawtropolis. This will help validate the information being provided to them. I will first review your projections to confirm no formulas were changed and to catch any possible mistakes.
START-UP INFORMATION
Included with the three years of projections, you'll find a minimum of three additional Google sheet tabs (may add more over time) that include other useful start-up information. Currently included:
Start-up Costs
Here you'll find a list of items that need to be considered when calculating start up costs. It is formatted in a way that allows you to insert a company name that you may potentially buy from, the number of the item needed, and the cost.
Design Notes
I'll list miscellaneous notes regarding building design that will be helpful when making building decisions. I will include rooms and areas that I feel are necessary to have in a dog daycare and boarding facility.
Hours & Staff Needs
Here I layout a potential daily schedule for a daycare and boarding facility as well as example shift times for different positions. Though this information will need to be modified depending on your facility's open hours, it will still be helpful as you come up with your own daily plan.
GET STARTED PHONE CALL
After purchase, I will reach out via email to provide you the information needed to access your personal Google sheet. We will then schedule a phone call, FaceTime, or a Zoom meeting where I will review the tabs in Google sheets with you and spend an additional 30 minutes answering any start-up questions you may have. After this initial call, you may purchase additional "Let's Chat" calls whenever you like. These calls can be used to discuss any aspects of your project you may need help with. You may also be interested in upgrading to a mentoring package. If you do so, the cost of this Financial Projections Google sheet will be deducted from the price of the package you choose.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS REGARDING PURCHASE
Due to Google sheets being easily copied once shared, once purchased we are unable to offer any refunds. For this reason, if you have any questions prior to purchase feel free to reach out to me at amanda@pawtropolis.com.
Playgroup Evaluation Passing Form: 250 Pack
Properly assessing a dog's compatibility for off-leash play on the first day is vital to the success of your playgroups. We've designed a comprehensive evaluation sheet that helps the staff identify behaviors in the playgroups and whether those behaviors are compatible for the daycare environment. This form also helps owners thoroughly understand how their dog responded to daycare and why the staff made their decision. By utilizing this form, you make the evaluation process more objective than subjective which makes it easier for both the animal caretaker and the client when discussing the results.
The front of the form continues behaviors for the staff to mark if/when noticed by the dog during the evaluation. The back of the form gives staff space to write out a detailed description of the day and add in cute extras like which staff worked with the dog and if any new friends were made.
These forms in packs of 250 sheets. Save money if you buy 3. You can purchase a 3-Pack that includes all Passing Evaluation Forms or a 3-Pack that includes 2 packs of passing forms and 1 pack of failed forms.
Why a different form for passing and failing?
We used to use the same form for both passing and failing dogs. We would simply indicate on the form which was applicable. However, we found that when a dog failed we wanted to provide the owner with more detailed information as well as recommendations on what services their dog was still eligible despite not passing. For us, that includes letting clients know about our private boarding options. For others it may include grooming services or perhaps even recommendations to other facilities that offer private boarding if your facility does not. These recommendation show the clients that though their dog may not be a good fit for daycare, we still care about his/hers future needs. The forms look almost identical from a distance. This was done intentionally so that when reviewing the form with owners at pick-up it wouldn't be embarrassing having a noticeably different form.
FREE SHIPPING to the contiguous US. We can provide shipping outside of this range for additional fees.
Playgroup Dismissal Forms: 250 Pack
Whether failing a dog on the day of the evaluation or dismissing a dog that's been attending daycare for a while, it's never easy. Our dismissal forms allow you to easily communicate with the owner the reason for their dog's dismissal. It allows staff to select a specific behavior for the dismissal and gives the client a detailed reason why that behavior isn't compatible with your playgroups.
Why a different form for passing and failing/dismissing?
We used to use the same form for both passing and failing dogs and for dogs being dismissed after previously being approved. We would simply indicate on the form which was applicable. However, we found that when a dog failed we wanted to provide the owner with more detailed information as well as recommendations on what services their dog was still eligible despite not passing. For us, that includes letting clients know about our private boarding options. For others it may include grooming services or perhaps even recommendations to other facilities that offer private boarding if your facility does not. These recommendation show the clients that though their dog may not be a good fit for daycare, we still care about his/hers future needs. The forms look almost identical from a distance. This was done intentionally so that when reviewing the form with owners at pick-up it wouldn't be embarrassing having a noticeably different form.
These forms can be purchased in packs of 250 sheets. You can save money if you buy 3 packs. You can purchase a 3-Pack that includes all Failed/Dismissed Evaluation Forms, a 3-Pack that includes 2 packs of passing forms and 1 pack of failed forms, or a 3-Pack that includes 1 pack of passing forms, 1 pack of failed forms, and 1 pack of overnight instructions.
FREE SHIPPING to the contiguous US. We can provide shipping outside of this range for additional fees.
Overnight Instructions w/ Visit Notes for Parents: 250 Pack
Most kennel and daycare software has the ability to create "run cards" for guests. I've found those run cards to be either more detailed than we needed, less detailed, not very aesthetically pleasing, and definitely not something I would want to send home with a client.
We've designed overnight instruction sheets that are multi-functional:
- Name, description, feeding instructions, etc.
- Includes special handling notes that might only apply to this visit
- An area to write out medicine instructions simply and a chart allowing staff to sign off once given, this gives the owners a record that all meds were given as instructed
- Area for quick health checks upon arrival, mid-visit (when needed), and on day of departure
- A report card area where staff can write fun notes about the dog's stay (including favorite friends and activities)
Before the pet goes home, we review the instruction sheet, add a couple of stickers, write cute notes, and then include the sheet with the dog's belongings. Owners love our detailed approach to recording specifics for their pets' stay and love reading the staff notes.
Comes in packs of 250 sheets. Save money if you buy 3 packs. 3 packs come with the variety of options: 700 Overnight Instruction Forms, 250 Passing Evaluation Forms + 250 Failed/Dismissed Forms + 250 Overnight Instruction Forms, or 500 Overnight Instruction Forms + 250 Passing Evaluation Forms
FREE SHIPPING to the contiguous US. We can provide shipping outside of this range for additional fees.
3 Pack: Evaluation, Dismissal, and Overnight Forms
Save more when you buy a total of 3 packs. Includes:
1 - 250 pack of the Overnight Instructions
1 - 250 pack of the Playgroup Passing Evaluation Forms
1 - 250 pack of the Playgroup Failed/Dismissed Forms
FREE SHIPPING to the contiguous US. We can provide shipping outside of this range for additional fees.
Employment Application & Pre-Screening Document
Over the last 16 years we've discovered that it takes a unique breed of person to work in the doggie daycare industry. We look for people that don't mind cleaning and getting dirty that can also shine with customer service. They need to be available to work during peak times, and, of course, have confidence with dogs. Our employment application (referred to as our Pack Member Application) is several pages long. Some questions you may not need or want. We'll provide you with both a word version to customize and a pdf version so you can see it properly formatted.
I am also including our Pre-Screening document. This is used by the staff member that accepted the application allowing them to write down their first impression and passing along that information to the hiring manager/owner. This is useful if you have people accepting applications that aren't actually the ones responsible for making hiring decisions.
(Sorry but NO REFUNDS on digital downloads. If you have additional questions prior to purchasing please email me at amanda@pawtropolis.com.)
Play Group Information Dry Erase Board
Communication is key when managing off-leash play groups. Our dry erase boards help keep daily notes in one place and reminds staff of the importance issues and behaviors they should be taking note of. There is room for the AM supervisor's name, PM supervisor name, health notes, play notes and a section for "dogs to watch out for" and "why". The board measures 18" tall, 24" wide.
FREE SHIPPING to the contiguous US. We can provide shipping outside of this range for additional fees.
Employee Handbook
This is the employee handbook used at all Pawtropolis locations. It has evolved over the last 16 years and has become an all inclusive manual for those starting into a dog daycare position. This handbook is designed for use at Pawtropolis, however, with minor tweaking and editing, it can be customized for your business. Having the exact manual we use will also give you hints, tips, and ideas that can be included in your handbook and perhaps new policies to implement. The handbook is 24 pages long. Table of Contents is pictured here. This also includes a separate Google sheet that we use to track each employee. It automatically calculates request and attendance points. Gives you way to track performance both good and bad. A very useful tool in managing multiple employees.
After payment received you'll be able to download a "word" and "pdf" file of the handbook. The "word" file will allow you to customize, the "pdf" file will allow you to see the final product in case formatting gets messed up when opened on your computer.
If you're not handy with "word" and would like for me to "make it pretty" once you're done customizing it, you'll want to purchase the "Employee Handbook w/ Editing". That option also provides time for emails for any questions that might arise as you're developing your own policies.
(Sorry but NO REFUNDS on digital downloads. If you have additional questions prior to purchasing please email me at amanda@pawtropolis.com.)
Employee Handbook w/ Editing
This is the employee handbook used at all Pawtropolis locations. It has evolved over the last 16 years and has become an all inclusive manual for those starting into a dog daycare position. This handbook is designed for use at Pawtropolis, however, with minor tweaking and editing, it can be customized for your business. Having the exact manual we use will also give you hints, tips, and ideas that can be included in your handbook and perhaps new policies to implement. The handbook is 24 pages long. Table of Contents is pictured here. This also includes a separate Google sheet that we use to track each employee. It automatically calculates request and attendance points. Gives you way to track performance both good and bad. A very useful tool in managing multiple employees.
After payment received you'll be able to download a "word" and "pdf" file of the handbook. The "word" file will allow you to customize, the "pdf" file will allow you to see the final product in case formatting gets messed up when opened on your computer.
This package includes up to an hour of time tweaking the design and editing, as well as emailed questions as you're customizing for your location.
(Sorry but NO REFUNDS on digital downloads. If you have additional questions prior to purchasing please email me at amanda@pawtropolis.com.)
Dog Daycare Attendant Training Manual
This is the exact training manual used to train all of our dog daycare animal caretakers. You are able to customize/edit it to fit the procedures for your facility. Not only does this put all the training materials in one place for you, seeing how we train will inspire new techniques and policies that you can begin implementing into your facility. This training manual is 16 years in the making and continues to grow every year. A wide variety of topics are included like customer service, how to perform toenail trims, how to manage playgroups, types of aggression, how and when to clean, etc. You'll see the Table of Contents pictured here. This manual is 58 pages long.
After payment received you'll be able to download a "word" and "pdf" file of the manual. The "word" file will allow you to customize, the "pdf" file will allow you to see the final product in case formatting gets messed up when opened on your computer.
If you're not handy with "word" and would like for me to "make it pretty" once you're done customizing it, you'll want to purchase the "Dog Daycare Attendant Training Manual w/ Editing". That option also provides time for emails for any questions that might arise as you're developing your own policies.
(Sorry but NO REFUNDS on digital downloads. If you have additional questions prior to purchasing please email me at amanda@pawtropolis.com.)
Dog Daycare Attendant Training Manual w/ Editing
This is the exact training manual used to train all of our dog daycare animal caretakers. You are able to customize/edit it to fit the procedures for your facility. Not only does this put all the training materials in one place for you, seeing how we train will inspire new techniques and policies that you can begin implementing into your facility. This training manual is 16 years in the making and continues to grow every year. A wide variety of topics are included like customer service, how to perform toenail trims, how to manage playgroups, types of aggression, how and when to clean, etc. You'll see the Table of Contents pictured here. This manual is 58 pages long.
After payment received you'll be able to download a "word" and "pdf" file of the manual. The "word" file will allow you to customize, the "pdf" file will allow you to see the final product in case formatting gets messed up when opened on your computer.
This package includes up to an hour of time tweaking the design and editing, as well as emailed questions as you're customizing for your location.
(Sorry but NO REFUNDS on digital downloads. If you have additional questions prior to purchasing please email me at amanda@pawtropolis.com.)
Profit & Loss Statements
When planning a business, some of the biggest questions are regarding money. Banks ask for future projections, estimated expenses, payroll costs, etc. Without having a history working in the industry, these questions may be hard to answer. Pawtropolis has used the same software for the past 18 years. This allows us to review any report from any period needed. This price includes at least 4 different years' profit and loss statements. Depending on your needs, we can decide which years would benefit you the most. Though your numbers will be different, having the knowledge of percentages for incomes and expenses is invaluable. You may even find a business cost that you didn't know to include in your budget.
Want even MORE help? Probably our most valuable product is our "Financial Projections, Start-up Information, and Get-Started Call" product. Instead of having to use our profit and loss statements to calculate your own financial projections, we do it for you. Learn more about this product here.