Planning to Sell Your Kennel Property or Business? Here’s How to Prepare for a Successful Sale
Are you the proud owner of a dog boarding resort or kennel business and thinking about retirement or your next chapter?
Here’s your friendly reminder: it’s never too early to start preparing for the sale.
Whether you’re a few months or a few years away from listing, the steps you take now can significantly impact your sale price, how fast the property moves, and how smooth the entire process feels.
At Kennel Connect, we specialize in helping pet care professionals sell their properties and businesses with confidence. To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of essential steps to prep your kennel for sale—and added a few insider tips along the way.
1. Get Your Financials in Order
If your business is still operating, this is arguably the most important step. Buyers—and their lenders—want to see a clear picture of the business’s financial health. Before listing, make sure you have:
• 3 years of signed and dated personal and business tax returns
• Year-to-date profit and loss (P&L) statement
• Current balance sheet
• Payroll summaries (if applicable)
• Any outstanding liabilities or business debts clearly documented
Pro Tip: A clean, well-organized financial history builds buyer trust and is often the difference between a smooth closing and a stalled deal.
2. Address Repairs & Deferred Maintenance
Before buyers walk the property, make sure it shines. Patch the roof, fix leaky faucets, paint where needed, and tidy up outdoor spaces. Even small improvements can help maximize the perceived value of your facility.
First impressions are lasting—especially in the pet care industry where cleanliness and functionality are top priorities.
3. Consider Value-Add Improvements (Strategically)
Ask your real estate professional to tour the property and advise on cost-effective improvements that could boost your sale price or attract more buyers. Not every renovation pays off—so rely on your agent’s guidance to prioritize the upgrades that matter most in your local market and niche.
4. Create a Business & Property Fact Sheet
Buyers want to understand what they’re getting. Put together a concise but detailed package that includes:
• Square footage, acreage, zoning info, and utility details
• List of FF&E (furniture, fixtures, and equipment), with estimated values
• Model/serial numbers for any asset worth $5,000+
• Licenses, certifications, or permits currently held
• Staff structure and training protocols (if employees will remain)
• Business policies, procedures, and client onboarding methods
This type of transparency streamlines due diligence and builds buyer confidence.
5. Strengthen the Business While It’s Still Yours
Even if you’re planning to exit soon, now is the time to make your business look its best on paper and in practice. Focus your efforts on:
• Growing your customer base
• Improving online reviews and your website presence
• Streamlining operations and procedures
• Delegating more to managers or team leads
• Minimizing your role in daily operations
Buyers are drawn to turn-key businesses with proven systems—and ones that don’t rely too heavily on the current owner.
6. Work with the Right Real Estate & Business Professional
This isn’t your average property—and it shouldn’t be treated like one. Selling a kennel property and pet care business requires specialized knowledge, tailored marketing, and the right network of buyers.
At Kennel Connect, we work hand-in-hand with experienced agents across the country who understand the unique value of pet-focused real estate. We can connect you with a local partner who knows what it takes to sell a business like yours—properly, profitably, and professionally.
Bonus Tips to Stay Ahead:
• Start early. Even if you’re not ready to list just yet, having a consultation now can help you plan smartly for later.
• Know your goals. Do you want a quick exit or to stay involved post-sale? That impacts how we market your business.
• Build a team. Surround yourself with the right legal, financial, and real estate advisors before you need them.
We’re Here to Help You Every Step of the Way
Selling your kennel property and business is a big decision—but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. From preparing your financials to finding the right buyer, Kennel Connect is here to support you every step of the way.
