How do I judge a kennel’s cat boarding and grooming add-ons?

Begin with the numbers by service. A kennel that lumps everything into one sales line hides whether cat boarding pays its way. Ask for bookings by month for each add-on and note whether they grow during the busy seasons or hold steady the whole year. Think about the extra work the add-ons bring, too: separate cleaning routines, different food and a calmer atmosphere. Ask staff whether they enjoy the add-ons, because unhappy staff tend to show it to guests and their owners.

Then walk the space. Cats need to be separated from dogs, with quiet and a place to retreat. If cat rooms are a repurposed storage area, ask what it would cost to improve them, and whether the layout limits how many guests you can take at once.

Grooming may rest on one skilled person. Ask who does it, whether they are employed or rent a station, and whether they have said they will stay. A groomer who leaves with their clients takes the add-on with them. Finally, read reviews and speak to a few customers about the extras. Complaints about noise, odours or missed baths tell you where the real problems are before you inherit them.

Key takeaways

• Get income, bookings and costs for each add-on separately.
• Inspect where cats are housed and how it limits capacity.
• Find out whether the groomer is staying and who owns the client list.