CRATE & Play, LLC
A Canine Healing Hotel
C.R.A.T.E. (Canine. Rehabilitation. Aquatic. Therapy. Exercise.) & Play is an exclusive and fresh dog boarding, grooming, daycare, canine hydrotherapy center establishing in Lake County, FL. Once we are officially open for business, CRATE & Play will retain our affordable 5-Star status through a unique position in our community. Our operation blends an upscale dog boarding hotel, professional grooming, full day daycare, half day daycare, and the main attraction, our hydrotherapy center. Convenience is one of the main reasons behind the blending of these service under one roof.
Our Mission at CRATE & Play is this:
“C.R.A.T.E & Play is committed to serving the community with excellence through an affordable and exclusive experience. We believe that integrity is one of the main ingredients within our standard of excellence for every new family member we serve”.
Our goal is to provide an affordable and unique experience with convenience for all our guests on a 5-Star level. The sole purpose for C.R.A.T.E. & Play is simple, we are addressing a need and a demand within the community.
The family dog has become more than just a pet, they are a part of the family. Studies have shown that today’s dog owners go far above and beyond for their furry family member and in many cases these pet friends come before the needs of humans. Further studies from (IBIS) a market research report regarding pet boarding states that the pet boarding industry is almost immune to economic downturns. Basically, the pet boarding industry has been able to withstand the negative effects of economical disturbance. As we navigate the uncharted territory of COVID-19, the demands for these services have obviously experienced a slight decline, however, IBIS reports that the purchase of pets is on the rise. What this means for the pet boarding industry is that once things return to a new normal, this industry will be in great demand, possibly more than past realized experiences.
Our team conducted a diverse verbal questionnaire to 100 Lake County dog owners. One question that was posed was "Does Lake County need more dog boarding facilities"? The results boasted 100% YES! The Central Florida area (and very notably our area) is increasing in population at staggering rates, consequently, with the rising influx of new families to the area, there will be an increase in the dog population as well. US statistics formulates that roughly 49% of households own at least one dog, many have more than one. What this means is that one out of two households have a dog as a family member.
Dog owners have the choice to take their furry family member to the facility of their choice, however, we believe that once a new guest enters the CRATE & Play facility, they will become a permanent member of the C.R.A.T.E. family for their boarding, grooming daycare and healing needs.
As previously stated, we are meeting a need and a demand while solving a problem of not enough quality care facilities for dog owners to take their dogs too. CRATE & Play is not just a boarding facility but a healing center as well. Our Hydrotherapy center will provide a place for dog owners the opportunity to utilize the center if their canine family member experiences a surgical procedure. Canine Hydrotherapy is the most effective way to recover a dog from surgical procedures. In fact, this is also the best way for humans to recover from injury or surgical procedure as well as maintenance as we age. Our Hydrotherapy center will provide dog owners to take part in both Veterinarian post-surgical treatment recommendations and owner elective elderly maintenance for their dog(s). Our facility will operate with licensed trained therapists and a well-trained and passionate staff for the other components of this mission.
Our Motto at CRATE & Play is this:
"Recovering your dogs to Play, Playing your dogs to Recover".
CRATE & Play Services:
The CRATE & Play facility will consist of the following amenities and services for our guests:
• Each dog will receive a complementary general exam upon entry
• Community dog/owner Theme Nights
• King and Queen Suites with luxurious amenities
• Webcams in King & Queen suites as well as Hydrotherapy center
• Treats on demand from a remote location from the owner to their dog while boarding in King suites
• Loyalty programs
• Visiting alternative therapy technicians such as canine chiropractic, acupuncture, etc.
• 24-hour boarding staff
• Cyber security for the safekeeping of ALL sensitive guest information
• Unique indoor/outdoor play areas (Partnering with local city government)
• Exclusive hours of operation (Best open hours of ANY facility in our county)
• Exclusive status in our county (No other business will be doing what we are doing)
• Hydrotherapy center (Swimming dogs back to health) and much more
Community Outreach Program
Above and beyond everything else, the heartbeat of our operation will consist of our nonprofit organization (WhiteLineK9s). This entity is specifically geared toward our Military Veterans. It has been well documented that many individuals suffer with various ailments from military service and we are committed to giving service back to the brave men and women post uniform a better and more fulfilled life. Capturing these facts into the core of our operation, we intend to operate a "Service dogs for Veterans" sector within our company. Many of these dogs will be rescued from kill shelters that would otherwise be expired of their lives because of the overcrowding of these centers and the protocols that many of these kill shelters operate under. Once we rescue these dogs, each dog will be professionally trained, and we will be placing these much-needed dogs into the lives of Military Veterans to assist them with the negative effects of PTSD and the other anxieties associated with the Military lifestyle. We greatly value the service of our Military personnel and the sacrifices they have endured.
WHITELINEK9s
Risks and challenges
A risk our company could encounter could be experienced through increased competition in our community. Another risk could fall under a reduction in dog owner travel (As a result of COVID-19 and mandatory stay at home orders, a lot of industries are experiencing a reduction in business activity). However, current research has shown an increase in pet ownership during this pandemic time and once many of the "Shelter in Place" orders are lifted, one challenge we will probably experience is not having enough space to care for all the guests needing to utilize our facility, this is specifically not a bad challenge to overcome. Finally , one real challenge we may endure upon opening will consist of educating dog owners on the benefits and the use of our Canine Hydrotherapy center for their dogs on either a short term recovery basis or a long term elderly maintenance program. Considering any unforeseen challenges, we intend to navigate them all with precise diligence and forethought. There will always be risks in business ventures, especially if strategic planning is not adopted from the start. Based on the overall realities of this specific business venture, the risks are minimal as we are attending to a real time need and demand for the services we intend to deliver.
Environmental commitments
Long-lasting design
We gear for longevity inside our facility, that is why the products we will use will be calibrated to withstand even the harshest of conditions. Dogs can play hard, they chew, scratch and from time to time defecate (poop or pee) on the likes of many things. Our company will only utilize equipment that is rated for durability and its longevity. Our design for all housing will be made for easy access to cleaning and sanitization using products that will not degrade the equipment, endanger employees, dogs, or the environment.
Reusability and recyclability
At CRATE & Play it will be policy (that will be signed by ALL employees) that anything and everything we can recycle (i.e. batteries, light bulbs, paper, boxes, ink cartridges, etc.) or reuse to minimize landfill impacts will be done with utmost attention. Additionally, we will continue to seek out products that have been made from recycled materials to further complete the cycle.
Sustainable materials
We are looking into a doggy septic tank called "Poop be Gone" This will allow all the dog droppings to remain out of landfills, hence creating an eco-friendly facility. The dog feces is disposed into these small tanks (1 tank per 2 large dogs), then water is placed on top of the waste, and the enzyme is then added to the waste water. In turn, this enzyme digests all the solid toxins into a liquid form. Once the solid waste is liquified, it returns to the soil as a safe liquid that will not harm the environment in any way. This product is safe and effective. We are consulting with the local county environmental department to discuss the possibility of installing a large septic system that would do the same as the individual kennel systems. Additionally, we will be using solar panels to fuel our Hydrotherapy center. This will take some of the power demand strains off the power grid which will also cut overall operating expenses. Because Florida has sunshine almost daily, our intention is to be fully solar powered for the best outcome of reducing the strains on the power grid. Solar power is quite popular in Florida and will fit into our facility well.
Environmentally friendly factories
Be as it may, our facility is not a factory, but we will be using an Eco-Friendly water purification/filtration system in the pools and underwater treadmills used in the Hydrotherapy section of our facility. Using this water filter system allows a "safe for all dogs" experience as the dogs are immersed in the tubs & treadmills. The water will be softened via a citrus based purification system and will do wonders for the dog’s skin and their hair/fur. If this water is ingested by any dog, it will not harm the dog’s intestinal system or their health in any way. Additionally, the water exchanges that are made and entered into the city's sewage system will not leave any contamination footprint or cause any strains on the drainage systems. Finally, the dog hair collected from water filters, and grooming rooms & tubs will be kept out of sewage systems through external preventative measures such as the use of screens over drains. Once collected, this hair/fur will be placed into biodegradable bags for proper disposal.
Something else
Because CRATE & Play is adapting a family friendly guest relationship for everyone that utilizes our facility, we feel it is important to foster sustained relationships. The mental well-being will be a key concern inside our establishment. Educating the community and our guests regarding our environmental practices can only have a positive effect on guests and the community.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
CEO and Founder Sean K. Erhardt had the honorable opportunity to attend an interview session with a local TV broadcast. Here is the YouTube Link to
Southlake.tv Interview.
The following pages reflect conservative 1st and 2nd year influx of revenue and profit with a total of only 10% increase from year 1 to year 2, an increase from year 2 to year 3 and a 10 % increase from year 3 to year 4. Additionally, our profit margins DO NOT include distribution which we believe will increase our margins by 3-4% overall/year.
NOTE: Let it be known that our facility will be able to harbor 100+ dogs.
Financials
Estimated Expenses vs Estimated Income
Income
Daily Income for Operations Estimate Estimate Income/ dog
# of dogs Detail Total per day Weekly Weekly
44 Daycare $1,003 $19,026 $288
22 Boarding $1,015 Monthly Monthly
10 Hydrotherapy $700 $81,812 $1,240
22 Grooming $745 Yearly Yearly
66 Total $2,718 $981,742 $14,875
Expenses First Year
Monthly Supplies x12 $65,975
Yearly Supplies $12,457
Initial Investment $88,000 $151,021 Other outsourced funding campaign possible
Building x 12 $194,948
Payroll $418,089
Total $779,469
Profit $202,273
* at 66 dog capacity
Expenses Second Year
Monthly Supplies x12 $62,034
Yearly Supplies $12,457
Initial Investment $0
Building x 12 $198,864
Payroll $418,089
Total $691,445
Profit $388,471 ($590,744) = Year 1 + Year 2
* at 73 dog capacity
Expenses Third Year
Monthly Supplies x12 $62,034
Yearly Supplies $12,457
Initial Investment $0
Building x 12 $202,899
Payroll $418,089
Total $695,479
Profit $384,437 ($975,181) = Year 2 + Year 3
* at 73 dog capacity
Expenses Fourth Year
Monthly Supplies x12 $62,034
Yearly Supplies $12,457
Initial Investment $0
Building x 12 $208,986
Payroll $418,089
Total $701,566
Profit $574,698 ($1,549,879) = Year 3 + Year 4
* at 86 dogs’ capacity
Our financial projections have been analyzed by Master business professionals (MBA’s and Groveland Florida's City Economic Developer) and have concluded that our financial plan is solid and will withstand the demands placed upon it.
Thank you