Selecting the Right Equipment for Your Pet Care Business
Posted on Tue, Dec 14, 2010
The durability and flexibility in the design of your animal handling equipment are critical components to creating a successful business. Here are a few ideas to ponder when thinking about purchasing animal handling equipment that will increase the value of your business by maximizing the performance and longevity of your product(s).
When selecting your animal equipment; you want to find a manufacturer that has invested heavily into their Research and Development departments, which should yield a superior product for your needs. Animal equipment companies that are committed to enhancing animal life will ensure that they are providing the best materials by continually evolving, designing, developing, and field-testing new products. In a sense, the manufacturers that are doing such research and development are making an investment in your business, as well.
In today’s industry there are several material choices available from economy standards to premium products. It is important to select equipment that has exceptional workmanship, finished edges, high quality material, and a solid reputation in the industry. Stainless steel, when properly maintained and cared for, is a once in a lifetime investment. The return on your investment will be visibly seen 10 years down the line, when it still shines as new as the day you made your purchase. Your equipment should consist of material that is urine and chemical resistant, include sound dampening technology for noise abatement, and should be designed to virtually eliminate cross contamination. All three of these features will enhance the value of your business in two ways. First, by installing equipment that meets these requirements, you are going to have a direct impact on your revenue stream from an animals stand point, and those who care for the animals. Secondly, using high end products that meet the needs of your clientele, and that is durable and long lasting will have a direct impact on the equitable value of your business for resale.
The versatility and flexibility in design of the equipment, especially when it comes to animal enclosures, is a key part of your success in the growth of your business. Enclosures that are modular (individual pieces and parts) can be laid out to meet a specific space requirement. Ask the manufacturers how the enclosures are assembled, can they be disassembled and moved with ease, are the enclosures attached to your walls or floors, and is technical service offered? You will find that as your business grows, that your kennel arrangement will need to grow and change as well. For convenience, use a manufactured kennel system that does not attach to your floors or walls. This will enable you to relocate the kennels without the need to repair holes in your epoxy or tiled walls, or the need to pry a track from the floor that may cause damage to your finished floor. A potential buyer would consider this to be a huge compensating factor, because this versatility would give them the ability to reconfigure the kennel system to meet their desired business plan.
Developing preventative maintenance and cleaning schedules for your animal equipment will increase the longevity and assist with good product performance while reducing labor. Make sure that your staff is adequately trained on your cleaning and maintenance processes. Know the chemical composition of all cleaning agents that your staff is using. Educate your staff that one of the most important steps in the cleaning process is to thoroughly rinse all cleaning agents from all materials. Small attention to detail and the time that you take to ensure that you care for and maintain your equipment will payoff three fold for you, the animal, and the clients you are serving.
There are several areas of your business that will keep your attention, but no area is as important as the equipment itself. Premium equipment, preventative maintenance, and excellent customer service are the cornerstones for building and maintaining the highest level of customer satisfaction and return on investment.
Author Bios
David L. Wratchford is a sales representative for T-Kennel and Shor-Line. A proud member of TFACS (Texas Federation of Animal Care Societies) for the past 3 years. David has provided professional assistance to hundreds of animal facilities throughout his many years at T-Kennel and Shor-Line.
Tom Smoot is the Director of Sales & Marketing for T-Kennel and Grooming & Boarding Equipment specialist for Shor-line. A proud member of Pet Care Service Association for 11 plus years and served as advisory council to the PCSA Board of directors for 8 years. He was the 2005 recipient of the Herschel Talley Award that goes to outstanding selfless service to the PCSA Board. And an 8 years member of SAWA, Society of Animal Welfare Administrators. Which provides services to our local and national Animal Shelters, Humane Societies and SPCA’S around the world. Tom also has 11 plus years of industry experience that has assisted Pet Resorts, Groomers, Animal Shelters, Veterinary, Boarder Patrol, Service Dogs (most recently in Iraq) and Training Facilities.