If you are building a pet kennel, you may need to get a few inspections done before you open for business. Some are legally required, while others can simply help your brand image. Here's what you need to consider.
Development Certification
In many areas, you need to obtain a development certification before you can break ground on your project. The certificate may include details such as neighbourhood approval, especially when you are building a commercial dog kennel near a residential area. To get approved for this certificate, you may also need to submit your building plans with the certifying body.
Building Certification
Once you have the development certification, you need a building certification. This ensures that you have meet the terms outlined in your development certificate, but it also certifies that you are compliant with international and local building codes.
You can have the building inspection for this certificate done by a government employee, or you can hire a private certifier to do it for you. If you opt for the latter, ask if they can combine the development and building certificate. That can help streamline the process and get your kennel open sooner.
Strata Inspection Report
If the dog kennel is a shared strata property, you may also want a strata inspection and report. For instance, if you are sharing the facility with other business owners or even with residential flats, you need to ensure everything is working in your favour. For instance, the report may detail the rules of the strata, the management setup of the strata and any special building considerations you need to keep in mind when you're sharing the space.
Additional Reports and Reassurances
If you are sharing the space, you may also want to have an inspector look closely at things such as sound to ensure the chatter or barking dogs and meowing cats don't disturb your neighbours. Similarly, you may want to contact a building inspections services company to send an expert to inspect the security of your building. You don't want any pets accidentally escaping from their kennels and putting themselves at risk.
Pet Boarding Accreditation
You may also want to apply for a pet boarding accreditation. You should do this after the building inspection has happened, but you may want to consult with the accrediting board during the design process. If the accreditors see anything that may prevent your facility from being approved, they can let you know at that point so you can take a different direction with your design.
There are a few independent accreditation groups in Australia for kennels, and in most cases, they check the safety of the environment, the training of your workers, food prep and storage areas, vet facilities, grooming facilities and any other relevant portions of your business. Getting that seal of approval can help your brand image.
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