Are you opening a dog field soon? This article is for you.

There’s only a month left until your opening day, but for every task you tick off your to-do list, two more seem to get added.

The last month before you open can be overwhelming. Not only do you need to make sure the field is physically ready, but you also need to finish all the admin and advertise your new venture.

Here’s a checklist to help you tackle it all, one week at a time.

Four weeks out: get the field ready

The physical work needs to be finished first, because if your field isn’t safe and secure by opening day, nothing else will matter. Walk the whole boundary slowly, and if you can find a willing helper with an escape-artist dog to test the fencing, even better.

Thoroughly check every metre of fencing for gaps at the bottom, weak posts and spots a dog could climb or dig under.
Make sure the gate is as secure as the fencing, with no gap underneath for a dog to squeeze through.
Decide on a type of lock, either a manual padlock or a smart lock, then test that it works as expected.
Make sure the field is clear of hazards: rubbish, wire, holes, toxic plants and anything sharp.
Sort out a poo bin, somewhere for owners to wait or sit, and water for dogs if you’re providing it.
Mark out a parking area, with room for the next customer to wait without blocking the gate or disturbing the booking in progress.
Put up clear signs showing the field name, your rules and a contact number.
Check any conditions on your planning permission, such as opening hours or lighting.

Three weeks out: sort the paperwork

It’s important to have cover and rules in place before you take a single booking. Not only does this keep you protected, but it also lets customers know where they stand.

Find out what insurance you need and take out a policy.
Write a risk assessment, and keep a copy on file.
Write your field rules: dogs per booking, children, picking up, closing the gate behind you, and what to do if something goes wrong. Make sure these are clear to your customers.
Set your terms: cancellations, refunds, late arrivals and overstaying a slot.
Decide on your policies for things like restricted breeds and commercial dog walkers.
Check with your accountant how the field income affects your tax and business rates.

These things will vary from field to field, so make sure you know what applies to you.

Two weeks out: set up bookings and payments

Getting this set up before you open means customers can book slots ahead of time while you carry on with other jobs.

Choose your slot lengths, and consider leaving a buffer between slots so customers don’t meet at the gate. This is important for reactive dogs.
Set your prices: look at nearby fields, and decide whether peak times or extra dogs cost more.
Set opening hours that fit around you, or even around daylight.
Get a booking website live, so people can book and pay any time of day.
Take payment upfront, so you don’t lose money on no-shows.
Set up gate codes to be sent out automatically with each booking, plus a reminder before the visit.
Add a waiting list, so cancelled slots fill themselves.
Make a test booking yourself, from start to finish, including the gate code.

Muddy does all of this for you: a ready-to-use booking website, payment upfront with daily payouts, automatic gate codes and reminders, and one clear diary that prevents double bookings. If you’re fitting an Igloo smart lock, Muddy can change the codes automatically, with no internet or power supply needed.

One week out: tell people you’re opening

Most of your first customers will be local, so concentrate your advertising there to start with. Every post you make should link straight to your booking page.

Set up a free Google Business Profile, so people searching “dog field near me” can find you.
Start a Facebook page and post photos of the field, the fencing and the gate, and some dogs enjoying the facilities.
Share in local community and dog groups (check each group’s rules first).
Leave cards or posters with local vets, groomers, pet shops and dog trainers.
Tell reactive dog groups and trainers, as they’re often a field’s most loyal regulars.
Think about an opening offer, such as a discounted first visit.

Opening week: start small and listen

Your opening week can often be quiet, and that can be a good thing: it gives you time to spot problems and deal with them before you get busy.

Invite friends and family with dogs for a soft launch before the public opening.
Walk the fence line every day, checking for any gaps or damage.
Check that the gate codes work for every booking, at every time of day.
Ask early customers what could be better, and fix the easy things as soon as possible.
Ask happy customers to leave Google and Facebook reviews.
Look at which slots sell first, so you can adjust pricing and availability accordingly.

Ready to take your first bookings?

You’ve got enough on your plate in the last month without having to chase bookings and payments. Muddy can have your booking website ready before your gate opens, with every feature included.

Your first 25 bookings are free, with no time limit, no card needed and no setup fees. If you’d rather talk it through first, we’re happy to help.

Website: muddybooking.com
Phone: 01637 222123
Email: team@muddybooking.com