Thinking of turning some of your land into a secure dog field?
You wouldn’t be alone. The post-pandemic surge in dog ownership throughout the UK has resulted in an increasing demand for places where people can exercise and train their dogs. As societal expectations around pet ownership change, the popularity of secure dog fields has sky-rocketed, and many landowners are seizing the opportunity to turn unused land into a source of revenue.
Below, we answer some of the most common questions landowners ask before setting up a secure dog field.
What is a secure dog field?
A secure dog field is a fully enclosed space that dog owners can hire for exclusive use. Despite the name, secure dog fields can actually be fields, woodland or even indoor play areas.
They offer an escape-proof, private space for dog owners to exercise and train their pets without the worry of other dogs, people, animals or their pets running away.
For many dog owners, especially those with reactive dogs or dogs with poor recall, these fields are essential to give their pets freedom to run and play.
How much land do I need to start a dog field business?
You don’t need loads of space. The majority of fields operate on 1-3 acres of land.
The suitability of the land is a more important factor. Secure fencing, safe access and parking space within the field as well as good drainage are crucial.
The field’s surroundings are also important to consider – the more privacy a field has, the more it will appeal to owners of reactive dogs.
For farmers, awkward corner fields that are too small to be of use for growing crops or raising livestock are popular candidates.
Do I need planning permission?
In most cases, yes – permission is usually required for change of use. The good news is that as setting up a dog field usually requires minimal permanent changes to the land, permission is often easy to obtain.
Important: Always speak to your local planning department before starting work on your dog field.
How much does it cost to set up a secure dog field?
Costs will vary depending on individual circumstances. The largest cost is usually perimeter fencing – minimum of 6ft, strong, dig proof fencing with small holes is critical around the perimeter field, as well as a gate. Depending on the lay out of your field, other common costs include:
- Parking surface
- Shelter
- Water
- CCTV/Security
- Agility equipment
- Maintenance and operating costs
Initial cost can be kept to a minimum by starting with the essentials and adding desirable features as time goes on.
How do I take bookings?
Most fields have a simple website with an integrated booking system that allows customers to book their own slots without any input from the landowner. A specialist booking system like Muddy Booking provides live availability calendars, instant payment, automatic confirmation emails, easy rescheduling and a free website, amongst other tools.
Allowing customers to book online not only makes their lives easier, but also yours, as you do not have the burden of phone calls, emails and spreadsheets to organize your bookings.
How much can a dog field earn?
This is highly dependent on factors such as:
- Location
- Pricing
- Facilities
- Slot frequency
Most fields operate on 30 and 60 minute time slots.
A dog field can generate £5,000-£15,000+ annually, with even medium occupancy creating consistent recurring income. Key factors influencing revenue include:
- Population density nearby
- Number of competitors
- Unique features (swimming spots, woodland, play equipment)
- Ease of booking
- Online visibility
Prior to launching, it’s a good idea to assess pricing and demand in your local area.
What ongoing maintenance is required?
Compared to livestock enterprises, secure dog fields can be considered low maintenance. But they still require:
- Regular fencing checks
- Grass cutting or topping
- Waste bin management
- Surface maintenance in wet months
- Gate and lock inspection
Integrity of fencing, ease of access and a mud-free area for parking within the field are critical to ongoing success.
What insurance do I need?
The cover required is dependent on your particular setup, but typically you will at least need:
- Public liability insurance
- Business cover for land use change
- Equipment cover (if you have any)
Always talk to your provider to find out exactly what is required.
Do I need to provide equipment?
Equipment is very popular and can increase the desirability of your field, in turn increasing bookings. But most is not essential, and can be added after launch if desired.
The minimum is:
- Secure fencing
- Parking – on hard-standing within the field
- Waste bins
Optional extras include:
- Agility equipment
- Shelters
- Water stations
- Swimming area
- Wash station
Reliability and safety is more important than novelty in the early stages.
Is a dog field business seasonal?
Dog fields are far less seasonal than you may expect. In winter, secure fields offer less mud than public, highly frequented areas, and offer a safe option for off-lead exercise for those who work during daylight hours.
During summer, fields with swimming or splash areas excel, whilst all manner of fields see an increase at dawn and dusk when the weather is cooler.
What makes a dog field successful?
The most successful dog field businesses share three key traits:
- Security – no gaps, no escape risk. A truly safe environment.
- Simple, professional booking system. The easier it is for your clients to book, the more often they will return.
- Consistent customer experience. Customers like to know what to expect.
Is starting a secure dog field right for you?
If you:
- Have underused land
- Are looking to diversify
- Live near an area with many dogs
- Want additional revenue that doesn’t detract from your other businesses
A secure dog field could be a practical addition to your rural enterprise.