Dog daycare break-even.

Worked example

Capacity is 30 dogs and 60% attendance means 18 dogs a day. Half of them are on a package at 15% off, so the average revenue per dog is $40 x (1 - 0.5 x 0.15) = $37, or $666 a day. Costs are $360 staff + 18 x $3 per dog + $6,000 / 22 = $272.73 of fixed cost = $686.73, a loss of $20.73 a day (about $456 a month). Break-even is ($360 + $272.73) / ($37 - $3) = 18.61 dogs, 62.03% of capacity.

How it works

Average revenue per dog = day rate x (1 - package share x package discount). Break-even dogs divides the costs that do not change with each dog (staff and the day's share of fixed costs) by what each extra dog contributes after its own cost.

Staff is treated as a fixed daily cost, which matches a schedule where you staff for expected attendance. If you scale staff to the dog count, run the tool at each staffing level.

Tax, add-on services such as baths or training, and owner pay (unless included in staff or fixed costs) are not included.

Sources and basis (checked 2026-10-08): Arithmetic on your inputs only; no staff-to-dog ratio or industry benchmark is applied. Check the staffing rules that apply where you operate.

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FAQ

What staffing ratio should I use?

This tool does not assume one. Enter the staff cost you actually need, and check local rules and your insurer for required ratios.

How do package discounts change break-even?

They lower average revenue per dog, so more dogs are needed each day. Raising the package share or discount moves break-even up.

What if break-even is above capacity?

Raise the day rate, cut fixed costs, reduce staff cost or increase capacity. At this price the daycare cannot cover costs even when full.