If there’s a gap in the market, there’s no harm in trying to fill it, right?

Sure.

Local entrepreneur, Yanic Klue, did just that when she came up with the concept of a dog hotel that appealed to the market of luxury pet care and accommodation.

She began working on the plan and eventually opened her five-star dog hotel, atFrits, in Cape Town in December 2015.

Since then, Klue has seen an average of 90% occupancy all year round – and with all the themed rooms, we aren’t all that surprised:

Too adorable.

But how did Klue’s idea take off? Focusing on marketing her product, Klue told Business Tech that:

Entrepreneurs are sometimes too impatient, and end up starting their business prematurely. They don’t think through all influencing aspects, and how they are going to reach their target market and create trust.

For us, most of these dogs are people’s kids. You won’t leave your children in an environment that you yourself will not feel comfortable in.

At atFrits it’s all about how the brand looks, feels, sounds, smells and the quality of service we deliver. Trust and consistency is everything.

An overnight stay will cost between R280 to R530. Then come the extras:

An additional pet draws the same cost with a 10% discount, while “day pass” packages are also available, giving a rate for a number of days’ access (5 to 20) over six months.

The hotel offers day, night and overnight care packages, with private rooms – styled in a variety of ways – as well as shared living space. It also offers “spa” services for pets as add-ons.

Klue also installed live cameras in every room, so “parents” can tap in and keep an eye on their babies remotely.

If that sounds a bit too much, Proud Hounds will sort out all your doggy day care needs. Who knows, your pooch might even become besties with Seth’s chocolate Labrador.

Nothing like a little daytime fun for the pup while you’re at work, hey?

[source:businesstech]