A couple of things - I admire your research into this career before you start it - make sure you realize owning and running a boarding kennel is a 24/7 job, 365 days a year. Finding good, honest, dependable help is a priority.
What Emma123 said - you need a definite budget and a business plan to make this successful. And remember, the first couple years are the roughest.
We thought about all the questions you've brought up before we bought our existing boarding/grooming kennel almost 12 years ago. We like our job, but it's basically working from morning to night without many breaks. Our kennel is very small - 11 runs, and I groom 3-4 days/week - 10-12 hour days. We have done extensive remodeling, but there is always something else to fix. This year we have more interior chain link to replace. We have one part-time employee (about 25/hrs a week - she makes about $13/hour). Not only is she the bather, but handles a lot of kennel and reception duties as well. Luckily she worked for a vet for 22 years - great with dogs!.
In the economic area we are located, luxury suites wouldn't be profitable. Our clients are plenty happy with the services we provide. This is a tourist area. Summers, from now until Labor Day, we are usually at capacity for boarding - winters not so much. When we did our business plan/budget we anticipated 65% capacity year 'round. The overall average has come pretty close to that.
Here is our website - yes, it needs updating, I just haven't had time (family health issues and my second job). It's just an idea, but from your initial inquiry, it sounds like you're going way, way bigger than what we have!
http://www.chazlynboardinggrooming.c...-facility.html
Good luck!
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