[Ellie May]

Brit, I think you do KNOW what you want. It's being suppressed because it's a long shot and seems too overwhelming.

You want to work with dogs. You want to train them and interact with their owners. You want to let them enjoy themselves and learn under your supervision.

If you really think you want to be a teacher, great. But from what I have seen on YT and from what you have very clearly stated, that is not your passion in life.

Hey, I want to be a vet. It's crazy expensive. Prereqs are extremely demanding. I have some huge barriers to get through. It seems impossible. But I'm not willing to settle on my second choice (whatever the heck that is!) before even trying.

This is what I would try to do in your case:
Get a business bachelors at the least.
Continue with your dog business, but really consider getting insured if at all possible. It's important to learn how to do this business stuff, it's safer for you, and you will probably have more clients.
Ask if you can use your clients as references for later. Maybe they could write you letters to save and hang in your boarding facility someday.
Save as much money as you can.
Always keep your goal in mind and stay focused on it.
Consider training seminars, certificates, programs, etc. to start building up your credentials. I know Bark Busters is very expensive and may not be your style, but the people who go through that program can charge $500 per dog, for example.

Follow your dreams and don't give up on your first choice unless you have to. Or..you can always be a teacher's aide or something and do both...