Love pets ? Ever wanted to be a service to them beyond being their companion? If the answer is yes, then starting a pet business may be the ideal thing for you.
Pet businesses can consist of everything (and anything) ranging from grooming dogs to mobile pet washing services and cleaning up the dogs’ unwanted “business.” If you are really serious about beginning a pet-oriented business, then you should be asking yourself the following questions:
- Do I love pets enough to spend a huge chunk of my time putting up with their needs and behavior patterns?
- Will I be passionate about focusing my pet business on the concept of pets’ needs and dealing with people who are overzealous with their furry family members’ pampering services?
- Am I willing to put in the time, energy and resources to make this business a success?
If you answer yes to all of these questions, then this is the business for you. Congratulations! Now, let’s get to the real nitty gritty.
What is a pet business?
Pet businesses is obviously a type of business that deals with pets and their needs. There are many aspects of the pet business that people can venture. The choices are limitless.
It could be an online business that you can sell anything from natural food products for pets to pet toys and pet supplies, just to name a few.
Like to get some exercise and get your hands a little dirty? Perhaps you could start a dog walking business, or while the owner is away, you can offer your pet sitting services. Here’s the tough part, especially for our nose: you could begin a business of picking up the doggys’ unwanted “business.” Well, someone has to do it!
Various pet businesses involve absolutely no physical interaction with the pets. If playing around the toolbox is your specialty, you could offer your handy services by building anything from dog houses to dog fences in the owner’s backyard.
There are many people who are involved in the pet industry market that are promoting themselves as pet consultants. These people are virtually advisors that assist people with pet-related issues, such as nutrition, behaviors, etc. They type of pet business you decide on solely depends on your comfort level in terms of pets.
Why do you want to start a pet business?
The reason could be simple or complex. The bottom line is you are beginning a new venture: entrepreneur/business owner. You should know that pet owners spend billions annually just to give their four-legged family member the nurturing and pampering they deserve. At least when you own a pet business (providing that you love pets), you could do something you are passionate about and at the same time earning a pretty decent income.
How much it cost to begin a pet business?
It could be a very minimal investment (let’s say $60 or less) or it could be several hundred dollars, depending on the type of business and the equipment you may need.
Here are a few examples of the business that will give you some ideas:
Pooper Scooper Service:
We, as pet owners, dread when our companions have to take care of “business.” This is where this type of service is beneficial. Pet owners are more than willing to pay a great amount of money just to dispose the subject matter. The only requirements for this business to be successful are a few implements along with a lot of plastic bags and patience just to put up with the smell. With this business, you could receive a flat rate monthly between $30-$60 just to visit the home of a client a couple of times a week for pick-up. The good news: the visit is no more than ten minutes. Dog owners will be some very happy campers.
Pet Sitting:
Well, it is very obvious what pet sitting is? In case the owners have to leave the house for a certain period of time, the pet sitting services come in handy. Just think of it as babysitting for human children, but it is dealing with Fido. With this type of business, it may be logical to find some pet owners with much time.
Mobile Pet Washing Service:
This business is also called Pet Wash & Go. This is basically a delivery-based pet business. You would take a visit to the clients’ house to offer services to their pets by giving them a nice bath and brushing. The rate runs between $30-$50 for the service. The only investment (in terms of equipment) here is: having some excellent quality shampoos, conditioners, and a variety of brushes. In addition to these essentials, it is suggested that you invest in an industrial-type of blow dryer for more efficient coat brushing. Ensure that the blow dryer has a cooling heat setting–this prevent burning of the pet’s skin.
The opportunities are very plentiful. Sky’s the Limit!