Are you an entrepreneur but you lack ideas on what pet based business to start? If YES, here are 100+ best business ideas in the pet care industry.
The pet industry in the United States is huge. This is because millions of household now own at least one pet. In the 2017-2018 edition of the American Pet Products Association (APPA) National Pet Owners Survey, analysts reported that 68 percent of U.S. households owned pets.
The total translates into 84.6 million residences that are homes to dogs, cats, birds, fish, reptiles, horses and other small animals. Because of the huge ownership of pets, businesses that are solely focused on providing an easier life for pets and their owners are very much increasing.
Once you realize the amount of profit that can be found in the pet industry, the only question now is how to make the most of it. We have provided you with a couple of businesses that would enable you take advantage of the earning potentials in this industry.
100+ Best Small Business ideas in the Pet Industry
A dog walking business is a fairly straightforward business. It involves walking dogs for people. You can get your business off to a great start by following just a few simple steps and very minimal capital. Most people will probably start their business as a sole practitioner or as a limited liability corporation (LLC).
A dog walking company most certainly has the ability to give you the financial freedom you are dreaming of and the startup costs are indeed very manageable. Most new business owners started their company with less than $500.
Dog grooming salons can be a profitable option for those looking to start a business in the animal service industry. To be a successful dog groomer you must acquire the necessary skills, either by completing a formal grooming program, shadowing an established professional, or through experience gained in the world of dog shows.
Several schools are available to provide training and certification for anyone interested in being a dog groomer. While certification is not necessary to work as a dog groomer, it is beneficial for marketing purposes and it makes it clear to prospective customers that you have some training.
Households with dogs are more common than households with children, and that has helped increase the popularity of doggy daycare businesses. If you are interested in opening a doggy day care business, you should be knowledgeable in the areas of animal behavior, canine CPR, and canine first aid. Entrepreneurs looking to open a dog daycare business can reap the benefits of this business in the thriving pet industry.
A pet sitting business is a great way to enter the animal industry. As the owner of the business, you are free to set your schedule, define your service area, and expand your business to include additional options for clients. In most cases, the profits for pet sitting businesses steadily increases over time, as the sitters become more experienced at scheduling their time and land more clients through good business practices. Pet sitting can be a dependable source of primary income, and it’s also one of the most enjoyable jobs around.
A a dog breeding business requires careful consideration as the services the business provides can affect the health and well-being of the adult dogs involved in the breeding process and the puppies resulting from the breeding. Most dog breeding businesses are located in rural areas in order to keep facility costs minimal.
Additionally, a dog breeding business should be registered with the AKC, and each litter ought to be registered with the club. Registering a business is $100, and litter registrations are $25 plus $2 per puppy. Most people don’t consider dog breeding profitable, but this is wrong. If you organize your business properly, you will make good profit from it.
6. Dog Boarding Business
The American Pet Products Association reports that this category of “pet services” is one of the fastest-growing segments of the pet industry, and boarding services represent a key component of this growth. You can start your own profitable dog boarding business if you are a dog lover and you love staying around the animals. If you plan to open a boarding business, you should gain experience working for an established operation if possible. You should also have a good knowledge of animal behavior, animal health, and facility maintenance (or hire qualified individuals who have these skills).
Working as a dog trainer is a great business to start if you like animals. As an added benefit, you’ll get to meet new dog owners and help them bond with their pets. A dog training business requires little initial investment but does require planning.
After you decide where to locate your business, think about the kinds of services you’ll provide. At this time, no federal or state certification is required to be a dog trainer, although certification is available. Contact the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers and the Association of Pet Dog Trainers for additional information about the profession and eventual certification.
Pet insurance is an insurance policy bought by a pet owner which helps to lessen the overall costs of expensive veterinary bills. This coverage is similar to health insurance policies for humans. Pet insurance will cover, either entirely or in part, the often expensive veterinary procedures. Pet insurance policies offer varying degrees of coverage.
Some of the most common options available include basic coverage for common illnesses and accidental injury, wellness plans for routine immunizations and preventative care, veterinarian plans for regular check-ups and surgical discounts and additional liability plans should your pet bite or harm another person. For you to make profits from this business, you must know how to market your services.
8. No-Kill Animal Shelter Business
The no-kill animal shelter is one that involves saving animals from poor welfare conditions and also from being euthanized unfairly. This kind of organization also helps in ensuring that animals are either spayed or adopted by those who love pets.
Starting a no-kill animal shelter company might be a good and emotionally rewarding business especially if you love animals, but it can be very complicated to start up. Before you can start this shelter, it is expected that you are passionate and committed to the project because the business might not start off immediately and it might take years before the organization starts to make a meaningful impact.
To take care of animals you need patience, love, time, money and a lifetime commitment. You must know that the animals you rescue bring with them different needs and experiences, and the demands on you will be huge and exhausting. Just as you already know, the rewards are worth every minute of care you give to these animals.
If you have a big heart for animals, a passion for rescuing them from neglect, abuse and disaster, and a head for the business end of the operation, you just might have what it takes to open an animal sanctuary.
Pooper scooper businesses are one of the fastest growing pet start-up business options, as pet owners are increasingly demonstrating a willingness to pay for time-saving convenience services such as dog waste removal. You don’t need any special education or training to start his business.
This is a good business for business owners of any age. It’s environmentally sound because it protects groundwater, reduces bacteria and prevents air-borne contaminants. The great thing about the pooper scooper business is that there are an abundance of dog owners (potential customers) everywhere.
Pet owners love to spoil their pets with everything from toys to tasty treats. If you’re known to whip up homemade meals for your furry friend, consider turning your skills into a profitable dog treat business. Generally, bulk dog treats are priced anywhere from $5.99 to $16.99 per pound depending on your target market.
Decide what type of dog treats you plan to offer and whether you will target a specific niche. You may opt to sell organic or gourmet treats or you may decide that you only want to create dog birthday cakes.
Boarding kennels provide a convenient option for owners with travel plans and without a pet sitter or other in-home care option. Kennels range from no-frills indoor/outdoor dog runs with functional bedding to luxurious climate-controlled habitats with plush beds and special facilities.
Boarding kennels frequently employ dog groomers who bathe and clip clients, as well as staff members who provide extra playtime for an additional fee. Some kennels offer dog training as well. If you love dogs and want to dedicate yourself to their care, you may enjoy running a dog kennel.
Pet Cremation is quickly becoming a growing business opportunity, making it ideal for starting your pet business. Pet crematories usually cremate dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, hamsters, reptiles, etc. Smaller animals are cremated within 30-45 minutes whereas larger ones are cremated in hours.
The crematory may charge an additional fee for the incineration of larger animals. As a pet death specialist, you will meet and sensitively deal with clients who have recently lost a pet. You’ll store the body in a temperature controlled facility until it is cremated. After cremation, you’ll return the ashes to the pet owner or dispose of them according to your client’s wishes.