Pets are big business. In fact, Americans alone spent over $126 billion dollars on their pets in 2021, especially after a lot of people adopted pets because of loneliness during the pandemic. There are some reports that they are being returned, but there is no proof — we can safely expect this upward trend in spending to continue. All that considered, there’s a lot of money in the pet industry. If you have pets yourself and are thinking about starting a pet-related business, here are a few ideas to get you started.
1. A Pet Daycare, Hotel or Resort
With more and more people returning to the office nowadays, there’s a growing demand for pet daycares, hotels, and resorts. These establishments offer amenities like spacious suites, beds and linens, healthy food, play areas, grooming services, and even fitness classes. Some resorts may have pools for pets to play in. Many also offer dog-walking so that pet parents can leave the house to work or to have a vacation without worrying about their furry friend being bored or neglected. Here is the basic things you need to start a doggy daycare.
First, you need to make sure you have enough space for all the animals. This includes both indoor and outdoor space. You also need places for the pets to rest; during the day, this can just be a separate area from the playing dogs. At night, each pet should have their own crate. You can include a bed if you are looking at offering premium boarding. If you plan to establish a resort, you’ll need to invest more to create a larger play area complete with pools and fountains.
Second, you’ll need to have a variety of toys and play areas to keep the animals entertained. Try to choose sturdy toys that can withstand intense chewing and tugging, such as dog toys produced by Kong and Outward Hound. Expect that they will break, as some pets may have stronger jaws and claws than others. Make sure to stock up on various treats and food for pets, and let people know what options you have. Ask clients what their preferred options are, too — you can either charge them to get their preference or request them to provide you the supply their pet will need. You will also need cleaning supplies that are pet-friendly. Avoid using products that have a strong smell or downright toxic to pets, since pets may be in constant contact with the surfaces you clean; they may even lick them. Generally, bleach, hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, and chemical compounds that include “phenol” are to be avoided.
Lastly, you’ll need to have a staff that is knowledgeable about animal behavior and can handle any emergencies that may arise. Always keep the contact number of a veterinarian handy if you do not or cannot employ one, and prepare your vehicle to carry animals in advance. This way, you do not have to waste time getting it ready if an emergency happens. Make sure to get your business insured, too!
2. A Mobile Pet Grooming Service
Another great pet-related business idea is to start a mobile pet grooming service. This is a great option for entrepreneurs who love animals but don’t want the overhead of a brick-and-mortar location. With a mobile pet grooming business, you can bring the salon right to your clients’ doorsteps. This is perfect now that people have gotten used to staying at home. It also works great for anyone who doesn’t have a car and can’t bring their pet on public transportation. Plus, mobile groomers can often charge premium prices for their convenience and door-to-door service.
To begin with, you will need equipment for your mobile service. Preferably, larger vehicles are better, such as container vans, passenger vans, mail delivery vans, or food trucks. They will need to be modified a bit to accommodate all your other equipment:
- a grooming table
- a generator
- a water pump
- a water tank
- a sink
- separate hoses for water intake and disposal
- adjustable spray nozzle
- leashes and collars of varying sizes
- a dryer
- grooming supply cabinets and containers
- waste containers
- lighting
- ventilation fans
- clippers and clipper blades
- shears
- combs for fur of various thickness and lengths
- muzzles of various sizes
- air conditioning (optional)
- flooring (if necessary)
You will also need to stock up on consumables, such as different kinds of pet shampoos and conditioners for various animals, skin types, and fur lengths. You also need pet perfumes, hypoallergenic powder, anti-tick powder, and treats for after baths. Once you have them, prepare a list of services or packages you will offer, and let clients now what each package entails. Make sure to ask them to choose from your product options to make sure that you are not using something that might irritate their pet.
Lastly, get a trained animal groomer so that you know that you will not be harming anyone’s pet. Get insurance, too — having insurance will keep your business safe.
Conclusion:
These are just two ideas to get you started in the world of pet businesses. You can combine these ideas with each other or other ideas if you enjoy it! It’s easy to find a niche that fits your interests and expertise. So if you’re looking for a new business venture that’s furry, fun, and profitable, consider starting a pet-related business today!