If you love animals and have an entrepreneurial mindset, it makes sense for you to start a business that is focused on pets. Pet owners are more devoted to their furry friends than ever — which means that a pet business has the potential to be very lucrative if you plan well and market yourself effectively. Following are some ideas for pet businesses.
When it comes to pet businesses, the pooper-scooper business is a tried-and-true one. You can start with a minimal investment and don’t need a lot of equipment. The main things you’ll need are gloves, boots, buckets and plastic bags, as well as good transportation to get you to and from your clients’ homes. You can advertise by word-of-mouth and by flyers placed around neighborhood.
Handy with a camera? Then consider a pet photography business. Pet owners consider their dogs, cats and other animals as part of the family, and more people include their pets in family photos or have individual portraits made of their pets. You can operate the business on a full- or part-time basis; advertise with brochures or flyers at local veterinarian offices and pet supply stores.
Pet clothing is big business, and if you love the idea of designing or selling fashion for Fido and Fluffy, this is a great time to get in on this growing market. If you have a creative bent, you can design and make jackets, sweaters and hats for dogs and cats. If the actual design of the clothing isn’t your thing, you can open a traditional or online shop that sells clothing and accessories such as collars, leashes and carriers.
A dog walking service is another pet business that can be started with very little overhead. You’ll need a multi-lead leash that lets you walk up to three dogs at a time — this maximizes your profits as a dog walker. Advertise with flyers at pet stores and vet’s offices.