9 Business Ideas for Pet Lovers

 

Are you a cat person or a dog person? No matter where you stand, few things make you as happy as your pets. Why? You love animals! Whether it’s your dog, your cat, your hamsters, or a goldfish, having an animal brings you a special kind of happiness.

So why not start a business involving pets? After all, you’re not the only one who loves having a pet. All you need is the right idea to get started. Here are some business ideas for pet lovers just like you.

The Pet Business Boom

Over the past few decades, the way we perceive and treat our pets has transformed. Many people now think of their pets as family members instead of just animals. This change in perspective has contributed to the meteoric rise of the pet product and services industry, turning it into a multi-billion-dollar sector. Currently, the pet industry is valued at $136 billion.

Here is a breakdown of where this money comes from:

1. Pet Food & Treats- $58.1 billion
2. Supplies, Live Animals & OTC Medicine- $31.5 billion
3. Vet Care & Product Sales -$35.9 billion
4. Other Services* $11.4 billion

*Other Services include boarding, grooming, insurance, training, pet sitting and walking, and all services outside of veterinary care.

In the past, pet care essentials were basic. All you needed was food, a leash, maybe a toy or two. However, as the bond between humans and their pets strengthened, the demand for products and services grew. From gourmet pet foods and luxury pet spas to advanced health care services and pet tech gadgets, the industry has evolved. The demand in many ways mirrors human consumption patterns. 

Looking forward, the pet product and services industry is poised to grow 5.1% within the next 7 years. As Millennials and Gen Z delay traditional life milestones like marriage and child-rearing, many are choosing to adopt pets. This will likely push the industry towards even more eco-friendly and ethical products.

Now that you understand how lucrative the pet industry can be, let’s take a look at some businesses you can start that will help you be a part of this growing sector.

 

1. Animal Influencer

Does your pet have what it takes to be a social media superstar? Do you enjoy posting videos of your parrot talking or your dog chasing its own tail?

If you like social media, this one could be for you. You could monetize your hobby of taking videos of your pet by starting a YouTube channel. Over time, if you gain enough subscribers, your channel could be monetized. With a large enough following, you could even gain the ability to have company sponsors send you free products.

If you’re creative enough and your pet has enough charisma, you may be able to create the next internet celebrity. For example, Doug the Pug has his own day in Nashville, Tennessee.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Doug The Pug (@itsdougthepug)

Another way of using your animal’s charm as a side hustle is to start a blog. You could post pictures or funny stories about what your pet is doing. You can ask companies for free samples of their products, in exchange for an honest review posted on your site. Some companies will say yes, while others will say no. This can help you earn free samples for your pet, and potentially some income on the side.

 

2. Custom-Made Pet-Themed Gifts

For the person that has everything, a gift that focuses on a beloved pet can touch the heart. Here are a few pet-themed gifts:

• Bracelets engraved with a pet’s name
• Clothing showing a pet’s name or picture
• Necklaces featuring a pet’s name
• Paintings of a pet
• Personalized dog bowls
• Personalized pet photos

Items like this can be sold online. Check out what’s popular on Etsy if you think this might be for you.

 

3. Pet Daycare and Boarding Facility

More and more pet parents are turning to pet daycare to care for their furry friends. Some of these facilities offer a high-end, luxurious experience. You’ll need to identify your target market in order to succeed. Study the competition to find out what they’re offering. 

Decide what kind of services you’ll offer, and how you’ll advertise. No matter how you price your facility, you’ll need to ensure that the facility is clean and safe. Clients need to know that their animal will be cared for properly, so plan how you will advertise to show your qualifications.

 

4. Dog Walking

If you’d like to do doggy daycare but lack the space, dog walking is another good option. This can be ideal for people who need extra cash and don’t have a whole lot of extra time. Scoring your first client will probably be the hardest part, but after that, repeat business will be your best friend (after your dog, that is). 

A dog walking business is also a good business idea for new entrepreneurs. The start up costs are low and you just need a reasonable amount of time and patience to get started.

 

5. Feline Fashion Designer

If you’ve ever been discouraged by the lack of fashion available for your cat or dog, why not create something different? If you know how to sew and you love creating new looks, why not apply these talents toward a target market of fellow animal lovers? This could be a niche market that could be quite profitable.

Explore this possibility by considering the needs of other pet owners. What might they want and need in pet clothing? Consider what pet stores – brick-and-mortar and online – are offering. Is there anything you wish they offered, but they don’t?

Create some designs and have real pets model them if you can. Along the way, you’ll be able to discover what adjustments you would need to make to make that first sale or to increase your sales.

 

6. Online Pet Store

Big stores aren’t the only places that pet owners turn to for food, clothing, and other items. In fact, if you have items that are still in good condition that someone else might be interested in, this might be an easy way for you to make some spare change.

Online marketplaces like eBay, OfferUp, Poshmark, and more are making it easier than ever for you to pass your unwanted items onto someone else who will pay for them. Your pet store could also feature items that you’ve made, such as your own fashion line or your own homemade dog treats.

 

7. Pet Groomer

Do you love making sure your dog is clean and looks beautiful? Of course, every pet owner wants their animal to be well-groomed, but many would rather someone else do the work. This is exactly what a groomer does. If you think you might enjoy bathing a dog, trimming the dog’s hair, and trimming its nails, then a pet groomer gig might be for you.

The American Kennel Club’s Canine College offers pet groomer education. You can visit their website to learn more about their professional standards for pet grooming. Earning a credential from their organization might help you by giving your pet grooming facility an added distinction to stand out and enhance trust among potential clients.

 

8. Mobile Pet Spa Business

If you don’t want to operate a facility for pet grooming, you can also start a mobile pet grooming or spa business. By providing at-home services, pet owners can skip the hassle of transporting their pets. This can be particularly beneficial for anxious animals or those who get car sick.

The first step in establishing a mobile pet spa is to acquire a well-equipped van. This mobile unit should be customized to include a bathing area, grooming station, and storage for tools and products. Proper ventilation, temperature control, and a reliable power source are critical for the animal’s safety and comfort, as well as for the convenience of the groomer.

 

9. Pet Training Business

Pet trainers specialize in teaching animals, predominantly dogs, to follow commands, exhibit good behavior, and sometimes perform specific tasks or tricks. This venture not only aids in enhancing the bond between pets and their owners but also ensures that pets are well-mannered and safe in various environments.

Successful trainers usually possess a deep understanding of animal behavior, psychology, and positive reinforcement techniques. While formal education in animal behavior can be beneficial, hands-on experience is invaluable. Many trainers start by apprenticing with established professionals to hone their skills.

An important aspect of a pet training business is building trust. Clients are entrusting their beloved pets to the trainer’s care, so it’s vital to establish a reputation for safety, kindness, and effectiveness. Customer testimonials, success stories, and word-of-mouth referrals can be powerful marketing tools in this industry.

 

Conclusion

Pets bring joy not just to their owners, but to the people around them. As an animal lover, you can help spread this joy in other people’s lives through a pet-themed business. Whether you walk dogs, sell pet products, or make custom-themed pet gifts, the possibilities are endless.

 

Also read:

7 Fitness Entrepreneur Business Ideas

100 Business Ideas You Can Start This Year

15 Online Freelance Business Ideas

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