If you are an entrepreneur who is into pets, like millions of Americans are, then starting a pet-related business is the perfect intersection of passion and opportunity.
Indeed, many American families these days spend billions annually buying products and services for their pets—all out of unconditional love for their furry companions. It is no wonder why many pet owners openly spend on everything their pup could want or need: pet care and grooming, medications and vet consultations, custom pet merchandise like T-shirts and plush toys, and so much more.
Having said that, starting is almost always the most difficult stage of putting up a business. Fortunately, this article will tell you all you need to know to start a pet-related venture of your own. If you consider yourself interested, check out our simple guide below:
There are many types of pet-related businesses that you can find. That is right—you don’t necessarily have to open the usual pet supply store that only stocks necessities like pet food, collars, leashes, and other items.
When catering to pet parents, the possibilities are endless when it comes to the nature of the product or service. Some business ideas include, but aren’t limited to, the following:
- a dog poop removal operation
- a dog walking service
- a pet training company
- an on-demand kennel cleaning service
Each state has its own set of pet business-related laws. So, before you proceed with setting the foundations of your venture, you should read up on your state’s laws and prohibitions to avoid getting into any legal trouble. Otherwise, breaking any of these laws means you’ll be penalized with a fine, a temporary suspension of your license to operate, or even the outright closure of your business.
In Colorado, for example, operators of pet animal facilities must apply for valid pet animal facility licenses before they’re allowed to open. Likewise, Illinois requires pet shop operators, cattery operators, and similar businesses to secure the necessary licenses first.
Competition in the Pet Industry Is Intense
You are not the only pet lover looking to turn their passion for pets into a profit-making endeavor. In fact, there are lots of pet-loving, bright-eyed entrepreneurs out there, which means you’ll have plenty of competitors in the industry.
This is especially true if you are planning on selling pet merchandise, more so because you’ll be in direct competition with not only other pet brands but also some of the biggest retail giants across the country. Even general department stores and grocery stores sell pet-related supplies, and their selections are ever-expanding.
That said, knowing that you will face lots of competition can work to your advantage. Because you know that you need to stand out, you must identify your product or service’s unique selling point. Put simply, this is the benefit or feature that makes you different from all the other brands out there.
Alternatively, you can find a gap in the market that remains unfilled by the existing pet-related businesses in your area. For instance, you can put up the only dog poop cleaning service in town, provided you have the skills and stomach for it, of course.
If you are the first to do so, you’ll be considered a pioneer in that particular niche. Thus, you can expect to do business unopposed for some time, at least until another entrepreneur thinks of doing the same thing and competing against you.
Pet parents are getting picky about the products they buy for their pets. Said pet parents are also growing more sophisticated about the services they invest in for their babies. In short, pet owners are becoming far more discerning of the brands that they choose to patronize, as they always prioritize their fur baby’s best interest.
Given this, today’s pet parents are more likely to visit and patronize businesses staffed with pet experts. So, as much as possible, hire people who already have the necessary expertise and skills. Having staff that is well-educated on all matters regarding pets will help differentiate your business from others.
More importantly, though, you must also become an expert yourself. That way, your fellow pet lovers can trust in your ability to recommend or provide the right products and services for their precious fur children.
There you have it: four critical things you need to know if you want to put up your own pet-related business someday. Truly, putting up such a business will take lots of hard work and will challenge you in every way. But if you commit to your goal and do your due diligence, success is very much possible.
Most of all, don’t forget why you are starting your venture in the first place: your love of pets. So, make sure that this passion for furry friends can be felt in every aspect of your company.
I am Adeyemi Adetilewa, an SEO Specialist helping online businesses grow through content creation and proven SEO strategies. Proficient in WordPress CMS, Technical Site Audits, Search Engine Optimization, Keyword Research, and Technical Writing (Portfolio).
I help brands share unique and impactful stories through the use of public relations, advertising, and online marketing. My work has been featured in the Huffington Post, Thrive Global, Addicted2Success, Hackernoon, The Good Men Project, and other publications.
