Small Business Idea

Dogs, Cats, and other Million Dollar Small Business Opportunities

Whether or not you find it absolutely ridiculous (personally, I do), people spend gobs and then more gobs of cash on their pets. Doggy collars, bird treats, cat medications, home door alterations, art nouveau litter boxes, and so forth. And people spend these dollars gladly, willing to do anything to pamper their pooch (or, what the owner thinks will pamper their pooch… chances are Rover would rather have a week-old pork chop, no leash, no haircut appointment, and a few hundred acres to explore… but that’s beside the point. )

So, just how much are people willing to spend on their pets? Some estimates put the figure at over $25 billion in the US alone. WTF?!

Okay, Pets - But What’s the Business Plan?

There are plenty of angles a person can aim for. The keys are to find a business plan that has real demand (something pet owners would actually pay for) and not too much local competition (if there are already 50 kennels in your neighborhood, you might consider something else.) For starters, how about beginning a brainstorming session on one of the following ideas?

1. Certified Pet Health Services - In other words, becoming a vet. Yeah, its a ton of work to go through school and get certified, but at least you won’t have much competition (because the barrier to entry is so high.)
2. Uncertified Pet Health Services - Remembering that fraud is a crime and you should not lie about what you do, there are pet health service options that do not require professional certification. For instance, how about setting up a pet spa, doggy massage clinic, cat stress relief center (an entertainment center filled with cat nip, scratching poles, sunbeam, window sill, and a ready supply of fresh tuna?), pet gourmet dietary center (selling crickets, meat scraps, rare international grains, etc.), and so forth. In other words, something that appeals to the health and well being of a pet without the hassles of surgery, prescription medications, plaster casts, and other activities that require licensed pros?
3. Other Pet Services - This category of ideas may be the best for you because of one big factor: big national companies can’t compete with a local, well-known option. In other words, in most neighborhoods, you’re not likely to find a lot of competition. Options to consider include:
   • Dog walking service - Great for kids or other part-timers
   • Dog bathing/grooming service - Good for monthly or weekly appointments
   • Pet babysitting - Requires a place to keep the pets, plus an impeccable level of trustworthiness
   • Pet-friendly _____ (fill in the blank) - If you’re running another business already, switching to a pet-friendly model (and including it in your website or advertising) can reap big benefits primarily from attracting more humans (pet owners) to your establishment. However, the added revenue from running a pet-friendly hotel, restaurant, tour, museum, park, etc. could be very handy!
4. Useful Pet Supplies - All pets need a multitude of items. Selling these items, either online or in a local shop or farmer’s market, might be right for you: pet houses (cages, kennels, houses, fences, etc.), feeding supplies (dishes, water cans, food), out-and-about supplies (collars, chains/ropes, mobile kennels, etc.), and other necessary supplies. For more ideas, visit a local pet store and scan through their inventory.
5. Non-Useful Pet Supplies (Toys) - This is where the money is - mainly because non-useful supplies (”kitch”) is a non-saturated market, leaving room for your creative juices to flow. Decorative items “for the cat to enjoy”, toys, fashionable collars, extra clothing (cat jackets, dog boots, etc.), and other non-essential items (how about a krypton dog bed?) have the advantage of being fickle, meaning that one more catchy or witty item on the market (yours) might just have a chance of taking off.
6. Useful Supplies for Pet Owners - Pet door modification units, chains, functional collars, house barriers, dog mats, blankets for on top of the bird cage, etc. Again, check through a local pet store for a fuller list of items. Also, note that this marketplace is already pretty full.
7. Non-Useful Supplies for Pet Owners - As with non-useful pet supplies, this category of items has as much potential as you have creativity. The funny part of this category is that, while pet owners pretend to buy witty t-shirts, bumper stickers, hats, etc. for their pet, they are really just buying presents for themselves. For instance, every time you see a sign in a car window reading “Caution - Cat on Board!”, you can see an example of a non-useful pet owner supply who spent $12 on something for themself, but sort of for their pet. Taking advantage of this type of buyer is the name of this category’s game.

Extra Tips

Aside from choosing a business model with an economic upside, its essential that you take care of a few other things.

If you don’t love animals, don’t try any of these plans. Your lack of enthusiasm will eventually show and kill your business.

Likewise, if you don’t realize the difference between a business and a hobby, don’t choose this business. You’d be better off getting a pet than starting this business.
Honesty, trustworthiness, and the ability to communicate those two are essential in this business. If prospective customers get the impression that you’re second-rate or that their beloved pet might be mistreated, you are guaranteed to have a failing business. Be friendly, be exquisitely clean, keep your facilities exquisitely clean and “happy”, and be sure to be a great listener (when prospects are talking about inane details about their pets).

Good Luck!

Pets are a happy part of people’s (prospect’s) lives, so this has the potential to be a very pleasant and joyous sector for your small business!