Business Ideas for Pet Lovers

Article by Sherry Williams

If you love animals, and they naturally respond to you, consider starting a work-at-home job in the pet services industry. While there have been anecdotal stories about families who have had to abandon their pets in trying economic times, the general trend has been towards increased spending on pet care regardless of the state of the economy. It seems that people love their pets and do not want to deny them anything.

A pet service company can be a great choice for a new home-based business. This industry lends itself particularly well to the work-at-home entrepreneur. The rule in real estate is location, location, location. The same could be said for pet care. Because the vast majority of pets are located in normal households, your location will be much more convenient for the pet owner than traveling into a congested shopping area. If you choose to perform your services on-site, you’ll also reduce your travel expenses due to your close proximity to neighboring communities.

Once you decide to enter the pet care field, it’s time to choose a specialty area. Let’s take a look at some of the popular choices.

• Dog Walker/House Sitter – This is a great choice for someone who doesn’t want huge start-up costs or any expensive training. Simply start by creating flyers or posting ads in your area. Decide on your rates and the services you will offer. You’ll be amazed at how many people are interested in this type of help. Some may want company for their pet in the middle of the workday , while others would rather have an in-home service than use a kennel during a business trip or vacation.

• Pet Photographer – If you’re handy with a camera, this may be the perfect business opportunity. As you well know, photos can be taken anywhere giving you the choice of working from home, on-site, or at any scenic location. For those who already own camera equipment, start up costs could be minimized. In addition, your portfolio would speak for itself, and you wouldn’t be required to attend any additional training courses.

• Pet Grooming – You could choose to either groom pets from your home or start a mobile grooming service. Both choices will come with some expenses. You will need to be trained and licensed to become a groomer. To gain experience, you will need to work for someone else for a period of time. Once you’re ready to start your own grooming service, you will need to invest in grooming equipment and animal crates. For a mobile service, you’ll need a specially equipped van as well.

• Mail Order Pet Supplies – While this option would not necessarily bring you in daily contact with pets, you could turn your interest into a lucrative mail order business that you run from home. Use your knowledge to present interesting products in a way that will convince pet owners that this item is a must-have and that they should order from you. More and more people are ordering pet supplies on-line, and your new site could soon find its way on many favorite lists.

Of course, this list doesn’t come close to exhausting all of the options in the pet service area. The available business opportunities are only limited by your imagination. No matter which business option you choose, make sure that you acquire any necessary licenses and that you check with your community’s business section to make sure there are no legal restrictions on a specific type of business in your area. Most importantly, make sure that you are adequately insured against any type of negligence or personal injury claims.