Pet Blog > Thinking of Starting a Pet Care-Based Business? Now’s the Perfect Time

Thinking of Starting a Pet Care-Based Business? Now’s the Perfect Time

If you’re an animal lover and aspiring entrepreneur, choosing to start a business that specializes in pet care could be a great choice. After all, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association, over 80 million households have a dog or a cat, showing just how much pet ownership matters – and how a well-planned pet care business can potentially thrive.

Best of all, getting a pet care business started is far easier than you may expect. If you want to launch one, CoFund My Pet shares what you need to know.

Choosing the Right Pet Care Business

There are numerous types of pet care businesses you could potentially pursue. Dog walking, pet sitting, grooming, and e-commerce product sales are all options on the table. As a result, you need to decide which option best meets your needs.

Consider how much money you want to commit to getting your company off of the ground. Often, service-oriented companies require less of a financial investment. However, if you need a substantial amount of equipment, it’s still incredibly costly.

Usually, dog walking and pet sitting options are the least expensive to launch. You’ll only need some basic supplies to operate. Dog grooming typically costs far more. Along with suitable space for baths, you’ll need high-quality brushes, scissors, electric trimmers, shampoos, conditioners, and more.

Similarly, an e-commerce store focused on pet care products typically requires inventory. In some cases, you may also need extra storage space, particularly if your home is smaller. However, Shopify notes that you could potentially limit the startup costs by dropshipping instead, so keep that in mind. No matter the type of business you launch, you’ll need an accounting system that is robust enough to handle all your needs. A versatile system will ensure that your bookkeeping, one of the most time-consuming and repetitive tasks, is automated, which frees you up to manage other areas of your business.

Forming the Company

Once you know which business is the right option, it’s time to form the company. In most cases, you’ll want to start by choosing a company name and writing a business plan, giving you a roadmap to follow once you launch. After that, you’ll need to choose a company structure, get an EIN for taxes, and outline a marketing strategy.

Once that’s done, you’ll want to register your business. Depending on the type of company you’re running, you may also need different licenses or permits. In some cases, you’ll want to get a doing business as (DBA) name for your business, too. A DBA name makes branching out into new services easier, giving you flexibility. Plus, if you can’t get your preferred domain name for your main company, this lets you choose a solid alternative.

Getting What You Need to Launch

As you prepare to launch, you’ll need to ensure you have everything you need to run your business. Exactly what that entails may depend on the type of company you’re running. While having a small business accounting solution including an invoice creator to produce invoices on a regular basis is almost universally essential, the rest may vary significantly. (This invoice generator will save you time.)

Find a competitive retailer to handle any of your basic supply needs. Shops like P.L.A.Y. can be a great resource for pet beds, toys, leashes, and much more, allowing you to get as much as possible from a single place.

Finding Your First Clients

Once you’re ready to start providing goods or services, you’ll need to connect with potential customers. In most cases, you’ll want to start with a website. Use SEO best practices to ensure your site is easy to find by those looking for what you offer.

Social media is often a simple way to begin. Make sure to feature engaging, value-providing posts and not just marketing materials. That way, people have a reason to follow you even when they don’t currently have a need. If a post is gaining traction, consider promoting it or using it as the basis for an ad. That way, you can generate more interest without breaking the bank.

You can also try local options. Flyers in popular places that pet owners frequent can be surprisingly effective. Just make sure the ads are visually attractive and provide clear information about services and contact details. That way, they’ll have a greater chance of generating business.

Image via Pexels

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