How to Build a Pet Care Business from the Ground Up
Written by: John Dunbar
Working in pet care could be ideal if you have genuine love and interest in animals. Not only would you be able to hang out with and care for animals every day, but pet care is a billion-dollar industry with a history of flourishing despite the overall state of the economy.
With that said, it’s not easy to start and run a pet care business, and you must be willing (and able) to dedicate time and energy to handling administrative tasks and overcoming challenges. And once your company is off the ground, you’ll likely have your fair share of competitors to consider at every moment.
The good news is that if you know how to prepare, you can set yourself up for long-term success and still have space for your personal life. Here are a few tips to help you start building your pet care company!
Determine your field.
The first stage is deciding precisely what type of pet care you want to provide because it will determine the type of space you’ll need to invest in. For example, you won’t have the same spatial needs as a dog walker that you would for running a dog training or animal boarding facility.
Research the various pet care specialties to figure out which one best aligns with your vision. Here are a few are the most common fields:
● Pet sitting
● Dog walking
● Pet grooming
● Doggy daycare
● Pet boarding
● Dog training
Another option is to open an online store that sells top-quality pet care products.
Draft a business plan.
Once you settle on your specialty, think about how big you would like your business to come and whether you plan to hire employees. Also, come up with a business name and marketing strategy for reaching your target audience. Create a business plan with all of these details and more.
Register your business.
The next step will be to register your business with the state. You have several legal structures to choose from, such as:
● Sole proprietorship
● Limited liability company (LLC)
● Corporation
● Partnership
Many new businesses choose to register as limited liability companies as this structure offers tax advantages, less paperwork, and protection of personal assets. If you’re wondering how to start an LLC in Florida, the easiest solution is to work with a formation service.
Seek financing and certifications.
Next, research the potential startup costs of your pet care business and devise a plan for financing it. If you can afford to contribute some of your own money, doing so can help your finances in the long term. Look to small business grants and loans, investors, and crowdfunding for additional funding.
While you’re at it, determine whether your pet care company will require you to obtain any specific permits or certifications. Even if you’re not required to undergo educational or training programs, doing so can give you leverage from a marketing standpoint.
Plan out the details.
Finally, draw up a plan for all the other details pertaining to your pet care business. You’ll need a daily schedule that optimizes your most productive hours and brings balance to your personal life.
You also need to establish your price points and determine the payment options you’ll offer customers. Then, you’ll be ready to create your branding package and website and lay out a comprehensive marketing strategy for your business.
Depending on what services you’re offering, you may need to purchase pet products. For example, a day care for dogs will need a variety of toys and accessories. Before buying pet products, read detailed reviews to ensure you’re purchasing vetted pet products.
Conclusion
Not every animal lover is cut out to be a business owner. But if your entrepreneurial spirit is beginning to take hold, it might be time to get your pet care business off the ground. Research business ideas, write out a business plan, register your business, find funding, and start your pet care business.
These tips can get you off to a solid start, but there’s much more to learn. Remember that the time and energy you spend now can pay off big time through a fulfilling, lucrative career!
Master reiki practitioner and pet behavior therapist Masako Simmons can help you understand and connect with your beloved pet. Schedule a consultation!
Image from Pexels