How To Start a Pet Business: 13 Creative Ideas for 2025

How can you turn your unwavering love of your pet into a successful pet business? As an animal lover, you might already have a few ideas. But remember, starting a business takes more than recognizing an opportunity.

This article highlights some of today’s most successful pet businesses, showing you how they meet the needs of pets and their people. You’ll also find practical tips on how to start your own pet business from scratch.

Is a pet business profitable?

In 2024, US pet owners spent $151.9 billion on their pets, and that number is projected to grow to $157 billion in 2025, according to the American Pet Products Association. Clearly, this shows there’s demand for pet products and services—but are they profitable?

There’s definitely money to be made, but operating costs—and profitability—can vary depending on the type of pet business you launch. For example, you can start a pet walking or sitting business with a relatively small budget, mainly covering marketing and insurance costs. In contrast, grooming, boarding, and day care services often require higher upfront costs because they need a physical location or mobile setup.

If you want to keep your startup costs low, consider an ecommerce pet business. Dropshipping or print-on-demand models, in particular, allow you to start your business with minimal capital.

13 pet business ideas

1. Pet-sitting services
2. Niche pet food
3. Dog apparel
4. Dog walking
5. Curated pet shop
6. House-training aids
7. Dog grooming
8. Pet training
9. Doggy day care
10. Custom keepsakes
11. Pet carriers
12. Pet furniture
13. Pet enrichment toys

Pet businesses can offer a range of products and services, from chew toys and dog bowls to walking and grooming. Some cater to cat and dog owners, while others focus on niche pets like reptiles and spiders.

While traditional pet stores often offer a mix of products and services, it’s wise to avoid becoming a “do-it-all” business. Competing with large retail chains and ecommerce companies can be tough, especially because they benefit from economies of scale and can sell products at lower prices.

Instead, consider finding a niche. You could choose to cater to owners of a specific type of pet or appeal to owners who share particular values—like prioritizing nutrition, sustainability, or design.

So, let’s explore some pet product and service ideas you can specialize in:

1. Pet-sitting services

If you enjoy spending time with pets and want to engage with your local community, starting a pet-sitting business is a great way to enter the pet industry. It’s also a growing field. The pet-sitting market is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.8% from 2025 to 2030, according to Grand View Research.

Many pet-sitting businesses operate with an online storefront, offering online booking and payment and sometimes even updates on pets’ activities. You can build a website that outlines your services, background, and pricing, and integrate appointment booking software to make scheduling easy for your customers.

For example, Petsie, a pet sitting company based in Toronto, Canada, allows clients to book directly through its website. It also lists pricing and details on its various services, like group dog walks, home visits, and one-hour private walks—many companies combine walking and sitting services.

While starting a pet-sitting business doesn’t carry high start-up costs, it’s a good idea to invest in insurance to protect yourself against potential mishaps. You may also want to form a legal business entity, like a limited liability company (LLC), which can help protect your personal assets and establish credibility with clients.

Once you have these basics squared away, your main focus will be marketing your services and finding your first clients. If those clients are happy, they’re likely to suggest your service to fellow pet owners, giving you valuable—and free—word-of-mouth marketing.

2. Niche pet food

If you’re passionate about pet nutrition, starting a pet food company might be the right path for you. As is true with other types of pet businesses, you’ll want to find a niche to stand out, since many large brands already offer healthy pet foods at competitive prices.

You might focus on specific life stages (for example, senior dogs) or cater to specific dietary needs (like poultry-free or grain-free options). You could also differentiate yourself by including unique nutritional elements, like probiotics and antioxidants, or by offering organic pet food—a growing subset of the pet food industry.

Taking your pet food business online can help you expand your customer base beyond local buyers. For instance, Maev sells premium raw food dog formulas directly to customers across the country through their ecommerce website.

You might also consider following Maev’s lead by adopting a subscription model. Subscriptions can provide a steady revenue stream while helping your customers ensure they never run out of food for their pets.

Before you start selling pet food, however, you’ll need to attain the necessary licenses and permits. Most states’ Departments of Agriculture regulate animal food, and rules vary depending on your location. Check your state’s website to learn what’s needed to stay compliant.

3. Dog apparel

The pet clothing market is growing: Its global market size was estimated at $2.09 billion in 2023, and it’s projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.1% through 2030. If you’re interested in developing your own pet apparel line, consider creating purpose-built products. The ecommerce brand Ruffwear, for example, creates performance gear for dogs, like life jackets and high-visibility vests built for outdoor adventures.

Since cats and dogs come in all shapes and sizes, another option is to start with a particular breed in mind. This allows you to perfect just a few products and tailor your marketing toward a more targeted audience.

For example, the pet apparel brand Frenchie Shop specializes in products for French bulldogs, selling items like sweatshirts for dogs and even French bulldog–inspired sweatshirts for humans.

To get started, you’ll want to set up an ecommerce site and decide which products to sell. To minimize upfront costs like product development and inventory storage, consider starting with a dropshipping model.

4. Dog walking

If you love dogs and spending time outside, starting a dog walking business can be a great way to meet new furry friends, get some exercise, and earn extra money.

Like pet sitting, dog walking businesses usually serve a specific local community. You might walk dogs in nearby parks, or offer unique experiences, like New Hampshire–based Salty Paws, which provides coastal adventures for dogs.

Services like dog walking and pet sitting require excellent customer service. Trust is crucial, and it’s built through strong, reliable customer relationships with pet owners. To get the word out initially, consider posting flyers in community spaces like coffee shops, joining online communities like Facebook groups, and investing in location-based online ads.

5. Curated pet shop

Every pet owner needs basic pet products like food, bowls, toys, litter boxes, and leashes. While these essentials are widely available, you can stand out with a curated pet supply store, selling top-notch products.

One way to do this is by focusing on a single product category. For example, cat supply store Teddybob is a reseller of Pidan cat litter, an organic, food-grade litter made from beans. The brand also offers a limited, curated selection of high-quality cat accessories, including a deshedding tool, wipes, and a few food storage containers.

Another approach is to curate products based on a specific theme or value. For example, Only Natural Pet sells products that meet its “honest promise” criteria, meaning the products exclude a range of low-quality ingredients.

To get started, conduct extensive product research to ensure the products you sell are high quality and well-reviewed. If you’re a pet owner yourself, you might begin by selling your personal favorites.

You’ll also want to confirm the products you’re interested in are available wholesale or via a dropshipping model. If you’re on Shopify, you can sell other brands’ products via Shopify Collective, a platform that lets customers buy products from multiple companies through a single ecommerce checkout on your own store.

6. House-training aids

A smart way to come up with a great business idea is to focus on problems faced by real pet owners. Take house-training, for example. Several companies sell products to make the process easier.

The ecommerce company Fresh Patch, for example, makes pee pads from real grass, which is naturally more absorbent than the turf that’s traditionally used in training patches. These innovative pads allow dogs to use the bathroom as if they were in a park or yard, even when they’re indoors or in small outdoor spaces like apartment balconies.

Nobody likes dealing with pet waste, so if you can invent or curate products that ease this pain point—whether that’s scented poop bags or a self-cleaning litterbox—you’ll be on your way to a profitable pet business.

7. Dog grooming

If you care about helping dogs look good—and you’re skilled at handling anxious, energetic pups—consider starting a pet grooming business. The dog grooming market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.33% through 2030, driven by rising awareness of pet health and well-being.

There are several ways to structure your dog grooming business. You could open your own grooming salon, rent space in an existing one, start a mobile grooming business out of a specially equipped van, or offer in-home service, bathing dogs and cutting their fur on a portable grooming table. Whichever model you choose, be sure to check your state and city’s websites for relevant regulations. Some cities, like New York, require you to obtain a pet grooming permit.

Like dog walking and pet-sitting businesses, grooming relies on building trust and strong customer relationships. That trust can take time to establish, but when you’re just starting out, you can attract new customers by posting engaging content like before-and-after videos on social media. New York City–based dog grooming company The Bark Shoppe uses this strategy effectively.

You might also follow The Bark Shoppe’s lead by selling retail products, like shampoos, in addition to grooming services. Offer these products in person or online through an ecommerce storefront.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Bark Shoppe (@thebarkshoppe)

8. Pet training

ALT: Online banner promoting Supakit’s cat harness training classes, featuring a sunset photo of a cat owner walking her leashed cat on the beach, with a sign-up button.

Pet owners often want to learn pet care skills from experts. If you have specialized knowledge, you might consider becoming a pet trainer.

In the US, there are no formal educational requirements to become a pet trainer. However, savvy pet parents will look for certifications from respected organizations like the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers or the Association for Professional Dog Trainers.

And training isn’t just for dogs. For example, cat harness, collar, and leash brand Supakit offers feline harness training lessons through its educational platform, Supakit Academy.

Once you’re ready to launch, you can offer group classes or one-on-one training sessions. ou can even monetize your expertise by building an online learning business. With an ecommerce platform like Shopify, you can sell digital products and manage subscriptions, giving you multiple ways to generate revenue. For example, Calm Canine Academy offers a monthly membership that includes access to live individual and group training sessions.

9. Doggy day care

While pet-sitters typically care for a single pet in their own home, doggy daycare involves looking after multiple pets in a dedicated location.

The pet daycare industry is growing, with a CAGR of 8.78% forecasted through 2030. Many families have working pet parents who are away from home for long hours, making daytime care essential for their pets’ well-being. If you love dogs—and don’t mind noise and constant activity—running a doggy day care could be a great business opportunity.

You can create additional revenue streams selling pet products at your day care or through an online store. For example, The Hipster Hound combines a full-service facility with a curated selection of items at its retail store in Savannah, Georgia.

Another variation of doggy day care is pet boarding for families on vacation. Between pet passports, vaccinations, and transportation, the costs of taking pets on vacation can be prohibitive. Reliable pet boarding can help lower costs for owners, presenting an opportunity for you to build a thriving business.

10. Custom keepsakes

Many pet owners want to celebrate their furry, feathered, or scaled friends with a portrait they can hang on the wall or show off on a t-shirt or necklace. These custom pet products also make wonderful gifts. If you’re a painter, sculptor, photographer, or other type of visual artist, creating pet keepsakes can be a great way to make money as an artist.

Take artist Cari Johnston, who creates colorful custom pet portraits on commission. She works from photos, a tactic you can use to expand your customer base beyond local clients.

There are plenty of other types of custom pet keepsakes, too. Think: custom pet pillows, bespoke pet-themed jewelry, and mugs featuring a pet’s faces. Cuddle Clones, for example, sells plush replicas of pets, alongside other customizable products such as pajamas and engraved necklaces.

If you’re not interested in making each product by hand, you could get started with a print-on-demand model, in which a third party service produces and ships your designs. This approach requires very little start-up capital and cuts down on shipping and inventory storage costs.

11. Pet carriers

When Little Chonk cofounder Bryan Reisberg set out to find a pet carrier that would allow him to bring his corgi, Maxine, on the New York City subway, he was disappointed by existing offerings. “They were all very poorly made, they broke down very easily, and they just weren’t thoughtfully designed for the health and safety of my dog, or, to be honest, me,” Bryan told Shopify Masters. “I’m carrying this dog two times a day.”

Little Chonk’s first ergonomic pet backpack, the Maxine One, features rigid construction to help keep the human’s back straighter, as well as dog-friendly details like neck support and a tail opening for added comfort.

According to Grand View Research, the global pet carrier market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.5% through 2030, driven by advancements in materials and growing concern for pet welfare. There are many niches to explore, from pet strollers to car seats. If product development isn’t your thing, you can still tap into the market by curating a selection of pet carriers from other brands.

12. Pet furniture

If you have an eye for interior design, starting a pet furniture business could be a great fit. It’s a growing industry with a forecasted 4.9% CAGR through 2030. Artfully designed dog beds, pet stairs, and cat towers stand out in a market full of utilitarian options, as do health-focused furniture products like orthopedic pet beds.

Take NomoHaus as an example. The Los Angeles–based company sells a wooden pet bed outfitted with a memory foam mattress and featuring a colorful, modern striped print. It also includes practical features for pet owners, like anti-slip matting and a machine-washable cover. 

If you’re thinking about entering the pet furniture industry, keep in mind that some types of products sell better than others: In 2023, cat furniture had the largest market share (35.2%), and pet beds and sofas were the top selling categories, accounting for 38.1% of pet furniture revenue.

Regardless of what type of furniture you decide to create, keep usability and durability top of mind. Pets can be tough on furnishings and often track mud and dirt onto their beds. To keep your products functional, make sure they’re sturdy and easy to clean.

13. Pet enrichment toys

If you have a penchant for clever design, consider selling creative, enriching pet toys—ones that go beyond the usual bones, braided ropes, and rubber chew toys.

The pet toy industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.6% through 2030. Much of this growth is driven by the increasing popularity of enrichment toys: As pet owners place more value on their animals’ overall health, they’re seeking out engaging toys that support mental and emotional well-being. These toys provide species-appropriate stimulation in the form of puzzles and snuffle mats, designed with hidden treat compartments that encourage pets to use their noses and problem-solving skills.

Lambwolf Collective categorizes its enrichment toys by difficulty level—beginner, intermediate, challenging, or multi-level—and uses product photos to show how each toy works. In a market full of brightly colored options, Lambwolf Collective stands out by offering toys in more natural, design-minded colors as part of its mission to create “products that are a pleasure to live with.”

Other potential niches to explore include heavy-duty enrichment toys for bigger dogs, puzzle games for cats, and breed-specific options, like herding toys. Whether you create handmade toys, outsource production to a manufacturer, or curate a selection of toys from other brands, pet parents will appreciate photo and video content showing them how to use your toys.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Luna the sassy rescued corgi (@lunabear.thecorgi)

How to start a pet business

1. Do market research
2. Create a pet business name
3. Build your brand
4. Write a business plan
5. Secure licenses and permits
6. Create your pet products
7. Build your store
8. Prioritize customer service
9. Manage your finances effectively
10. Market your pet business

Decided on an idea? Let’s look at how you can start your pet business today:

1. Do market research

Market research involves understanding both your customers and your competitors. This process will help you identify your competitive advantage—what sets you apart and why people should choose your brand over others. It also guides you in defining your target audience—the group of people you’ll focus your marketing efforts on.

There are a few broad market categories to choose from:

• Luxury. This category includes high-end products and services, like organic, human-grade pet food and premium pet grooming spas.

• Mid-market. Ideal if you’re targeting a specific niche, this segment includes toys, treats, and grooming products, specifically designed for a certain type of animal or owner.

• Mass market. If affordability is your priority, this category contains standardized products and supplies, like rubber chew toys and food bowls. Keep in mind that competing in this space often means going up against major retail chains and large ecommerce platforms.

Once you’ve identified your target market, conduct acompetitive analysis by researching other businesses in that space. Examine their product offerings, marketing tactics, and pricing strategies. Consider what they’re doing well and what they could do better, then use these insights to guide your own business strategy.

As you start developing your products and services, use what you’ve learned to figure out how to differentiate your offerings and establish a unique value proposition for customers. That might involve identifying a gap in the market—something existing businesses aren’t addressing—and positioning your brand to fill that need. 

Trevor Crotts, the founder and president of dog bed company BuddyRest, identified a market gap while searching for a bed for his dog Buddy. He knew that larger dogs like Buddy often suffer from joint pain as they age, and from his time in the mattress industry, he understood the role supportive bedding plays in improving quality of life.

“When it came time for me to look for a product for something that was going to be supportive for Buddy, I realized there was nothing out there for dogs,” Trevor explains on an episode of Shopify Masters.

“I saw an opportunity to create a business and do something for my dog Buddy, as well as the millions of dogs out there,” Trevor says. “We decided to not just create the best supportive bed based on scientific principles, but we used all the same technologies and the same materials as in the human mattress industry.”

2. Create a pet business name

Choosing a simple and descriptive name for your pet business makes it easier for customers to remember and more likely your brand will benefit from word-of-mouth marketing.

If you’re struggling to come up with a business name, use this pet business name generator for inspiration. Simply enter a keyword, click “Generate names,” and browse through thousands of auto-generated ideas for your company.

You can also create a slogan for your business. Make sure it’s catchy while clearly communicating what your business does.

3. Build your brand

Building a strong brand is a key step in launching your pet business. Your brand shapes everything from your tone of voice to your visual style, and it’s critical for standing out to your target audience. Here are a few core areas to focus on:

Visual identity

Your visual identity includes elements like your logo, website design, typography, and packaging. Establish it early to ensure a consistent visual identity, and stick to it across every customer touchpoint.

Brand story

A compelling brand story helps customers understand your missions and connect with your business on a deeper level. It forms the foundation of your brand identity and can inspire loyalty and action. For example, Little Chonk’s story is rooted in founder Bryan Reisberg’s corgi, Maxine, who inspired the brand’s first product and remains central to its identity.

Brand personality

Brand personality is how your business comes across to customers—through tone, style, and behavior. Is your brand playful and quirky? Calm and trustworthy? Professional and informative? These traits shape how people perceive and connect with your business.

Once you define your brand personality, reflect it consistently in your messaging. One key tool for doing this is your brand voice—how your business sounds in writing, from website copy to social media posts and emails.

4. Write a business plan

Put your ideas in a formal business plan. Even if you don’t plan to share it with anyone, the process of writing one forces you to think through every detail—from start-up costs to shipping and logistics. You can also use your business plan as a roadmap later on—refer to it as your business grows and evolves.

Here are a few things you’ll cover in your business plan:

• What are your short- and long-term business goals?

• Who are your competitors?

• Will you have a retail shop, an ecommerce store, or both?

• Will you sell wholesale or direct-to-consumer?

• What business licenses and permits do you need?

• What technologies, like appointment booking or email marketing software, will you use?

Once you’re ready to get started, try using Shopify’s free business plan template as a guide.

5. Secure licenses and permits

Starting a pet business takes more than just a passion for animals. It also means meeting legal requirements. Remember to check business laws in your country and state, as the licenses or permits you need will vary based on your business type and location. Here are a few key legal aspects to consider:

Business registration

The first step is to register your business. The exact process differs depending on your location, but generally, you’ll need to register your business name and structure (such as sole proprietorship, LLC, general partnership, or corporation) with the appropriate government agency.

Licenses and permits

Depending on your pet business, you may need specific licenses or permits. For example, selling pet food may require a permit from your state’s Department of Agriculture. Check your local government’s website for necessary licenses.

Insurance

Insurance is crucial for protecting your business. General liability insurance can cover accidents or injuries that occur during your operations. If you’re offering pet-sitting or dog walking services, consider care, custody, and control insurance, which provides coverage if a pet gets injured or goes missing while in your care.

Animal welfare regulations

If your business involves caring for animals, you must comply with animal welfare regulations. These laws vary widely and may cover everything from the size and cleanliness of animal enclosures to the type of food and medical care animals receive. Consult with a legal professional to ensure full compliance.

6. Create your pet products

If you’re starting a business that sells physical products, you’ll need to decide whether to create products yourself (like handmade pet portraits, for example) or to source products. If you’re sourcing, there are three main approaches: dropshipping, print-on-demand, and manufacturing.

Dropshipping

Dropshipping is a form of online retail where a third-party company handles manufacturing, storage, and shipping. This model prevents overstocking and saves time on order fulfillment, allowing you to focus on other business functions like marketing and customer service.

Manufacturing

If you’ve designed your own product (and you can’t make it yourself), you’ll need to find your own manufacturer.

Expect to test multiple versions of your product before landing on a final design—whether that means asking manufacturers for prototypes or experimenting at home (with your pet as a tester), like Leili Farzaneh and Kevin White, the co-founders of cat leash and harness brand Supakit. The duo was looking for a solution for their own cat, who hated wearing collars and had just escaped (after also escaping her collar).

“We just started experimenting,” Leili says on an episode of Shopify Masters. “Our big breakthrough was when we realized that, a) It’s not a dead-set that cats are going to remove their collars, and b) They don’t have to be intrinsically uncomfortable. They also don’t have to intrinsically be bulky in a way that can snag on things.”

Leili and Kevin discovered their cat was more comfortable in natural, lightweight materials that allowed her to forget she was even wearing a collar. The team also added a safety buckle designed to release in an emergency. “After many months of experimentation, it came together,” says Leili.

7. Build your store

Now that your pet products are ready to go, where should you sell them? A great place to start is on your own ecommerce store. When it comes to building an online shop, Shopify is the easiest way to start. You can build a functional website without any coding knowledge.

When you sign up for Shopify, you get professionally designed templates, the best converting ecommerce checkout, and beginner-friendly marketing tools. You also gain access to the Shopify App Store, where you’ll find plug-ins to personalize your website further.

If you opt for a physical storefront, focus on creating a welcoming atmosphere with tactful furnishings and décor. Hosting in-store events can also help spread the word and forge deeper connections with existing customers.

For brick-and-mortar stores, pop-up shops, and in-person service businesses without a central location (like mobile dog grooming), Shopify offers point-of-sale (POS) systems that let you accept payments in person and sync inventory with your online store.

8. Prioritize customer service

In the pet business, great customer service is key. After all, you’re not just supporting your customers, you’re serving their beloved pets as well. Here are some tips to help you provide top-notch service:

• Be responsive. Always respond promptly to customer inquiries and customer complaints alike. This shows you value their business and take their concerns seriously. When customers tag you on social media or comment on your posts, respond there, too. It’s a great way to show you’re listening and engaged with your community.

• Provide expert advice. Share your knowledge about pets and pet products to guide your customers, positioning yourself as a trusted authority. Helpful recommendations can also present opportunities for upselling.

• Go the extra mile. Small gestures like a handwritten thank you note or a surprise treat in a product package can turn a casual shopper into a loyal customer.

9. Manage your finances effectively

Effective financial management is crucial for your pet business (as it is for any business), and it should be an ongoing process. Regularly review your finances and adjust as needed. Here are a few key steps in maintaining your company’s financial health:

• Keep track of your expenses. Monitor every expense, from inventory costs to marketing, to manage cash flow and simplify tax time.

• Set a budget. A budget outlines your expected income and expenses, helping you allocate resources and avoid overspending.

• Monitor your cash flow. Keep an eye on cash flow moving in and out of your business so that you have enough funds to cover inventory and operating costs.

• Plan for the unexpected. Maintain a financial cushion for unforeseen expenses.

• Seek professional help. If managing finances isn’t your strong suit, consider hiring a professional to help.

As your business grows, you might find that you need external funding—either to scale your company or to maintain essential operations (like ensuring you’ve got enough inventory on hand).

That was the case for Jordan Lee, the founder and creative director of Honolulu-based pet supply store The Public Pet. Jordan chose Shopify Capital for its ease of use and integration with the Shopify site he was already using. The financing he received allowed him to improve his physical location and invest in more inventory, alleviating product shortages.

10. Market your pet business

Once you’ve developed your product, built your brand, and decided where to sell, you’ll need to create a marketing strategy to grow your business. Here are a few tips to get started:

Start local

Building strong relationships with pet owners is key to sustaining your business, especially if you’re offering services like grooming or dog walking, which require meeting with clients in person. To raise brand awareness, create print ads like flyers and post them in local community spaces like coffee shops. You can also attend local events for pet owners, like meetups for owners of a specific dog breed, for example.

You can also join local online communities like Facebook groups. Participate in discussions and share helpful advice, but avoid being overly promotional, especially in early interactions with potential customers. People are very protective of their pets, so building trust is incredibly important. If your comments come across as insincere or sales-driven, it could hurt your credibility and make it harder to earn their confidence.

Lastly, try using location-based ads to reach potential customers near you and local SEO strategies to make sure your website appears at the top of search results for people in your area. Local SEO strategies include setting up a Google Business Profile, listing your business in directories like Yelp, and building backlinks with local press.

Use social media

If you’ve ever racked your brain for social media post ideas, you know how challenging it can be to post consistently while maintaining a high level of engagement.

Fortunately, pet businesses have a built-in advantage—animals make great content. Consider incorporating content creation for pet lovers into your marketing strategy. It might even open up opportunities for you to expand your business model to include new sources of revenue.

For groomers, walkers, and pet sitters, every interaction with a new four-legged client is a chance for web content. Even the most mundane activities become watchable when a dog or cat is involved.

You can also harness user-generated content from your customers or clients, like Little Chonk does with its “chonks in the wild” feature:

You can further expand your customer base with an influencer marketing strategy. Look for influencers who feature their pets—or run dedicated pet accounts—to help promote your brand to a wider audience.

Familiarize yourself with blogging and SEO

SEO helps people find your company by bringing your company toward the top of online search results. There are a number of SEO strategies you can use, like optimizing your page and site structures, getting backlinks from other websites, adding important keywords in product descriptions, and publishing blog content.

In addition to helping with SEO, blog posts can answer customers’ questions and turn your site into a resource for pet owners. For example, if you groom pets, you could write about how to keep pets clean at home. If you sell healthy pet treats, you could answer questions about what pets should eat. The more helpful the information, the more likely people are to trust your business.

Attend pet industry events

Networking and professional development are important in any industry. Workshops, conventions, trade shows, and lectures can be great for an entrepreneur looking to build new skills, learn from established professionals, and forge partnerships and brand collaborations. Attending trade shows can be especially beneficial if you’re selling unique products and seeking distributors like retail stores.

Build an email list

Email marketing is also one of the most cost-effective marketing strategies, making it a viable option for new businesses with limited financial resources. It has a return-on-investment (ROI) of 36 times, meaning that for every dollar you invest in your email marketing strategy, you can expect to make $36 in return.

You can do a lot in your email campaigns, like sharing educational content in newsletters, promoting sales, and encouraging conversions with automations like abandoned cart reminders. With clear, well-timed emails, you can turn would-be customers into loyal brand advocates.

To get started, you’ll need to build an email list. Consider posting an email sign-up link on your social media profiles, and encourage customers to opt-in when they make a purchase. If you’re a Shopify user, you can use the native Shopify Forms to create a sign-up form. Just make sure to offer an incentive, whether that’s a discount on their first purchase or a value-add like exclusive access to premium content.

Kicking off your own pet startup

Starting a successful company in an industry you’re passionate about is incredibly fulfilling. For pet lovers looking to make money from home, launching a pet business can provide a rewarding source of income for years to come.

Don’t be daunted by the prospect of starting your own business. With the right tools, creating a sustainable and successful pet business is achievable and satisfying. As long as people love their pets, they’ll appreciate services that contribute to their safety and happiness.

Illustration by Pete Ryan