Pet businesses can offer a range of services or products, from walking and grooming to selling bowls and chew toys. Some cater to cat and dog owners, while others focus on niche pets like reptiles and arachnids.
In this industry, it’s important to find a niche that’s large enough for steady cash flow but small enough for a unique brand.
While traditional pet stores often offer a mix of products and services, avoid becoming a “do-it-all” business. This can make online branding challenging and puts you in competition with large chains and supermarkets.x`
Remember, online shoppers tend to prefer specialty stores. So, let’s explore some pet product and service ideas you can specialize in:
1. Niche pet food
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If you’re more interested in creating a product than offering a service, and you care about what pets eat, starting a pet food business could be a good fit.
To stand out in the pet food market, you’ll need to find a niche. You could offer food for specific animals (like dogs or lizards), or cater to specific dietary needs.
Manufacturing pet food at scale can be costly. If you’re making the pet food yourself, you’ll also need to get the necessary licenses and permits. But if you’re good in the kitchen, you can start small and grow over time.
Taking your pet food business online can help you expand your customer base. For instance, Maev makes premium raw food formulas for dogs and sells them directly to customers across the country through their website.
Like Maev, if you have a unique pet food recipe, you could target online customers with a subscription model, ensuring they always receive their next bag of food on time.
2. Pet jackets and clothing
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Clothing for pets remains a popular product category. Many pet businesses use drop shipping to provide a wide selection of jackets and accessories for dogs and cats.
Niching is also particularly important when it comes to selling dog clothing. You could create a store specializing in clothing for a particular dog breed, like how Frenchie Shop caters to French Bulldogs. If you have a French bulldog and are looking for clothing, chances are you’ll shop with a brand that specializes in Frenchie.
Alternatively, you could sell pet clothing for specific activities or lifestyles. For instance, Ruff wear offers hiking gear and accessories for outdoor adventures with your pet.
3. Dog walking services
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If you love dogs, starting a dog walking business can be a great way to meet new furry friends, get exercise, and earn some extra money.
Like pet sitting, dog walking businesses often serve a local community. You might walk dogs in your local park, 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 in this business, and it can only be built by maintaining strong customer relationships.
4. Pet accessories
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Every pet owner needs basic accessories like food bowls, toys, litter boxes, and leashes. While these essential products are widely available, there’s still a significant opportunity in this market.
You might think selling essentials would make it hard to compete with larger brands, but that’s not necessarily the case. An abundance of options can lead to choice paralysis, which can actually benefit smaller retailers.
By specializing in a specific type of product, you can build a brand and become the go-to place for your customers.
In the pet accessories sector, you could become a certified reseller of specialist or hard-to-find products. For instance, pet supply store Teddybob is a reseller of premium Pidan cat products.
Another idea is to curate products based on a theme or type. For example, Only Natural Pet commits to specifically selling products that meet its “honest promise” criteria, including being free of low-quality ingredients.
5. Pet training aids
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An innovative way to start a pet business is by solving a common problem for pet owners.
From automated feeders that simplify meal times to smart toys that keep pets entertained, the pet industry is ripe with opportunities to improve existing products and offer smarter, more efficient, or more sustainable solutions.
For instance, Fresh Patch, aims to make training easier with puppy potty pads made from real grass. These pads allow dogs to use the bathroom indoors on real grass, easing the transition to outdoor bathroom habits. They also provide a cleaner, naturally absorbent option for apartment dwellers.
Read also : Top 7 Brands for Your Beloved Canine
Read also : Top 5 Dog Clothing Brands + Companies
