"With so many people having dogs instead of children, products and services that help people care for their four-legged family members are in a growth pattern that I don't see slowing down for the near future," says Matthew Osborn, doo-doo guru and owner of Pooper Scooper Services.
Since 1994, the pet industry has nearly quadrupled in sales. In 2015, Americans spent over $60 billion on their pets, according to American Pet Products, a nonprofit trade association serving the pet industry. It's estimated that 2016 will see an increase of $3 billion in sales.
If you're an animal lover looking to go into your own business, these are 9 low-cost business ideas that can start you on your way. The paw-ssibilities are endless!
1. Pet photographer
Do you have experience with a digital SLR camera? Love hanging out with animals? A pet photographer might be the business for you.
"The most important thing in establishing such a business is to create a memorable, identifiable style of pet photography that appeals to dog lovers," says Mark McQueen, owner of phoDOGraphy, a New York City-based business that specializes in dog photography with a city feel. He adds that being a pet photographer requires a lot of patience.
Some ideas for how you can cut down on costs? Take photos of your subjects outside of a studio, which can be a fun way to catch them in a unique environment with natural light but also presents some challenges in a less-controlled environment. Or use the owner's home as a setting. Another way to save is to rent camera equipment until you have the funds to purchase.
2. Pet sitter
Starting a pet-sitting service requires little in startup costs, but you do need credentials, such as past or present pet ownership, as well as other pet-related experience, including working at a pet retail shop, an animal hospital or another animal-related work.
You'll also need to be able to build the "trust" credential, sometimes referred to as "honesty insurance." Owners often regard their pets as children, so bond with your client's precious pet by offering a brief but important "meet-and-greet" with both the client and pet to get to know each other and go over your policies and ask questions about the pet's needs.
Consider what services you'll offer by researching the services that other pet sitters offer, such as overnight stays and/or private dog walks versus non-private services (such as walking multiple dogs at once); plus, come up with your own set of policies to protect your business, such as cancellation and payment policy and what sort of management system you'll use to record your clients' information and keep track of your pet-sitting schedule.
3. Gift basket service for pets
Finding a niche to corner is the best way to start out in the gift basket business. And if you love animals, why not create a gift basket for pets?
Will you focus on homemade tasty treats for brachycephalic dogs (that have flat faces, such as French bulldogs and pugs) that have sensitive stomachs? Or a starter puppy kit, full of safe toys and snacks -- and a booklet containing 10 important training tips?
Will your basket be filled with goodies for dog grooming?
One company that has capitalized on this idea is Bark & Co. through its BarkBox product. The BarkBox is a monthly subscription service that sends dog treats and toys to pet owners every month.
"One of the reasons so many startups in this industry fail is that they act like humans and not as dogs," Henrik Werdelin, co-founder at Bark & Co. said. "We have from day one built BarkBox with dogs values like contagious optimism. We are always trying to please and not be too serious."
Try cutting down on costs by marketing through social media. BarkBox uses its customers on social media to market their brand. "Try asking on Twitter 'should I get a BarkBox?' and you will find that our amazing customers do the branding for us," Werdelin says.
4. Pet clothing and accessories designer
Kitty couture. Designer hoodies for dogs. The entrepreneurial possibilities for pet clothing are vast.
"Coats and pajamas are a mainstay, as well as Halloween costumes and fun holiday wear," says Madelena Perrelli, owner of Diamond Collar, a pet attire store in Brooklyn.
According to Perrelli, this business is beneficial for small animals in particular. "They need comfort from the cold in winter, and in the summer as well due to air conditioning," she says, so there is a large market geared towards smaller animals.
And for ideas on how to cleverly market your pet threads, check out Lucy & Co., an online store that specializes in signature dog clothing classics, such as puffer vests and hooded sweatshirts, which uses Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest to show off its adorable wares.
