Hey there, fellow pet enthusiast! If you’re here, you’re probably dreaming about turning your love for animals into a thriving pet business. Maybe you’ve thought about starting a dog daycare or boarding facility, opening a quirky cat café, offering your services as a dog walker or in-home pet sitter, or even becoming a professional pet trainer. Whatever your passion, there’s a niche in the pet industry that’s just waiting for you to dive in. I have been doing this now for 17 years (at the time of me writing this blog).

Let’s explore the types of people who are drawn to these businesses, how to recognize this interest in yourself, and the first steps to get you started.

I know when I first started the two primary drivers were 1) time freedom: I really didn’t like feeling guilty for asking for a weekend off or having to navigate through a group of requests just to do anything special in my own life. And, 2) being fed up with the never ending drive for more sales that never led to any additional profit on my end. So, I put in my 2 week notice and after 5 weeks I was finally out of my past life and turning my head towards my new found freedom. Yes, it took weeks after my initial notice to actually leave my job. My multiple bosses kept trying to get me to stay longer (I think they thought I wasn’t serious) and I felt a sense of guilt even trying to leave. Once I did finally get away from the corporate BS I was profoundly  overwhelmed by how easy getting my business license was yet how hard it was to get clients. This is why I created the PET Business in a BOX mini course (special plug at the end of this blog). Wink-Wink. … let’s get started. 

The Dog Daycare and Boarding Entrepreneur

Who Are They?

Dog daycare and boarding entrepreneurs are the social butterflies of the pet world. They thrive in a lively environment where they can interact with dogs and their owners daily. These individuals are often extroverted, patient, and organized, with a knack for handling multiple tasks at once. If you’re the type who can manage a room full of playful pups without breaking a sweat, this might be your calling.

Recognizing the Interest

• You’re a Dog Whisperer: Dogs naturally gravitate towards you, and you have a way of calming even the most anxious pups.
• Organizational Guru: You love organizing events, playdates, or even just your daily schedule down to the minute.
• Social Butterfly: You enjoy meeting new people and building a community around your shared love for dogs.

Getting Started

1. Research and Plan: Understand the market demand in your area. Are there enough dog owners looking for daycare or boarding services? Create a solid business plan outlining your services, pricing, and marketing strategies.
2. Find the Perfect Location: Your facility needs to be spacious, safe, and easily accessible. Look for a location with ample outdoor space for the dogs to play.
3. Get Certified: Some states require specific licenses to operate a pet daycare or boarding facility. Check local regulations and consider getting certifications in pet first aid and CPR.
4. Design Your Space: Ensure your facility is dog-friendly, with separate areas for different activities like playtime, rest, and feeding.
5. Market Your Business: Use social media, local pet events, and partnerships with veterinarians and pet stores to spread the word about your new venture.

The Cat Café Curator

Who Are They?

Cat café curators are creative, cozy, and often a bit quirky. They have a deep affection for cats and love creating inviting, unique spaces where cat lovers can relax and interact with their favorite feline friends. If you’re someone who enjoys a good cup of coffee in a warm, cat-filled environment, this could be the perfect business for you.

Recognizing the Interest

• Creative Soul: You love designing spaces that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
• Cat Lover: You have a special bond with cats and understand their behaviors and needs.
• Community Builder: You enjoy bringing people together and creating a sense of community around shared interests.

Getting Started

1. Market Research: Investigate the demand for a cat café in your area. Visit other cat cafés, if possible, to gather ideas and understand the operational dynamics.
2. Business Plan: Outline your concept, including the café’s layout, menu, and cat adoption or interaction policies. Include your budget, funding sources, and marketing plan.
3. Location, Location, Location: Choose a spot that’s accessible and visible. The ambiance should be cozy and welcoming, with plenty of space for both cats and customers.
4. Licenses and Permits: You’ll need health and safety permits for serving food and housing animals. Ensure you comply with all local regulations.
5. Adopt Your Cats: Partner with local animal shelters or rescue organizations to bring in cats that are sociable and adoptable.
6. Spread the Word: Use social media, local media, and word-of-mouth to create buzz about your cat café. Host events and offer promotions to attract customers.

The Dog Walker Extraordinaire

Who Are They?

Dog walkers are the energetic, outdoorsy types who love spending time in nature with canine companions. They’re reliable, punctual, and physically fit, with a passion for keeping dogs happy and healthy. If you’re someone who enjoys being active and loves dogs, dog walking could be a perfect fit.

Recognizing the Interest

• Nature Lover: You love being outdoors, rain or shine, and enjoy the physical activity that comes with walking.
• Dog Enthusiast: You have a natural affinity for dogs and understand their walking and exercise needs.
• Reliable and Punctual: You take pride in your reliability and punctuality, essential traits for a successful dog walker.

Getting Started

1. Research the Market: Find out if there’s a demand for dog walking services in your area. Look at what other dog walkers are offering and how you can differentiate yourself.
2. Set Your Rates: Determine your pricing based on the market rates, the services you offer, and your experience.
3. Get the Gear: Invest in sturdy leashes, harnesses, waste bags, and a reliable mode of transportation if you need to travel between clients.
4. Insurance and Licensing: Consider getting liability insurance to protect yourself and the dogs you walk. Check if there are any local regulations or licenses required.
5. Build a Client Base: Start by offering your services to friends and family, and ask them to spread the word. Use social media, flyers, and local community boards to advertise.
6. Keep Records: Maintain detailed records of each walk, including the dog’s behavior, exercise duration, and any incidents that occur.

The In-Home Pet Sitter

Who Are They?

In-home pet sitters are the nurturing, homebody types who love spending time with pets in a comfortable, home-like environment. They’re trustworthy, responsible, and compassionate, providing peace of mind to pet owners while they’re away. If you prefer one-on-one time with pets in a cozy setting, pet sitting could be your ideal business.

Recognizing the Interest

• Homebody with a Heart: You enjoy spending time at home and have a nurturing personality.
• Trustworthy and Responsible: People often trust you with important responsibilities and value your reliability.
• Pet Lover: You have a deep love for animals and enjoy caring for them in a home environment.

Getting Started

1. Market Research: Understand the demand for pet sitting in your area. Look at what services are currently offered and identify any gaps you can fill.
2. Set Your Rates and Services: Determine what services you’ll offer (overnight stays, drop-in visits, etc.) and set your pricing.
3. Create a Professional Profile: Build a professional online profile showcasing your experience, services, and testimonials from previous clients.
4. Insurance and Bonding: Consider getting pet sitter insurance and bonding to protect yourself and reassure your clients.
5. Network and Market: Use social media, local pet events, and word-of-mouth to market your services. Partner with local veterinarians and pet stores to spread the word.
6. Maintain Records: Keep detailed records of each pet sitting assignment, including feeding schedules, medication, and any special instructions from the pet owners.

The Pet Trainer

Who Are They?

Pet trainers are patient, knowledgeable, and skilled in animal behavior. They have a deep understanding of different training techniques and enjoy teaching both pets and their owners. If you’re passionate about helping pets learn and grow, becoming a pet trainer might be your path.

Recognizing the Interest

• Patient Teacher: You have a knack for teaching and enjoy the process of helping others learn.
• Animal Behavior Enthusiast: You’re fascinated by animal behavior and love finding ways to communicate and train effectively.
• Problem Solver: You enjoy figuring out solutions to behavioral challenges and have a calm, methodical approach.

Getting Started

1. Education and Certification: Consider getting certified through reputable organizations like the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) or the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP).
2. Gain Experience: Volunteer at local shelters or offer your services to friends and family to build your experience and confidence.
3. Create a Training Program: Develop a structured training program that covers basic obedience, behavior modification, and any specialized training you offer.
4. Set Your Rates: Determine your pricing based on your experience, the services you offer, and the market rates.
5. Market Your Services: Use social media, local pet events, and partnerships with veterinarians and pet stores to market your training services.
6. Build a Client Base: Start with word-of-mouth referrals and gradually expand your client base through positive reviews and testimonials.

Starting a pet business is a fantastic way to turn your passion for animals into a rewarding career. Whether you’re drawn to the bustling energy of a dog daycare, the cozy charm of a cat café, the active lifestyle of a dog walker, the nurturing role of an in-home pet sitter, or the educational path of a pet trainer, there’s a niche that’s perfect for you. Remember to do your research, plan carefully, and market your services effectively. AND… if you want to get there faster then I highly recommend you check out my Pet Business in a Box 30 Day Course that literally walks you through every step so that you don’t get overwhelmed or stuck while getting started! 

Best of luck on your pet business journey, and may your passion for pets lead you to incredible success!

xoxox Sasha