If you are going to go into business for yourself, you might as well choose something you enjoy. Why leave your workday and dull 9-5 job if you are just going to create another one? Owning a business means having the potential to make your own hours, decisions and having a life on your terms, not someone else’s. Your business should reflect that so that it is as enjoyable as possible. That does not mean there will not be any difficult times ahead, but it is a lot easier to deal with those bumps in the road when you love what you are doing.
Luckily for animal lovers, there are plenty of options for starting a business doing something you enjoy. There will always be pets, and they need to be cared for, entertained, and exercised. If you can provide even one of those services, you can create a profitable business out of your love of animals. In many cases, it won’t be hard to start up, either. You can get your business owner’s policy online, pick up a few accessories and equipment, and off you go.
Obtaining business insurance is often overlooked by animal businesses because people think there is not much risk. However, if you are working with animals, there is always a chance that they get loose or there is an accident that leads to a lawsuit. For example, your client could sue if their dog is hurt or killed. Or, a loose animal could cause a pileup on the road that causes injuries and property damage. In some states, it is mandatory to have workers’ compensation insurance as well. This is true even if you are a sole proprietor. Here are some great business opportunities for animal lovers.
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Dog Walking
Dog walking is a classic pet-lovers profession. If you love dogs, then you can spend time with as many as you can handle while getting fresh air and exercise. People are more aware that their pets need that time to exercise their bodies, minds, and senses. However, with so many of us having to work extra hours and jobs to make ends meet, it can be hard to find time to provide dogs with the attention they deserve. Plus, dogs are a great way to provide companionship to seniors and those who are shut-ins, but their owners aren’t able to walk long distances.
As a dog walker, you will be trusted with valuable family members of your clients. You can take many dogs at a time to increase your hourly earnings, or provide private services for clients whose dogs can’t be around others. You will build connections with your furry friends and truly become part of their packs. This business is great for those who want to make their own hours and work as often or as little as you please.
Grooming
Grooming is more important than you might realize for pets, especially for dogs. It’s not just about making them look their best, but also their healthiest. A groomer provides a wide range of services, from haircuts to brushing and de-matting, to nail trimming, to even helping with skin conditions.
There are several options for how you can run this type of business. You can open up a location that your clients can bring their pets to. You can also talk to a local pet store and see if they will allow you to set up shop on certain days of the week. Another great option is to be a mobile groomer. Instead of people bringing their dogs to you, you can bring yourself to the dogs. This is very convenient for pet owners who have difficulty with their dogs in cars, don’t have vehicles, or whose dogs are difficult in public.
Day Care
Many pet owners treat their animals just like they would their kids. They hate to leave them alone during the day while they are at work. Doggie daycares have become more popular in recent years just for this reason. Owners bring their pets to be watched over and cared for during the hours when they aren’t available.
This type of service provides animals with the care they need in addition to socialization, exercise, and engagement. Owners will be at peace knowing their pets are safe and their homes are not being destroyed by their pets.
Pet Toys
Having a pet is about more than just keeping them fed and snuggling with them on occasion. You need to provide them with exercise and engagement to keep their bodies and minds healthy. Pet toys are a big part of that, which is why it is a $2.5 billion industry and growing. Pet owners are always looking for fun and unique toys that will keep their pets entertained for hours on end. If you have a great idea for a toy with the knowledge and means to make it, you could have a profitable business on your hands. Start with your local community and then build up to sell online as you go.
Pet Sitting
We would all love to take our pets everywhere we go, but that is not always possible. Many people are concerned about their pets during the workday, and they are even more concerned if they have to go on vacation. Kennels are certainly an option for many pet owners (and a great business idea!) but not for everyone. It could be that their pets are not great with other animals, or they are just uncomfortable with their pet being away from home and possibly scared.
Pet sitting is an alternative to kenneling that provides several benefits. For one, they would have you there to care for their pets at all times in a place where they are comfortable. They can keep to their regular routines, sleep in their own spaces, and still feel like their owners will return, as they always do. You can also take care of their home by providing lawn care and maintenance, taking in the mail, and keeping the house occupied to deter criminals.
Pet Photography
Do you have a knack for getting animals to do what you want them to? Or, maybe you are just good at taking photos at difficult angles when the subject isn’t cooperating. Either way, pet photography might be the perfect option for you. Getting pets to sit still for photos is like herding cats, pun intended. Pet owners love to have cute pictures of their pets to remember them by or even to frame and display at home or work. If you can provide them with the extra-adorable shots with the right lighting that they aren’t able to get themselves, then you will have a hit on your hands.
Just because you love pets, it doesn’t mean that you only have to spend time with your own. You can spread that love to animals all over your community and make some money while you do it. Pet owners are more aware than ever that pets can thrive with the proper care and attention. That’s why pet services are such a massive industry. You can slice out your place in the market, and have a lot of fun doing it as well.
