Start Your Own In-Demand Pet Care Business
Dog and Puppy Training
Our pets are an important part of our lives. They provide companionship, help us to relieve stress, and make us feel loved. The market for pet care services is growing, and it’s estimated that the number of households with pets will double in the next 20 years. So today, therapy dog trainer Tom Savoca shares some tips and ideas to turn your love of pets into a great business of your own.
Choosing Your Business Name
When you’re starting a pet care business, one of the first things you need to do is choose a name. You might be tempted to simply use your own name, but there are several good reasons to consider getting a “doing business as” (DBA) name instead. First, a DBA name can help you create a professional image for your business. Secondly, it can make it easier for customers to find you online and in other directories. Finally, having a DBA name can help you avoid legal issues down the road. So if you’re looking to get your pet care business off on the right foot, getting a DBA name is something to consider.
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In-Demand Pet Businesses
● Dog Walking – People are working longer hours and then tend to spend time after work with other activities like going to the gym or dining out. That’s why dog walking is such an in-demand service according to CBS News. To start a dog walking business, you need to first decide how many dogs you want to walk. If you are going to be the only person walking your dogs, then it is better to start with just one or two until you become more proficient. You’ll be responsible for the safety and well-being of any animal in your care, so make sure you have the strength to keep them in control no matter the situation.
● Pet Sitting – The pet-sitting business can be run by anyone with a love for animals and the desire to provide care to them while their owners are away. It’s not just limited to people who have experience in animal care either. It will be in your best interest and the best interest of your client if you take pet first-aid classes, though, so you’ll be ready in case of an emergency.
● Dog Groomer – If you’re interested in becoming a professional dog groomer, ZipRecruiter notes that it’s important that you start your career as an apprentice. Most apprenticeships last from three months to one year. Once you’ve got the proper training and experience, it’s possible to be successful in owning your own dog grooming business. This is the pet-related business that will require the biggest investment in equipment, but the investment is still less than many other small businesses.
● Pet Supply Sales – The first step in starting a new eCommerce pet supply business is finding a product that you know you can make and sell. For example, if you are a dog owner and want to start an online dog food store, then you would need to find a good recipe for homemade dog food. You will also need to decide on what type of payment methods you will accept from customers and find an online store that allows for self-hosting so that your website can be run on their servers rather than yours or someone
else’s computer.
Advance Your Business Know-How by Going Back to School
In need of a deeper understanding of business concepts like marketing and leadership? Wrapping up your education with an online business degree may be exactly right for you. You may have been putting this off because it seems you don’t have time, but it’s easier than ever to enroll in an online degree program. Programs begin at different times throughout the year, allowing you to get started on your degree when the time is right. Start by targeting different types of business degrees, and go with a program that’s both affordable and accredited.
Marketing
There are many ways you can market your pet care business. One of the most effective methods is social media advertising. This allows you to reach out to a larger audience and get them involved in your brand or product. One way that you can use social media advertising is through Facebook Ads. When creating an ad for your pet care business, it’s important to keep in mind that Facebook Ads can only be used on Facebook and Instagram platforms. And your marketing materials need to be sharable with all the sites and vendors you’ll be working with.
Best Apps
A calendar app is essential, and you’ll want one that can be sharable to a partner to help you coordinate services and clients. Payment apps like Square that you can use with your mobile phone are important to be able to accept payments on the go. Invoicing apps that allow you to generate and track payments and payments due will ensure you won’t lose track of who’s paid you and who is still outstanding.
A pet care business is one of the most rewarding and fulfilling careers out there. It’s also a great way to make money while doing something you love. Just make sure you choose the business that’s right for you, consider going back to school, market smart, and take advantage of apps to make running your business easier. Starting your own pet care business can be the best decision you ever made.