The pet industry is blossoming, with people around the globe spending increasingly large amounts on their pets. If you love animals, there’s an abundance of potential pet-related businesses you could start. You might be familiar with dog walking, pet sitting, and training, but there are many other lucrative opportunities you may not have considered.
- Doggie Daycare Professional
Pets need socialization and exercise, and many owners struggle to provide this due to work or other commitments. This is where a doggie daycare comes in. From providing care while the owners are on vacation to daily services for busy professionals, your daycare could be a haven for pets needing care, exercise, and socialization.
Setting up a doggie daycare involves some initial costs. Permits, licensing, insurance, the perfect location, barriers, pet supplies, staff, and cleaning supplies are just a few. Depending on the size and location of the business, expect to spend anywhere from $2,000 to $50,000 initially. Or consider working for local favourites like Kip’s Melbourne dog boarding, giving your career a great starting point.
- Pet Physical Therapist
Animals, like humans, can benefit enormously from physical therapy, especially if they’ve undergone surgery or are suffering from chronic pain. As a pet physical therapist, you could significantly improve an animal’s recovery time and overall quality of life.
The average annual income for an Animal Physical Therapist in the U.S. is $79,011 as of March 2021. So, it’s not only a rewarding profession but a profitable one as well.
- Pet Massage Therapist
Massages are beneficial not only for humans but also for animals. By offering pet massage services, you can help pets relax their muscles, enhance their circulation, and increase their range of motion.
You don’t necessarily need an animal-related degree to become a pet massage therapist. Some training and, in some states, certification will be required, but this is a unique and potentially profitable pet service business you can start.
- Pet Travel Service
Traveling with pets can be a stressful ordeal for many pet owners. By providing pet transportation services, you can ensure safe transit for pets and peace of mind for their owners.
To begin, register your business with The International Pet and Animal Transportation Association (IPATA), where you can be classified as an ‘Intermediate Handler’ for pet travel. IPATA also provides a mentorship program to help newcomers understand best practices for pet transportation.
- Behavioral Specialist
A behavioral specialist studies animal behavior to identify and address causes of particular behaviors, fears, or aggression. It’s an excellent choice for owners having difficulty understanding their pets.
The Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) and the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) offer certification programs. They require behavioral consultants or specialists to recertify every three years to ensure they remain current with the latest research and best practices.
- Dog Walker
Dog walking is a simple and enjoyable pet business, especially if you love exercise. Dogs need anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours of exercise each day. As a dog walker, you help dogs stay healthy, and you get to keep active.
On average, dog walkers earn $29,921 per year. With apps like Rover and Wag!, finding potential clients based on your skills, availability, and experience level is easier than ever.
- Veterinarian
While it involves significant investment in terms of time and money, becoming a veterinarian can be incredibly rewarding. Vets diagnose and treat animals, ensuring their health and well-being.
Veterinary school typically requires eight years of study, with tuition costs averaging $200,000 for in-state and $275,000 for out-of-state. But the median annual salary of a vet is around $95,000, making it a highly lucrative career in the long term.
- Pet Manicurist
Trimming a pet’s nails can be a challenging task for many owners, leading them to hire a professional pet manicurist. As a pet manicurist, you’ll need to be able to handle different animal behaviors, including anxiety and aggression.
There are no specific education requirements, but prior pet handling experience is generally required. With the right techniques and tools, you can earn between $16-$20 per hour (+ tips).
- Dog Groomer
Grooming is essential for a dog’s health, but many owners would rather pay a professional to do it. Dog groomers can operate from a salon, travel to people’s homes, or even run a mobile grooming business.
Requirements to become a dog groomer are minimal, although a high school education is standard. You can learn the trade through an apprenticeship or dog grooming course.
- Pet Shelter Operator
Running a pet shelter is a rewarding experience for those passionate about finding homes for pets. There’s a lot to consider, like the types of animals you want to rescue, licensing, and veterinary care.
Many pet shelters welcome volunteers, which could be a good way to learn about the business before starting your own.
Conclusion
The pet industry offers a wide range of profitable business opportunities, from traditional roles like a veterinarian to niche services like pet manicurists and travel specialists. No matter your lifestyle or interests, there’s a pet business idea that could be perfect for you. With the pet industry growing year by year, there’s never been a better time to turn your love for animals into a thriving business.
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