Pet food companies weren’t that profitable until a few years ago when the trend of pet humanization spread across the world. Although animals were used for hunting and land work, they are now considered part of one’s family, meaning that pet parents do their best to provide the most nutritious food and medical services. People want their furry friends to live as long as possible, for which the pet food industry has expanded considerably concerning product variety and ingredients.
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Many people are cautiously looking for the ingredients added to their pets’ foods and ensuring enough protein, fat, fiber and water to maintain them in excellent health. Considering this trend, pet food is not only made of meat but contains multiple other fruits and vegetables, full of nutrients and vitamins, to contribute to animals’ long life.
This makes pet food businesses highly profitable. Here’s how to start your own company and make it thrive amongst the competition.
Know the legal framework for starting a food business
Although incredibly rewarding, starting a business in the animal feed industry can be challenging. That’s because you need to provide multiple accreditations and documents to prove your products are safe for consumption and distribution. You need to submit registration and licensing to the appropriate institution, comply with all safety regulations within the organization and ensure all labels and marketing requirements are on point. Experts will analyze everything from the facility location to what you include in the products, and only after that you’ll be able to start commercializing your products.
Prioritize health and choose the proper ingredients
Legal concerns are important, but pet health matters most, so you must collaborate with other local businesses that provide healthy and reliable ingredients and products. At the same time, pet owners demand only organic ingredients, so clients will always seek better options even if you choose less qualitative elements. This is why you need to find your target audience. Usually, pet food processing considers the following clients:
Health-conscious owners are looking for their pets’ foods to contain plenty of nutrients and vitamins;
Young pet owners prefer online shopping and spend their time on social media, so targeting them means prioritizing promoted ads;
Thrifty customers are especially looking for the best deals and always get coupons or discounts;
Customers who pamper their pets are usually on the high-end side and are always willing to pay more for specialty food or designer clothes;
Choose the right type of ingredients
Depending on the targeted audience and the type of animal you look to provide food for, there are some ingredients you should always include in the final products. For example, for dogs, consider the following:
Carbohydrates and fiber, such as carrots (Vitamin A), broccoli (Vitamin K), blueberries (Vitamin C), peas (manganese) and lentils (potassium, zinc);
Healthy fats that increase the likeliness of diseases occurrence, such as sunflower oil, flaxseed oil, fish oil and coconut oil;
Herbs and spices have plenty of health benefits―parsley is anti-inflammatory, ginger improves cognitive functions, and cinnamon helps combat heart disease;
You must know about dogs’ most common health problems and try addressing them through proper alimentations. These include ear infections, parasites, skin allergies, diarrhea and obesity.
When it comes to cat food, you should also know about the benefits of:
Protein sources, such as chicken , turkey, and salmon, but also organs like chicken liver and heart;
Specific carbohydrates, like green peas, sweet potatoes and potato starch;
Healthy fat sources, from chicken fat to sunflower oil;
Vitamin C and Vitamin E are the most important, along with other minerals;
Taurine is an essential element in daily cat meals; taurine deficiency can lead to heart disease and retinal degeneration;
Some common health problems in cats include lower urinary tract diseases, tapeworms, diarrhea and eye problems such as cataracts.
Steps to follow in starting a pet food company
The first step of planning might take the most time, as you must come up with a name, an estimated expected costs, a target market and charging expectations. You should also consider the competition and devise an attack plan to become a preferred brand among local businesses.
Of course, after forming a legal entity and handling all papers and documents, you must register for taxes, another sector where you must research thoroughly to prepare for upcoming expenses.
You must set up a separate bank account to simplify accounting and tax filing.
After all these steps, you must obtain the necessary permits and licenses according to state and local business requirements. They differ by area, so it would be best to research what you need to settle to avoid fines in the future. Don’t forget to get business insurance to protect the company from financial losses.
However, the task that propels your business into the mainstream is defining your brand and promoting it to your target audience. Ensure you create an online presence and post daily, engage with customers and devise a marketing strategy. Being able to reach out to people usually means having customer support to answer quick questions, but you can also provide information regarding animal health and care. Posting video tutorials on how to wash a dog’s teeth or brush a cat’s fur is highly appreciated by customers, especially if they’re their first pet.
A legitimate website and a Facebook account (or any other popular social media platform in your area) are the base of your business getting more recognition. Finally, set up a phone system to make it easier for clients to contact you. Considering you’re just starting with pet food, it may happen that people won’t find your products proper for their animals, so you need to take negative feedback as important as positive one.
Bottom line
Starting a business in the pet food industry is not that easy. You must consider animal health first, for which much research is necessary. At the same time, the competition might be challenging to overcome, but as long as you’re genuine with your products and care about your pet’s well-being, customers will favor you.
Pets are like family, and owners love to spoil them. So, how can you create a pet business to tap into this unwavering love? If you’re an animal lover, you might already have some ideas. But remember, starting a business takes more than spotting a good opportunity.
Running a pet business isn’t a walk in the park—it requires a deep understanding of different breeds, common pet issues, and the concerns of pet owners.
To help, this article highlights some of today’s most successful pet businesses, showing you how they meet the needs of pets and their owners. Plus, it provides practical tips on how to set up your pet business from scratch.
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In 2024, US pet owners spent an estimated $143.6 billion on their pets, mostly on food and treats. This shows there’s a market for and interest in pet stores, but are they profitable?
Pet store sales in the US have been increasing since 2012, and this trend is expected to continue through 2028. While there’s money to be made, operating costs can vary depending on the type of pet business you plan to run.
For example, pet walking and sitting services may need small budgets for marketing and insurance costs. But grooming, boarding, and daycare services often encounter higher costs because they need a physical location or mobile premises.
As the business owner, you can set your prices and profit margins to fit your business model.
Pet businesses can offer a range of services or products, from walking and grooming to selling bowls and chew toys. Some cater to cat and dog owners, while others focus on niche pets like reptiles and arachnids.
In this industry, it’s important to find a niche that’s large enough for steady cash flow but small enough for a unique brand.
While traditional pet stores often offer a mix of products and services, avoid becoming a “do-it-all” business. This can make online branding challenging and puts you in competition with large chains and supermarkets.
Remember, online shoppers tend to prefer specialty stores. So, let’s explore some pet product and service ideas you can specialize in:
If you enjoy spending time with pets and want to serve your local community, starting a pet-sitting business is a great way to enter the pet industry. Considering that two-thirds of US households have a pet, you’ll have plenty of potential customers.
Starting a pet-sitting business involves relatively low costs. Most of the work lies in marketing and finding your first few clients. Insurance will likely be your biggest expense. But with time, you can build a client list and even expand by hiring employees.
Many pet sitting businesses have moved online to improve customer experience, offering online booking and payment, and daily reports on pets’ activities.
Local pet sitting websites and apps, like Petsie, offer services in specific locations, such as the Greater Toronto Area. Pet owners can use Petsie to book sitters and other services, like dog walking. Some businesses even cater to less common pets, like snakes and birds.
You could build a website or app to offer pet sitting services in your local area—either as a pet sitter yourself, or as a company that hires qualified sitters.
If you’re more interested in creating a product than offering a service, and you care about what pets eat, starting a pet food business could be a good fit.
To stand out in the pet food market, you’ll need to find a niche. You could offer food for specific animals (like dogs or lizards), or cater to specific dietary needs.
Manufacturing pet food at scale can be costly. If you’re making the pet food yourself, you’ll also need to get the necessary licenses and permits. But if you’re good in the kitchen, you can start small and grow over time.
Taking your pet food business online can help you expand your customer base. For instance, Maev makes premium raw food formulas for dogs and sells them directly to customers across the country through their website.
Like Maev, if you have a unique pet food recipe, you could target online customers with a subscription model, ensuring they always receive their next bag of food on time.
Clothing for pets remains a popular product category. Many pet businesses use dropshipping to provide a wide selection of jackets and accessories for dogs and cats.
Niching is also particularly important when it comes to selling dog clothing. You could create a store specializing in clothing for a particular dog breed, like how Frenchie Shop caters to French Bulldogs. If you have a French bulldog and are looking for clothing, chances are you’ll shop with a brand that specializes in Frenchies.
Alternatively, you could sell pet clothing for specific activities or lifestyles. For instance, Ruffwear offers hiking gear and accessories for outdoor adventures with your pet.
If you love dogs, starting a dog walking business can be a great way to meet new furry friends, get exercise, and earn some extra money.
Like pet sitting, dog walking businesses often serve a local community. You might walk dogs in your local park, or offer unique experiences, like New Hampshire–based Salty Paws, which provides coastal adventures for dogs.
Services like dog walking and pet sitting require excellent customer service. Trust is crucial in this business, and it can only be built by maintaining strong customer relationships.
Every pet owner needs basic accessories like food bowls, toys, litter boxes, and leashes. While these essential products are widely available, there’s still a significant opportunity in this market.
You might think selling essentials would make it hard to compete with larger brands, but that’s not necessarily the case. An abundance of options can lead to choice paralysis, which can actually benefit smaller retailers.
By specializing in a specific type of product, you can build a brand and become the go-to place for your customers.
In the pet accessories sector, you could become a certified reseller of specialist or hard-to-find products. For instance, pet supply store Teddybob is a reseller of premium Pidan cat products.
Another idea is to curate products based on a theme or type. For example, Only Natural Pet commits to specifically selling products that meet its “honest promise” criteria, including being free of low-quality ingredients.
An innovative way to start a pet business is by solving a common problem for pet owners.
From automated feeders that simplify meal times to smart toys that keep pets entertained, the pet industry is ripe with opportunities to improve existing products and offer smarter, more efficient, or more sustainable solutions.
For instance, Fresh Patch, aims to make training easier with puppy potty pads made from real grass. These pads allow dogs to use the bathroom indoors on real grass, easing the transition to outdoor bathroom habits. They also provide a cleaner, naturally absorbent option for apartment dwellers.
Pet grooming is another service you can offer to pet owners. Like walking and sitting, grooming businesses rely on strong customer relationships and trust. Given that the average dog owner spends $99 per year on grooming, there are plenty of business opportunities here.
There are many ways to approach a grooming-based business beyond a physical storefront. Could you offer mobile grooming services? Could you specialize in grooming anxious or rescued dogs? Could you cater to extra-large pets?
Some pet groomers have turned their work into social media content. For example, Girl With The Dogs creates popular, soothing videos of her grooming sessions, which also serve as promotional content for the products she uses and sells via affiliate marketing links.
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Pet owners often want to learn pet care skills from experts. If you have specialist knowledge, or can connect pet experts with owners, an online learning business could be a good fit for you.
You don’t need formal qualifications to be a dog trainer. So, while customers may feel more confident working with certified trainers, starting a dog training business has fewer barriers to entry than you might think. In fact, you don’t even need to offer in-person services.
Brands like Wiglo offer comprehensive, science-based training through an app. Customers can choose from more than 100 different programs, from separation anxiety to potty training, to train their dogs at home.
Listen to how this pet accessories business expanded by creating an online course
Cat accessory brand Supakit specialized in designing cat-friendly collars before creating a course in response to customer feedback.
Listen to the podcastWhile pet sitting typically involves caring for a single pet in their own home, doggy day care involves looking after multiple pets in a dedicated location. Many families have working pet parents who are away from home for extended periods. Providing a place for their dogs to play during work hours can be invaluable for their pets’ well-being.
Doggy day care can also be a great add-on service to your products. For example, The Hipster Hound offers a range of pet products online and full-service doggy day care at its retail store in Savannah, Georgia.
Another variation of a doggy day care business is pet boarding for families on vacation. From pet passports to vaccinations and transportation, the costs of taking pets on vacation can be significant. Providing a pet boarding service can help lower costs, presenting an opportunity for you to build a thriving business.
In an era where pets are considered cherished family members, many pet owners appreciate unique and creative ways to celebrate their furry, feathered, or scaled friends.
Pet portraits are a well-known type of custom pet product, but the options in this business niche are only limited by your imagination. Think: custom pet pillows, personalized pet storybooks, or bespoke pet-themed jewelry. Cuddle Clones, for example, creates cute plush replicas of pets, alongside other customizable products such as fridge magnets and sweaters.
Decided on an idea? Let’s look at how you can start your pet business today:
Market research involves understanding your customers. Your target audience is the group you aim to reach with your marketing—those most likely to become customers. In the pet business, target market niches can be broadly categorized into:
Identify which market you want to target, then research the competitor businesses in that market. This will help you understand what customers are already buying and likely to buy from you.
Creating a brand is a crucial step in establishing your pet business. Your brand influences everything from your communication style to your overall aesthetic, and it’s essential to stand out to your target audience. Here are the main areas to focus on:
Who needs another squeaky chew toy shaped like a bone? Offer products with a unique value proposition to stand out. For example, a chew toy with bristles that help brush teeth serves a unique customer need.
Your visual identity includes your logo, website design, social media assets, and packaging. Ensure your visuals effectively communicate your brand to your target audience.
A compelling brand story helps customers understand why your business exists and motivates them to take action. It forms the foundation of your business.
Write a slogan for your pet brand
Enhance your pet brand with a slogan that tells customers what you believe in.
Try the pet slogan makerChoosing a simple and descriptive name for your pet business ensures it’s easy for customers to remember, enhancing word-of-mouth marketing.
If you’re struggling to come up with a business name, use this pet business name generator for fresh ideas.
Simply enter a keyword, click ’Generate names’, and browse through thousands of auto-generated name ideas for your company.
Formalize your ideas in a business plan. This document guides your business operations, helps define your business goals and strategies, identifies competition, and evaluates needed resources.
Consider the following:
Your business plan should answer these questions and serve as a reference. Remember to check business laws in your country and state, as you may need a license or permit. Use this free business plan template as a guide.
Starting a pet business involves more than just a passion for animals. It also requires compliance with legal requirements. Here are some key legal aspects to consider:
The first step is to register your business. The process varies depending on your location, but generally, you’ll need to register your business name and structure (such as sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation) with the appropriate government agency.
Depending on your pet business, you may need specific licenses or permits. For example, selling pet food may require a permit from the health department. Always check with your local government for necessary licenses.
Insurance is crucial for any business. You’ll need liability insurance for protection in case of accidents or injuries. If you’re offering pet-sitting or dog walking services, consider care, custody, and control insurance, which covers you if a pet gets injured or lost.
If your business involves caring for animals, you’ll need to comply with animal welfare regulations. These laws vary widely, so it’s important to research the specific regulations in your area. They may cover everything from the size and cleanliness of animal enclosures to the type of food and medical care animals receive.
Always consult with a legal professional to ensure you’re fully compliant with the requirements for your pet business.
If you’re starting a business that sells physical products, you’ll need to decide whether to create or source products. If you’re sourcing, there are two main approaches: dropshipping and manufacturing.
Dropshipping is a form of online retail where you sell products that are manufactured, stored, and shipped by a third-party company. This model prevents overstocking and frees up time that would normally be spent managing and shipping orders, allowing you to focus more on marketing or other services, such as grooming or dog walking.
If you prefer a hands-on approach, you can find your own manufacturer. This approach often allows for more product personalization and customization at a cheaper rate, or quicker shipping if you choose local companies.
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Now that your pet products are ready to go, where should you sell them? A great place to start is your own online store.
When it comes to building an online store, Shopify is the easiest way to start. You can build an ecommerce website without any coding knowledge.
When you sign up to Shopify, you get a beautiful storefront, a world-leading checkout, and beginner-friendly marketing tools. You also get access to the Shopify App Store, where you’ll find plug-ins to personalize your website.
A physical storefront is the traditional option for connecting with customers. Create a welcoming environment, host in-store events, and provide top-notch customer service to spark word-of-mouth growth.
For brick-and-mortar stores, pop-up shops, and market stalls, Shopify’s POS Go is a mobile device that processes payments and helps manage inventory.
Instantly connect to critical features to grow your business, right out of the box:
In the pet business, customer service is key. After all, you’re not just serving your customers, but their beloved pets as well. Here are some tips to help you provide top-notch customer service:
Effective financial management is crucial for your pet business, and should be an ongoing process. Regularly review your financial situation and adjust as needed.
Get funding for your pet business with Shopify
Shopify stores can access Shopify Capital to enhance their cash flow. Learn how pet store The Public Pet used Shopify Capital to expand its inventory.
Learn moreOnce you’ve built your product and your brand, and have a way of selling to your customers, you’ll need to work on a marketing strategy if you want your business to grow.
If you’re passionate about the pet industry, you may find you’re already doing some of the marketing activities below. However, if you’re new to the industry, or marketing in general, these tips will help you get started with marketing your business.
Building good relationships with pet owners is key to the sustainability of your business, especially if you’re offering services like grooming or dog walking, which require in-person clientele.
Start by joining Facebook groups and local online communities. Participate in discussions. Offer expertise and services, but remember not to push for sales too hard, especially in early interactions with potential customers.
People are very protective of their pets. Trust is especially important in pet businesses and people will not trust you if they view your interaction as a disingenuous attempt to promote your business. Create Facebook ads with carefully written copy to target pet owners in your local community.
If you’ve ever racked your brain trying to come up with social media ideas, you know that it can be challenging to consistently post while maintaining high levels of engagement.
With a pet business, however, you have the perfect content resource. Pets are naturally gifted content creators. Assuming you have one or two pets of your own, good content for pet lovers will be relatively easy to create.
For groomers, walkers, and pet sitters, every interaction with a new four-legged client is a chance for web content. Even the most mundane activities become watchable when a dog or cat is involved.
You can also harness user-generated content from your customers or clients. See how pet accessories brand Clive and Bacon posts images and videos of pets sporting its products:
You could also start an affiliate marketing program and work with influencers to promote your products.
Each marketing channel requires a slightly different content type. Start by marketing on one channel, become successful at it, then expand into another channel.
Search engine optimization helps your website get found by people who are looking for what you offer. For pet businesses, this often means answering pet owners’ questions.
While writing blog posts takes more work than creating social media content, the payoff can be much bigger. A well-written blog post that answers a common question can bring people to your website for years.
For example, if you groom pets, you could write about how to keep pets clean. If you sell healthy pet treats, you could answer questions about what pets should eat. The more helpful information you provide, the more people will trust your business.
Subscription box pet company BarkBox does this well. It has a website called BarkPost where it shares all informative content for dog owners, from chew toy recommendations to answers to common owner questions.
Networking and professional development are important in any industry. Pet industry events such as workshops, conventions, trade shows, and lectures can be great for an entrepreneur looking to build new skills or become more connected.
There’s value for any business in a trade show, but they’re especially great if you’re selling unique or handmade pet products. If you’re selling products you can’t get anywhere else, an effective trade show campaign can help you secure business relationships and get your product into retail stores.
Another method of marketing your pet business is building an email list. Whether you’re offering bestselling products or award-winning services, email is where you can have one-on-one conversations with your customers.
Email marketing helps you build relationships with existing customers and rescue abandoned carts. For hesitant shoppers, it’s much easier to convince them to give you their email than to make a purchase.
With well-timed and clear messaging in your emails, you can convert the would-be customer into an advocate.
Starting a successful company in an industry you’re passionate about is incredibly fulfilling. For pet lovers looking to make money from home, launching a pet business can provide a rewarding income source for years to come.
Don’t be daunted by the prospect of starting your own business. With the right tools, creating a sustainable and successful pet business is achievable and satisfying. As long as people love their pets, they’ll appreciate services that contribute to their safety and happiness.
Illustration by Pete Ryan
Small business owners spend an average of $40,000 in their first full year of business. But the costs of starting a business vary significantly depending on the business model, number of employees, and whether the business operates online.
Profitable pet business ideas include offering pet-sitting services, creating niche pet food, and selling pet training aids. Other options include making and selling pet clothing, grooming services, online pet courses, and custom pet mementos.
The pet industry has been consistently growing over the past decade and growth is projected to continue beyond 2028. This growth is driven by factors such as increased pet ownership and a rise in pet health awareness.
To make your pet business stand out, focus on a specific pet niche, such as senior pets or border collies. Offer high-quality products or services that meet a well-researched consumer need. Other tips include providing excellent customer service and building a strong online presence through SEO-optimized content and engaging social media posts.
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