8 Tips to Develop a Small Dog Business
Starting a business in the pet industry is known to be lucrative if you follow the right path and are driven by passion. This industry is run by emotions- the immense love of pet owners for their pets, and they are ready to pay high if you offer them the best service and their dog is happy. Especially if you genuinely care for dogs, you will be motivated to provide the best service for dogs, which pet owners appreciate.
Being an owner of a small Cavapoo that I got from Cavapoo puppies for sale, I understand precisely the emotions of pet owners, which is why I could successfully set up my pet-oriented business. You can, too, if you have the right intent. Here are a few tips to help you build and grow your small dog business.
- Understand Your Specialization:
Different business ideas can pop up in your mind that you can pursue. But you should pick one that makes maximum use of your skills. It should be something that makes use of your degree and is something you are really passionate about. Getting training in the area you are interested in can also help polish your skills. If you enjoy being around dogs and planning to set up dog care or a kennel, then that should be the direction. If you have got grooming training, you can open a dog grooming salon. If you are only looking for something that can be done from home, then a dog walking service might be the way to go. If you are good at cooking dog meals, then a dog tiffin service can be one option you can think about. Think thoroughly about the pros and cons of the business you choose and how confident you are. If you feel you can offer customers the best service, you should start working on your business model.
- Write the Plan for Your Business:
Once you know the business you want to get into, write a business plan with a clear vision. You need to decide on a name for the company, its logo and also think about the staff you need to hire. Pen down the demographic you wish to target as your clients and advertise accordingly. You should plot the timeline when you will start and on what scale.
- Get Your Licenses:
For certain businesses, you must first get the certification so that the clients see you as an expert. You should get certified to run a successful business where the competition is high. The next step would be to understand the state rules for opening a new business and does it need a license. If so, you will have to procure it before you open the gates for your customers. The documentation needs to be in your hand, and the framed license should be hung on the wall for the clients to see and believe that it is a legit business.
- Secure the Funds:
Any business you start needs funds to run. You will need to invest in the right equipment to serve your clients. If you plan to open a kennel, you must invest in some construction to secure the compound and create different zones. You can get a commercial loan from the bank or use a part of your savings. You can also seek an investor or can ask your family to help. Whatever way you choose, you will need to secure some money to start the new business.
- Find the Best Location to Open:
Once you know your customer base, you will need to research areas where they reside or can easily commute. Location plays an important role, as clients prefer to engage with businesses in their locality. You also need to secure a place that has enough space to run the business successfully. Also, consider the money you have to pay to rent the space and whether it is feasible in the long run.
- Set Up the Rules for Your Clients:
As most dog-related businesses are service related, you will deal with pet parents a lot. This means you must set up a few rules to always have positive interactions with the clients. When considering a kennel, you should first ensure they read the documents and get them signed. Also, you should inform them beforehand that you do not allow new dogs to be kept in the kennel without a trial day when you monitor their temperament and if they can gel with other dogs. You cannot keep any dog in the kennel that can pose a threat to the other dogs. Also, clearly state the rules where they know when they can contact you as you do not wish to end up getting client calls at 2am in the middle of the night.
- Offer Better than Competitor:
Showcasing creativity in the business makes it more exciting and enjoyable for the dogs. Rather than following what every other competitor is doing, you should work towards offering something better. If you run a kennel, try to get a large area so that you can build a big play area and maybe add a pool for the pets to enjoy more. You can also add a grooming area and offer free grooming for pets that stay more than a week with you, which will attract more clients. You can also cap the number of dogs you take at a time, make it exclusive, and ensure that they understand you do not run a money-minded business but care for the pets.
- Strive for Excellence:
Pets are like kids to their parents; hence, they want the best for them. No dog owner would like to seek your service if they feel their dog is not offered the best. If you provide a personalized experience, then the owners will become your repeat customers. For example, if you run a kennel, the dog is the best reviewer as the parents see the dog happily coming back to your place. They will know the animal is treated well. If you groom the dog, a short video of the grooming session will ensure they know that you are working hard to offer them the best services. They will appreciate this and will return again to give you more business.
Running a successful pet business is not everyone’s cup of tea, but that does not mean you will not succeed. If you are passionate enough and have a good business model in place, your business will pick up in no time.
