The pet care industry is a billion-dollar industry nowadays. It’s little wonder why, many pet owners count their furry friends as just another member of the family. This is what makes the pet care business such a thriving one to be in. So, if you’re interested in leaving your mark here, here’s how to get started, courtesy of Splendid Beast.

Pick a Niche Business Idea

If you’re looking for a good place to get started, the pet care industry is one of those industries where your options are pretty much unlimited. Especially when it comes to choosing a business type that suits your business idea best. Additionally, whatever you end up choosing could be a niche business idea in and of itself if you have an edge over your competitors. That said, there are a few popular pet care business ideas that are doing well. Take pet grooming, pet sitting, pet training, and opening up your own eCommerce pet store, for example.

Another thing to bear in mind: succeeding in a business is much easier if you know who to listen to. If you’re starting a pet care business and you want your clients to trust your care and advice, make sure you are relying on expert pet care advice when it comes to the products you use. Whether it’s clippers, harnesses, or pet food, check reviews before purchasing to make sure you’re offering the highest quality products to your clients. (Especially the four-legged ones)

Write a Business Plan

The most necessary part of starting a pet care business should include drawing up a business plan as one of your very first steps in setting up your business. Your business plan should highlight what your business is all about so that you can take that necessary corrective action should you veer off course at any stage. For example, a business that primarily sells dog fences should be able to be quickly identified to what they do. 

Apply for the Relevant Licenses or Permits

Most pet care businesses will require a license or permit of some sort so that you can open your doors to the public, figuratively or literally. Check what’s required of your business at the business licensing department beforehand to prevent getting caught in legal red tape.

Put Thought into Your Pet Care Business Name and Slogan

Another necessary step in establishing your business is to come up with a name that is unique and catchy. The idea is to capture the attention of those it was intended for – instantly. This should be paired with an interesting slogan that should make your audience do a double-take when reading it. You want people to recall your brand easily when they think of a pet service or product they require.

Research Your Market Thoroughly

It can’t be said enough how many marketing plans have come undone simply because they lacked the necessary research. Here, we’re referring to really narrowing down your target audience. This way, you have a more than accurate indication of who they are down to a tee. Then, it’s about choosing the right marketing channels to broadcast on so that you get noticed far and wide.

These days, social media takes a lot of the sting (and expense) out of advertising, but you still need to put in some effort. It helps to have different marketing strategies going at the same time. For example, sharing images via Facebook and Instagram is a great way to start, but you can also supplement that with an email campaign. And if you want to take that campaign to the next level, try sending out a PDF filled with high quality photos and clear descriptions of the prices and services you offer.

To go even further, take your finished PDF and divide it into smaller PDFs based on different types of pets. Then, share those PDFs with different social media groups dedicated to the breed or type in question. If you aren’t too tech-savvy, don’t worry; you can do this online using a PDF splitting tool, and a simple search via Facebook or Google will reveal plenty of pet-groups to participate in. Make sure you actively participate, though; don’t just post an advertisement and leave. The more active you are, the more likely you’ll end up generating loyal customers.

Register Your Pet Care Business

You will need to register your business with the appropriate government agencies. There are many different ways to go about this, depending on the size and type of your business. If you’re looking to form a corporation or LLC, it’s important to understand the specific requirements. These can vary for businesses state by state. In addition, some businesses may be required to obtain a federal identification number for tax purposes.

Going along with that, make sure you designate a registered agent for your business. This is someone to act as your point person in government and tax-related matters. It’s worth looking over these guidelines to make sure you’re Registered Agent Ready, since taking care of that now will save you lots of hassle down the road.

As you can see, there are a number of steps that require your attention. So if you’re planning on starting a pet care business, choose a business idea, write a business plan, apply for any permits you need, choose a business name and slogan, develop comprehensive marketing strategies, and register your business. And most importantly, provide excellent and caring service so that pet owners will eagerly recommend your business to others!

At Splendid Beast, our goal is to provide awesome artwork that celebrates your Splendid Beast. Reach out today to get started!

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