If you’re an animal lover, you know pets offer companionship and unconditional love and are cherished family members. Imagine a career where you could turn your love of animals into a thriving business.
Investment bank Morgan Stanley forecasts the average American household will spend $1,445 a year per pet by 2026. Pet owners are increasingly purchasing premium pet foods, health services, and luxury pet products, driving demand across most segments of the pet industry. Pet spending has jumped nearly 40% over the past six years. Americans are projected to spend $150.6 billion on their pets in 2024, versus $90.5 billion in 2018.
“The enduring emotional connection between humans and their pets remains deep,” said the president and chief executive of the American Pet Products Association Peter Scott in a statement.
If you want to become an entrepreneur and focus on man’s best friend, here are some dog business ideas to help you get started:
- Pet boarding and daycare: You can start a pet boarding and daycare business from home if you have the land or open a full-scale facility. Unfortunately, the pandemic outbreak rocked the pet boarding and daycare industry, and demand for pet boarding remains down.
- Dog walking: As dual-income families become the norm, a dog walking business provides an essential service. Yet the rise of remote and hybrid working could put a dent in your potential profits.
- Specialty pet food: Overall attention to health and wellness is prompting many Americans to pay more attention to the ingredients in pet food, making a business selling specialty pet food an option. Pet owners ages 18-34 spend more on premium pet food than older age groups, underscoring the strength of this market. But the pet food market is already saturated and it might be tough to build a loyal customer base.
- Pet photography: This niche business caters to pet owners with a high disposable income. While you can create lasting memories for your customers, it requires working on nights and weekends to accommodate pet owners who work a 9 to 5 schedule.
- Dog training: Dog training is a flexible business with low overhead costs, but there is plenty of competition: from large pet store brands who offer multiple classes to independent trainers who have built loyal followings and referral business, potential customers have a number of options.
- Mobile grooming: A mobile grooming franchise offers the convenience of door-to-door service, which is appealing to busy pet owners who may struggle to find time for regular grooming appointments. It also allows for a more personalized and stress-free experience, as pets are groomed in a familiar environment without the anxiety of traveling to a traditional grooming salon. The lack of a brick-and-mortar storefront can potentially enhance profitability.
Aussie Pet Mobile: A Franchise Business for Pet Lovers
Translate your love for pets into a franchise recognized for providing first-class care to dogs and cats. Aussie Pet Mobile is the largest mobile grooming business in the U.S. For an initial investment starting under $200,000*, you’ll get the tools, training, and support to open a mobile business in your community.
“I love pets, and I love working in the pet industry. It’s every bit as much fun as I anticipated it was going to be,” said Jenna Harris, an Aussie Pet Mobile franchisee in Chicago.
Inquire now! Connect with a franchise expert and fellow pet lover from our team today to explore our dog grooming business idea.
*See FDD for more details on costs and fees associated with franchise ownership.