Are you an animal lover searching for a dog-related business to start? If yes, search no more—this article comprises the best and most profitable dog business ideas.
Let’s go!
Introduction To Dog Business Ideas
Dog business is one of the most profitable businesses among animal-related businesses.
It is a thriving business with a vast customer base because many dog lovers treat their dogs like family.
Therefore, they will do anything to keep it safe and healthy.
Starting a dog business does not necessarily require high startup capital.
You can even start a dog business with no capital.
However, before starting a dog business, you need to consider if the business is profitable.
Also, you should assess the risk/challenges involved and decide if you’re ready for it.
You also need to be experienced and trained depending on the type of dog business you want to start.
Furthermore, you will need to possess some creative skills.
Finally, you can start the dog business as a full-time business or a side hustle.
Let’s see the future relevance of the dog business.
Future Relevance Of Dog Business
Before you venture into any business, you must do proper research to know the business’s lifespan.
The reason is that if you know the lifespan of a business before starting, it will help you know if the business is worth investing in or not.
In this context, you can present your question in this manner.
Will the dog business remain in business in the next few years?
Fortunately, we’ve researched in-depth and come out with a positive answer.
The dog business is said to be one of the overgrowing businesses/industries worldwide.
And people who own dogs are willing to spend a lot of money to ensure their comfort and safety.
Additionally, dog owners regard dogs as family members and will treat them as one.
Judging by the rate at which people want to own dogs for pets or security reasons, the dog business will continue to thrive.
Consequently, making dog-related business a lucrative business venture.
There is more; the dog business gives room for different opportunities.
A study by the American Pet Products Association shows the figures earned annually in the industry.
Notably, in the U.S., 67% of households have at least one pet, including a dog.
Also, Americans spend $95.7 billion on pets only.
The figure covers money spent on breeding, feeding, medicine, treats, etc.
To cap it all, the dog business keeps growing even during economic crises.
Now let’s see the profitable dog business ideas you can choose from.
12 Profitable Dog Business Ideas Worth Exploring
1. Animal or Dog Boarding
One of the profitable dog business ideas is animal or dog boarding.
It is a profitable and lucrative business in the pet business industry.
Animal or dog boarding is also known as dog daycare.
Dog boarding refers to caring for dogs dropped off in a boarding facility.
The service rendered in the business includes feeding, walking, and caring for dogs.
Your ideal clients will be;
- dog owners going on a long trip but can’t travel with their dogs.
- dog owners who go to work daily and can’t leave their dogs at home.
This category of people will require someone to give their pets adequate care while they are not around.
You will need a good location with about 3,000-3,500 sq ft of land to establish a dog daycare because dogs need an open area for playing.
In this facility, you should build kennels for the dogs.
Also, you will need food bowls, fans, or air conditioning in the boarding facility.
You may also construct swimming pools or set up a dog salon to give your business an edge and attract more customers.
2. Dog Behavioral Specialist
This is one of the lucrative dog-related business ideas.
A behavioral specialist is a person that specializes in animal behavior.
However, you need to be a lover of dogs if you intend to be a dog behavior specialist.
You have to study how dogs behave and determine the cause of their behaviors.
This way, you could be a consultant to dog owners when their dogs exhibit certain behaviors such as fear, aggression, or any other behavior different from their usual ones.
Your ideal clients will be dog owners and animal shelter owners.
Above all, you need two professional certificates to help you further in this business.
They are the Certification Council For Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) and the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants(IAABC).
3. Dog Boutique
Another profitable dog business idea to explore is starting a dog boutique business.
This is also one of the profitable dog business ideas.
It involves setting up a store to sell dog wear or products.
The juicy part is that you can open a brick-and-mortar store or an online store.
Etsy will be a good platform to host your online dog boutique.
You’ll need to source quality products from reliable manufacturers/suppliers.
There are different items you can sell in your dog boutique, this includes;
- Bow
- Dress
- Dog toys
- Dog leash
- Chain
- Dog harness set
- Dog collar
- Bandana, and so on.
Finally, like with all businesses, you’ll need to promote your business so you can make sales.
4. Dog Blogging; Dog Business Ideas
If you have a knack for writing and extensive knowledge about dogs, you should consider this business.
Blogging about dogs is a profitable dog business idea.
This is one business you can do anywhere.
Also, since it’s about writing dog, you’ll have no issue figuring out the best niche to blog about.
You need to manage your website to the point where it receives a significant number of visitors monthly.
Achieving this will depend on several factors, such as;
- quality of your content
- the informational value of your content
- website structure/interface
- SEO practices
- Promotions, etc.
An effective way to monetize your blog is through affiliate marketing.
You can promote different dog products on your blog and earn commissions from every sale through your unique affiliate link.
5. Dog Photographer
How does taking lovely pictures of these cute creatures sound to you?
Are you good with the camera?
If yes, you could consider exploring this dog business idea.
Becoming a dog photographer can be a rewarding business.
However, you will need some equipment to get this business running.
This equipment includes;
- Quality camera
- Ring lights
- Website
- Personal laptop for photo editing
- Photo packages, and so on.
Dog owners seek out dog photographers for different reasons, such as;
- Dog marketing ads
- Family portraits
- End-of-life memories
- Dog pictures for adoption.
- Dog portraits for special occasions, and so on.
So, you could offer professional services for any of these occasions and earn some money.
6. Dog Training – Dog Business Ideas
Another profitable business in the dog business ideas is dog training.
There’s a demand for this service in most regions.
Not all dog owners have the skills or time to train their dogs.
Hence, they’ll pay to have their dogs trained to behave appropriately.
However, you must be a certified dog trainer before starting this business.
You can always sign up for your preferred dog trainer certificate program if you don’t have a dog trainer certificate.
This certificate is necessary to help you acquire the skills and win your client’s trust.
Once certified, you could offer the following training;
- Dog obedience training
- Training for hunting
- Security training, and so on.
7. Dog Manucurist
Another dog business idea is starting a dog or pet manicurist business.
This is a potentially profitable dog business idea with high demand among dog owners.
Dog owners who don’t have the time or skills to trim their dog’s nails will require a manicurist.
Sometimes dogs get aggressive during this process.
Hence, it’s best handled by a specialist.
You don’t necessarily need any certificate to start this business.
However, you will need to have experience in handling dogs.
You also need to educate yourself on how to trim using different techniques.
Finally, you can offer other services such as dog spas and daycares.
8. Dog Groomer
A dog groomer is one of the profitable dog business ideas.
It is one of the services dog owners demand in almost every part of the world.
Dog grooming is an essential way in which owners care for their dogs.
Grooming helps keep a dog’s coat healthy and helps them stay cool in hot climates.
You will need a certificate to become a dog groomer.
You need a standard high school certificate or complete a dog grooming apprenticeship program.
Also, you’ll need to take courses on dog grooming.
Your dog grooming services may include;
- Bathing
- Hair trimming
- Nail trimming
- Breed-specific styling.
In addition, there are different ways you can carry out a dog grooming business; they include;
- Working in a grooming salon
- Starting your grooming salon
- Starting a mobile dog grooming business, and so on.
9. Dog Shelter Operator
Another dog business you can do is to become a dog shelter operator.
It is a lucrative and thriving business idea.
A dog shelter is where stray, lost, or abandoned dogs stay until they find suitable homes.
Many dogs are being victimized, neglected, or traumatized daily.
You can start this business to save them from the harsh world and give them better homes.
However, to start this business, you will need to visit your state’s authorizing office.
You should register your business and obtain a license/permit.
Also, you will need healthcare assistance to treat injured dogs.
In addition, you will need volunteers to help bring stray dogs into the shelter.
10. Dog Allergist or Dermatologist – Dog Business Ideas
Becoming a dog allergist or dermatologist is another dog business idea.
It is also one of the profitable and thriving dog business ideas.
A dog allergist or dermatologist is a person that specializes in identifying allergens and treating dogs that exhibit allergy symptoms.
The population of dogs affected by allergies is between 10% and 20%.
Furthermore, to start this type of business, you’ll need a veterinary medicine degree.
You will also need to pass the veterinary licensing exams and have 2 to 3 years of residency training.
11. Dog Physical Therapist
Becoming a dog physical therapist is another way to tap into the dog business industry.
This business is more like performing therapy on humans.
However, as a dog therapist, you will care for dogs that need physical therapy.
Your job is to rehabilitate and care for dogs that have gone through surgery, injury, or suffer from severe pain.
Furthermore, your primary duty is to help the dogs heal quickly and improve their quality of life.
However, you need to acquire a degree in an accredited institution for a physical therapy course to become one.
12. Dog Furniture Designer
Designing dog furniture is another profitable business.
It is one of the lucrative and thriving dog business ideas.
You won’t be working directly with dogs in this business.
Furthermore, you will need to be creative and possess woodworking skills for this business.
If you have these skills, becoming a dog furniture designer is an ideal business you can use to practice your skills.
Your target will be dog owners that want to buy furniture for their dogs.
Also, you can open a physical and an online store to sell dog furniture.
You can set up your workshop in your home garage if you don’t have enough funds to get a working space.
You’ll also need to purchase materials and tools for your work.
We’ve discussed some of the best dog business ideas.
Other businesses that may be worth considering include;
- Dog walking.
- Dog sitting.
- Poop scooping.
- Dog toy designer.
- Dog travel agent and transportation.
- Talent agency for dogs.
- Dog food producer or manufacturer.
- Dog breeding, and so on.
Here are some dog products you can sell.
- Dog toys
- Novelty dog beds
- Cages
- Dog clothes
- Dog litter mats
- Leashes, and so on.
Conclusion On Dog Business Ideas
Now, you don’t need to feel stuck thinking of the best dog business ideas you can start.
We’ve given you a run down of some of the best dog business ideas to choose from.
However, before starting any dog business, you should consider the following;
- You should research and understand your target market.
- Select a niche from the dog business you can work with.
- Also, you should create a solid business plan and get a good location for your business.
- Another thing you should do is register your business and get licenses and permits.
- Furthermore, get the required finances.
- Some dog businesses require you to be certified, so you get the necessary certificate that the business needs.
- Finally, you should apply a marketing strategy. This will help your business grow and reach wider audiences.
You should follow these steps to be able to achieve success in your dog business.
Also, every dog business discussed above is profitable in their way.
However, none of it is a get-rich-quick scheme.
Therefore, you should work hard to achieve the profits you desire
Good luck!
