The pet industry is one of the most lucrative sectors in the business world. According to the American Pet Products Association’s (APPA) annual report, total pet industry sales exceed $136.8 billion in 2022 alone. This sales figure represented an increase of 10.8% from 2021. In addition, Bloomberg reports that the global pet industry easily tops $320 billion, and experts expect this figure to exceed $500 billion by 2030. For many households, pets are vital and beloved members of the family. This means that instead of viewing pet goods as non-essential purchases, these consumers see pet goods as necessities.
If you have ever considered branching out into the pet industry, there is no better time to start. From launching a grooming business to promoting put supplies, take advantage of the numerous opportunities to thrive in this profitable market.
Offer a Grooming Service
Offering a grooming service is one of the most straightforward ways to enter the pet industry. Grooming is a consistent need that pets require for health purposes as well as owner preference and personalization. The grooming process includes hair cutting, fur styling, and nail trimming. But it can even include therapeutic massage.
Some business owners offer pet grooming within their homes or start a mobile grooming business and bring services directly to their clients. However, another reliable way to obtain referrals and a strong return on investment is to join a pre-existing business franchise. Grooming services and related pet store franchises benefit from strategic neighborhood locations and consistent branding. Take advantage of brand recognition to attract regular clients who can supply a steady stream of income all year.
Promote Pet Supplies and Accessories
Promoting pet supplies provides another opportunity to capitalize on the lucrative pet industry. According to Forbes, the average pet owner spends a minimum of $730 on pets each year. Plus, the pet industry is recession-proof since families view pet care as a necessity.
With the benefits of specialization and modern technology, the possible niches are endless for cashing in on this annual spending. For example, consider the importance and popularity of pet collars. In the modern world, pet collar options range from no-slip martingale designs to GPS-integrated collars with tracking devices that link to smartphone apps. If you choose a drop-shipping business model, you can sell the collars online and commission a supplier to deliver the collars without ever needing to keep them in stock.
Other popular pet accessories include animal toys, pet clothing, and even pet food supplies. If starting an online store from scratch seems overwhelming, you can join an existing franchise instead and benefit from its established reputation and brand.
Start an Animal Blog or Vlog
Pet owners not only love their pets – they also love reading about how to take care of their furry friends. In fact, Pew Research reports that 71% of pet owners have spent extensive time researching their breed. What better way to reach this audience than with a blog? By posting blog articles, you can draw traffic directly to your business and make a profit through advertisements or affiliate marketing. Once you can prove the extent of your traffic, some pet brands will pay you directly for sponsorships.
According to Statista Insights, nearly one in three (or 30%) of bloggers find success. This statistic is much higher than the success rate of many ventures and proves that blogging is an option worth trying for anyone who loves to write or share ideas. If you prefer visual media instead, try vlogging instead. You can create a YouTube channel and produce endless videos about various pet breeds.
Launch a Pet Photography Business
Pet photography is a unique business model perfect for the age of image sharing and social media. This business is perfect for those who love photoshoots and have a gift for working with animals. Pet owners love to create lasting memories of events like birthdays, weddings, holidays like Christmas or Easter, or even the birth of puppies or kittens.
You can build a robust client base by producing upscale photographs of special occasions. Encouraging clients to share on sites like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok also creates an expense-free way to spread the word about your company. Other business opportunities for pet photographers include taking promotional photos for grooming companies or snapping pictures for pet product labels.
If you love animals, there is no time like the present to earn money in the pet industry. This bankable field has demonstrated an upward growth trend with no signs of slowing down. With diverse business models available, there is plenty of room for aspiring entrepreneurs to watch their efforts succeed.