The pet industry generates billions of dollars annually and for animal lovers this is a great way of becoming a part of it, whilst at the same time doing something they really care about.   Many people treat their pets like their children and most things they want for themselves, they also want for their precious pets.   Whilst start up costs for most businesses can be quite steep, there are many that can be started with minimal expenses.    Listed below are a just few ideas to get you started caring for our canine, feline, feathered, finned and reptile friends.

 PET SITTING

There are some people who have pets that can't be boarded for various reasons, or exotic pets that are difficult to move around.   Many do not like to impose on friends, relatives or neighbors to take on the responsibility of caring for pets in their absence.  Having a sitter come to the home to take care of them makes sense.     The pet's  feeding and exercise routines are not interrupted and they are less likely to stress if cared for in a  familiar environment while their owners are away. If you want to work on a small scale, then you can do the pet sitting.   However, if you want to operate on a larger scale, you will have to recruit additional pet lovers to work with you.   You can market your services locally through pet-related businesses in your community.    Make up fliers with pricing structures for short and long term sitting  and distribute at veterinarians, pet supply retailers and dog grooming services and  local classified ads.    

DOGGY DAY CARE

Day care facilities for dogs are becoming increasingly popular and it is especially  comforting for animal lovers to know their beloved pets are taken care of and have company during the day.    Dogs, like people are social creatures and need contact with people and other dogs.   However, day care should not be confused with a kennel, which boards animals.   Working from home one can accommodate a small doggy day care operation and maintain it as a strictly a drop off in the morning and pick up in the evening type of operation.   

A larger operation can be accommodated if you have a large property although start up costs would be significantly higher however ultimately more profitable.  

Check with your veterinarian about the vaccination requirements.    www.dogdaycarebusinessplan.com

PROFESSIONAL DOG WALKERS                             

This business will suit someone who has spare time and loves loves dogs.   Start up costs can be kept to a minimum.    There are various styles of multi lead dog walking collars and leashes available that allow three or more dogs to be walked simultaneously, without becoming tangled.    These are a must, since they will reduce frustration and make the walks more enjoyable.   

Costs for marketing a dog walking business can  be kept to a minimum by creating fliers and distributing them at businesses that are frequented by dog owners, veterinarians, pet stores, post on bulletin boards at local grocery stores and online on Craigslist.     Just a few regular customers and you will soon have a profitable business.

DOG CLOTHING

Americans spend millions annually on their pets and for someone who can sew and craft. This is a perfect way of starting up a lucrative work from home business, by designing and making a range of sweaters, jackets, blankets and bedding.    Getting started will need  a fair amount of  capital to create an awesome range of clothing and accessories.   These can be marketed through pet shop retailers, direct to pet owners at fairs and online, via dog related websites   Alternatively, why not set up your own website to showcase your exclusive range of products.. 

  POOPER SCOOPER SERVICE

This might be hard to believe, but you can make a considerable income by starting and operating a dog pooper scooper service in your community.   This operation does not require any great skills and not much investment apart from a car to get yourself around to the various locations you will need to cover.    A shovel, some plastic bags and you're in the pooper scooper business.    A cost effective way of marketing this business will be to post fliers on bulleting boards at your local grocery shops, at the veterinarians, pet shops and in the classified ads of your local newspaper.