Want to Open a Pet Store? Here’s What You Should Know

What would happen if your passion was to become your profession? Are you an animal lover? Are you a budding entrepreneur? If so, what is stopping you from combining the two and opening your own pet store? The answer is, not much! All you need is information, knowledge, and credible sources in order to really understand what goes into opening a pet store and running it successfully. To make it easier for you, we have compiled all that you need to know about opening a pet store in this article.    

Conduct a Survey

The very first thing that you need to do to start any business is to conduct a survey of the competitors. For opening a pet store, you need to know the pet stores in your locality, the products they sell, the offers they have, etc. For any business idea to succeed, it needs to have a certain unique selling proposition (USP). That is possible only when you know what your competitors are offering. You will also need data about the pet owners in your area and their preferences. 

Picking Your Niche  

When you want to create a niche for yourself, you need to identify what your competitors are not offering. If you offer something different that is useful for the pets and also in demand, something that is not available at other pet shops, you can surely make a success of your enterprise. 

Location

The location of your pet shop plays an important role in how successful your enterprise will be. It should preferably be in a busy market place, which is easily accessible to your customers. The area should also have other pet shops in the vicinity. Your new venture will benefit from the already established clientele of the other pet shops. Your USP’s will do the job of luring the customers away from them. The premises must be warm, inviting, and well lit. 

Franchise

In case you want to cash in on the already established goodwill of another enterprise, you can opt for a franchise rather than starting a pet shop in your name. The experts at approvedfranchises.co.uk/pet-franchises/ can advise you about the details and the intricacies of obtaining a franchise for a pet shop. It’s important to speak to credible people who have worked in the industry for a while and understand what goes into opening a franchise, as something the details are a little different.

Emergency Contingencies

Your premises must have the necessary facilities in case of emergencies, like fire or flooding. The safety of pets is your responsibility. Proper precautionary and safety measures must be installed on the premises. 

Equipment

Specific equipment is required for the pets in your store. Tanks, big and small cages, and enclosures for the pets form an important component of your paraphernalia. The shelves and the placement of the products must be well within reach of the average customers.    

Picking Your Products

There are a variety of products and services you can offer. Decide whether you are only going to focus on pet products or pets as well. To add to your range, you could also offer pet services; this will include pet grooming, pet training classes, or classes on how to take care of your pets. Pet breeding (to sell them to interested pet parents) can also be a part of your enterprise. Providing a veterinary surgeon on demand will add to your clientele. At times, when pet parents need to go out of town, they need pet creches to take care of their furry babies. Providing this kind of service could be an added advantage to your business.

Getting Yourself Updated With Rules, Regulations, and Licensure

You must fulfill specific criteria to procure a license for a pet shop. It is important to acquaint yourself with the rules and regulations of owning a pet shop. You need to ensure proper health facilities for the pets that you keep. Proper sanitation and maintenance of the premises are crucial because you deal with live animals, not mere products. There are certain recommendations that every country has regarding the total area of the premises; you must acquaint yourself with the same. Also, pets must be a certain age before they can be sent off with their owners. 

Upgrading Your Products

Your customers might want to go for some high-end products, which your competitors do not provide. Stocking up on such brands will definitely add to your clientele and will also boost the standard of your pet shop. You might want to specialize in a particular high-end brand and provide expert advice to your customers about the same.   

Staff Expertise

Pet owners are more likely to frequent shops where the staff is experienced and knowledgeable about pets. When hiring staff for your enterprise, keep this in mind. There are customers who know what they want precisely, and some who need advice in choosing their products. Though not a hard and fast rule, it is advisable to hire staff members who are pet lovers themselves.            

Being Aware of Different Animal Needs

It is imperative to be aware of the specific needs of different animals and their breeds. Each breed has its own specific temperature and environment requirements. To maintain the good health of your pets, you must be well aware of the needs and requirements of the different breeds. You should also be in a position to make your customers aware of the required environment for their pets.     

A pet store is not like any other shop. It caters to the needs of pets who are the most loved ones of their owners. Pet parents tend to look after their pets like babies and are in search of stores that cater to their every need, be it food, services, expert advice, or medication. If you can convert your pet store into a one-stop solution to their every problem, there is nothing that can come in the way of your pet store being a grand success. So, go ahead and make your passion your profession and make it a huge success.