General
Description: Americans
are spending billions of dollars on their pets each year. According to the
American Pet Products Manufacturing Association, consumer spending on pets is
expected to reach approximately $36 billion in 2005 (yes, that is billion with a
"B"), up from $17 billion just a decade ago. While mega-stores
like PetsMart and Petco control a big percentage of this market, there is plenty
of room for entrepreneurs to grab a piece of the pet-pie.
What types of
pet-services are people offering? They range from the obvious to the
outrageous. Consider the following:
Pet
sitting/walking services: Pet owners sometimes hire
pet-sitters to take care of their four-legged children while they are
away. Pet sitters can either visit/walk the pets, board the pets in their
own homes, or live in their client's home while they are away. Many
pet-sitters provide auxiliary services such as taking in the mail or watering
plants.
Doggie Daycare: With
the high number of two-career couples, the demand for doggie daycare facilities
continues to escalate. In addition to providing basic daycare services,
some outfits offer puppy playgroups, doggie birthday parties, pick-up
or drop-off services and obedience classes.
Dog
Training: Services range from individual behavioral consultations to
doggie boot-camps.
Pet
Grooming: Here again, you can choose to go to the client's home (some
people use mobile grooming vans) or rent space to house a grooming business.
Pet Bakeries:
Upscale treats to delight your dog and tickle your cat's fancy. You can
sell these on the internet or in a retail establishment.
Pet
Apparel/Products: The range of coats, collars and carriers is
unbelievable. Even major designers like Gucci and Prada are cashing in on
this trend.
Pet Spas/Beauty
Care: Here is where things get a little unbelievable...
businesses now offer manicures, pedicures, massages and aromatherapy for
pets.
Resources
for Further Exploration:
Associations:
American
Boarding Kennel Association
American
Pet Products Manufacturing Association
National
Association of Professional Pet Sitters
Pet
Sitters International
Books:
