The phenomenal growth witnessed in the pet industry in India over the last few years has been highly impressive as a greater number of people are adopting various kinds of pets, dogs and cats dominating the scene.
As people have started treating their pets like family members, demand further grows for the pet-related and pet care products and services.
Thus, a greater array of people have ventured into the establishment of pet care businesses, for the duration of which they were exposed to multiple business avenues, like pet food and essential accessories, grooming, training, or pet sitting.
However, if you are inspired for animals and eager to make your living taking care of them, starting up a pet business would be an optimal solution.
The way you may tiptoe through the pet sector includes not only selling wares but providing services and even opening a pet café.
This comprehensive guide shows you the available pet business ideas in India with pros & cons for each and a perfect option for getting started in pet care business. No matter whether you are a true pet enthusiast or have come to a profit-making standpoint.
Starting Pet Business in India: Why and How
So before we jump to ideas for particular pet businesses, it is better to understand the what are the drivers for the pet industry boom in India and why is it the golden period to enter the pet sector.
Booming Pet Owners: According to a report, India has 30 million pet dogs, and this number is on the rise. – Due to Urbanisation and Nuclear set up pets are becoming getting an integral part of many homes.
Increasing Expenditure on Pets: Spending on pet products and services has increased as pet owners feel more attachment to their pets. From pet food to accessories and grooming.
Pet health and wellness awareness: People are becoming more conscious of the health & wellness for pets. The demand for better quality products, organic food, grooming and other services is rising.
E-Commerce and Online Pet Stores: Pet business owners have it made these days as the boom of online shopping means that they can also sell their goods across the nation. Today pet owners buy food, accessories and services online and a big scope is available for e-commerce store owners in this situation.
Everyone is familiar with the concept of pet care.
Pawwfect Business Opportunities: There is a variety of pet business and services that one can choose from to start in the Indian pet industry. Here are some most successful and unique pet business ideas in India that need low investment and give high returns.
1. Pet Grooming Services
For many pet owners, pet grooming is a necessity. From bathing to brushing, nail trimming to haircuts, and even specialized services like dental cleaning. Pet grooming services are becoming popular among pet owners especially in the urban cities.
How to Start:
Train: Learn the grooming skills. You can either learn to groom professionally or can hire trained personnel to do the work.
Set Up: You can start the grooming business from home at first or set up a simple grooming station in your area.
Equipment: Invest in clippers, scissors, dryers, shampoos, and other grooming products specifically designed for pets.
Marketing: Offer first-time customer discounts or packages and advertise on social media platforms.
Pros:
- Increase in demand for grooming services, particularly in metros.
- Low investment to get started
- Specialized services means high profit margins
Cons:
- Grooming requires professional skill and expertise for better quality.
- You need to maintain the machines and hygiene regularly.
2. Pet Food and Supplies Store
They need food, toys, bedding, health supplements and other accessories. [Related: 11 Profitable Divisions in the Pet Industry] So, if you want to venture do start a pet food and supply store (online or physical) in this day and time, it wouldn’t be a bad optimum.
How to Start:
This can include popular pet meals as well as aerobic animals.
Source of Products: Tie up with wholesalers or manufacturers to get high standard pet food and products at low-cost.
Online Store or Physical Shop: You can first sell online on websites like Amazon, Flipkart, or your own website. You can also open a brick-and-mortar store and set it up in areas with a lot of pets in it.
Marketing: Advertise your store using social media marketing, influencer partnerships, and paid ads.
Pros:
- Increasing demand for high-end and organic pet food.
- Works online/offline as per the requirement.
- Pet food sales are recurring business, because pet food must be purchased regularly.
Cons:
- Requires strong supplier relationships for pricing competence.
- Keeping track of inventory can be difficult, particularly when it comes to foods that can expire.
3. Services of Pet Sitting and Dog Walking
Pet sitting and dog walking are emerging businesses in India and more so in cities where pet owners spend long hours at the workplace. Providing pet sitting services for pets whose owners are either at work or going on holiday can be a great way to make money.
How to Start:
Provide Several Services: You could provide services like pet sitting, dog walking, feeding, or playtime. Be trustworthy and have the experience necessary to care for animals.
Insurance: It is recommended to obtain pet sitting insurance for the protection of yourself and pets in your care.
Establish Trust: Ask for reviews from your network of pet owners. Leverage online platforms such as UrbanClap to expand reach and customer access.
Pros:
- Prerequisite: You must have a minimum of 15 years of experience in this field.
- You can grow it by adding services or hiring a team of pet sitters.
Cons:
- Or you are going to deal with someone else’s pet, so it requires being trustful and reliable.
- Seasonal: dependent on weather (outdoor dog walking services)
4. Pet Training Services
If you are familiar with animals or if you have worked alongside professional trainers, then having pet training might be a profitable business for you. Some training services involve basic obedience training, housebreaking, or correcting problem behaviors.
How to Start:
Get Certified: If you want to add credibility, pursue certification as a professional pet trainer. Alternatively, you can study through online courses or on-the-job training.
Your Target Audience: Pet owners who hate that their pets don’t act well when its on public, with other animals or at home.
In-Person Or Online: Train dogs on-site or via a virtual platform for dog training. Cheap services can also work well in groups.
Pros:
- Increasing demand for well-behaved pets.
- Startup costs low if you already have training experience.
- Earning Storage Potential Through One-on-One or Group Classes
Cons:
- That can be the case for you and require years of training and developing background in animal behavior.
- Especially at the start, it can be time-consuming.
5. Pet Photography
Pet photography is a specialized niche business that captures beautiful moments between pets and their humans. As social media became popular, more people approached them about taking professional photos of their pets’ short-lived lives.
How to Start:
Obtain the Necessary Equipment: It’s important to invest in a quality camera, lighting setup, and editing program.
Package Deals: Create different packages, whether it be for pet portraits, family portraits that include pets, or outdoor pet photography sessions.
Market Through Social Media: Create a portfolio and market your services through Instagram, Facebook, and pet influencers.
Pros:
- The perfect business for animal lovers Creative and fun
- There’s an ever-growing trend of pet influencers and Instagram pets.
- They can also provide services such as a personalized photo album or frame.
Cons:
- It requires an investment in good photography equipment.
- Requires creativity skills and experience with photography.
6. Pet Café
Pet cafes are surging in popularity These cafés where people spend time with pets over a cup of coffee or snacks. You may welcome your own pets into your café, or you can partner with adoption agencies to let customers get up close and personal with animals who need homes.
How to Start:
A New Spot: Find a pet-friendly establishment with a good amount of foot traffic.
Menu Planning: We offer food and drinks for dogs and cats (eg pet-healthy milk, pet-friendly pastries, etc.).
Set Up an Inviting Space: Make sure there’s room for pets to do their thing in your café.
Licenses/performance: Make sure your tiny café complies with all necessary health standards for both pets and food businesses.
Pros:
- Seasonal business idea that is unique and trending
- Provides a wholesome experience for lovers of dogs.
- Great SMO potential as pets are highly shareable in the moment.
Cons:
- Cost to set up a café is on the higher side.
- Staff are needed to concurrently administer pet services and food.
7. Pet Clothing and Accessories
Pet clothing and accessories: If you are a really creative and love fashion, pet clothing, and accessories can be a good business if you are looking for one to start. Their owners often dress their pets, particularly dogs up, and pet accessories such as leashes, collars, and sweaters are popular.
How to Start:
Design Products: Unique pet clothing, collars and accessories. Include seasonal items, seasonal costumes, or special needs clothing for pets.
Source Materials: Find high-quality pet accessory materials either domestically or from sustainable sources.
Market Online: Social Media, E-commerce Websites (Amazon, Flipkart, or own website)
Pros:
- High-profit-margin accessory-based creative business.
- Leverageable business model via online sales.
- One of a kind niche pharmacy for pet owners who want their pets to be stylish.
Cons:
- May require annual updates in designs to stay trend.
- May compete against big brands
Here are some tips on how to ensure your business in the pet industry stands out in a competitive market.
A few tips for success:
Customer Centric: Pet owners pay close attention to the products and care they buy for their pets. Offer services or products with a standard.
Exploit Digital Promotion: Employ things like social media marketing, content marketing or working with popular influencers.
Give Value: To maintain customer retention you can offer them, special offers, loyalty programs or seasonal discounts.
Continuously Follow: Keep up with current affairs in the pet industry. For instance, being ahead of the competition by knowing the changing trends of industries, say organic pet food/ pet wellness services, could translate into your success.
Establish Trust: Handling pets means you will also handle their owners, hence it is important to create trust. Take care of your customers and always be truthful and honest.
Conclusion
The pet industry in India is growing and it provides various business opportunities for animal lovers. Everyone and their dog are doing something in this growing market, from pet grooming to pet training, food and accessory retailing to opening a pet café.
You can indeed make money doing something you love animals if you choose the right concept, stay in touch with the market, and provide top-notch customer service.
Yes, starting your pet business or side hustle is going to take time, commitment and a solid dog (or cat) plan, but the rise of dog ownership and the appetite for awesome pet care is a furry opportunity to pursue. When you feel ready to dive right in these pet business ideas will help you on your way to becoming an entrepreneur!