Pet Supplies

If you are great around animals and enjoy spending time with them, you might consider starting a mobile pet grooming business. Starting a mobile pet grooming business will require a lot of hard work initially, but you will be rewarded with the freedom of working for yourself in a job you love.

Instructions

1 Consider how the business will fit into your lifestyle. For example, if you are a mother with four children all under the age of 5, you may or may not have the time needed to fully benefit from starting this type of business, especially while all your children are still at home. This will be a good time to get advice from others about the feasibility of running a business such as mobile pet grooming.
2 Educate yourself on pet grooming. Even though pet grooming is something you might enjoy doing, you'll appear more credible if you're highly knowledgeable about the subject. This can be achieved by earning a diploma or certification such as the basic and advanced certificates at the New York School of Dog Grooming. A pet grooming diploma is offered by the Thompson School of Applied Science at the University of New Hampshire.
3 Write a business plan. After carefully considering what the mobile pet grooming business will entail, write a business plan. Make detailed notes about how much money is available initially, what fees will be charged to pet owners, and what the supplies will cost. As this will be a mobile business, it is necessary to include the costs of transportation, gas and general upkeep of the vehicle. In some instances, pet groomers might have to purchase a more suitable vehicle if pet transport is necessary.
4 Become licensed. Getting business licenses in your city and state is essential. The state will require a business license, and in some cases you might be required to have business insurance. North Dakota, for example, requires business insurance. There are also zoning applications that might be necessary if the pet needs to be picked up and taken back to your home for grooming. This will also be a good time to retain a business lawyer or a business accountant, just in case help is needed later.

Having a pet turtle can be rewarding and fun, but they also require specialized care. Make sure you are prepared before you get your turtle, so he will be happy and safe in the environment you provide. There are many different types of turtles, and the type you choose will determine the specific habitat it needs.

Tank

Turtles need adequate space to swim, but also an area to bask on dry land. The tank needs to be big enough to supply an area for each activity.

Water

The water in the tank should be deep and large enough for the turtle to be able to swim freely, without obstructions.

Land Area

The land area can be made from cork, acrylic, or even a large rock. It needs to be large enough that the turtle can get completely out of the water, yet sloped so he can climb up on the land.

Shelter

The turtle will need shelter, such as an upturned bowl, so he can hide if he feels threatened, or just wants some time alone.

Light

The turtle will need a light to supply both light and warmth. The basking area needs to be warmer than the water by a few degrees for the turtle to be healthy.

Food

To feed your omnivorous turtle, you will need fresh vegetables, fruit, or even insects such as crickets or mealworms.

Starting a dog bakery can be rewarding and profitable. There are various options available based on the level of money and time you want to invest. You can open a store or supply other stores with dog treats and food products, or even provide an online storefront. Make sure that you start the business with the proper supplies and that you know what ingredients to avoid in the products you create.

Food Ingredients

The most important items to purchase are ingredients to make the animal treats and food products. The base is typically made from grains. Select quality grains such as wheat flour, wheat bran and oats. Depending on the recipe, you may also need oil such as canola oil. Even fruits and vegetables can be used, such as sweet potatoes, bananas and apples. Make sure you don't add ingredients that are bad for dogs such as chocolate, grapes, raisins, alcohol, onions, garlic, yeast dough, Xylitol (artificial sweetener), white potatoes and mushrooms.

Equipment

Basic kitchen utensils work well for creating dog products. You need baking sheets, mixing bowls, measuring cups--basic baking supplies. Many dog treats are baked. Other recipes call for refrigeration after the product is cooked so you will need to ensure you have containers and room in your refrigerator to store the products.
You will also need cookie cutters in various shapes and sizes, including the classic bone shape. Creating a fun presentation of shapes is an enjoyable part of the business.

Recipes

Find several good recipes. There are many books that provide simple, easy to follow recipes such as, "The Ultimate Dog Treat Cookbook: Homemade Goodies for Man's Best Friend" by Liz Palika, Howell Book House (September 9, 2005). Start with a few recipes and as you gain experience and test the market, you can incorporate more products.

The Package

Selling your dog treats and food products is about presentation, but it doesn't have to be expensive. Small brown paper bags can be an excellent starting point for your business. Buy labels and print them with a graphic and your information such as your phone number for re-orders. Resealable plastic bags work well too. They can be "dressed up" with labels, cloth or ribbons. If you sell your products online or have out of town customers, you will need to buy small, strong packing boxes or tins so that the products are intact when they arrive to your customer.

Owning a pet store is a rewarding business endeavor for anyone who loves animals. The owner must be responsible toward the animals ahead of making sales. You will be busy feeding, cleaning and exercising your live merchandise. Learn the business of selling pets before you get into it.

Instructions

Set up a pet store

1 Make a plan on paper, including your budget. Decide what types of animals you will sell. If you run a franchise, you may be limited to the types of pets you can sell. Consider the number of pets you will sell. More is not always better. If sales are slim, you will be responsible for all of your unsold animals. Note how much food you need to supply the animals with. Include toys for your animals. Plan out what other services you will offer at your pet shop, such as grooming or pet sitting.
2 Find a location to do business. Either rent the space from a commercial real estate investor or buy your own building by approaching title companies. Title companies will give you a free booklet of properties and phone numbers for the owners. You can also rent the space or purchase a franchise business. High-volume traffic in busy metro areas are the best place to open your shop, but also more expensive. If owning a pet store is a full-time business endeavor for you, then choose a metro area with high traffic verses a town or country area.
3 Check the costs for transporting animals to your store. Ensure that you have ample space for storing animals, and that your animals have proper food, water, toys, blankets and comfortable cages. Ventilation is important for any caged animal. Visit other pet stores to get a feel for what you should have in your store. See the resources section for purchasing pet fixtures.
4 Acquire a business license and research any sales permits you need in your state. See the resources section.
5 Hire an accountant before you start doing business. How you record your income and expenses in the beginning will help make taxes less confusing.
6 Purchase a cash register and credit card scanner. Youre ready to do business.

Every day, perfectly healthy, sweet and adoptable pets are being euthanized in animal shelters due to a lack of space and funding. Even no-kill shelters are faced with finding potential foster homes for their wards, or risking overcrowding and the threat of illness this brings. If you are interested in setting up your own pet rescue organization and taking some of the burden off of the over-filled shelters, here are some things you can do to make your plan a success.

Instructions

1 Find out about other rescue agencies in your area. A good place to look is petfinder.com. You can enter your zip code to get a complete listing of all the different animal rescue organizations nearby (see Resources below).
2 Decide if you want to rescue a particular breed, species or sub-type, such as three-legged dogs. Your Internet research should give you an idea of where there is the most need, but you should follow your heart and decide what would give you the most satisfaction. If you are a cat person, dont feel that you have to start a parrot rescue. If you love all kinds of animals, you may want to open your rescue up to every type.
3 Find a veterinarian that is willing to work with you at a discount. Find a pet supply store that will donate supplies or provide a discount on pet products. Let them know that you intend to mention their name on your website, in press releases and in any media correspondences.
4 Make a plan. Decide where the animals will be kept. Will you have foster families? Do you have space in your own home? Find out about any town ordinances that may dictate the amount of animals allowed on one property. If there are restrictions, you may be able to apply for and receive a variance.
5 Put together your team. If you are planning to have foster families hosting the pets, have a list of people, and know how many and what type of animals they are willing to house. Have them sign a document that explains the rules of the organization. Will they be allowed to adopt an animal they have fostered? Will there be a time limit to the amount of time an animal is expected to stay in their home? Who will pay for the food, vet bills and any other expenses associated with keeping the pet? Make sure all of these issues are clear and in writing, and have the paperwork signed by both parties before handing over any pet.
6 Apply for your not-for-profit (401 C-3) status. It may take some time, but you dont have to wait for the confirmation before you begin rescues.
7 Build a website and get the word out about your organization. If you partner with petfinder.com, they will allow you to link your site to their site. Once your organization becomes part of their data bank, you will have access to potential adopters from all over the country.
8 Put the word out about your organization wherever you can. Write a press release and send it to your local newspapers, TV and radio stations, veterinarians offices and any other place where people from the area will see it. If youre planning to ask for donations, this is the time. Put a need list in your press release so that potential benefactors will know what you needcages, pet food, medical supplies, credit or cash. If you are looking for partners in transporting the animals from one area to another, put that information in the press release, as well.
9 Create a list of rules and qualifications for adoption.
10 Find a grant writer, or take a class in grant writing so that you can apply for grants.
11 Join a philanthropy website, such as foundationcenter.com so that you can receive alerts about potential funders for your organization (see Resources below).
12 Contact your local shelters to let them know about your organization. Also, if you are focusing on a specific breed rescue, let breeders and regional breed rescues know of your willingness to take in new rescues.
13 Contact your local shelters to let them know about your organization. Also, if you are focusing on a specific breed rescue, let breeders and regional breed rescues know of your willingness to take in new rescues.
14 Put a need list in your press release so that potential benefactors will know what you needcages, pet food, medical supplies, credit or cash. If you are looking for partners in transporting the animals from one area to another, put that information in the press release, as well.

Medication for pets is readily available from veterinarians, but it requires a prescription first. If you know what medicine your pet's illness necessitates, but do not have a prescription, it is still possible to get the medication you need.

1-800-PetMeds

Virtually any health problem plaguing a dog, cat or horse can be remedied with the help of 1-800-PetMeds.1-800-PetMeds is a Better Business Bureau-accredited business that only sells U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved products and always with a satisfaction guarantee.

DiscountPetMedicines.com

Another source for pet medication is DiscountPetMedicines.com. In addition to medication for common animal maladies like fleas and heartworm, the site offers other pet products including treats, brushes and piller guns, which simplify the process of pets taking pills.

PetCareRX.com

PetCareRx.com focuses on the health problems of dogs and cats, packing its online store with anti-shedding products, nutritional supplements, vaccinations and other healing resources. Like DiscountPedMedicines.com, PetCareRx.com sells all manner of pet supplies, from leashes and collars to bedding and cat scratchers.

Vet Depot

Vet Depot.com sells medical supplies, stain and odor fighters, "calm and relax" behavior pills, digestion aids and arthritic painkillers among other items found in its online catalog.

EntirelyPets.com

EntirelyPets.com focuses more on nutritional supplements than some of its competitors while also stocking the same kinds of medical supplies and everyday remedies. The site stretches beyond the boundaries of dog, cat and horse care with its fish division.

The overwhelming majority of stores that sell dogs get them from puppy mills (or puppy mill brokers). This is simply the only way that pet stores can meet the demand and turn a substantial profit, since there are always dogs readily available from puppy mills and they can purchase these dogs for a fraction of what they sell them for. The major problem with this is puppy mills are simply inhumane "factories." Breeding dogs are kept in cramped cages where they are bred over and over for most of their lives and then disposed of when they are no longer "useful." They aren't given adequate medical care; they aren't socialized and they aren't given the things dogs crave most: love. Their puppies are often taken away too early and very often have serious genetic health problems due to irresponsible breeding. The owners of puppy mills care about one thing above all else: profit. What they are not considering is that puppies aren't products.

The only way to shut these inhumane puppy mills down is to close down the pet stores that keep them in business--or one other alternative: convince the pet store owners to remain open and go humane by offering adoptable dogs from shelters. It can be done. The Los Angeles area has seen quite a few pet stores adopt a humane model. Here is how to convince a store owner it is the right and humane decision.

Instructions

1 Ask to speak to the owner of the pet store. Ask if he/she knows about puppy mills. Odds are, they will say yes, but will tell you that they don't get their dogs from puppy mills. This is likely not true, and they are telling their customers this as well, which is basically consumer fraud. Write down what the owner tells you. The most common tale is that their pets come from individual breeders that raise the dogs in their homes.
2 Request the breeder information on a few particular dogs they have for sale, which they are required by law to provide you with. There is a good chance the breeder is located in the Midwest, "the puppy mill capital of the United States," or perhaps Lancaster, Pennsylvania, "the puppy mill capital of the East Coast" where many Amish "farmers" have puppy mills. The store owner should be willing to provide you with that information. Why not? They figure you're not gonna make a trip there anyway, especially if the mill is in Missouri and you're in California, New York or Florida.
3 Feel out the pet store owner and see if he/she seems friendly and open enough to listen. Then ask if they are familiar with all of the pet stores in the Los Angeles area that went from selling puppy mill dogs to having adoptable dogs from shelters. Keep in mind that they are in business to make money, and the only way this will work is if they offer other services such as grooming and/or have a large enough inventory of pet supplies. If they only sell dogs, they may not be a good candidate for having only adoptable dogs from shelters (they won't be able to charge nearly as much). Suggest to them to look into these humane stores and see how they stay successful. (See Resources below for links to articles about humane pet stores. Perhaps you can print out copies and give them to the owner.) Inform the owner (without it sounding like a threat) that various pet stores in the Los Angeles area, which opted not to switch to a humane model, were forced to shut down due to continued protesting.
4 Refer the owner to Best Friends Animal Society or Last Chance for Animals (see Resources), two reputable organizations that have helped pet stores transition from selling puppy mill dogs to rescuing shelter dogs instead. They also help promote these humane stores.

Americans love spending money on their pets. In 2004, they spent $34.5 billion, according to Entrepreneur.com. There is no doubt that there is a market for pet accessories and clothing. However, there is plenty of competition within the pet industry. The key to your success hinges on your ability to identify a niche and on how you intend to compete with Target, PetSmart and other retailers that offer pet clothing.

Instructions

1 Determine whether you will operate your business online or through a brick and mortar store. With an online pet boutique, there will be little overhead; however, there is the potential for much greater competition. Unless you can clearly gauge the demand for pet clothing in your area, it may be smart to start with an online boutique. You can open a physical store once you're more familiar with the market and operating a business.
2 Conduct market research (if you intend to open a physical store) to determine where to open your store by interviewing pet owners outside of PetSmart, PetCo , other pet stores and dog parks. If you cannot offer clothing and products that differ from what popular pet retailers are selling, customers won't be likely to take a chance on you. Ask pet owners what types of products they would be interested in. Consider subscribing to websites that provide market reports about pet grooming (See Resources).
3 Visit Pamperedpuppy.com (See Resources) to get an idea of how to design your online pet clothing boutique.
4 Create a catchy name for your business. If you will open an online store, choose an E-commerce site to host your website. Volusion.com offers an entire package that includes your domain name, shopping cart and web hosting, and starts at $19.95. Corecommerce.com is another E-commerce site that offers packages for as little as $29.95 (you will need to purchase your own domain name). Both of these sites offer business email addresses, website templates (and the ability to use your own design), marketing tools, accounting tools, data feeds, Google AdWords coupons, the ability to create coupons or newsletters for your store and the ability to accept a number of different payment methods, such as Paypal, Google Checkout and credit cards. GoDaddy.com allows you to pick and choose the services you need, such as a domain name or shopping cart. Web hosting starts at $4.99. If you aren't familiar with SEO and online selling, an all inclusive site such as Corecommerce.com may be the way to go. Volusion.com and Corecommerce.com offer a free 30 day trial.
5 Populate your online clothing store with clear product images, detailed product descriptions and an About Me page that includes a brief bio about you and your business, such as how you began selling products and the types of products your offer. Create a Shipping and Returns page and a Privacy Notice page that tells your customers how you intend to use and safeguard their personal information.
6 Determine how much room you will need for your physical store. For a specialty pet boutique in a mall, you may need at least 700 square feet, including your back room and office. Your back room needs to be large enough to accommodate your inventory. Your show room should offer plenty of mannequins, displays and display cases. You should have at least two cash registers. Contact mall management about vacancies fitting your needs. Also, frequent strip malls and shopping centers for vacancies. Other amenities you may need include phone jacks for your registers, a break room, water fountains and bathrooms.
7 Purchase your pet clothing. Find wholesale dog T-shirts, dresses and tanks at Dogsmartway.com. Find dog bathrobes, trousers, hair accessories, Swarovski jewelry, coats, raincoats, wedding dresses, tuxedos, dog mannequins and motorcycle jackets at Doggidesigner.net. To ensure that your products stand out, consider making your own pet clothing or hiring someone else to. Take ideas from these sites and from customer surveys.
8 Purchase custom counters, fixtures and shelving for your store at Ivarsdisplay.com (See Resources). You will also need cleaning supplies, advertising signage, cash registers, receipt paper, schedule forms, bank deposit forms and gift wrapping materials (if offered). With a physical store, you will also need a cash register and merchant account. Visit Merchantexpress.com to set up an account and purchase must have retail equipment. Check out their tools that can help get you set up with the right equipment, such as your Point-of-Sale (POS) terminal, Quickbooks and other software to help you track and manage your inventory and payroll.

Becoming a janitorial supplies distributor requires three essential ingredients: education, products and customers. All three can be accessed fairly easily but require personal effort and a business minded approach. Half-hearted efforts will meet with failure. Success requires preparation and a solid business plan. Your plan need not be complicated, but it should be well crafted. It will be your primary tool for defining the direction and viability of your business and for securing capital.

Instructions

1 Write your business plan: A business plan is a written explanation of what your business does. It briefly outlines your target market, what separates you from the competition and any potential problem areas that should be addressed ahead of time. It also explores the future direction of the company, outlines principle participate qualifications and presents a financial breakdown of expenses and income potential.
2 Secure Capital. Like other businesses, a capital investment in your business will be required. You will determine the amount of capital necessary in your business plan. Your vision and your arrangement with both supplier/s and customers will determine the amount required. Capital can come from self-investment, family, friends or more traditional financing options.
3 Locate supplier. A good supplier of janitorial products is essential to your success. The process of locating a distributor is two-part: 1) You must find a supplier who will provide you with quality products at a marketable price. 2) Each supplier will have their own set of criteria for qualifying you as a potential distributor. A traditional supplier may require minimum product orders, a credit-line, insurance, bonding, etc. They may offer and or require training, and they may or may not charge for that training. A low-cost alternative to a traditional distributor relationship exists with some multilevel distribution companies who offer a variety of products including janitorial supplies to their distributor force. These companies can offer high-quality products and a "turn-key" business approach. These companies can generally be located by word-of-mouth, many also have a web presence and can be found through an on-line search.
4 Educate yourself. While much of your knowledge will ultimately come through experience, you can learn about product content, application, M.S.D.S. sheets, required by most industrial clients for federal compliance, and sales techniques through supplier education opportunities and products including videotape and on-line educational programs. Check with your supplier about available opportunities. You might also consider training or working with a janitorial service to learn their needs and expectations prior to engaging in the sales process.
5 Sell Products. Janitorial product distribution is a sales business. You sell your products to a company or business requiring janitorial supplies. This may or may not be a janitorial service. This will require contacting potential customers and potential providing samples and or demonstrations. Avail yourself of all opportunities to learn good sales techniques. Secure business cards with your company name and contact information and pass them out to everyone.

Pet stores generally do not provide the optimum environment for hermit crabs, so you should be careful to select a healthy crab to have as a pet. Although, it can sometimes be difficult to judge how healthy a hermit crab truly is while still at the pet store.

Instructions

1 Buy your hermit crab at a store that offers its crabs a clean environment with plenty of food and water. You should be able to tell pretty quickly if the tank is suitable.
2 Choose an active hermit crab, as this is a sign that it may be healthier.
3 Pick up the hermit crab before you buy it. It is usually not a good idea to buy a crab from a pet store that does not let you hold the crab. Do not poke at the crab, just check to see if it comes out of the shell while in your hand. It may be too scared to come out, but as long as you feel movement in the shell, it is probably healthy.
4 Smell the crab to see if he smells musty. This is not a good sign and indicates overheating caused by poor conditions.
5 Avoid hermit crabs that are never scared or rarely retreat into their shells. This may be sign of sickness. Usually, a crab only refuses to curl into the shell if he is dying.
6 Check for mites. White or brown grain on the hermit crab or the shell is not natural--those are mites. If one hermit crab has mites, then the whole tank probably has them. Unless you're prepared to isolate your new pet until it is free of mites, you should try a different pet store.
7 Expect hermit crabs to act differently in a good habitat than he did at the pet store. The tank at the pet store might not have proper humidity or it could be dirty. As long as the crab at least peeks out of the shell, you should have a healthy pet.

These are definitely more eco-friendly times -- and it's evident any time we go shopping -- especially for household cleaning supplies. There are "green" products everywhere you turn these days. And fortunately, eco-friendly normally goes hand in hand with pet friendly -- which is great news if there are pets in the house. Here are some suggestions for effective cleaning products you can purchase that are also safe for pets.

Instructions

1 Apply natural enzyme stain and odor removers such as Nature's Miracle or Folex if your pet has an accident consisting of urine, vomit or feces. Nature's Miracle is the original liquid enzyme cleaner that saturates the area and permanently lifts up odors and stains. It also comes in a spray. Folex is an effective carpet spot remover spray. It is non-ionic, which means it doesn't draw back dust or dirt.
2 Use eco-friendly, naturally derived cleaners. Mrs. Meyer's, for instance, is aromatherapeutic and made with essential oils and J.R. Watkins is plant-based. Both offer several products including an all-purpose cleaner, glass cleaner and bathroom cleaner. Method is a popular line that is derived from corn and coconut oil and offers a large assortment of cleaners for every room in the house. Seventh Generation has a complete line of green cleaning products, including their "Free & Clear" line that contains no dyes or fragrances. Ecover offers a line of cleaning products that are produced in a special ecological factory. Planet makes an effective all-purpose cleaner that is hypoallergenic and Begley's Best, created by actor/environmentalist Ed Begley Jr., is a great all-purpose cleaner made from ingredients such as pine and citrus that is designed to replace all other household cleaners.
3 Bon ami has been around forever (well, since the 1800s...just about forever) and is still the same earth-friendly product it was since the beginning. It's a gentle, non-abrasive scrubbing powder that is chlorine-free and can be used instead of Ajax or Comet.
4 If you have hardwood floors, Bona is a great product that is GREENGUARD certified for indoor air quality. It is effective at containing dust and has no toxic fumes.

Farmers need more supplies than just feed and seed to raise animals and grow crops. These supplies are usually purchased by farmers at local farm supply stores or through farm elevator co-ops. Opening a farm supply store doesn't require special knowledge about crops and animals, which makes it possible for almost anyone to start a farm supply store.

Instructions

1 Find funding to start the store. There are a number of loans available for a farm supply store from the federal government's Small Business Administration. These loans offer a number of different finance options depending upon the needs of the business and the person taking out the loan. Funding for a farm supply store can also come from a private investor or donor. This usually consists of one or more people using their own money to finance the start of the store, and in return will receive a percentage of the profits.
2 Buy or lease a store facility. Ideally farm supply stores should be located near the edge of a large city or in a rural area, as these provide farmers with easy access to the store. Owners can choose to lease or purchase a facility to house the store although it needs to contain adequate room to house the many products and farm supplies they provide including large bags of grain, feed, seed and fertilizer. All products don't have to be housed on shelves for customers to see and pick up. Instead, they can place orders at the counter for large items, and a person can bring the items over from a warehouse or storage facility on the property.
3 Learn about farming needs in the area. In different areas and regions of the U.S., farmers have different crops and animals. For example, in Wisconsin, California and New York, dairy farms are the largest agriculture businesses, while the state of Iowa has the highest production of corn, according to the National Milk Producers Federation and the Iowa Corn Growers Association.
4 Find a supplier. Wholesale supplies for non-consumable products can be found by contacting product manufacturers to determine if they sell wholesale directly to stores or use a wholesale supply company. For consumable products such as grain, seed and feed, however, a farm supply store needs to find a person or company to provide these. For example, a farmer in the area may be able to provide alfalfa feed or hay bales to the store.
5 Hire staff for the store. To stock items and assist farmers in making purchases, a farm supply store needs to hire staff. Any individual(s) hired for this position should know how to run a cash register and answer the phone. They also should be able to lift heavy objects around 50 pounds, as this is what many of the feed and seed bags weigh.
6 Arrange for delivery services. Farmers often need supplies but are unable to make the trip to the store to pick them up. Additional profits can be made if a farm supply store provides delivery services for fee to farmers. This allows them to keep working in the field or with their animals while the company makes a slightly larger profit.
7 Consider offering additional supplies. While the main purpose of a farm supply store is to provide the products a farmer needs to tend to livestock and crops, additional money can be made by adding other supplies. Pet supplies, especially for dogs and cats, are beneficial to both farmers as well as residents of nearby cities and metropolitan areas. Gardening tools, supplies and seed also can bring in non-farm customers as well.
8 Promote the store. Spreading the word about a farm supply store is important for it to be profitable. Farm supply stores need to advertise and market their services to farmers since they are the store's primary customers. Doing radio or television ads during the grain and livestock markets each day is a great way to promote a farm supply store since farmers listen to the markets daily.

Regardless of what you are selling, as the store owner, you should make a conscious effort to make the store as inviting as possible. For a pet store, you have the added challenge of designing a space that is not only stylish and innovative, but also durable enough to withstand the wear and tear of a regular pet store. With a little careful planning and consideration for both human and non-human customers, it is simple to create a space you and your patrons will love.

Instructions

1 Hang signs to install your brand name and direct patrons through your store. Banners and signs should feature the store logo and even the company slogan where appropriate. Other signs should direct your customers to what they're looking for inside the store. Smaller, customizable "spot signs" can be hung around the store to indicate sale items and specials.
2 Pick a theme for the pet store. This will help unify the space. If you specialize in a certain breed of animal, this should be highlighted throughout the store. Otherwise a pet store theme could be "Under the Sea" or "In the Jungle."
3 Use durable and easy-to-clean decorating materials. In most cases, carpet is not advised. Most pet stores are at least dog-friendly, so expect furry friends to make their way into the storefront. Wainscoting or molding painted in a warm color to hide stains is a decorative option. Otherwise, tall, dark plastic or rubber covering on the wall is easy to clean and can resemble wainscoting for the budget-conscious.
4 Choose nontoxic paints, stains and materials for your store. Customers should keep a close eye on their pets while inside the store, but some pets --- especially with the urge to chew --- will get into trouble and could become sick if they ingest poisonous materials.
5 Use visual displays to divide the space. For example, if you have a section in your store for obedience training materials, you could set up an area somewhat resembling a school classroom and show drawings of animals at school desks.
6 Update your decor seasonally. This will help keep the look of your store fresh and inviting. Highlight your pet supplies throughout the store with their relevance to the season. For example, you could create multiple displays featuring stuffed animals or mannequins wearing costumes for Halloween.

The fish supply business is a booming one, with millions of dollars spent every year on fish supplies and the fish themselves. If you have a good source of live fish and want to make a little bit of money, follow these steps to sell your fish to fish stores eager for high quality and reliable suppliers.

Instructions

1 Make sure it's legal. Many US states and other countries require special licensing to even keep many species of fish. You need to find out local regulations regarding keeping and selling whatever kind of fish you plan on selling so that your fish-selling venture doesn't get you into hot water.
2 Choose the kind of fish you want to sell. Keeping and selling freshwater fish is a very different enterprise than keeping saltwater species. Decide what kind of fish you want to sell so you can prepare aquariums for keeping them and a means of transporting them.
3 Make sure your supply is stable. To keep both your fish store customers and your bank account happy, you should ensure that you can continue selling the fish. If you are looking to sell on a one-time basis, make sure that the fish is healthy and relatively young to get a reasonable price on the animal.
4 Speak with local pet and fish stores. The best way to start selling fish is to start locally. Local selling will minimize complex parts of the business such as inter-county or state tax and long distance transportation of the fish. Use your local yellow pages to get a rundown of all the relevant stores and go door to door until you get a bite.

Being a responsible pet owner means having the appropriate emergency supplies on hand in case something happens to your pet. As with humans, pets can have accidents, experience injuries and need medical attention. The more supplies you have prepared in a kit, the better your pet's chances are of feeling better from whatever the ailment is.

Snakebites

It is possible for your dog or cat to be bitten in the yard from a snake. If this happens with a poisonous snake, such as a rattlesnake, it is important for you to provide immediate attention before the snake's venom from the bite seeps into your pet's internal system and becomes fatal. A poisonous snake bite requires professional medical attention. However, a bite from a nonvenomous snake can be treated at home with your emergency supplies. You will need a bandage and antibacterial soap. Before you dress the wound, wash it with water and the antibacterial soap. Bandage the bitten area to avoid any bacteria from entering through the wound. You can also put antibacterial ointment on topically.

Splinters

With all the running around your pet does, it is possible for it to get a splinter stuck in its skin. Your pet emergency supply list should include tweezers and forceps for removing slivers, splinters and thorns. After removing the object, clean the area with soap and water, apply a topical ointment and place gauze on it if there is a large opening.

Sprains or Broken Bones

You can help ease some of your pet's pain when it sprains or breaks a limb by being prepared with tongue depressors and adhesive tape to create temporary splints. Your temporary splint will suffice until you are able to get your pet to the veterinarian's office for an X-ray.

Medicine

Bug bites, allergic reactions and topical scratches can cause a pet's skin to swell and become itchy. Having some anti-inflammatory medicine on hand, such as Benadryl, can help soothe your pet's itchy skin so that the swelling goes down. Check with your veterinarian to see which antihistamines he recommends to keep on hand.

Disaster Planning

It is important for pet owners to have a pet pack that is designated for disasters. That is, in case the family needs to relocate due to a flood or hurricane, the pet pack has everything that the pet needs during this emergency. Disaster planning supplies include cans of food, bottles of water, a portable or collapsible bowl, thermometer, alcohol wipes, towel or blanket, instant cold packs and your pet's medical and license records.

So your little one dragged home a turtle and you have no idea how to take care of it. Relax, turtles are pretty easy pets to care for and, with a short list of supplies, you can be sure your new pet is happy and healthy.

Instructions

1 Identify the species. Different species require different environments and diets.
2 Make an appointment with your local vet. If you have children who will handle the turtle, it's especially important for a vet to check it for any diseases and other health issues.
3 Buy or build something in which to house your turtle. Make sure that he has plenty of room to move around and a water source. Place a rock and a lamp in one corner of the turtle house, and put sand or rocks on the bottom of the swimming area. Add sticks, grass, leaves or other decorative items to the house as well.
4 Clean the turtle house about once a week and take him to the vet at least once per year.
5 Make sure the area is secure before letting the turtle roam. Keep a close eye while he is out and try to limit his handling.

Bringing a new cat home can be an exciting experience, but taking care of it requires a number of supplies. Planning ahead to make sure that you have the necessary supplies can ensure that your new cat has an easy and relaxing transition into life with your family.

Basic Necessities

Every cat needs fresh food and water. Have a supply of your cat's food on hand for when you bring it home. Cat food comes in canned and dry varieties and is produced by numerous brands -- your veterinarian can recommend which type is best for your cat. If possible, try to get a small supply of the food that your cat is accustomed to eating. Make the transition to the new food gradually, to prevent stomach upset in your cat. Your cat will also need at least one food dish and one water dish. Try to avoid food dishes made of plastic, as they tend to retain smells and bacteria.
Your cat will also need a litter box. Litter boxes come in a number of types, such as self-cleaning boxes, partially covered boxes meant to give the cat added privacy, and the basic open litter box. Regardless of the type you choose, you will need to fill the box with cat litter. You will also need a scoop or shovel to clean out the box periodically.

Health Supplies

A scratching post will help satisfy your cat's natural need to scratch, while hopefully also deterring it from scratching your furniture. A scratching post should have a steady base to prevent it from tipping over. An alternative to a small scratching post is a larger cat tree, which your cat can actually climb on and scratch. A cat tree also allows an indoor cat to climb and perch, which it would not be able to do otherwise.
A flea comb will likely be necessary in case your cat ever gets fleas. Combing your cat for fleas can identify if it has fleas and will help to remove them if it does. You can also use a flea repellent; a number of brands and types are available. Consult with your veterinarian to see what product is recommended for use in your area and situation.

Safety Supplies

A sturdy cat carrier is very important. Plastic carriers are more durable than cardboard carriers and will hold up for a longer period of time, especially if the cat scratches heavily or urinates in the carrier. Be sure that the carrier fastens well and allows for plenty of air ventilation. Investing in a quality carrier may be a good idea, as you will need to use it any time you take your cat to a vet, to a kennel or on a trip.
Cats should wear a collar and identification tag at all times, especially if they are outdoor cats. A safety collar with elastic or an emergency-release device will allow the collar to fall off if your cat should get stuck or hung up on something. An identification tag with your name and contact information attached to the collar can help in having your cat returned to you if it should ever get lost.

Extra Supplies

Cats love to play, and a supply of toys will likely be well-appreciated by any cat. Stay away from toys that can be pulled apart into small pieces, as your cat could swallow them. Toys on strings attached to wands allow you and your cat to engage in playtime together. Some cats enjoy chasing lasers, so a small laser pointer may suffice as a toy.
Your cat might also make use of a cat bed. Look for a bed that is close to your cat's size, since cats like small spaces, and a snugly fitting cat bed will make your cat feel secure. Purchase a bed that can easily be washed.

Pet stores have pet owners as a general group or set of customers. However, more specific subgroups of targeted customers are present within that general group. Large pet store chains, such as Petsmart, target the larger general group and they have the revenue to do so. However, smaller pet stores choose to market to the targeted customers of the subgroups depending on their chosen specialty.

Health Conscious Customers

Customers that care about their own health and that of their pets is one targeted subgroup. These customers look for pet products that use natural ingredients and that do not contain much filler material. Quality is an important factor for them. They are, however, willing to pay more for products that are truly natural and healthy for their pets. These customers want the best food, shampoo, treats, health supplements and accessories -- especially those from recycled products or that are made from 100-percent natural sustainable materials are looked upon with favor.

Pet-specific Customers

Another targeted subgroup of customers are those that are looking for a specialty store catering to their type of pet. For example, pet bird enthusiasts will go to stores that cater to birds only and who employ workers who are knowledgeable about all things bird related. The larger pet stores cannot give those customers the same level of knowledge as specialty stores can. This subgroup of customers also wants what is best for their pet and they will seek out stores that cater to their special needs with specialty products geared just for them.

Thrifty Customers

Thrifty customers are part of another subgroup of targeted customers for pet stores. This type of customer is always on the lookout for the best price on their product. With so many pet stores selling the same items, they do not have far to look. Not only are brick and mortar stores included in their search, but online pet stores are also included. Quality is not much of an issue with this group, but price is very important. The lowest bidder gets their purchase.

Pampered-pets' Customers

Customers that pamper their pets are also a targeted subgroup of customers. These customers want the best that money can buy for their pets. Glamor is all important. They want to show the world that their pet is high class. Accessories and special furniture that caters to their pet's comfort level are in demand. Pet clothing is also important to for these customers. Outstanding pet items that show how individual their pet is are also sought after by this group.

If you are a pet owner looking for a side business, consider becoming a pet food distributor.

Instructions

Contact Manufacturer

1 The first step in becoming a pet food distributor is to identify the brand of pet food you would like to distribute. It should be a brand you trust and feed your own pets.
2 Next, contact the manufacturer of the pet food for opportunities to become a distributor. The manufacture will provide you with information on how to become a distributor for their company. You will fill out an application and may need to provide your tax information.
3 Build a customer base. A simple way to do this to pass around sample packets at pet stores or advertise through the internet and newspapers. Collect contact information from potential customers.
4 Some distribution opportunities do not require you to build an inventory. You are paid a commission based on your monthly sales.
5 Other types of opportunities require you to build an inventory of pet food. If this is the case, you need to make sure you have enough space to store the amount of food you have ordered. In addition, the warehouse you keep the food in must be well maintained, free of pesticide and rodents.

Mealworms are easy to raise and can net a pretty penny if you sell them to pet stores above your cost. Because mealworms are the softer, larvae version of a beetle, birds prefer to dine on themthey're quite succulent. Showing that you're a responsible, repeat seller who has a clean operation will go a long way toward convincing pet store owners that you're the mealworm provider they want to use. It can take three months to get a colony of mealworms started, but then you can produce larvae constantly by keeping things in a cycle.

Instructions

1 Take pictures of the environment and habitat you've grown your worms in. List the food you give them and how long you've been growing them. If you've sold to pet stores before, ask the owners if you can use them as a reference. Include all this information in a portfolio.
2 Call the pet store and ask when you can meet with the owner. Explain that you are a mealworm breeder and that you'd like to sell him some of your stock.
3 Attend the meeting with the pet store owner or manager. Explain your mealworm breeding operation, including the information in your portfolio. Give him a price slightly above what you actually want and ask if he thinks that's fair. If he'd rather negotiate, then haggle until you agree on a price.
4 Decide on delivery terms. When and where does he want the mealworms. You should also ask if he'd like to make the arrangement an ongoing one, pending the sale of your mealworms to his customers, and his happiness with the product.
5 Combine potato wedges and shredded lettuce under a cloth in a plastic bin. Drill holes in the lid. Add the mealworms to the bin for transport. Keep the cloth moist to prevent cannibalism. Deliver the mealworms on time, as scheduled.

The cost of operating a pet store differs from running any other kind of retail store. In many cases, there are living creatures within the store, and taking care of them requires more effort and expertise than simply stocking shelves with canned goods. There is no one figure that can accommodate answering the question of how much it costs to operate a pet store, since there are so many variables.

Monthly rent

The costs of running a pet store depend on the location of the store and the type of pet store that it is. If the pet store is on rented property, the store owner must pay monthly rent. In some cases, the landlord will take care of the utilities (electricity and water) but the store owner is usually responsible for telephone service. This is true of all stores but when it comes to pet stores that sell live animals, there might also be a requirement to pay a security deposit on the property. For example, if a pet store sells live fish, there is the chance that a tank can break, thereby causing water damage to the property. In addition, some landlords might require the pet store owner to pay a higher rent because the insurance requirements with animals usually raise the premiums.

Supplies

Supplies have to be a consideration. The monthly cost of supplies depends on the sort of supplies that are being sold and how often they need to be restocked. Some pet stores sell live animals for feeding purposes (mice and rats for snakes and feeder goldfish for larger fish, for example) and these usually have to be restocked every week or two. In addition, the monthly cost of providing dog and cat food has to be factored into the business budget.

Animals

If the pet store has live animals, this is another consideration that has to be factored into the cost of operating the business. Unlike a normal retail store which can purchase an item (a book, for example) and put it on the shelf without any additional expense, pet stores have a wider range of costs that need to be factored in. A pet store might get a puppy in for sale but unlike the book (which is just placed on the shelf), the puppy has food and water requirements, as well as housing needs. So, not only does the puppy have to be added into the budget, but the additional care it requires needs to be addressed. Failure to maintain healthy animals can result in fines and even imprisonment.

Employees

Pet stores tend to need employees. While it is possible for one person to operate a pet store, more often than not, there should be multiple employees working in the store at any given time. That way, one person can operate the checkout area, while another can answer questions about pets and products that the store opens. Employees are also needed for the days when the store is closed but when it's necessary to take care of the animals.

Medical

Pet stores that have animals also run the risk of having animals get sick. When that happens, the animals will have to have veterinary care, which is yet another expense that needs to be considered.

Proper diet is important to the survival of fish. Homemade fish food can provide the proper balance of nutrients if you know what vitamins and minerals to include for different species. After you make your fish food you can sell it to pet stores for a profit. Follow these steps to learn how.

Instructions

1 Make a quality homemade fish food. Include the proper vitamins and nutrients needed for specific fish types. Search online to learn the specific vitamins that different fish need for their diets.
2 Package your fish food in an attractive manner. You can use clear, plastic bags or clear, recyclable containers.
3 Label the fish food with the ingredients it contains and be sure to include your name or company name. Make sure to include your contact information.
4 Ask a local pet store to sell your fish food. Start by contacting independent businesses that don't work from a corporate office at first. They're able to decide independently if they want to sell your brand of fish food and what they will pay you for it.
5 Contact the corporate offices of chain stores. If your fish food is proving to be profitable than you may be able to get a chain company to consider carrying your product.
6 Keep track of how your fish food is selling and make adjustments as needed. You may need to increase or decrease the quantities you're making depending on demand. Make sure that you're bringing in a profit and not spending more than you make.

Several household cleaning products can be dangerous to pets. Most chemical cleaners are toxic if ingested, and the fumes of some are toxic to animals' respiratory systems. Read labeling carefully before using any cleaning product around a pet. Consider using common household items such as baking soda and vinegar as alternatives to harsh chemicals.

Instructions

1 Investigate chemical safety. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has deemed some cleaning chemicals safe for use around pets as long as the instructions on the label are strictly followed.
Chemicals listed as safe in the ASPCA report are: propylene glycol n-propyl ether and isopropyl alcohol (as less than 4 percent of a cleaning product).
2 Baking soda is a must-have for toxin-free cleaning. Use baking soda and hot water to clean and disinfect pet dishes. The Environmental Protection Agency is so confident in the safety of baking soda as a cleaning product that the EPA recommends using it to clean baby bottles.
Use the abrasive power of baking soda as an alternative to powders containing chlorine. Unfortunately, dogs often drink from toilets so clean toilet bowls with baking soda and vinegar. One the solution is flushed away, the toilet bowl will be clean and free from cleaning chemical residue that may harm pets.
3 Use a mixture of vinegar and water to clean glass and floors. The ratio should be 1/4 cup white vinegar to 1 gallon hot water. For glass, pour the mixture into a spray bottle and spray liberally on windows and other glass surfaces. Wipe the area dry with newspaper or paper towel. Using newspaper is cheap, and it's a good way to recycle old papers into cleaning rags.
For floors simply fill a medium sized cleaning bucket with the solution and mop as usual.
4 Dilute chemicals properly. Use bleach for its cleaning and disinfecting power, but be certain it is diluted. Safe dilution consists of one part bleach to 32 parts water.

The homeless crisis in our nation is even further compounded by the pet population of the homeless. It is estimated by the National Coalition for the Homeless that 3.5 million people are homeless and between 5 percent to 10 percent of homeless people have dogs and/or cats. Pets of the homeless often lack the proper care and are not spayed or neutered, which, of course, will only serve to increase the problem.

Oftentimes, we see local homeless people with their pets and get a pang to help, but don't always know the best way to approach the person--and how exactly to help. In this article I will discuss some options for helping those in your community who are without homes--in order to help the pets that are at their side.

Instructions

1 Realize that there are different types of homeless people. Some are homeless, but live in their car, van or motorhome; others live in camping areas, and still others live literally in the streets. Some homeless people may have mild to serious emotional or mental issues, whereas others had a string of bad luck that turned into homelessness.
2 Stop and think about what you want to achieve. If you want to help the animal, feeding, providing comfort and tending to their health should be the goals.
3 Have pet food, bottled water and bowls to offer to the homeless person for his/her pet. If you want to help pets of the homeless on an ongoing basis, keep a supply of these provisions in your car along with a few clean towels, blankets or other soft items so the pet doesn't have to sit on a cold (or hot) hard surface such as a sidewalk or parking lot.
4 Say as you approach that you are involved with helping pets and would like to provide their pet with food and water. You can also offer something soft for the pet to sit on. When they see you are the "real deal" and there to provide good things for their pet, it will help build trust.
5 Offer to get a collar and I.D. tag for the pet. You can put the pet's name and your phone number on it or the phone number of your rescue organization if you have one. This way if the pet gets separated from his owner for whatever reason, and is found by an individual or ends up at a shelter, they will call you. It may also deter a police officer or citizen from calling animal control, which often happens with pets of the homeless.
6 If you want to go a step further and tend to the pet's overall health and well-being, your goals should be: spaying (for a female) or neutering (for a male), inoculations including rabies, a microchip, ear and teeth checkup and flea medication if needed. Bathing and grooming may also be necessary.
7 In Los Angeles, an animal rescuer named Daniel Guss started The STAND Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charity to help stop the abuse and neglect of dogs, mainly dogs (and cats) of the homeless and guard dogs (see Resources below). You might have a similar organization, are considering starting one or simply want to help pets of the homeless as an individual. In any case, you should try to establish a rapport with a local, low-cost veterinary clinic and let them know what you are trying to do: help pets of local homeless people. Inquire about a discount for services.
8 Give out your business card, like Daniel Guss does, to local homeless people with pets. Tell them you have a partnership with a low-cost veterinary clinic and that you are willing to provide spaying/neutering and other medical services for free. Build the same relationship with the veterinary clinic and ask for a dozen of their business cards so that you can give those out to homeless people to arrange for care of their pets. Make THEM a partner too.
9 Establish a rapport with a few local veterinary providers, as well as with the local homeless population; by doing so you will be a bridge to the animals being healthy and well fed. After all, that could very likely be one of the things the homeless person wants most: to have their best friend and protector cared for and feeling well.
10 If the homeless person is mentally or physically handicapped, their dog may qualify as a service dog. After completing the certification process, a service dog will be able to wear a special vest and escort their owner everywhere, including on city buses, as well as be allowed in most homeless shelters. If there is a homeless person and dog that you think may qualify, contact your local humane society, city animal control or Department of Social Services for your county or state, for information on applying. Another good organization to contact is Paws With a Cause. They train service dogs and assist people throughout the country. If they can't help directly, they can probably guide you in the right direction (see Resources below).
11 Feeding Pets of the Homeless is a wonderful organization based in Carson City, Nevada that helps pets of the homeless throughout the United States and Canada with food and veterinary services. They collect pet food and work with food pantries and soup kitchens to distribute it. They also provide grants to veterinarians to administer medical services to pets of the homeless. Check their website if you need assistance for pets of the homeless in your community, if you would like to donate food and/or supplies or set up a collection site. Their website lists collection sites that are already established (including pet supply stores, food pantries and veterinary hospitals) in alphabetical order by state and then city (see Resources below).
12 Downtown Dog Rescue was founded in Los Angeles to assist the homeless community of dog owners. It is one of the only programs in the country that was specifically formed to assist homeless dog owners spay/neuter, vaccinate and license their dogs, as well as offer a variety of services including crisis care throughout the dog's life (see Resources below).

Just like humans can score at thrift shops--so can pets. These hand-me down havens can't be beat when it comes to one-stop pet shopping at bargain prices--and in these tough times--what are you waiting for? If you're a pet parent--read this article--then "hightail" it down to your local thrift store.

Instructions

1 If your pet is in need of a "home" upgrade or you've added a new pet to the family, you can often find cages for birds, hamsters and gerbils, fish tanks and aquarium supplies--as well as pet carriers for your baby's home away from home.
2 You can't get around it--pets need to eat and drink. If you have a new pet or just need to replace a bowl that's been thrashed--thrift stores are great sources for all shapes and sizes of pet bowls--as well as a plethora of human dishes that can be transformed into pet dishes.
3 Most dogs aren't behaved enough to stick by your side as you stroll down the street--no matter how loyal they may be-the first cute cat that comes along, forget about it. You're gonna need a leash and collar--and you're in luck because thrift stores often have a good assortment to choose from.
4 Another thing you won't be able to get around is a litter box for your cat. You may want to buy one new (for obvious reasons), unless it's one of the fancy ones that you can save money on by getting used. In any case, you may want to hide the thing and a thrift store is the place to find a small, inexpensive cabinet that should do the trick. You can put the litter box at the bottom and if there's an extra shelf at the top, you can store food and supplies like baking soda and litter bags/liners. Or another option is to look for a large, Rubbermaid-type container to hide the litter box in. Just be sure to cut out a hole that's big enough for your cat to get in and out of.
5 Rubbermaid or Tupperware-type containers also come in handy for storing and keeping pet food fresh. Find larger ones for food and smaller ones for treats.
6 The linen section may be where you hit the most home runs. First of all, you can never have enough towels for drying your pet after a bath or a walk in the rain or wiping up paw prints. And thrift stores are the perfect places to get them, since pets don't care if the towels are faded or have frayed edges--or whether the monograms match their own.
7 All pets need a comfortable place to sleep. You can look for a used pet bed and choose from an assortment of simple blankets and mats to keep your pet cozy.
8 You can also find blankets or throws to cover couches and chairs and protect other furniture. Tablecloths can also work for covering furniture, as well as disguise the rubber container you're using to hide the litter box.
9 Cotton throw rugs and bath mats are great for putting down in your pet's eating area to trap food and water, as well as provide traction against spills. They are also good to lay down in front of a litter box to trap litter and provide traction for your cat when going in and out.
10 Like kids, pets can never have enough toys. Tennis balls and rubber toys are ones that surface a lot at thrift stores. You might also look for kids' toys that can double as pet toys, but just be sure they're puncture resistant and sturdy enough for your pet to chew.

Animal shelters and rescue organizations are often in desperate need of supplies, both for the animals that are kept in their facilities, as well as to support people who are fostering adoptable pets. If you would like to collect supplies for these organizations, dog houses and dog crates are a good place to start, although their bulky size makes them a more unwieldy item to gather. There are many ways that you can find unwanted or unused pet supplies to donate to your local animal rescue organization or shelter.

Instructions

How to Solicit Donations

1 Use your computer to create an eye-catching poster asking for donations. Include your name, phone number and the name of the organization for which you are collecting supplies. Independent coffee shops and other stores often have community bulletin boards where you can post your flyer. You should also ask local pet stores if you can post your sign there, so that people who already care about animals will see it.
2 Go online and visit local Freecycle groups, where people post lists of things that they are discarding, for free or for trade. You can either wait until someone posts about giving away pet supplies, or create a post yourself asking for donations. Former pet owners will often have dog houses, beds, leftover food, and other supplies that they want to get rid of.
3 Visit a local pet store and ask if they would like to make a donation to your organization. Perhaps the organization would be willing to publicly thank the pet store, or recommend them to customers, in exchange. This way, the pet store will receive good publicity, and your rescue organization will be able to collect surplus dog houses and other supplies from the pet store.

According to a 2010 Associated Press poll, a person shopping for a dog is seven times more likely to get the dog from a shelter instead of a pet store. An educated public is increasingly refusing to do business with puppy mills, and the weakened economy has caused pet stores to close because consumers are spending less. Closing a retail pet store is a little more challenging than closing an ordinary retail store, where live animals are not a consideration.

Instructions

1
Determine how much of your inventory you must sell or donate at least three months prior to shutting down. By this time, you will have stopped ordering more inventory and will begin liquidating any remaining inventory by the last day that your store is open. Categorize your inventory as items you can sell, items for donation and live animals.
The inventory you will be selling should be further categorized into top-sellers that will be great bargains, old, outdated or boring products that won't move as quickly and merchandise that you may be able to return to the distributor for a refund.
2 Order clearance signs and banners announcing your store's closing from a local print shop or office supply store. Order enough clearance signs for all of the displays in your shop, because getting your inventory down as much as possible before closing is key. Hang your banners and signs as soon as you get them, as almost a quarter of your store traffic will come from shoppers who saw an eye-catching window sign or banner.
3 Write a press release to alert the media of your impending closing as soon as you have made the decision to close. Getting this information out to the public will help get you more customers for your clearance sales. Plan on making several price reductions throughout the sale, but don't start the reductions too high or too soon. In order to set your prices, consider hiring a professional store closer who will assist you with pricing.
4 Contact breed-specific rescue organizations in your area to see if you will be able to bring any dogs, cats or other companion animals to their shelter. Breed-specific rescue organizations are an especially good resource for purebred or crossbred dogs, as they most likely have a waiting list and are usually happy to take in a young dog of their breed. Disclose any health problems the pets may have.
Contact any local goldfish, parakeet, hamster or ferret clubs in the area that may take these pets into their adoption program.
5 Call other pet stores in the area to gauge interest in taking over your inventory of other animals such as lizards, rats, hamsters, turtles, fish and birds at a wholesale price. For more exotic species, contact your local wildlife rehabilitation organization or Fish and Game Commission and ask for a recommendation. Follow the advice of the wildlife rehabilitation specialist on how to safely place each of these species.
6 Consider donating any pet supplies, pet equipment, food or other items that cannot be returned to the warehouse. Local rescue organizations and Humane Societies welcome food, equipment and supplies donations. However, be sure that the organization you select is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization to ensure your donation is tax-deductible.

Animal cruelty can exist at pet stores when workers are misinformed and not adequately trained in animal care. Cruelty can include things as simple as malnutrition or as outright as a worker physically abusing a pet store animal or allowing a customer to do so. If you see anything at a pet store that is or could be animal abuse or cruelty, you should collect all possible evidence and report it right away to multiple government departments and organizations to stop the abuse.

Instructions

1 Take notes of the details and get proof, if possible. Write down the store name and location, the date and time, names and physical descriptions of employees or customers involved, and the type of abuse witnessed. Take pictures and video, using your cell phone if necessary.
2 Contact the animal control department in your state. Check your state's website for the contact information or call your local government office.
3 Call the police if your area does not have a specific animal control department, such as a rural area, or if you're traveling.
4 Explain the abuse you witnessed at the pet store to the authority figure you contact. Let them know that you know animal cruelty is illegal in every state and that you are willing to cooperate with the investigation. Tell them all the details you noted and let them know if you have any evidence, such as pictures and video.
5 Go to a local animal welfare agency if your local police department refuses to investigate and you do not have an animal control department. An animal welfare agency can help start the investigation of the pet store when authorities are uncooperative.

On December 15, 2009, an estimated 27,000 animals including mammals, reptiles, arachnids and amphibians were seized from U.S. Global Exotics, Inc., a Texas company that supplied exotic pets to pet stores including Petco and Petsmart. In a case that the watchdog group Pet-Abuse.com called the largest exotic animal cruelty case in history, many animals died because of lack of oversight and care. There is a controversy surrounding pet stores in America, and cases like this prove that where there is exploitation of animals, the potential for abuse runs high.

Convenience and Choice

Two of the biggest advantages to pet stores are convenience and choice. The large-scale retailers such as Petsmart, Petco and Pet Supermarket have the resources to purchase products in bulk, and, therefore, are in a position to offer their customers pet supplies and foods in a wide variety of brands and prices. It offers one-stop shopping for those who need to begin from the ground up to outfit their new companion animal. With everything from dog biscuits to fish food, these large retailers not only have a bigger variety of products, but competitive pricing, as well. The ability to use your credit card to make purchases is also a big advantage.

Savings

Another advantage to pet stores is pricing and memberships. Many pet store chains offer a membership number, usually associated with your phone number, that keeps track of your purchases and offers incentives to those loyal customers who bring them their repeat business. Some of these incentives originate from the pet-food company itself, as in the example of Nutro-Natural Choice, which sends a coupon for free food for every 10 units you purchase, while others originate from the pet store retailer, such as Pet Supermarket which offers coupons and incentives for each dollar spent.

Poor Quality

Those who are thinking of purchasing a puppy from a pet store should think twice. As the U.S. Global Exotics case shows, animals that are bred and transported in large-scale breeding operations have become commodities that represent profit to the wholesalers and nothing more. As of 2011, there are five cities in the United States that have initiated an outright ban against pet stores that sell puppies and kittens. The public outcry over the conditions under which breeding pairs of dogs and their puppies must live in large-scale breeding operations called "puppy mills" has increased as celebrities such as Oprah, Ellen DeGeneres, Ben Stein, Charlize Theron and others have become outspoken advocates on behalf of these animals. Other pets, such as exotics and so-called "pocket pets," hamsters, guinea pigs, mice, are also either raised in substandard conditions, transported in less-than-ideal circumstances or wild caught.

Conclusion

By patronizing pet supply stores that only sell supplies, consumers send a message to the retailers who offer live animals for sale that the public has become savvy to deceptive business practices, such as lack of full disclosure to consumers. Getting a pet from a breed-specific rescue organization such as The House Rabbit Society, poodle rescue groups, greyhound adoption organizations, ferret rescue and others has its own advantages as the buyer is not only rescuing an animal in need, but has the benefit of the expertise of those who have spent a lifetime learning about the specific animal with which they are involved and are happy to share that knowledge. So you are getting not only the best animal for your situation, but a mentor and expert who will ensure your new companion animal is a good fit for you and your partnership is a success.

Starting a business is a complex, but manageable issue. Running a home-based business takes many of the start-up requirements out of the equation, such as location and travel. Selling pet products from home is a good idea for someone who loves pets and wants to operate a small business. There are a few steps to work on, which, while applicable to almost any retail home business, can also work when you want to sell pet products from home.

Instructions

1 Think about what products your pet likes, uses, and what you would like to work with.
Think about what areas you feel are neglected; this will become your niche, or corner of the market. Brainstorm with someone for ideas of good products. Write down every idea you think of.
2 Think how you want to sell your pet products from home.
Selling from home allows you a range of methods, including online, direct marketing, home parties and retail. Depending on your zoning regulations and your living situation, you can decide which is the best method for your success.
3 Locate your suppliers.
You can find them through a range of both online sources, such as eBay or Amazon, or by searching Google for pet product suppliers. You will have to weed through the lists because many will be from China. A way around this is to create your own product.
4 Calculate your costs.
You will need to calculate both start-up and ongoing costs. You should have a business plan in place, even though you are not working out of a storefront or office. Calculating your costs will help set your "break even costs" and help set up your profit margin. Then you will want to calculate what income you can realistically expect from your home business. Look at the IRS web site to get an idea of what to expect in both taxes and paperwork. They have a section on home-based business operation.
5 Set up your sales venue.
If you are selling on Craigslist, you can most often sell for free or low cost depending on how much you list with them. Ebay is a good auction site to work with.
Another option is to open up your own online retail store. You can do this by purchasing a domain name, hosting account, and then using a web site builder template or having someone design a site for you.
Another option is to sell via mail order. You can do this by placing advertising in local and national publications for your products. You use either your home address or a phone number to receive orders.
Home parties are another option. You can assume the role of personal shopper to many people in this manner. This can be a fun method if you love being around people.

Let's face it pets are dependents without the tax benefits but we want to ensure they are happy. We spoil our dogs with bones and toys, but it was quite pricy paying retail. So we found ways to buy products wholesale.

Instructions

1 Until I started my own dog walking company, I never got catalogs for pet products. However, they started pouring in. There was Doctors Fosters and Smith, but they are very pricy! My shopping habits changed forever when a catalog called Pet Edge came to my door. Toys and bones were unimaginably cheaper, shipping rates were reasonable, and I could even buy the pet medications from them (cheaper than Pet Edge and the vet!). So if you haven't heard of Pet Edge, visit them online today. We buy dog toys from 99 cents and up now, which is a lot less heartbreaking when my dog tears the toy into pieces in a matter of minutes (versus watching a $6 toy shredded in the same amount of time)!
2 Find a pet expo around you. In our area it's called Super Pet Expo and it travels to four unique cities throughout the country. I didn't find out about this until years after I had moved to Virginia, but this is great. Not only can you take your dogs (and cats if you desire) to this event, but you can buy the toys and bones they love at wholesale. We buy a big mammoth bone (retail $20) for $6 at the pet expo so end up buying 9 at a time to last us the year versus only being able to get 3 (we have 3 dogs).
3 Finally check out Ebay and Craigslist. This is especially great on dog attire and bedding because people make their own or have their own shop to where they can discount the price. Just be careful before you bid on Ebay to check shipping prices as some sellers can put a really high shipping cost on the item, which would not make it a good deal. I have also seen leashes, collars and dog toys on Craigslist that are advertised as new, so just keep your eyes peeled for good deals.

Running a pet store can be competitive. Getting people into your store to purchase a pet is step one. Step two is to keep them coming back for supplies. Bringing customers in and keeping them coming back can be an important key to the success of your business. One successful way of doing this is to hold pet-related promotions designed to bring in new customers and keep them coming back for all their pet-care needs.

Engraved Pet Treats

Offer custom-engraved pet treats free of charge to returning customers. Engrave the name of the customer's pet on the pet's favorite treat. A small bag of these treats with each purchase is a good way to keep pet owners returning to your pet store for pet supplies.

Free Pet Grooming

Pet grooming is often a moneymaker in pet stores, but giving a free complete groom for every three or four purchased grooms can help keep them coming on a regular basis. Offering a free groom day can bring new customers into the store, which can result in a sales boost while the customers wait for their pets to be groomed.

Doggie Bags and Gift Baskets

Offer free brown paper bags stuffed with take-home goodies. Offer the doggie bags to customers as a thank-you or use them to bring new customers in. Other ideas include cat baskets filled with cat treats, a fish bowl full of pet fish supplies, and other types of pet-specific gift bags.

Pet Recognition Day

Hold a pet recognition day and offer free pet-owner registration or documentation for pet owners. You can also offer paw printing (with frames) and pet photographs. Offering free personalized pet collars or other ornaments can add a special touch to the day and is a great way to show customer appreciation.

Advertising

Good old-fashioned advertising (especially with some of the mentioned marketing promotions) can be effective. Newspapers, pet magazines and even fliers at the grocery store or veterinary stores can be effective. You may be able to work out a deal with a veterinarian where you recommend them and they recommend your business.

Branded Pet Foods

Contract to have a pet-food distributor brand pet foods with your store logo. This not only allows you to get a better bottom line on product, it's an excellent way to keep the name of your store in the public eye.