Pet Supplies

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.

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