Pet Supplies

Despite being hit by the recession in 2009, Americans had already spent the money up to 10.2 million billion dollars for the supply of equipment and drugs for their pets. Sounds amazing is not it?

Speaking of pets, especially dogs and cats (pet largest in America) there will be a gap that businesses can make a lot of money for you there. One is the provision of dogs collars and/or cats collars.

For that, start thinking to start a business from home to make collars for dogs and/or cats. Although we all agree that starting any business is hard work, but remember, there is already a niche market for pet collars and, according to the above statistics, a niche that is willing to spend a lot of money.

What to do

1. Identify the types of pets. Assumptions, the concentration just for dogs so that you can meet the needs of all their descendants.

Types of dogs such as pugs and not greyhounds can use dog collars because their necks and heads have the same size.

For these types of dogs like Whippets and Greyhound does not have to wear a thin collar or tight as it can damage the dog's neck. Minimum width is 2 inches collar, soft collar is the best for this breed and can be made from luxurious fabrics.

2. Gather the necessary equipment. At a minimum you will need a sewing machine, scissors, pins, measuring tape, nylon webbing, buckles and other hardware collars, ribbon, and anything else you want to decorate your collar.

3. Create multiple collars. Make some collars in various sizes and styles until you can make a solid collar and professional products.

4. Determine the business name and registered to the relevant departments. Tips to give a name for your business; choose something short, easy to remember, and relate to your product. After you specify the name of your business, please apply for a business license in your city, especially if you are planning to sell collars within the city limits.

5. Advertise your business. The hard part but it is quite challenging to start a home business such as making and selling pet collars is to let people know you exist.

6. Advantage of the power of the Internet. Opening a virtual shop on etsy.com, make your own website for free at blogger.com or similar sites. Add a signature to email your business advertise your business. Take advantage of social networking sites. Make flyers and post them in a business related to pets such as veterinary offices, groomers and boarding stables.

7. Selling collar you personally. Apply for booth space at any craft fairs in or near your city. If a local animal rescue organization has a large adoption or fundraising event, offering to sell your collar and split the profits with the host organization. Ask church holiday bazaar organizers if they allow non-church members to participate as a seller.

Starting up your own business is something that requires a lot of time, patience and energy, and running your own pet grooming business from home is no different. With a lot of planning, however, you can turn your simple idea into a business venture. By following several steps, you can open a business that makes both you and a number of pets happy.

Instructions

Plan ahead

1 Do research. Several states have regulations which make it impossible to run a pet grooming business from home. Make sure your state is not one of them.
2 Get trained. You need to be trained in pet grooming before you can become a groomer. Learn how to groom several different types of pets. (Trimming a dog's nails can be different from trimming a cat's, for example). Some pet stores offer classes. You could also take classes at your local community college if they are offered. As of 2010, tuition can cost $7000 or more, depending on the school. Alternatively, read up on pet grooming or find a mentor who can teach you the how-tos of grooming and handling temperamental pets. (A cat may be more difficult to work with than a dog; learn the best way to handle different types of animals). A certificate is not required to become a groomer but it may help your credibility in the long run.
3 Make a business plan. Decide how much you want to charge per pet. You may wish to charge more for large dogs than small ones, for example. As of 2010, the average cost of having a dog groomed in a salon ranges from $30 for smaller breeds to $70 for larger breeds, not including extras such as brushing the dog's teeth. Set a price for special situations. For example, long haired cats may need extra care when grooming a matted coat.
Groomers who work from home normally charge less than salons. You may want to compare prices with other local groomers for a more accurate idea. Ask yourself if you have the time, experience, and equipment to offer the wide range of services that a salon offers.
4 Take into consideration the start-up cost of the business, including grooming supplies. Decide whether you are going to hire employees or whether you are going to be the only groomer. If you are going to be grooming several animals daily you may need to hire employees. You may also wish to hire an accountant to work with your finances. Use all this information to determine whether you will need to take out a loan.
5 Purchase your grooming supplies. You will need everything from tubs to wash both large and small animals in to blow dryers and shears for trimming their coats. Make sure you have enough space.
6 Promote yourself. Put out fliers around town and at local pet stores. Place ads in local newspapers or on radio stations. Get acquainted with other pet enthusiasts and groomers to get your name out there.

There are many different kinds of pet businesses that you can start. Pet businesses are the fastest growing segment of home businesses in the United States. Fifty percent of all U.S. households own at least one pet; and Americans spend upwards of $34 billion on their pets each year. Despite a slowdown in the U.S. economy, money spent on pets is still increasing.

Instructions

1 Decide what type of pet business you would like to start. Many pet businesses are hands on; such as training, grooming, and pet care. Other pet businesses are not hands on, such as selling food, toys and other products for pets. Both types can be very profitable, and which one you decide to do is more a matter of personal preference.
2 Check out the competition in your area. Find out what services they offer, how long they have been in business, what rates they charge, and what certifications they hold, if any. Think about what you could do differently to make yourself competitive in the industry. For example, if you want to start a pet sitting business and there are already a lot of people doing it, maybe you want to specialize in puppy sitting.
3 Join national organizations for the type of business that you are starting. Again, using pet sitting as an example, take a membership in Pet Sitters International, an organization that promotes the professionalism of pet sitters. Membership is affordable and you can use their logo in your advertising (see Resources below).
4 Register your business with your local town hall. Ask at the town hall if there are any other local ordinances governing running your business in town.
5 Advertise your business to pick up clients. In addition to running ads in local newspapers, a good way to market your pet business is through local veterinary offices and other, non-competitive businesses that cater to pets. Visit area vets, pet stores, and dog parks to see if they have bulletin boards you can post flyers for your business on.

You know very well the importance of keeping your pet vaccinated. But you also know how expensive it is to take your pet for shots at the veterinarian. Often its upwards of $50 just to walk in the door, never mind the treatment your pet will receive. The answer is not to stop getting your pet vaccinated, but rather to find inexpensive pet vaccinations.

Instructions

1 Find your areas animal shelter. This is a prime place that very often offers walk-in clinics and special hours for vaccinations. Sure, you may have to arrive at some strange time and wait awhile for your turn in line, but the money you save will override anything else. The Humane Society of Southern Arizona in Tucson offers vaccinations twice a week for $10 each.
2 Call around to local pet shops, feed stores and other animal-loving places to find out if they know anyplace where pets can get vaccinated for cheap. Some pet shops may feature their own clinic and offer less expensive vaccinations than youd pay for at the vet.
3 Ask other pet owners. Of course, make sure the pet that persons pet isnt dying of rabies or has some other disease that could have been vaccinated against. If you see a person with a healthy, happy pet, simply ask where she takes her beloved animal for vaccinations. Pet owners love sharing tips that will help other animals.
4 Do it yourself. The cheapest method for vaccinations by far is administering them yourself. Supplies you need will again be found at many feed stores or online. If your local feed store does not have the supplies, ask them where they would recommend getting them. Dont randomly choose a source without knowing its reputation. Also make sure you know what youre doing. Administering too much, too little or the wrong vaccine in the wrong way can severely harm your pet.

Traveling to different countries can be a challenging undertaking. Every country has its own laws and requirements for entry, and there could be restrictions on items that you are carrying with you. If you are traveling with pets, this can be even more complicated. Whether you are visiting the United States or returning from a trip abroad and you have a pet with you, there are some things you'll need to do before departing for America.

Instructions

1 Take your pet to a vet at least a month before departure. Make sure your pet has no illnesses or maladies that could prevent its entry into the country. Have a current rabies certification for your dog or cat. If your pet is sick, your trip to the United States will have to be delayed until it is healthy.
2 Prepare a pet-friendly container in which your pet can travel. The U.S. Department of Agriculture requires that all animals coming into the country be provided with a clean cage or container that is well-suited for the animal and provides enough space, ventilation and protection from weather conditions. Food, water and cleaning supplies must be provided.
3 Mark each container with a label stating your name and home address along with an invoice stating how many pets are in each container and of what species.
4 Check with your port of entry regarding its operating hours. Your pets will be inspected upon arrival so you want to make sure an inspector will be on site when you arrive to expedite your processing into the country.

A pet sitter's job is to care for clients' pets. The situation does not change in the event of a disaster. If the client's pet is with the pet sitter, it is the sitter's responsibility to ensure that the animal makes it safely through an earthquake, hurricane, fire or other disaster. Leaving pets behind is not an option. Even if you have attempted to construct a makeshift shelter for the animal, it will most likely become injured or lose its life. Organize and plan ahead for disaster situations.

Instructions

Be Prepared

1 Find an appropriate shelter for the pet in the event of an emergency. Know exactly where you will bring the pet long before a disaster strikes. Most emergency shelters do not accept pets, except for service animals, so these are usually not an option. However, many motels or hotels accept pets. Create a list of those that do.
2 Have a portable disaster kit for pets at hand at all times. Include a portable pet crate and attach a photograph of the animal with its name, sex and your phone number. Also, include bottled water, pet food, medications, up-to-date vaccination papers and other necessities like litter pans, leashes and collars.
3 Include a pet first aid kit with the disaster kit. Purchase these online or in pet stores. Pet first aid kits typically include a syringe, gauze, cold pack, hydrogen peroxide, antibiotic ointment and muzzles. Your veterinarian should explain the proper use for each item in the kit, the American Kennel Club says.
4 Pack flashlights, batteries, baby wipes, towels and garbage bags in your car. This provides proper cleanup material for vomit, feces and urine in case the pet has an accident.
5 Make sure the animal has up-to-date tags with its name and owner information attached. Encourage your clients to have their pets microchipped for identification. Learn about the American Kennel Club's Companion Animal Recovery program (CAR), which provides around-the-clock emergency recovery service for microchipped pets.

First Aid Procedures

6 Place an injured animal that cannot walk on a hard, flat surface such as plywood or in a cardboard box. Or, with another person, hold a towel tightly on both ends and use it as a makeshift stretcher.
7 Hold the animal's mouth closed, cover the nose with your mouth and breath out to perform CPR on a pet that is not breathing. Make sure any obstructions like mucus are removed before performing CPR.
8 Apply pressure to a bleeding external wound with your hand or gauze until the bleeding stops. Do not attempt to clean the wound until the blood flow has halted completely.
9 Put the animal in a warm, quiet place if the animal is suffering from shock due to the effects of a disaster. Symptoms of shock are a quickened and thready heartbeat, dilated pupils, trouble walking due to muscle weakness and low body temperature.

You don't have to own dogs and cats to build a successful career in the pet product market, but it helps. Consider the crowded field of pesticide control products made to keep fleas and ticks at bay. You've probably seen TV ads for Frontline, a major player in the pet health industry. Visit the company's website to see the diversity of their products but don't be surprised when you read this notice: Only veterinarians and vet-affiliated companies can carry Frontline products. Join the family by taking all necessary steps.

Instructions

1 Prove to the folks at Frontline that you run an established business catering to pet parents with a sales track record, existing relationships with pet food, toy and health product companies and other animal-related products. Frontline products are carried by retail chains, small pet stores and on pet-product websites, so whether you sell directly or retail, you must prove to Merial, Frontine's parent company, that you're a legitimate enterprise.
2 Browse stores and websites of other distributors carrying Frontline products so you're familiar with its product mix and marketing tactics. No need to set up a spreadsheet to compare pricing because there's not much of a difference from store to store, though web-based business don't have retail markups to worry about. That said, identify something about each that's distinguished, free shipping, frequent buyer discount, etc., so you can complete.
3 Ask a veterinarian to be your pet health adviser in return for advertising their practice in your store or on your site. Since it's Merial's policy to sell Frontline products only to distributors proving a relationship with a veterinarian, you'll need this alliance to join the Merial family of distributors. Choose a vet in your area to help boost her business in return for the endorsement that qualifies you to distribute the brand.
4 Contact Merial using its toll-free contact number. Ask to be put in touch with someone on the company sales and marketing staff to discuss becoming a Frontline distributor. Merial may ask you to provide information about the viability of your business, so send it to your website or give the company information about your shop so it can see for itself that your business caters to pet parents and is positioned to add Frontline products to its mix.
5 Order product directly from Merial once you establish your distributorship to avoid scams that could compromise your relationship with the Frontline brand and harm the pets of your customers. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, counterfeit pesticides, imported from abroad "and packaged in cartons designed to look like legitimately registered pesticides available ... under the trade name Frontline," manage to make their way into the pet-care market. You worked hard to establish your relationship. Keep it that way by protecting the brand and your own reputation by avoiding deals that are too good to be true.

Going nuts over your favorite pooch has been made a popular trend thanks to celebrities who will stop at nothing to have their dog look polished and in style. In this article, you will learn how to find luxury accessories for your pet by shopping online. Even though most pet accessories (as well as this article) are designed with a small dog in mind, by visiting these online stores, you will be able to find luxury accessories for any stylish pet. Read on to learn how to find luxury pet accessories.

Instructions

1 Buy a bed. Online stores such as Paw Printz Pet Boutique. specialize in "K-9 and Kitty Couture". This store is so dedicated to pampering your pooch, that you can choose to purchase an entire bedroom suite for your dog or simply a wrought iron canopy bed. This site also features other great accessories for your pet, they even have gift certificates for the "hard to shop for" pets and pet lovers on your list.
2 Buy clothes. When only the best will do for your "Cosmo Canine," visit The Haute Hound. The Haute Hound is a Florida-based store which features one-of-a-kind dog clothes and other fabulous accessories. The Haute Hound has a multitude of clothes to choose from so your dog will never have to commit the dreaded fashion "Faux-paw" of wearing the same outfit twice. Shop from a line of doggie swimwear, pajamas, active wear or one-of-a-kind designer party dresses.
3 Buy a carrier. No style conscious pet in their right mind would want to be seen in a "pet taxi". Although it is not possible to carry your pet around on a throne, the next best thing is a designer pet carrier. Visit the Modern Tails website to shop for couture carriers. Choose from the top of the line shoulder bags to whimsical pet totes.
4 Buy a collar. Visit the website Diva Dog to shop from a wide selection of collars and dress up jewelry. At Diva Dog, you will be able to find reasonably priced personalized collars as well as Swarovski crystal necklaces valued over $100. Diva Dog offers everything needed for that posh pooch, including a clothing line designed by Paris Hilton.
5 Buy fine dining accommodations. To complete the style of a pampered pooch, every dog of luxury should be able to eat out of designer bowls. On the Beyond the Crate site, you can find one-of-a-kind, hand painted doggie bowls. Each bowl is intricately designed and painted with whimsical dog designs. All are signed by the artist as well.

Pets are a wonderful addition to a child's growing-up experience. Aside from learning about unconditional love, they also learn responsibility and respect. The following are some ways to teach your child to be a responsible and loving pet guardian.

Instructions

1 Measure out the pet's food portion yourself and have your child place it in the bowl and feed it to the pet. If it's an older child you can teach her how to measure out the food or exactly what foods to feed without under or overfeeding.
2 Tell your child to check periodically and make sure there is enough water in your pet's bowl.
3 Have your child accompany you when walking the dog. If your child is old enough and your dog is easy enough to handle, show your child how to hold the leash and let him take a turn.
4 Show your child how to scoop out the litter box and dispose of the waste. Also show your child how to change out the litter box and add new litter when necessary.
5 Let your child assist you with bathing and grooming your pet. For instance, you could apply the shampoo and your child could scrub and help hold the pet. Your child can also help hold the pet during grooming and while you administer medication.
6 Teach your child how to play safely with your pet and to never be rough. Also show your child how to properly handle your pet, and if the child is old enough, how to properly pick the pet up if necessary.
7 Take your child shopping at the pet supply store and explain the differences between certain pet supplies and products. For instance, explain which toys are safe for dogs and why certain toys (such as rawhide) are not.

Becoming a dog food distributor is not a difficult proposition. Pet owners are always looking for new products and if you are able to provide them with quality dog food that they cannot get through other avenues, they will be willing to do business with you. Independent dog food distributors can be found throughout the country and their numbers are growing.

Instructions

Becoming a Dog Food Distributor

1 Determine your initial start-up cost. Dog food distributors need start-up capital, as most of the dog food suppliers will not deliver their product without having an initial payment. Depending upon the distributor used, costs can roughly range from a minimum order of $250 to a minimum order of $1,000.
2 With many of the more popular brands of dog food now being carried by such big-box stores as Wal-mart and Costco, it's usually not cost-effective to be their distributors, given the competition. You'll need to find some smaller, niche brands that you can leverage via innovative marketing. By researching them on line and through phone conversations, you'll be able to find which companies can provide you with the best product and savings.
3 Set up a storage area. Make sure that the area you've chosen is free from moisture and from various pests. Rats, mice and even crickets are attracted to dog foods and they will do everything possible in order to get to your food supply. Setting the food up on a raised pallet will help to cut down on any rodent problems.
4 Create an Internet presence. Even if you're going to be a local distributor and have people come to your residence or your business, you'll still need an Internet presence, as many people search for dog food distributors using the Internet. Make sure that the information you provide also comes with a map so that people can easily locate you.
5 Advertise locally. In addition to the Internet, you'll want a local presence. This will help to ensure that people going into feed stores, grooming shops and pet stores can see your business information. Arrange a deal with local businesses that will allow you to provide anyone with a "referral fee" who sends business in your direction.
6 Keep accurate records. You'll need to keep track of your income flow and your inventory costs and any additional fees that you incur.

Female rats have strong instincts and know how to take care of themselves when they are pregnant, if they are given the necessary supplies to do so. They need extra food and nesting material and they require more privacy than usual.

Instructions

1 Provide the pregnant rat with her own cage, if at all possible. During early pregnancy, this may not be that important, but closer to her due date she may become irritable with other rats. Male rats have been known to harm or kill newborns, so it is extra important to separate the female from the male. Rats are pregnant for only 21 days, so don't delay!
2 Provide the mother-to-be with extra nesting material, such as paper towels, unscented toilet paper or soft fabric. She will know how to make a nest for her babies; she just needs the supplies to do so. Make sure she has some kind of house (a small cardboard box will do nicely) so that she feels like she has some privacy.
3 Provide the pregnant rat with extra food. Give her an unlimited supply of high-quality rat chow. Look for food that specifically mentions rats on the label and has 10 to 20 percent protein.
4 Give your pregnant rat snacks with extra protein, such as bits of tuna fish, chicken, cooked egg, cheese, peanuts, almonds or other nuts.
5 Make sure the water bottle is always full! This is very important. Your pregnant rat should never be without water.
6 Change the cage, as needed, until the babies are born. After the babies are born, do not disturb the nest unless it's really a mess. Once the babies start crawling about, you can resume your regular routine of changing the bedding.

The aims and objectives of pet shops are as varied as the people who own and run them. One pet store owner may be motivated by a lifelong love of animals. Another may be in business purely for a consistent income. Some pet shop owners enjoy conveying information about pets to the public, while others prefer building a community based on the care and companionship of everything from bunnies to boa constrictors.

Profit

The primary objective of any business is to make a profit, and pet shops are no exception. These stores sell pets --- dogs, cats, rats, guinea pigs, birds --- along with an array of pet supplies. Food, cages, toys, even sweaters and boots fill the shelves at most pet shops. To make sure their sales revenue is larger than their costs, pet shop owners figure out the average cost per item and how much their rent, utilities, insurance and other business costs are, then price their goods and services to exceed their investments.

Education

Some pet stores offer educational materials, workshops and demonstrations to educate pet owners on topics of interest. Subjects include dog training methods, aquarium maintenance, bird breeding and rabbit grooming techniques. Pet stores sometimes team up with local animal welfare societies to provide information about spaying and neutering pets, as well as the pros and cons of pet adoption. Educating pet owners helps pet shops achieve their profit objective by increasing potential sales to new and existing pet owners.

Pet Care

Pet shops often provide services such as grooming, obedience training and pet sitting. Shot and spay clinics are often part of a pet shop's services, offering affordable vaccinations and veterinary care. Pet store chains such as Petco sometimes provide mobile grooming services and online first aid for pets. Some pet shops have do-it-yourself dog bathing facilities, complete with shampoo, brushes, towels and drying stands. Providing pet care services not only brings in revenue but also presents the pet shop as a team of caring professionals.

Community Events

Some pet shops hold community meet-ups, such as a dachshund lovers' group, to create close ties with pet owners and encourage pet owners to congregate. Shops may also hold costume parties or contests and offer pet photography services. In Birmingham, Alabama, the Pet Shop "Plus" pet store holds a "Picture With Santa Paws" day just before Christmas, and an "AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day" in August. Holding special events or creating pet lover communities introduces the pet shop to potential customers.

Operating a business is an exciting venture. And it's important for new business owners to do what they can to construct their business plan with the planet in mind. This is especially important for those working in industries that release chemicals into your city sewer such as pet grooming. Keep the following things in mind when opening your "green" pet grooming business.

Instructions

1 Write a dog grooming business plan and come up with all the information necessary for getting start up money and the licenses you need. Contact your county or city business office to pay the licensing fees and learn of any other permits you may need.
2 Find a store front where you will open your dog grooming business. Look specifically for any shopping strips or other buildings in your city that are LEED-certified or "green" in other ways such as solar panels or skylights or that are set up for recycling service.
3 Set up a rainwater collection system so you can use the rain water in the washing portion of your business. Consult your local water authority office for help in knowing what equipment you'll need to accomplish this.
4 Purchase wind or other energy credits to offset your usage and implement ways to save water such as a tankless water heater, time limits on baths and water saving tubs. You can also check the water temperature to make sure the temperature is set no higher than 120 degrees. Not only will this save you water; it will also prevent scalding the pets you groom.
5 Order supplies from a green dog grooming supply company. Biogroom is one such company that specializes in environmentally-friendly and pet-safe grooming shampoos, conditioners, finishers and other products. They offer dog, cat and ferret products.
6 Get the word out about your grand opening by sending flyers to local veterinarian offices, city parks where people walk their dogs and to dog training facilities. Make sure to mention that you are a green dog grooming business and if you are the only one in town, you'll especially want to point this out.
7 Continue to market your green dog grooming business by offering to speak at local civic group meetings. Organizations such as Rotary, Kiwanis, Lions Club and Jaycees and Junior League are always looking for speakers for their weekly meetings and promoting a business that is as warm-and-cuddly as pet grooming while also being kind to the environment will make you a popular potential speaker.

Introduction

A pet store owner's duties may vary depending on the type of pet store she owns. A pet store may or may not sell live animals, it may sell items for only one type of animal, or it may sell only fish. It also depends on whether the pet store is independently owned or whether it is a franchise, "big box" pet store.

Independently Owned

The independent pet store owner has various duties, from working behind the counter to customer service to ordering supplies and tasks such as accounting. Part of the independent pet store owner's duties includes inventory. If the store is adequately staffed, the pet store owner may just come in to check inventory, order supplies as needed, check the live animals to be sure the employees are feeding and exercising them and doing various employee reviews. She will also do her daily office work and run sales reports, do any accounting that must be done and make bank deposits.
If she carries live animals, she may have to make calls to breeders to see if there are more puppies or kittens she can buy for resale. She must be sure her supply line of breeders are ethical breeders who treat their animals with love and care, make sure the puppies have their puppy shots and are otherwise healthy. When she does get animals in, she must also make appointments to have the animals vetted to be sure the animal is truly healthy to be sold.
The pet store owner must also tend to duties such as bill paying, making sure the proper insurances are kept up to date and are in force, and must renew licenses as needed per county and state regulations.
An independent pet store owner must also deal with any lawsuits that may be filed against the store for various reasons such as slip and falls, defective products that may cause harm to animals or people, or an animal that dies soon after a customer bought it. Certain things should be spoken of prior to heading to the court system, but there are always going to be people who run to the court system first.

Franchise Pet Store Owner

The franchise pet store owner has all of the same duties as an independent store owner. She must also report to the franchise company. She must send in weekly (or monthly, depending on the franchise) sales reports. The sales reports show what percentage will be owed to the franchise company. The franchise company may also have rules and regulations that the store (including the owner and employees) must abide by. The owner makes sure that all franchise rules and regulations are followed.

Conclusion

While being a pet store owner can be a great position for some people and they get the benefits of being around many animals--particularly if her store allows shoppers to bring their pets--it's a lot of hard work, especially if the store sells live pets. This article has only touched on pet stores that carry dogs, but many pet stores carry cats, fish and birds. While the responsibilities are the same, each type of animal needs its specialized care. For example, fish tanks need to be cleaned; birds must have interaction. If there is not enough staff to do this throughout the day, the responsibility will fall on the pet store owner.

Buying a new pet on the Internet is never a good idea. In addition to unscrupulous dealers and puppy mills/brokers selling their "stock" to unsuspecting buyers--online scammers use elaborate websites and fabricated stories to bilk substantial amounts of money out of people for pets that don't even exist. And the pets that do exist, very often have serious health problems. Here are ways to keep from getting duped by online pet sellers.

Instructions

1 If buying a dog from a breeder, always visit in person to see how the animals are living and to ensure that it's not a puppy mill or irresponsible "backyard breeder." Puppy mills are inhumane factory-style operations that churn out puppies to be sold for a quick profit to pet stores and over the Internet. Puppy mill puppies are often sickly and may have a host of inherited health disorders due to their mothers spending their entire lives in cages being bred over and over. When dogs are constantly pregnant they can't pass on the proper nutrients to the next litter. Buying dogs from pet stores or over the Internet only serves to keep cruel puppy mills and other irresponsible breeders in business.
2 Don't buy pets from a distant buyer, seller or adopter. Often times, buyers aren't aware that their puppies were born overseas in a puppy mill, then sold to a U.S. broker. Tens of thousands of dogs are shipped into the United States from puppy mills in countries such as Russia and China.
3 Check references, which can include veterinarians and others who've purchased pets from this breeder. And make sure you deal directly with a breeder, not a broker.
4 Don't deal with anyone who promises a free puppy for just the cost of shipping. Scammers in these types of transactions often ask you to send more money because the nonexistent dog is "stuck at the airport" for various reasons such as customs complications or problems with the crate.
5 Don't fall for claims that the seller represents an animal shelter or is a "good Samaritan" offering the pets for "adoption." Reputable shelters do not place animals by sending out mass emails and then shipping them to people.
6 Never purchase a puppy with the promise of getting the AKC (American Kennel Club) papers from the seller at a later time. It takes 6 to 8 weeks for puppies to be ready for a new home, which is ample time for the breeder to receive the papers. It takes a couple of weeks through the mail and only a week if registration is done online. The AKC cannot help you get papers after the sale. In other words, if the seller tells you the dog is "register-able"-run the other way.

Hermit crabs are small crustaceans that live inside of shells and are most commonly found on beaches and in tide pools. Because of their small size and ease of care, hermit crabs are sometimes kept as household pets. Supplies for hermit crabs are available at aquarium and fish supply stores. As with all pets, one of the most important aspects to keeping a hermit crab healthy is to clean its cage and supplies properly.

Instructions

1 Place the crab in a shoebox or other small, lidded container prior to cleaning.
2 Remove the crab's water dish, toys and rocks from the cage. Place all items into the sink. Turn on the water faucet and clean each item by scrubbing the surface thoroughly with a scrubber sponge and hot water.
3 Remove all cleaned items from the sink and dry each one thoroughly with a clean, dry towel.
4 Fill the dish with 2 cups of water. Add a dechlorinating solution to the water as directed by the instructions on the packaging.
5 Use a small scoop to scoop up the sand or gravel in the bottom of the habitat, and pour it into a large-mesh strainer held over a bucket. Shake the strainer slightly to sift the material through it. Move the strainer away from the bucket and turn it upside down to discard the debris.
6 Continue sifting until all of the sand or gravel has been cleaned. Then pour the cleaned material back into the bottom of the crab habitat and spread it in a smooth, even layer.
7 Place the crab supplies back into the cage, and fill the water bowl with the dechlorinated water.
8 Return the crab to its home.

Animal lovers often see their pets as small, furry family members, which is why they're willing to spend over $35 billion dollars on pet products every year, according to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association. Whether you love animals or simply want to take advantage of a practical business idea, a pet store can be a cost-effective business.

Legal Fees

Of all business structures, a sole proprietorship is the easiest to establish since it doesn't involve an incorporation process. Yet you'll probably want to give your business a name other than your own, which means you will need to file a DBA ("doing business as"), also known as an assumed name or trade name, with the county clerk. A DBA allows you to present your business as "Sonny's Pet Store," for example, rather than by your real name. The cost to file a DBA ranges from $10 to $100. The county, city or state in which you live may also require you to obtain a business license, sales tax license or both, so contact the sales tax department to find out.

Store

The cost of a brick-and-mortar store location will vary greatly depending on various factors, such as where it is and how big it is. For example, a small store in an upscale neighborhood can cost you thousands more per year than a larger one in a less-popular area. A home-based pet store is cost-effective since you already own the space, but because some local governments forbid home-based businesses, you may have to forgo this idea. You can sell your goods online through stores such as eBay and Amazon for fees as low as 25 cents per item or through your own website for as little as $3.50 a month. A website is a wise idea in any case because it gives you access to customers outside your local area.

Supplies

Wholesalers sell goods to pet stores at a discount, without sales tax and, if needed, in bulk quantities. They often require some proof that the buyer actually owns a business, which means that you may have to obtain a resale license from the state tax department or an employer identification number from the Internal Revenue Service. The cost of your supplies will depend on what you buy, how much you buy and where you buy them. You need a commercial feed license to sell your own pet food, which may cost as little as $50. Contact the secretary of state to find out who administers the license in your state.

Advertising

No business can survive if no one knows about it, and since not everyone who knows about your pet store will become a customer, you need to advertise constantly. Pet-related blogs, forums and social networking groups cost nothing and are especially beneficial if your business is Internet-based. You can also save money by printing your own ads from your home computer and posting them in places your customers are likely to go, such as vet offices, humane societies and pet hotels. Because the least expensive way to drive business is to keep the customers you already have, use a free business card template to help customers remember your pet store location and pass it on to others.

People are always willing to treat their pets, as evidenced by the fact that Americans spend $36 billion a year on their animals, according to "Entrepreneur" magazine. While this is an impressive figure, it helps put things in perspective to realize that a pet store can cost well over $100,000 to start while the average pet store owner makes barely $17,000 a year after taxes as of 2011, according to the Simply Hired job board. Assess the costs to determine whether you can afford to start your own pet store.

Business Structure

Though leashes, toys and food bowls may seem like fairly benign items, you should protect yourself against any potential liability should anyone's pet get hurt using your products. For this reason, you should avoid structuring your business as a sole proprietorship or a partnership. These are the easiest and least expensive businesses to start, requiring little more than a $10 to $100 assumed name form to be able to do business with a name other than the owners'. Yet they don't protect you from personal liability because they aren't legally separate entities from their owners. A limited liability company costs between $50 and $800 to start and gives you personal liability protection. You can form a corporation for $100 to $200 and also receive this protection, but be prepared to keep more intensive records of your business activities. Talk with a business lawyer or accountant to determine which of these structures makes the most sense for you. File your assumed name form with the county clerk and your articles of incorporation or organization with the secretary of state.

Licenses

Since a pet store usually sells pet food, bath and health products, you likely need a special license from the agency in your state that handles animal safety. Aside from this, you may need a license just to operate a business in your area, though not every jurisdiction requires this; contact the city hall, county clerk and secretary of state to be sure. In states that charge sales taxes, you need a sales license, and you need a resale license to buy pet products wholesale. Some states charge for these licenses, while others don't.

Location

The ideal location for your pet store depends on what type of customer you want to attract. If you sell custom dog leashes encrusted with real diamonds, for example, it makes sense to choose a location near a dog park in an affluent neighborhood. If you sell organic, locally-produced dog food, putting your store in a neighborhood where there are also health food stores may be a wise choice. The location you choose affects how much you pay. But expect to pay several hundred dollars a month at minimum. Working from home significantly lowers these costs, and marketing and selling online will give you a wider reach than even a brick-and-mortar store might have. Set aside a room in your home specifically for your pet store business and an accountant can help you deduct rent for the business area on your taxes.

Products and Services

The types of products you sell also affect your startup and operating costs. Pet items that are easier to find and cheaper to produce cost less for you to stock, just as specially-made or designer items typically cost more. You might decrease these costs by making your own products, though the initial costs for equipment may be higher than if you bought from a manufacturer or wholesaler. For your initial inventory, you can expect to pay between $15,000 and $30,000, "Entrepreneur" reports.

In order to keep your home clean when you own pet cats, you need to disinfect litter boxes, pet beds and other surfaces in your home. Unfortunately, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, contact with some disinfectant chemicals can poison cats. To avoid the toxic effects many cleaners have on cats, use natural, green cleaners to keep your cats safe.

Hydrogen Peroxide

A safer alternative to chlorine bleach, you can use hydrogen peroxide safely around cats to disinfect hard surfaces and fabrics. Use simple 3 percent hydrogen peroxide from your drugstore as a straight cleaner for kitchen surfaces, on laundry stains or in your dishwasher to remove odors. Scrub litter boxes clean and germ-free with hydrogen peroxide or combat urine, feces or vomit stains with it. Mix it with an equal part water to spray around your home and kill mold or mildew or with baking soda to form a scrubbing paste. Hydrogen peroxide has antibacterial, antiviral and disinfectant properties to make it an effective cleaner. It breaks down into water and oxygen and does not require rinsing as it leaves no residue on fabrics or other surfaces. You can also use it to clean and medicate any wounds on your cat.

Vinegar

Both white and apple cider vinegar contain 5 percent acetic acid, which has antimicrobial properties that kill many germs, bacteria and mold. Like hydrogen peroxide, you can use vinegar straight to clean surfaces and fabrics. Wipe down litter boxes, sinks, bathrooms and even cat food dishes safely with vinegar. Dilute it with an equal part water to make an all-purpose cleaner to use anywhere in your home around cats and add 1/2 to 1 cup vinegar to laundry to remove odors and stains from pet bedding. Vinegar neutralizes cat urine and you can use it to clean soiled carpeting or furniture. Vinegar also helps kill any fleas in or on your cat. Mix it with an equal part castile soap and water to make a natural, cat-safe flea shampoo.

Grapefruit Seed Extract

Grapefruit seed extract has antibacterial, anti-fungal and antiviral properties that kill a variety of germs. It leaves no toxic residue and some hospitals disinfect with it. Clean bathrooms, kitchens, litter boxes, cat bedding and floors in your home safely around your cats. Dilute 10 to 20 drops of the extract in 1 gallon of water to make an all-purpose cleaner that you can wipe surfaces with or use in a carpet cleaner to remove cat accident stains. Rinse fruits and vegetables with a solution of grapefruit seed extract to remove pesticides and microbes and preserve meats with it. Due to its nontoxic nature, you can even use a drop or two in your cat's water during emergencies to decontaminate it.

Considerations

When considering what disinfectant cleaners to use around your cats, keep in mind that many antibacterial cleaners can harm your cat if accidentally ingested while grooming. Cats have trouble detoxifying certain chemicals since their liver enzymes are not as efficient those in other animals, according to CatHealth. Some of these chemicals include: phenols, pine oils, petroleum distillates, alcohol and chlorine. Many disinfectant cleaners like chlorine bleach and Lysol contain these chemicals and you should not use them around cats. Instead, opt for safer, natural options that leave behind no chemical residue or fumes.

Fish are beautiful animals that make great pets. They're affordable, easy to care for, relaxing and can even help improve the look of your home or office. People will always want pet fish, which is why starting a fish store could be a great business endeavor. Although starting a business is a challenge, especially in a rough economy, there are steps which can be taken to help ensure that your store is a great success.

Instructions

1 Assess the potential. Before opening a fish store, you need to decide whether or not it will be profitable for you. Check out some other local fish stores and see what kind of business they do. Keep in mind that they will be your competition.
2 Write a business plan. It is important to know exactly what you're going to do and how you're going to do it. Your business plan should include the following things:
- Your ultimate plan and vision for your company.
- How you are going to fund your start-up.
- What you are going to sell and where you're going to get it.
- Who you are going to hire.
- What you are going to pay your employees
- What are going to be your monthly costs (rent, electricity, employee compensation, etc)
Be as detailed as possible. Planning ahead is very important and can keep your business from failing.
3 Gather needed permits and licenses. You will need a pet store license along with a non-game license to sell pet fish. You will also need a business license. Other permits and licenses may be required, depending on the state in which you live and on what kind of establishment you have for your business.
4 Apply for a loan. Unless you have a lot of money sitting around, you are going to need to apply for a business loan. This can be done at various institutions, including most banks. They will want to see a copy of your business plan.
5 Choose a location. Look around town for buildings that are for lease and find a nice location for your store. Find something that fits into your budget and has ample space for all of the fish you want to carry.
6 Hire employees. You will likely need help running your fish store. The number of employees you should hire depends on the size of your store and how much business you can generate. Start with as few as possible and hire more as your business expands.
7 Find a fish vendor. Unless you intend to breed fish on your own, you will need a way to purchase fish to sell in your store. Call local fish wholesalers and see who is willing to supply you with what you need at a price you can afford. Fish Mart is one of the largest domestic and import distributors in the USA.
8 Gather all needed supplies. You will need aquariums, fish food, nets, air pumps, lights, heaters, filters, buckets, rocks, small decorations, medications, and gravel. Buy enough of these items for your display tanks along with extras to sell to customers.
9 Advertise. Once all is said and done, you need to find a way to get people into your store. Start out with word-of-mouth advertising by telling everyone you know. Then put out a newspaper ad. If your business increases, or you have extra money, invest in a TV commercial.