Pet Supplies

Most pet stores currently refuse to sell dogs or puppies as merchandise in their stores. They further advocate dog rescue by allowing local rescue groups to use them as adoption centers once a week. Nevertheless, almost 3,500 pet stores around the country are still offering live dogs and puppies for sale to their customers.

Types, varieties and breeds sold

Pet stores do not limit themselves to only selling one or two specific breeds of dogs, and will usually sell any breed, even hybrid breeds, as long as the breed is available at the time and the puppies are of a marketable breed. Although pet stores fail to use discretion when it comes to where they actually purchase their puppies, they are much more particular about the size of dogs or puppies they sell. The vast majority of puppies you will find for sale at typical pet stores are of smaller breeds. Small breed puppies take up much less space so a store can fill their shelves with more valuable "merchandise."

Where do the puppies come from?

Research shows that 90 to 98 percent of puppies sold in pet stores across the country are obtained directly from puppy mills and that the remaining puppies, which are not bought from puppy mills, are either purchased through corrupt dog brokers, naive backyard breeders, or greedy puppy wholesalers. When all of the facts regarding the association between pet stores and puppy mills are thoroughly studied, it is indisputable that not one dog or puppy available for purchase at any pet store came from a reputable breeder.

What are puppy mills?

A puppy mill is precisely what its name suggests, a mill or farm that produces live puppies in substantial quantities for profit. These mass-breeders demonstrate heartless, inhumane practices where dogs are kept in extremely close quarters and experience severe neglect. In some of the larger and more callous mills, up to five or six adult small breed dogs are stockpiled into one rabbit pen. Puppy mill owners not only neglect to offer their animals adequate space--they also keep their dogs in filthy conditions, which are normally hidden behind the walls of the large barns and are rarely seen by the public eye. These dogs are rarely offered even the most standard, basic veterinary care. If a mill dog becomes sick, the puppy mill owner will simply exterminate the ailing dog, generally by shooting the dog in an execution style.
Female dogs, unlucky enough to be born into a puppy mill and kept as breeding stock, are expected to successfully bear a litter every six months, condemning them to either being pregnant or nursing almost year-round. This tragic cycle starts from the time that the dogs are very young and does not end until they are no longer physically able to reproduce. The puppy mill industry is too violent and disgusting to even refer to as a business, however the puppy mill owners and brokers, as well as the pet store owners, do genuinely consider their puppy trade partnership as purely business. These living, breathing dogs and puppies have become standard merchandise to puppy mill and pet storeowners.

Puppy Mill Owners

People are generally surprised by the fact that many of the puppy mills in the southern United States are actually owned by Amish farmers. We think of the Amish as moral, clean-living kind of people, but the truth is that many Amish farmers see dogs as products to be profited from, just as pet stores do. These Amish puppy millers often believe that there is no difference between breeding hundreds of puppies and selling them to pet stores, and growing a crop of wheat or corn and then generating money off of it. Even so, Amish-owned puppy mills account for only 12 percent of the total puppy mills in the entire country. The overall number of puppy mills across the nation, according to Animal World USA, is estimated to be as many as 5,000 total.

How Can You Help

After hearing the truth behind pet stores and what kinds of dogs they really sell, most people are angry and want to do something to change these conditions. Thankfully there are various ways to help the cause. The first, and easiest, method is for people to only support pet stores that do not sell live puppies. PetSmart and Petco are two great examples of quality pet store chains that not only discourage the sale of live dogs and puppies, but they also advocate and support dog rescue and adoption. You can not only buy your pet products from them but you can rescue a dog through them as well. The next way to protest against pet stores, who sell puppies, is by refusing to buy puppies from them. This can be much harder to do than it is to say, but it's best for the entire cause for all of us to control our primary emotions and to never buy a puppy from a pet store. Instead go through a rescue group to get a dog or buy a quality, healthy puppy from a reputable breeder who will not only produce well loved and cared for puppies, but also who will not mark their puppies' price up three times their actual worth, like pet stores do.

If you are a person that has a great deal of concern for animals and are dissatisfied with the quality of ingredients offered in commercial pet foods, starting a pet food store could be a business venture that you'll find rewarding. Pet food stores are gaining popularity as pet owners seek foods that are natural, organic, raw, hypoallergenic, or made from whole foods. As a pet food store owner, you can peace of mind knowing you are offering products made out of high-quality ingredients for those seeking healthier solutions for their animal companions to consume.

Instructions

1 Make a business model. In this model, detail your goals for the business, create a mission statement, outline your overhead and operating costs, and your plans to make a profit. Creating a business model will help you have a good idea about what it will take to get your pet food store started financially.
2 Attain a business loan. Starting a pet food store business will be expensive. Talk to a financial institution about banking and loan options most appropriate for your business needs.
3 Select a location for your store. Ideally, find a place you know people with pets will frequent. A store by an apartment complex that doesn't allow pets, for example, may not appropriately reach your target audience. An area that has other frequently visited pet stores, or a busy strip mall, could yield the customers you seek.
4 Attain all the licenses and permits needed. Pet food stores owners need to apply with a county's public health department in order to receive the permits needed to operate as a food retailer for animals. Business licenses will also need to be filed with the city, county and/or state in which the pet food store will be located. As licensing requirements differ from state to state, contact your local government business administration offices to find out which specific forms will need to be filled out, and with whom to file them, in order for you to get a business license.
5 Find pet food suppliers. Do some research into the pet foods, supplements and treats that are most in demand; establish a relationship with those suppliers. A good supplier will guide you through what you might need to get your pet food store up and running, will provide referrals to other suppliers if they aren't able to meet your needs, and will let you special-order products.
6 Stock the shelves. Once you get the pet food you've ordered, arrange your store in a way that makes sense, is attractive and not too overwhelming. Keep in mind that you might need a refrigerated section for raw pet foods if you decide to sell this in your store.
7 Market your store. Make promotional fliers to hang on community bulletin boards and pass out at other pet-serving businesses. Make friends with all the veterinary offices in your area and do a survey of what types of foods and supplements would be helpful for their clients. Let these pet businesses know when you'll be open for business, and see if they'd be willing to display your business cards if you displayed theirs in your store.
8 Market your store. Make promotional fliers to hang on community bulletin boards and pass out at other pet-serving businesses. Make friends with all the veterinary offices in your area and do a survey of what types of foods and supplements would be helpful for their clients. Let these pet businesses know when you'll be open for business, and see if they'd be willing to display your business cards if you displayed theirs in your store.

Animals can be born sick or handicapped, or become so, just like humans. If you have a handicapped pet, then you can help make its life more comfortable and fulfilling. Often, pets are put to sleep once they become handicapped, as many people believe there is little that can be done to help them. This is not always the case, although not all pets can be helped. The majority of products on the market are designed for dogs, with some available for cats.

Wheechairs

If a pet has problems walking, then a pet wheelchair might be able to help. Most are designed for dogs, but some cat wheelchairs are available too. Most pet wheelchairs work using set of wheels attached to a harness. The pet uses whatever mobility it has to pull the wheels, which support its body and legs. The wheelchairs work best for pets that lack mobility in their hind legs, although specialty wheelchairs are available for pets with mobility loss in their front or all their legs.

Braces and Prosthetics

If a pet has a long-term injury to a leg, or has had a partial amputation, then a brace or prosthetic can help. Braces are designed to provide support to an injured leg, helping to promote healing (if possible) and allowing the pet to continue to walk. Different types of braces are available for different types of injury, and different parts of the leg. If a pet has had part of its leg amputated, then it can wear prosthetic limbs that strap on to the remaining part of the leg.

Ramps and Steps

For dogs and cats with difficulty walking because of age, injury or disability, ramps and steps can be very useful. They are especially useful for pets that use wheelchairs, braces or prosthetics. Ramps can allow them to get in and out of cars or negotiate steps more easily. Pet steps can be used with the car or in the home to help dogs and cats with limited mobility climb independently onto furniture.

Harnesses and Slings

Harnesses and slings are available to help both dogs and cats walk and to help their owners maneuver them. Harnesses can be used with dogs as a replacement leash, but one that supports a particular part of the dog's body, generally either the front or back legs. They can sometimes be used in conjunction with a wheelchair. Slings are designed for owners to move, lift or support handicapped pets that cannot move themselves effectively. They help prevent injury to both pet and owner.

The pet and pet product industry continues to grow every year, with sales numbering in the billions of dollars. If you love animals and want to manage a pet store, consider all the available options. You can manage a specialty store like a dog and cat clothing store, or helm a large pet supply store.

Instructions

1 Cultivate a great love and knowledge of animals. If you have a pet or pets that you love and care for, you're already on you way to being a successful pet store manager. If you manage a big box store, you'll have a whole list of corporate rules to follow, but animal (and customer) care will be your first priority.
2 Keep abreast of trends in pet products. Attend trade shows like the Global Pet Expo, which ranks as one of the fastest growing trade shows in the United States. You'll find out about the latest pet trends and products there, and get tips from other pet store managers about how to grow your business.
3 Hire friendly employees who love animals. A knowledge of and love for animals should be the number one criteria when interviewing potential workers. Other skills, like cashiering and stock work, can be taught later if the potential employee doesn't have experience in those areas.
4 Give great customer service. Answer questions promptly. Consult product literature or make phone calls if you don't know the answer offhand. As the manager, you'll need to take over if an employee can't help a customer.
5 Provide a clean, safe environment for animals on premise. Whether you keep only fish and hamsters and other small creatures or sell cats and dogs, always keep cages clean and make sure the animals remain happy and healthy. After all, customers will want to buy pets from a clean, organized store, and they'll come back to buy food and other items if they're impressed by your service.

For pet stores, new and old, finding suitable pet food distributors is always a challenge. To uncover hidden jewels, utilize your network and do a little digging.

Instructions

Finding Pet Food Distributors

1 Search wholesale directories online. Some pet food distributors post their businesses on directories like wholesaledistributorsnet.com, petwholesaler.com or frontierdistributing.com. These lists are a good place to start your search.
2 Subscribe to trade publications and Web sites like petage.com and "Pet Business" magazine. These publications often have important contacts for stores.
3 Talk to other pet shop owners in your community or elsewhere. While some may be weary of the competition, others will happily share tips to help you get started.
4 Visit large pet chains like PetSmart or general stores like Target to see what brands they carry. Write down the names of these brands and search the Internet for contact information. Send an email inquiring how to get those brands in your store.

Working with animals can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. Working at a pet store combines working with animals and working in customer service to benefit both the customer and the pet. While pet stores are a joy to many, pets and customers can also be the cause of sickness and distress if mishandled. In fact, there are several tips that people who work at pets stores should consider.

Keep Clean

Often, working at a pet store brings employees into contact with feces, medications, saliva, vomit and other obviously unsavory and potentially hazardous materials. These are all reasons to keep clean while working at a pet store; however, there are several hidden dangers such as fleas, ticks and mites from pets as well as viral infections from customers and children that make keeping clean a must. Treat cleanliness while working in a pet store as a surgeon would. Clean the hands all the way up the arms thoroughly before and after work and frequently wash hands throughout the day if the job has brought you into frequent contact with customers, pets or their remnants. Keep a small bottle of hand sanitizer with you if frequent trips to the restroom are not possible.

Steel Yourself

While most customers are looking to purchase supplies for their pets or for a new pet to love, customers are also looking to buy rats to feed to a snake, looking for breeding pairs to stud and often are looking to return a dead animal that did not stay alive during the warranty period. Different individuals have different points of view on what a pet is and how it should be regarded. If you dislike seeing dead pets or hearing others talk about pets as if they are products instead of little individuals, be prepared, because just as much as customers who lavish affection on their pets, these owners (or former owners) must be given the best customer service possible.

Knowledge is Power

While working at a pet store is primarily a customer service position, having a comprehensive knowledge of the animals in your care will help with their well being, your ability to handle them when required and at sale time. Many pet owners are new to the experience and will require guidance on what type of pet is good for their home situation. These potential owners will appreciate help from someone confident in his knowledge.

Owning a pet shop is fun and challenging. Helping people find that perfect pet or supplying them with the food and supplies they need is fulfilling work. The challenge is finding quality pets and caring for them until they find their homes.

Instructions

Opening a Pet Shop

1 Decide what type of animal and pet supplies you would like to sell. This decision will affect your location. For example, a pet shop that sells dogs needs more space than one that sells only fish. But a pet shop that sells fish needs excellent plumbing, heating and cooling.
Choose a niche for the pet shop and focus on that animal or even breed for a specialty feel. This is the best option for a small shop. Focus on the best pet food and treats for that animal. Offer the best bedding and kennel options. Choosing a niche market will also allow you to get to know your customers better. Take this information and write a business plan.
2 Find a good location for a pet shop in a residential community. It's easier to sell pets from an independent building rather than a mall, because there may be noise or odor involved. Find a location near good traffic flow, but not on an extremely busy street if animals are to be carried in and out.
3 Hire professionals to go over all of the paperwork. Apply for all necessary sales tax licenses, and make sure the zoning in the building you want to use allows a pet store. Check the livestock and pet laws in your area and draw up a pet adoption agreement accordingly. Draw up any return policies at this time. Contact the department of agriculture in your state to set up an inspection for licensing to sell and kennel animals. Purchase business insurance.
4 Hire adequate help for the amount of livestock you will offer as pets. Offering pets for sale is an excellent customer draw but requires a lot of cleaning and handling. Make sure to hire staff old enough to understand the responsibilities of working with animals. Look for assistants with expertise in the type of pet they are hired to care for and have the ability to answer customer questions.
5 Find dry stock vendors for pet supplies and food. Look online as well as locally. Some online distributors offer deep discounts and free shipping on large orders, so consider this for initial orders. Find local dealers for all fresh food needs, or visit farmers markets.
Find local artists or crafts people willing to sell their goods through your shop to show support for the community and unique pet supplies.

Finding Animals

6 Help a rescue in need of store space and adoption help. This is the most community-oriented way to stock a pet shop with livestock. You can either lease part of the shop to the rescue at a discount or write it off as a tax donation. The shelter provides veterinary work and pet guarantees to adopting families. The benefit of this is the release of liability for the pet shop owner. No covering of expensive vet bills or dealing with pet returns.
7 Find reputable local breeders. Look online and talk to other pet owners about where they got their pets and if they would recommend the breeders. Tour any breeder before making any commitments to purchase animals. Personally inspect all areas where animals are kept. If a breeder refuses to let you see an area or tour at all, choose a different breeder.
Check with the top breeders clubs in your area. Generally speaking, the smaller the breeder the better. Smaller breeders have more time to handle animals, a big plus for pet livestock.
8 Find pet distributors for livestock delivery of exotic pets or large fish orders. There are some larger pet distributors that have excellent customer service and livestock guarantees. These are for the hard-to-find small animal, reptile or fish. Keep in mind these animals will likely not be well handled when arriving at the shop. Daily handling will be required to ease the pet's anxieties. Check off-site customer reviews of any major pet distributorship before ordering livestock.