How Do I Start a Pet Care Business?

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “How do I start a pet care business?” – you’re not alone. With pet ownership on the rise and spending in the pet industry topping $100 billion annually, more entrepreneurs are exploring ways to turn their love for animals into a thriving business. But where do you begin?

Whether you’re considering launching a grooming salon, dog walking service, pet sitting company, or even a pooper scooper business, this guide will walk you through the key questions to ask, the types of pet businesses available, and how franchising with a trusted brand like DoodyCalls can help you hit the ground running.

Why is the Pet Industry a Smart Bet?

The pet care industry has proven to be recession-resistant, emotionally rewarding, and full of opportunity. As more people treat pets like family, demand for reliable services – from basic care to specialized support – continues to grow. This includes everything from:

Grooming and boarding
Dog walking and pet sitting
Pet waste removal
Mobile vet services
Pet training

Insider Tip: One of the most overlooked yet essential services is pet waste removal. It’s a niche with low overhead, recurring revenue, and high demand – especially in suburban neighborhoods, HOAs, and public spaces. That’s where DoodyCalls shines. Learn more about pooper scooper services >

Should You Join a Pet Care App or Start a Business?

Many aspiring entrepreneurs consider joining pet care apps like Rover or Wag. While these platforms offer flexibility, they often come with limited earning potential, high competition, and little control over your brand.

Starting your own business gives you full ownership, but it also means navigating licensing, marketing, operations, and customer acquisition on your own.

Franchising can be a smart middle ground, especially with a brand like DoodyCalls, which has 25 years of experience helping entrepreneurs build their own pet waste removal businesses. Explore pet care apps vs. building a pet business >

How to Choose the Right Pet Business for Your Community

Before jumping in, ask yourself:

What services are missing in my area?
Are there lots of pet owners, HOAs, or dog parks nearby?
Is there a demand for convenience-based services?

DoodyCalls franchise owners often find a niche in the pet care industry by solving a real problem in their community. They are essential to keeping yards and public spaces clean and safer.

“I look at that as an opportunity for us to educate, to help keep our communities clean, and at the same time give families back their time,” Julie Dickens, DoodyCalls franchise owner in Dallas-Fort Worth, said in a recent interview with 1851 Franchise.

What Does it Cost to Start a Pet Care Business?

Starting a pet care business can be affordable, but costs vary widely depending on the type of service you offer. Here are some common startup cost considerations:

Licensing and permits: Depending on your location and services, you may need business licenses, insurance, or pet handling certifications.
Equipment and supplies: What do you need to do the job? Consider grooming tools, waste removal gear, leashes, crates, cleaning products, and branded uniforms.
Transportation: A reliable vehicle may be necessary, especially for mobile services like pet sitting or pooper scooping.
Marketing and branding: Website development, local advertising, signage, and promotional materials may be needed to reach your customers.
Technology: Scheduling software, payment processing tools, and customer management systems could be essential for your operations.
Staffing: If you plan to hire help, factor in wages, training, and payroll services.

Insider Tip: These costs can add up quickly, especially if you’re building everything from scratch. Franchising with a brand like DoodyCalls can significantly reduce the guesswork. Instead of piecing together your business on your own, you gain access to an established business model with clear costs and expectations. Explore initial investment information for DoodyCalls >

How Do You Find Customers for Your Pet Care Business?

Finding customers is one of the most important, and often most challenging, parts of starting a pet care business. Whether you’re launching a dog walking service, grooming salon, or a pooper scooper business, building a loyal customer base takes time, strategy, and consistency.

Ways to Find Customers on Your Own

If you’re starting independently, here are some common tactics to attract pet owners in your community:

Local Networking: Attend pet-related events, visit dog parks, and introduce yourself to pet owners. Word-of-mouth referrals are powerful in this industry.
Flyers and Door Hangers: Distribute printed materials in neighborhoods with high pet ownership. Include a clear value proposition and contact info.
Social Media Marketing: Create profiles on platforms like Instagram and Facebook to showcase your services, share pet tips, and engage with local pet lovers.
Google Business Profile: Set up a free listing to appear in local search results. Encourage happy customers to leave reviews.
Partnerships: Collaborate with veterinarians, groomers, pet stores, and HOAs to cross-promote services.
Pet Care Apps and Directories: List your business on platforms like Yelp, Nextdoor, and local pet directories to increase visibility.

While these strategies can work, they require time, marketing know-how, and ongoing effort to maintain momentum.

Can Franchising Help You Find Customers for a Pet Care Business?

When you franchise with DoodyCalls, you don’t have to start from scratch. You gain access to a nationally recognized brand and an established customer acquisition system that includes:

Professional marketing materials
Local SEO optimization to help you rank in search results
Branded vehicles and uniforms that build trust and visibility
Support from a franchise development team that understands your market
Advice and support from a network of franchisees in the industry

Discover how franchising can help you grow your small business >

Who Should Consider Owning a Pet Business?

Pet care businesses aren’t just for lifelong animal lovers, though that certainly helps. They’re ideal for a wide range of people looking for a meaningful, flexible, and scalable way to earn income. Here’s who should seriously consider entering the pet industry:

First-Time Entrepreneurs

If you’re new to business ownership, pet care offers a manageable entry point. Many services, like pet sitting or pooper scooping, require minimal equipment and can be started solo. With the right support, you can build a business that grows with you.

Career Changers

Tired of the corporate grind? Many professionals transition into pet care for a more fulfilling lifestyle. Whether you’re coming from tech, education, healthcare, or retail, the pet industry offers a chance to work independently, outdoors, and with purpose.

“I was sitting at my desk one day and thought, ‘I’m worth way more than what I’m getting paid here,’” Brian Barrera, DoodyCalls franchise owner in Reno, NV said in a recent interview with 1851 Franchise. “There has to be more to life than this salary and lifestyle.”

Veterans and Retirees

Veterans often thrive in structured, service-oriented businesses like DoodyCalls. Retirees looking for supplemental income or a way to stay active find pet care rewarding and flexible. Plus, DoodyCalls offers support tailored to veterans entering entrepreneurship.

Families and Couples

Pet businesses can be a great fit for families who want to build something together. Whether it’s a parent-child duo or a husband-wife team, pet care business owners can find success by dividing responsibilities and growing the business collaboratively.

Animal Enthusiasts

If you genuinely enjoy being around pets and helping pet owners, this industry offers daily fulfillment. You don’t need to be a vet or trainer – just someone who values cleanliness, reliability, and customer service.

Insider Tip: No matter your background, franchising with DoodyCalls gives you a head start. You don’t need prior business experience or industry knowledge – just a willingness to learn and a drive to grow. With 25 years of franchising in the pet care industry, DoodyCalls offers a great way to enter the industry with confidence. Learn more about our history >