It's no secret that pet owners are a loyal and dedicated community. From spending money on everything from food to toys, pet lovers believe in supporting brands that make their lives better. So when you hear about a new pet store opening in your town, it's only natural to be curious about what type of products will be sold there and how they'll be presented. And if you are looking to dive into the pet business yourself but are unsure about starting a brick-and-mortar store, then an online store can be ideal!
To operate your online pet store smoothly, it is imperative to be present on a good eCommerce platform, such as Shopify. This way, you don't have to worry about hiring a coding expert or designing your website based on your business needs.
But before getting into the pet store business in detail, you need to have a promising business idea.
So let's kick-start your pet business dream with these 10 Shopify pet store ideas for inspiration.
Outline
- Is A Pet Business Really Worth It?
- 10 Ideas To Leverage To Start Your Own Shopify Pet Store
- Organic Pet Food
- Pet Grooming Equipment
- Pet Supplies
- Homemade Pet Treats
- Handcrafted Pet Toys
- Pet Clothes
- Pet Beds
- Pet Supplements
- Pet Kennels and Crates
- Pet Training
- 5 Successful Online Pet Businesses For Inspiration
- Best Practices To Keep In Mind Before Starting Your Pet Business
- Research Your Target Market
- Create a Unique Selling Proposition
- Build a Strong Brand
- Invest in Marketing
- Focus on Customer Service
- Conclusion
Is A Pet Business Really Worth It?
There is a lot of potential for making money in the pet industry. As more people learn about the benefits and joys of owning pets, they look for suitable products for their pets to have a fun and easy life. But first, you need to analyze whether the pet business is really worth it.
Is it going to be profitable? What is the market demand?
The pet business world is thriving right now, especially after the rise in eCommerce technologies and the increased availability of quirky and interesting pet products for pet parents online.
The pet industry is growing rapidly and over 86% of pet owners shop online for their pets. This means starting your own Shopify pet store is a good idea since the demand is already there. Now, this demand is spread across multiple products. For instance, APPA estimates the average spending on dog grooming is $73, whereas, for cats, it is $43. The pet food industry is also on the hike, and dog owners spend an average of $259 on food and $76 on treats.
Being a part of this growing industry is not easy without leveraging technology and coming up with unique solutions and products. Moreover, you can always tailor your rates and profit margins as a pet business owner to reflect the nature of your industry.
10 Ideas To Leverage To Start Your Own Shopify Pet Store
There are numerous types of pet businesses that exist online. While some offer things like leashes, homemade treats, and chew toys, others offer services like pet daycare. While most pet stores cater to cats and dog owners, you will still be able to find products for all kinds of pets out there.
Finding a niche in the pet industry that generates a good source of income but also is unique and distinctive from other pet brands can be difficult. Fret not! We have got you covered. Here are 10 trendy Shopify pet store ideas for you to consider:
1. Organic Pet Food
Organic pet food is a rapidly growing business and is even expected to multiply in value and reach $9.2 million by 2028. More and more pet owners are looking for organic and all-natural pet products. This type of food is usually more expensive than traditional pet food, but pet owners are willing to pay for it because they believe it is healthier for their pets. Organic pet food is made without the use of any synthetic chemicals. It is also free of growth hormones, antibiotics, and other drugs. Many pet owners believe that organic food is better for their pets because it is more natural and contains fewer harmful chemicals.
There are a number of organic pet food brands available on the market today. Some popular brands include Blue Buffalo, Natural Balance, and Wellness. These brands offer various products, including dry food, wet food, treats, and supplements.
Check out this video to know more about popular organic pet food brands.
2. Pet Grooming Equipment
Pet grooming services and equipment are a popular business and can be a good choice for your pet store. Moreover, the global market size for pet grooming services is going to expand at an annual growth rate of 7.09% from 2022 to 2030.
If you're passionate about pets and love grooming them, starting your own online pet grooming equipment business could be a great way to earn extra money and get your business off the ground.
However, you will need to invest in high-quality grooming supplies and equipment. Renting pet grooming equipment to local customers is also an easy way to get started with the business side of things. You'll have access to all the tools and supplies needed right away without having to invest a lot of money upfront.
3. Pet Supplies
Pet supplies are essential for the health and well-being of your pets, so it makes sense that people would want them in their homes.
People buy pet supplies online primarily due to the convenience of getting them delivered to the doorstep and due to the wide variety of products.
If you’re looking to set up an online pet supplies business, there are a few things you need to know. First, you’ll need to find a niche market. Consider what kinds of pets you’d like to cater to, and then research the kinds of supplies that these pets need and the different varieties you can offer.
One of the most important things to remember when setting up an online pet supplies business is to provide good customer service. This means responding quickly to questions and concerns and offering a hassle-free returns policy. It’s also important to offer a wide range of products so that customers can find everything they need in one place.
4. Homemade Pet Treats
If you're interested in starting a homemade pet treats business, there are a few things you'll need to keep in mind. First, you'll need to ensure you have a reliable source of ingredients and supplier for your store. Second, you'll need to create a proper business plan and marketing strategy to attract customers looking for homemade pet treats.
And last but not least, you'll need to ensure your treats are irresistible! If you can accomplish all these things, you'll be well on your way to starting a successful homemade pet treats business.
5. Handcrafted Pet Toys
Pet owners always look for unique and fun pet toys that are handmade with love. Starting a business of handcrafted pet toys that keeps all furry friends entertained can attract new-age pet owners. From plush toys to chew toys and everything in between, the options are many. Make sure to use high-quality materials that are built to last. Use soft fabrics and materials to ensure that your pet is safe and happy while using them.
6. Pet Clothes
The pet clothes business is trending and it is because pet clothes are a great way to show your pet how much you love them. They are also a great way to keep your pet warm, dry, and comfortable when it’s cold or wet outside.
The pet clothes business is growing rapidly as more and more pet owners are looking for ways to make their pets look stylish and unique. This trend is driven by the increasing popularity of social media, where people share photos of their pets in fashionable outfits. In addition, the pet industry is becoming increasingly competitive, and pet clothes businesses are constantly coming up with new and innovative designs to keep their customers coming back for more.
7. Pet Beds
There are numerous opportunities for entrepreneurs in the pet industry, and starting a pet beds business is one option to consider. A pet bed business can be profitable because there is a constant demand for pet beds, and pet owners are always looking for new and better ways to keep their pets comfortable.
To start a pet beds business, you must invest in quality bedding materials and create a few prototype beds. Pet beds come in a variety of shapes and sizes to suit any pet and can be made from a variety of materials, including plush fabrics, memory foam, and even recycled materials.
To be successful in the pet beds business, it is important to offer a wide range of products that appeal to a variety of pet owners. You should also focus on creating beds that are durable and easy to clean, as this will make them more appealing to customers.
8. Pet Supplements
There is a great opportunity for a pet supplements business. The market for pet supplements is expanding as more and more pet owners are looking for ways to keep their pets healthy and fit and is estimated to reach a value of $822.6 million by 2027. You will need to find a good manufacturer of pet supplements. There are many different manufacturers of pet supplements, so it is important to find one that is reputable and has a good track record.
You will also need to decide what pet supplements you want to sell. There are many different types of pet supplements on the market, so you will need to narrow down your choices to a few that you think will be the most popular with your customers.
9. Pet Kennels and Crates
A dog kennel business can be a great way to make money while doing something you love - working with dogs. Before starting your business, you need to consider a few things, such as the type of kennel you want to run, the location of your business, the services you will offer, and the target market you will serve.
The type of kennel you run will likely be determined by the services you want to offer. For example, if your customers are offering pet boarding, you will need a larger kennel with indoor and outdoor space for the dogs to exercise and play. If you want to offer daycare or training services, you will need a smaller kennel with the appropriate equipment.
10. Pet Training
If you have a passion for pets and love helping people, then starting an online pet training business could be the perfect business idea. The dog training services market is estimated to reach a whooping $41 billion in worth by 2025. So why not make use of this opportunity?
Online pet training businesses provide pet owners with convenient, affordable, and effective pet training solutions that can be done from the comfort of their own homes.
As an online pet trainer, you would be responsible for creating and delivering pet training programs that are tailored to the specific needs of each pet and owner. You need to have a strong understanding of animal behavior and create a positive, supportive learning environment for both the pet and the owner.
5 Successful Online Pet Businesses For Inspiration
If you are still confused about which market to go to and are looking for more ideas on your pet store dream, then use a business ideas generator. This tool helps you get more clarity on the pet store business you are looking to start.
Now that you have some interesting ideas for your Shopify pet store in hand, it is time to take action on them. So here are 5 successful online pet businesses on Shopify for you to check out and get started:
1. Gunner
Gunner is known for its kennels and crates created and tested in actual environments to guarantee the security of their four-legged friends. With the assistance of Shopify professionals, this D2C business created 3D models of their crates so that customers could view each component up close before making a purchase.
The website features a simple design with easy navigation that lets new and old visitors find out what they are looking for quickly. As the product is made to keep pets safe, numerous customers have shared their stories on how the product has helped them keep their pets safe at several critical events and more and more customers are inspired by these stories to purchase from Gunner.
2. Forthglade
A leader in the natural pet food market, Forthglade has over 50 years of experience making nutritious dry, wet, and natural pet treats. They even offer subscription-based services for delivering natural and healthy treats to doorsteps. The website has an elegant design featuring a pastel color palette and an easy navigational menu. Visitors can find the core features of Forthglade on the home page and discover more about them and their services under the ‘discover forthglade’ section on the menu.
3. PrettyLitter
PrettyLitter is a smart health-monitoring litter for cats that changes color on detecting urinary abnormalities. It also offers subscription services and is a fast-growing feline-focused US company.
The website holds a minimalistic look, and customers can quickly place an order directly from the home page without browsing multiple products or collections. The package comes on a subscription basis, and customers can choose from the three available options and place an order.
4. Crown & Paw
Crown & Polly is a unique and trendy pet business that sells pet gifts such as portraits, clothes, and walk wear. You can even create a bundle of multiple products and get season-special clothing and more.
The website pops out with a quirky font and colorful theme. Crown and Paw use real-life images of their products so that customers know what they can expect. It even offers customization options for several products, making them a perfect choice for pet owners looking for pet-related gifts.
5. Happy & Polly
Happy and Polly is a pet toy and supplies store that sells products such as bowls, beds, apparel, and many more to dog and cat owners. The home page is filled with lively animated visual elements and features some of their best sellers for making that quick purchase. They showcase a unique collection of products and even offer custom products for pets and owners. Happy and Polly also includes a blog section addressing some common questions and problems pet owners face.
Best Practices To Keep In Mind Before Starting Your Pet Business
Research Your Target Market
The first and most important thing you should do before starting your pet business is to research your target market. This includes understanding who your target customers are, their needs and wants, and what motivates them to purchase.
Create a Unique Selling Proposition
When starting your pet business, it’s important to have a unique selling proposition (USP). This is what sets your business apart from the competition and makes you more appealing to customers.
Build a Strong Brand
A strong brand is essential for any business, and this is especially true in the pet industry. Your brand should be easily recognizable and reflect your business's values.
Invest in Marketing
Investing in marketing is one of the best things you can do for your pet business. Marketing can help you attract new customers, build brand awareness, and increase sales. You can also use any shop name idea generator for your business to create a unique name that can impact your customers and drive your marketing efforts effectively. Remember to use multiple advertising channels, such as online advertising, content marketing, and social media marketing.
Focus on Customer Service
Providing excellent customer service is crucial for any business, but it’s especially important in the pet industry. Customers are often very passionate about their pets and want to ensure they are well taken care of.
Conclusion
If you are looking to venture into pet business, starting a Shopify pet store could be a great way to attract customers from all across the globe. Before getting started, do your research and make sure you understand the pet industry and what it takes to run a successful online business.
Once you've got a solid plan in place, launch your store and start marketing to pet lovers in your area. You can always track your business's progress using Google Analytics on Shopify. With a little hard work and dedication, you could soon be on your way to running a successful online pet store.
