Serious about Owning a Pet Store

[Caitandcritters]

Hello! I'm Cait, new to the site! I joined specifically for this board. :)

I'm a junior in highschool, so deciding on a career is coming faster than I'd like right about now. For the longest time I wanted to be vet, until I realized I could not truly be happy with that profession. I've always loved animals, and always loved spending hours in pet stores... So I decided. I'm going to open my own pet store.

I plan on taking business management classes and courses in animal care and what have you, getting at least an associate's degree, more likely a bachelors. I have owned numerous animals, and, without honking my own horn, know quite a bit about care and maintanence of many animals, mostly rodents.

I have a general location that I'd like to set up in, city/town wise. This place has no actual petstores... Just a bait shop and a garden center who sell feeders and fish on the side. Nothing as far as supplies go. I think this area would be a great place to start a business in. Opportunity .

Anyway, I have questions. I know that this is what I want to do, but getting there is the thing.

How do you go about getting a license to operate a petstore? Is there a place you go specifically for this?

As far as money goes, do I need an accountant to handle the money, or will the business classes teach me this aspect?

Business loans... Besides going to the bank, what credentials does one need to actually GET one? A degree?

How do I go about setting up a business plan? What needs to be included in this plan?



That's all I can think of. I have a good grasp of the general idea, as far as renting space and hiring workers. I even have great ideas on where to get my supplies and equipment from.

Of course, any more questions I'll be sure to ask!

Thanks in advance! :D

[Prickles]

I would also like to know the answers to Caitandcritters questions. I am interested in opening a store in the near future (about 5-7 years). Mine would be like a Whole Foods Market for pets.

[Caitandcritters]

Glad to see you are interested as well, Prickles! :)

I'm really hoping for some good answers from those that have had or do have pet stores.

[Prickles]

Are you planning on opening the store anytime soon?

[Caitandcritters]

Years. Still have next year and then an associate's in business before I open it.

What about you?

[Prickles]

oh wow...im think of opening it during collage. I hopefully got to collage in 3-4 years.

[Caitandcritters]

Cool. I know you don't have to have a degree to go into business, but it sure helps loads, and of course, you have something to fall back on.

When you tell people about your plans, do they act as if you're just dreaming? Like, "Yeah, ok. That sounds lovely." But like the way they'd say it to a small child? A bit annoying, really.

Where are you thinking of setting up at?

[brandy pup]

Anyone can open a store without a degree but one helps. If you can't do the accounting and such then you will have to hire someone. Buismess courses would help you alot.

If you sell animals you willhave to get a permit through the department of agriculture in your area. Please reconsider selling of pets and instead contact rescue groups to come in and showcase their needy pets for homes.

[Caitandcritters]

Thanks, Brandy Pup. I think I'd like to handle the accounting aspect, but I hate dealing with that sort of thing, LOL.

While I DO plan on selling animals, I also plan on having adoption days, days that local shelters can bring in their adoptables. I only plan on selling small animals, such as rodents. And even then, I'd only be breeding to further the species and develope healthier animals available to clients. I know there is no profit from breeding and selling the animals yourself, but animal husbandry is one of my passions. I also will not sell feeders.

I'd like to point out, that the locale I'm picking is in rural Iowa. Not many small animal shelters, but if you know of one, PLEASE let me know. :) Most shelters there take dogs and cats, from what I know.

[brandy pup]

take a look at www.petfinder.com there are lots of small animals in need of homes in that area.

[Caitandcritters]

I am aware of petfinder, I find it relatively useless unless you like driving hours away.

I'm pretty stead fast on the animal aspect of the store. I will, however, make people aware of petfinder and local shelters BEFORE selling. Heck, I should make a sign. Besides, the real money is in merchandise, because, as I stated, you do not make a profit off of selling animals bred on location. It'd be more like having an on site breeder.

[reh2004]

Hey,
Sence your still in high school express your ideas to your councler and udilize eveything they offer you. Just make sure they know your serious. Schools have all the tools to help you and access to all the questions you are asking here. See my boyfriend has been in special ed (hes not really slow just lazy but still) and he was told he could get a entire business start up GIVEN to him. (But we got the paper work to late or Id really have all the answers for you) I currently work at a pet store in the animals and I can tell you that as sad as it is feeder bring in the most profit for our section. But it feels really good when you send the rat home as a family pet instead or even a few mice... hehehe. Any ways w/ no rescue in your area for the small fuzzys thats what you will become munise the paper work we take in hamsters all the time and replace them to new loving homes. Loans: Look into the SBA Organization they have access to I guess billions of dollars to loan out. (But the book I have says to do your research on getting a loan from them first it will keep the stress of dealing w/ them down.) If you are low income you may qualaify for a Economic Opportunity Loan. The book says a lot mare and has some good info in it I would qoute some more but my head is all stuff right now maybe check your libary "The Complete Handbook of U.S. Government Benefits". Good luck to you both and myself as soon as I get myself back on the right track.
Much Love

[Caitandcritters]

Ah, thank you very much! I will certainly talk to my counselor, and see what she has to say. I will check out that book, too. Sounds interesting! Thanks again!

[Orion510]

I know you said that you lived in an areas without many petstores, but I beleive your best bet would be to work at one as a manager for awhile. As a manager you will be able to see where the place buys thier supplies and animals. You will also see what inventory moves, b/c you don't want to buy a bunch of items that no one will buy.

If possible work in a small store and a large chain. Petco will have different inventory needs than a local store. The larger chains tend to sell more supplies, food etc. Smaller stores rely on specialty items that are harder to find and animals that are not sold in the big stores. If you go into a small store you'll notice that they don't stock up on dog/cat foor b/c any chain, or even Walmart can outsell on that(cheaper price) Go into as many stores as possible and see how they are set up and what is sold.

Also don't work in an area where you want to set your store up because most places will have you sign a contract that says you won't compete with them(within 20 miles or something to that effect)

Good Luck I know how you feel. I'm doing the same thing. I'm in my 3rd year of business courses. Oh yeah and you'll probably need an accountant, the courses in college really seem to give you a basic background(to make sure your not ripped off).

[Caitandcritters]

Thanks very much for that advice. How hard is business school? Where do you attend?

I "work" closely with a pet store here, not being paid, but. I help with customers and even dabble about in the room when it's needed. Soon I hope to actually get a job there. Then when I move to Iowa to get my degree, I also plan on working in a petshop for those 2 years, on a more managerial basis instead of focusing on the small animals section like here.

I think when I open my store, I want to focus on small animals, like hamsters, rats, mice, gps, fish, things of that sort. Their accessories and habitats, foods. I've never been much of a dog or cat fan, but of course I will have to sell things for them because almost everybody has a dog or a cat, you know what I mean?

[reh2004]

yea and people love a store that their pets are welcome. (of coruse you have to have some special rules like when it come down to snakes we make people bring them in in a pillow case if the want a unprofessional oppion on whats going on with them) That attracts a lot of people cuz some people go EVERYWHERE with their dogs and stuff.

[Caitandcritters]

LOL! Snakes... I almost forgot about them. Well, as long as they don't go near the small animal section I'm fine with them in the store. Same with other people's s, dogs, cats. Obviously not all at the same time. Need to work out a way around that. ;)

I'd like to have a sort of dog park in the front. Nothing too fancy, just a few wading pools, dishes, bowls, toys. Things like that.

[brandy pup]

Now that is a cool concept!

[reh2004]

oh kewl the dog park thing. they have them all over in chicago. but i said the pillow case for snake thing cuz some people just FREEZE when it cames down to the sight of them. but people dont usually bring them in anyway unless they have mites or wount eat or go potty just to get a second oppion b4 they resort to taking them to the vet. But the dog park... two thumbs WAY up there.

[Caitandcritters]

Thanks! I figure Iowa needs more pet related things in their lives, LOL.

Well I need someone who knows snakes to work in the shop since I have no clue about them, LOL

[Songbird]

Cait - as has been suggested your best bet is to work in a store which is owned by someone else and work your way up before you actually "take the dive" and buy your own store. It serves for two purposes, firstly you can get an idea of management techniques such as staff managment, stock and store management etc and secondly it helps you plot an area where you can buy a store that will be most successful - and the location will in many respects be the deciding factor as to if you are successful or not.
You will more than likely have to work your way up the ladder to become a manager, even with qualifications actual experience accounts for a lot too and the more you have the better chances you have. Completely (as said) a business degree with help muchly, but also getting a qualification in animal care will be of great importance - as you need to show that you do have the skills to run a business which is in a specialist niche. I have a National Diploma in Animal Care but after finishing college rather than going back to do the Higher National Diploma I decided to start working in a shop environment - after 2.5 years I became a Supervisor and have completed that role for 2 years now at one store and have been "head hunted" by another to perform the same role at this store. Much of it once you get onto the management side moves away from the animals of course, your assistants do the animals and you are focused more on paper work, stock control, health and safety, rota's and all the other really fun stuff (hmmm) although of course your assistance will still be required to give advice and importantly - to train other people. In your own store you will of course have more control over what you want to do - but when filling a managerial role at another store you will have expected targets to fill and you'll be deligating care of the animals out to staff so that you are free to perform other duties.
Another thing, in your own store - unless you are completely dedicated do not put reptiles in. There are too many stores out there that have added reptiles as a "side-line" and although the staff have the best intentions the level of care that's needed just isn't there - they are too specialist so I would say unless you actually know a lot about reptiles to just avoid putting them in altogether (i've had 4 years of running two reptile departments also).
Anyway, hope my bit has helped - excuse any mis-spelling - keyboard is very new and ungiving still! :)

[Caitandcritters]

Thank you very much, and yes you were very helpful. :) I had always planned on working in a petstore before actually opening one, LOL. It's something that I WANT to do and about the only thing that appeals to be in the career field. What with so many cruddy petstores, I'd like to set up a decent, knowledgeble, and caring one. I'd like to be able to tell people that NO their Syrians cannot live together and YES even male rats need company. Somewhere reliable that has quality stock and knows what they are doing. I also plan on it being somewhat a smaller store, as I'd like to specialize in s and their needs. Also I'd like to maintain a friendly atmosphere that is sometimes lost in the larger stores. Plus, I'd like to work very closely with the animals, as they are the driving force in the whole plan. Not as a profit, mind you, but sort of, "yay animals" deal. :)

I will take your advice to heart about the reptiles. I hear that they need VERY specific lines of care and it's not something anyone would want to jump into, so really just keeping them "unavailable" for impulse buys is a good thing. Also I do not specialize in reptiles at all, or amphibians for that matter. It's not something that interests me. Of course, on request I can point someone in the right direction for a reptile. Breeder, reptile rescue. Things of that nature.

Thanks again all for your comments and advice! I really appreciate it!

[Songbird]

Hi Cait,
Very glad that it was of some use of you. Yes it's definately very benefitial to use someone elses centre to gain your experience before going your own way. That is the good thing about having your own place is that you can do what you want to do, whereas if you're working for someone else you have to do what they expect you to do (although if the place is good - which to me it sounds like you wont go and work at one of the nasty one's anyway) they will respect and listen to your opinion on idea's.
It's great to know that there are still alot of people out there building towards better stores where the animals come first and foremost - I couldn't work in a place where that wasn't the case!
Good luck and it sounds like you have a lot of it sussed already!

[Prickles]

It is best that you go and visit a few petstores around your area before applying to any of them. That way you can see how the employees and animals are like. That will help you in getting a job.

[Caitandcritters]

:) You have no idea how many I go to on a regular basis, LOL. There are so many here, it's funny. The one I frequent the most is locally owned and small. I love it there. They are really willing to learn and to please their customers. This is the one that I'd like to work at.

Songbird, I have been planning for about... 4 months now. Not that long, but long enough to where I have a lot figured out, LOL. I know how my breeder room will be run, the basic startup equipment, care sheets, health gaurantees, I have a few vets in mind to work with, and of course I pay attention to what other people on PH and other sites like/dislike. It really helps to be able to access the customers' likes, dislikes, and needs BEFORE you go and buy a bunch of things that won't sell. I'm also looking into breeders near the place I'd like to set up at. (In another state, not around here.)

[Moosley]

I'm probably being daft but have you thought about just how much it's going to cost to set up? the building, the equipment (cages and shelving etc), the stock, the pet shop license... all that, about what loans you will possibly need etc...

Here in the UK to get a pet shop license, you need to contact the local council, im not sure what the american equivalent is but depending on which county you live in here in the UK, a pet shop license costs between £75 ($130) - £750 (£1,304) per year!!

I am also just about to complete my second year of my National Diploma in Animal Care (NDAC). I'm actually finding it the mostp ointless and useless waste of time but for personal reasons my grades have slipped so far that im working at a 'Pass' level instead of a 'Distinction' level and now i can get onto the Higher Diploma so i am going to be looking into working part time in a petshop, hopefully in Pets @ Home as i feel i know 10x more than the staff there about the animal care side *sighs* and i also work part time on an Alpaca Breeding Farm.

[Songbird]

Moosley - same course as I completed nearly 6 years ago. Despite thinking it's a waste of time it's actually very benefitial to help you find a good job, and the HNDAC will help that even further. I thought for the HNDAC you had to have a grade at Merit or above? I was offered a placement on it but i'm not the kind of person who likes spending time inside the classroom, I like getting my hands dirty ;). I'm sure from what Cait has said that she knows the kind of start-up costs involved, and is working her way from the bottom up and doing a lot of research along the way, which is the best way to start.

[Moosley]

I think maybe the ocurse just seems pointless because the actually college is dreadfull! (Berkshire College of Agriculture)

Became more pointless in the last year knowing my final option is between a short course on Cats & Dogs (ok if you like cats and dogs... which i dont) or microbiology which is the last thing im going to do!

Im a practical person and very dyslexic, id rather just get on and do the hard work (hence working on a farm in my free time) i just cant do anything beyond pass at the moment so wont get the merit. All my work last year was done to distinction but all was handed in late and only marked to pass... and same with this year.

I would quite like to help run a petshop, a very close friend has just got her license and is planning on opening a shop in the next few years, she is currently breeding and selling from home. But she said if i was to be the breeder.. she'd buy all her animals from me so...

[Songbird]

Ah I see, the college that I attended is Rodbaston Agricultural College, and the setup must vary slightly as we didn't have any option as to which extra module we would be doing - but then again the course could've been upgraded since I left as it is going back a little while now. Never helps if you do not like the environment you're working in.
It is good to breed, but to be honest (breeding a variety of animals myself - mainly exotic s which are rarely found in shops anyway) if you're doing it the right way you're not going to make much or any profit from it. I "breed for the breed" and to better the species as a general. Any money that's made basically covers feeding, cleaning and any veterninary costs and that's all so it's a low profit area. It's a nice way to interact closely with your chosen species and know that you are helping to improve them but that's about it. I know many shops will go for animals bred by private breeders where they can because the overall quality and health and temperament is much better because the animals are of better quality. It's always nice to work with small private hobby breeders as their animals excel and you can see the owners have a real sense of pride and loving for their animals.

[Caitandcritters]

Yep, Skwee, I have a lot of it figured out. I even have a general location. :)

I've been looking into two different schools. One is strictly business, and the other has animal related classes. I'm leaning towards the business one, as that's mainly what I need. Have the animal part down, I believe. ;) It's also closer to where I want to be, near my family, and close to location and work.

I've been getting advice from other people who own stores/breed. I realize it'll take a bit to set up a breeder program. But I do have a few sources already for the animals I do plan on breeding. And always quality first. I've always been interested in animal husbandry, to incorporate it into my career is like a highlight. I've been working out details about that, as well.

[jkbudde14]

I hope to open a pet store soon!!