20 Business Ideas For Pet Parents [2024]
Are you a pet parent with an entrepreneurial spirit? The growing pet industry offers numerous opportunities for you to turn your love for animals into a profitable venture. As more people consider pets part of the family, the demand for innovative products and services keeps rising.
In this article, we'll explore various business ideas tailored for pet parents like you. From pet sitting services to specialty pet foods, there are plenty of avenues to combine your passion for pets with a viable business model. Read on to discover how you could transform your unique insights and experiences as a pet parent into a successful business in 2024.
For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other pet parent businesses to help you see what it takes.
Here's the full list:
1. Start a subscription box business ($97.9K/month)
Starting a subscription box business is a fantastic way to leverage your passion for pets into a profitable venture. As a pet parent, you could curate niche products that other pet owners would appreciate and look forward to receiving monthly. With subscription boxes in high demand, offering exclusive and high-quality items can create a loyal customer base and generate consistent revenue.
Check out some successful stories from other subscription box businesses to inspire your journey and understand the potential of this booming market.
Why start a subscription box business?
- You could turn your love for pets into a monthly recurring income by curating unique products for pet owners.
- There is a growing demand for customized, high-quality pet products that a subscription box can fulfill.
- You can build a strong community and loyal customer base that eagerly anticipates your monthly offerings.
How much you can make: $400 — $400,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $210 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Vowed Box Co. is a line of curated, quirky gift boxes with non-traditional brides in mind, offering four different products that have helped the business become profitable most months since its launch in 2018, with a monthly income of roughly $600.
2. Start a dropshipping business ($414K/month)
Starting a dropshipping business is an excellent way for pet parents to supplement their income while taking care of their furry friends. With dropshipping, you don't need to worry about holding inventory; instead, you sell products directly from suppliers to your customers. The flexibility this business model offers enables you to focus on marketing and customer service from the comfort of your home, allowing you more quality time with your pets. To learn more about this business model, check out this guide on dropshipping business startup costs.
Why start a dropshipping business? - You could easily manage your business while still being available for your pets. - Low upfront investment and no need for physical inventory make it accessible. - Flexible hours allow you to work on your schedule, fitting around your pet care routines.
How much you can make: $6,000 — $3,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $8,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 10 hours/week
Entrepreneur Kamil Sattar has developed multiple six-figure drop shipping businesses, and his company, e-commerce mentoring, specializes in helping others create their own successful companies, with favorite platforms including using Shopify and apps such as Loox reviews and SMSBump.
3. Start an ecommerce reselling business ($83.3K/month)
Starting an eCommerce reselling business as a pet parent is a practical and accessible way to earn extra income. By purchasing goods or services for resale, you could enter the online business world without the burden of production costs. The flexibility of this model allows you to start small, leveraging social media platforms before expanding to a full-fledged website as your business grows. This approach provides the perfect balance between managing your pet parent responsibilities and building a successful side hustle.
Why start an eCommerce reselling business?
- You could start with minimal initial investment, focusing on buying and reselling instead of creating products from scratch.
- A social media-based business allows you to work from home, making it easier to manage your time around your pet's needs.
- As your business grows, you could develop a scalable platform, evolving from social media channels to a comprehensive eCommerce website.
For more insights, check out this eCommerce reselling business success story.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $150,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,999 (?)
How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)
Empyre Off-Road, an e-commerce business founded by Greg Shuey which sells aftermarket parts for Toyota Tacomas, Tundras, and 4Runners, generated approximately $100,000 a month in revenue and was able to expand its product offering, focusing on content marketing, email marketing campaigns, and organic social media to attract and retain customers.
4. Start a stock photography business ($14.6K/month)
Starting a stock photography business is a fantastic way for pet parents to supplement their income or even create a full-fledged side hustle. By capturing charming and unique photos of your pets in various scenarios, you could build a profitable portfolio that sells to businesses and bloggers for their marketing needs. With the right photography gear and a solid online presence, your furry friends could become internet stars, all while generating a passive income stream.
Why start a stock photography business?
- High demand for pet photos in marketing. Businesses and bloggers often need captivating pet images for their content.
- Flexible work that fits around your schedule. Shoot photos in your free time and upload them at your convenience.
- Turn your passion for pets into profits. Leverage your love for animals to create appealing stock photos that fetch great returns.
For more inspiration and tips on how to succeed, check out our collection of success stories in the stock photography business.
How much you can make: $1,200 — $45,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Pro Photo Studio founder Tsour Lee Adato shares how she turned a $5k investment into a business that services over 500 clients annually and makes approximately $350k per year with plans to expand and become a 7-figure business while offering advice to fellow entrepreneurs to always be innovating, learning and growing, and not to undervalue themselves.
5. Start a niche blog ($31.5K/month)
Starting a niche blog as a pet parent offers a unique opportunity to share your insights, experiences, and passion for pets with a broader audience. Not only can you engage with like-minded individuals, but you also have the chance to turn your expertise into a viable income stream. By focusing on pet-related topics, you could provide in-depth content such as pet care guides, product reviews, or training tips.
Why start a niche blog?
- Tap into a passionate and growing community of pet lovers eager for information and advice.
- Monetize your blog through affiliate links, collaborations with pet brands, and sponsored content.
- Flexibility in terms of working hours and the ability to scale as your blog gains popularity.
For more insights on starting a niche blog, visit Starter Story.
How much you can make: $100 — $650,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $650 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Starter Story grew to 1.4 million monthly visitors and millions in annual revenue by sharing the stories of entrepreneurs. Pat breaks down the early days and how he grew the business into something that changed his life.
6. Start a YouTube channel ($72.1K/month)
Starting a YouTube channel as a pet parent could be a fantastic way to supplement your income or even build a full-fledged business. With endless possibilities for content—be it pet care guides, daily vlogs with your furry friends, or even educational pieces—you have the chance to combine your passion for your pets with a thriving online platform. This not only allows you to share your unique experiences and knowledge but also opens avenues for monetizing through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise.
Building a successful YouTube channel will demand effort and consistency. From planning and filming your videos to engaging with your audience, the journey could be rewarding both personally and financially. For more on building a successful YouTube channel, check out this guide on Starter Story.
Why start a YouTube channel?
- Share your love for pets while earning extra income through ads and sponsorships.
- Flexible content possibilities allow you to tap into various niches and reach a wide audience.
- Build a personal brand that can lead to significant long-term opportunities.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $333,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,250 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
This case study follows the journey of a young entrepreneur from Nigeria who started a profitable blog generating a monthly revenue of $1,500+ through sales of advertising space, sponsored posts, and information products, and shares his strategies for success including a Twitter growth challenge and guest post pitches.
7. Start an email marketing tool ($992K/month)
Starting an email marketing tool could be a fantastic opportunity for entrepreneurial-minded pet parents. Email marketing is one of the most effective and scalable ways to reach a larger audience, helping businesses of all sizes. As a pet parent, you could create a tool that caters specifically to pet-related businesses, such as veterinarians, pet stores, and pet grooming services, providing them with an essential way to connect with their customers.
Why consider creating an email marketing tool?
- You could tap into a booming industry, with the global email marketing tool market expected to reach $2.53 billion by 2028.
- Pet businesses often need efficient ways to stay connected with their customers, creating a clear demand for specialized email marketing tools.
- It could be relatively easy to start, requiring just a domain and hosting account to begin, with the potential for exponential growth as you develop your tool.
For more details on starting an email marketing tool business, read some success stories on Starter Story.
How much you can make: $120 — $20,833,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
H-supertools founder Hasan developed a set of free SEO and digital marketing tools generating $2k per month in profit using Google Adsense, affiliate marketing, selling ad spaces, and email, plans to launch a membership option, and has attained over 80k registered users and 300k monthly visits in less than two years.
8. Start an affiliate marketing business ($77.5K/month)
As a pet parent, starting an affiliate marketing business can provide a flexible way to supplement your income or even create a full-time business. By promoting pet-related products and services, you could earn commissions for each sale generated through your unique affiliate links. Whether it's high-quality pet food, toys, or grooming tools, you could monetize your passion for pets by sharing products you trust and love with other pet parents through blogs, social media, or a dedicated website. For more tips and strategies, visit Starter Story’s Affiliate Marketing Business Tips.
Why consider affiliate marketing as a pet parent?
- You could earn passive income by promoting pet products you already love and use.
- Flexibility to work around your pet parenting schedule, allowing you to spend more time with your furry friends.
- Minimal startup costs, making it an accessible business opportunity without significant financial risk.
How much you can make: $500 — $773,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $700 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
This case study explores how Spencer Mecham founded Buildapreneur, an affiliate marketing business, and has made over half a million dollars in profit with no employees, relying solely on content marketing through platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.
9. Start an online course sales business ($85K/month)
As a pet parent, starting an online course sales business can be a fantastic way to share your expertise and passion while generating extra income. If you have a specific skill or knowledge—be it dog training, pet nutrition, or pet grooming—you could create a series of online courses tailored for pet owners looking to enhance their skills. With the burgeoning e-learning market expected to be worth over $645 Billion in the next few years, your initial efforts can produce long-term financial benefits as more people enroll.
You’ll need to pinpoint your target audience, craft high-quality courses, and select a suitable online learning platform to market and sell your courses. This endeavor can turn into a lucrative stream of passive income, allowing you the flexibility to spend more time with your furry friends while helping others manage their pets more effectively. For more insights and success stories, check out this page on Starter Story.
Why starting an online course sales business?
- You could monetize your passion and expertise while helping others.
- This business offers flexible work hours, allowing you to spend more time with your pets.
- The growing e-learning market presents a vast opportunity for scalable income.
How much you can make: $100 — $300,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
A multipreneur shares how she built a successful print on demand side hustle, generating $120,000 per year through multiple brands spread over various platforms.
10. Start a niche website ($107K/month)
As a pet parent, turning your passion for pets into a niche website could be an excellent way to supplement your income, make extra money, or even start a side business. By focusing on a specialized topic that you’re passionate about and knowledgeable in, you can engage a dedicated audience with targeted content and products. From sharing pet care tips to reviewing pet products, the possibilities are endless for creating valuable content that fellow pet parents will love.
With various monetization options like affiliate marketing, ad placements, or selling digital products, your niche website could become a reliable source of passive income. This business idea offers both creative freedom and long-term potential revenue.
Here are a few examples of successful niche websites to inspire you.
Why start a niche website?
- You'll turn your passion into profit by sharing insightful pet-related content.
- You'll enjoy creative freedom and control over what you publish.
- You'll generate passive income once your site attracts a loyal following.
How much you can make: $400 — $250,000/month
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
DPW (Digital Procurement World) is a fast-growing conference and community in procurement that has more than tripled in revenue since launching in 2019, capping out the year at €1.8 million, with 95% of their growth coming from inbound traffic leveraging LinkedIn and applying social selling techniques.
11. Print on demand business ($411K/month)
Starting a print-on-demand business is a savvy opportunity for pet parents looking to supplement their income and potentially create a full-fledged business from the comfort of home. This business model allows you to sell customized products like apparel, home goods, and phone cases without the hassle of keeping inventory, thanks to dropshipping production and fulfillment services. By leveraging platforms such as Amazon, eBay, and Etsy, you could focus on creating trendy and unique pet-themed designs that cater to a global audience.
Why start a print on demand business?
- Minimal startup costs and no inventory headaches mean you could get started quickly and easily.
- As a pet parent, you already understand what your fellow pet lovers are looking for in unique, customized products.
- You could manage the business from home, giving you more time with your furry friends while generating extra income.
For more detailed insights, including the pros and cons, check out this page on Starter Story: /ideas/print-on-demand-business/pros-and-cons.
How much you can make: $200 — $3,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Founder Roy Kirchner shares how he started an eCommerce business specializing in 3D printing with an initial investment of $65,000, which now averages monthly gross sales of $330,000 and has partnered with international manufacturers and local businesses while offering technical support and education.
12. Start an ai based business solution ($55.8K/month)
Thinking about leveraging cutting-edge technology to streamline business operations? Consider starting an AI-based business solution as a pet parent. This innovative idea allows you to optimize various aspects of your business processes, such as customer service, inventory management, data analysis, and personalized marketing—all crucial for staying ahead in a competitive market.
By integrating AI solutions, you could enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and make data-driven decisions, all while balancing your responsibilities as a pet parent. Plus, many platform providers offer user-friendly interfaces and robust support systems, so you don’t need an extensive tech background to get started. For more information on the advantages and opportunities, check out these success stories about AI-based businesses.
Why start an AI-based business solution?
- AI tools can automate repetitive tasks, giving you more time to spend with your pets.
- They provide valuable customer insights, helping you to better meet client needs and grow your business.
- The growing demand for AI solutions can position you at the forefront of an expansive and lucrative market.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $120,000/month
How long does it take to build: 125 days (?)
Mikkelsen Twins grew an online education company from scratch with over 800 students, making over 6-figures in profit every month thanks to their successful program, Audiobook Income Academy 2.0.
13. Create a mobile app ($70.3K/month)
Thinking about starting a side business as a pet parent? Developing a mobile app could be a lucrative and flexible option that allows you to blend your love for pets with a potential income stream. Whether you create an app that helps fellow pet owners manage their pet's schedules, find the nearest pet-friendly parks, or even connect with local pet sitters, the possibilities are vast and engaging.
By building a mobile app, you could tap into the growing market of pet owners who are increasingly relying on technology to enhance their pet parenting experience. With the right idea and execution, your app could become an essential tool for both new and seasoned pet owners alike. For inspiration and more success stories, check out some real-life examples on Starter Story here.
Why create a mobile app?
- You could address common pain points for pet owners, creating a tool they can't live without.
- The pet industry is booming, and a well-executed app has the potential to capture a sizable market share.
- Mobile apps can generate continuous revenue through multiple monetization strategies like ads, subscriptions, or in-app purchases.
How much you can make: $1 — $500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
BACH, an app that plans and books bachelorette parties, has grown from $0 to >$1M net revenue run rate in less than 6 months, gained over 100,000 users in their first 60 days, and has over 40,000 parties using the app this month.
14. Start a cold email service business ($170K/month)
Running a cold email service business can be an excellent idea for pet parents looking to supplement their income or start a new side hustle. This venture involves helping other businesses craft and deliver targeted email campaigns to prospective clients, providing an opportunity to utilize your knack for engaging writing and strategic thinking. If you already spend time at home caring for your furry friends, the flexibility of a cold email service business allows you to balance both work and pet parenting efficiently. For more insights and success stories, visit Starter Story.
Why starting a cold email service business?
- It offers flexibility, allowing you to work from home and spend more time with your pets.
- The demand for effective lead generation services is consistent, providing a stable income stream.
- You can leverage your existing writing and marketing skills to build a highly scalable business.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $450,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $200 (?)
How long does it take to build: 35 days (?)
GMass, an email marketing platform that allows users to send cold emails and email marketing campaigns with Gmail, has attracted over 500,000 user signups, including major tech companies like Uber, LinkedIn, and Google, and now generates over $200K in monthly recurring revenue through a successful content marketing strategy and focused ad spend.
15. Develop a lead generation tool ($108K/month)
As a pet parent with an entrepreneurial spirit, creating a lead generation tool can be a fantastic way to diversify your income. This business involves developing a software platform that simplifies the process of identifying and capturing potential customer leads for various businesses, freeing them up to focus on converting those leads into clients. By integrating your tool with websites, social media platforms, and other digital touchpoints, you could gather valuable contact information and consumer interests effortlessly.
With the ever-growing demand for efficient lead generation, this venture can be a lucrative opportunity. Not only does it serve a critical need for businesses of all sizes, but it also offers a flexible and scalable income stream. If you're tech-savvy and have an eye for marketing, this could be your chance to create a profitable side business or even a full-time endeavor.
Why start a lead generation tool?
- You could automate the lead capture process for businesses, saving them time and effort.
- You could fulfill a high-demand need in the market, given the importance of efficient lead generation.
- You could create a flexible business model that can grow with your commitments as a pet parent.
For more insights on this business idea, explore lead generation startup costs and marketing strategies.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $400,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $600 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Dux-Soup is a LinkedIn automation tool that helps business owners and sales & marketing professionals generate more leads, increase efficiency, and save time; with over 70,000 users and revenue of nearly $5 million, it offers automated top-of-the-funnel LinkedIn outreach activities, targeted LinkedIn campaigns and multi-touch & personalized LinkedIn drip campaigns for lead generation.
16. Create an AI writing tool ($255K/month)
As a pet parent, creating an AI writing tool offers an innovative way to supplement your income while being able to spend more time with your furry friends. Imagine developing a tool that not only eases the workload of bloggers, students, and businesses but also allows you to work flexibly from the comfort of your home. Leveraging the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, your tool could revolutionize content creation by producing engaging and accurate content in a time-efficient manner. Check out how you could start this exciting journey and see success stories here.
Why create an AI writing tool?
- You could offer a time-efficient solution for content creators struggling to meet deadlines.
- The flexibility of this business allows you to balance work while spending plenty of time with your pets.
- Given the high and constant demand for quality content, your AI tool could become indispensable for various industries.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $1,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 52 days (?)
Rytr, a new AI writing assistant developed by a startup platform and business incubator, has become a market leader, serving over 300,000 customers across the world and doing seven figures in ARR.
17. Start a social media automation business ($139K/month)
Imagine managing multiple social media accounts effortlessly while driving engagement and growth. As a pet parent, you could leverage this opportunity to create a social media automation business, helping clients like small businesses and influencers save significant time and enhance their online presence. This business would involve developing or integrating software solutions to schedule posts, automate interactions, and analyze data across various platforms.
With the growing need for strategic social media engagement, there's a significant demand for automation. For those with a knack for technology and marketing, starting a social media automation business can be both a lucrative and fulfilling endeavor. Explore more about starting a social media automation business here.
Why start a social media automation business?
- You could work from home, providing flexibility to manage your pet-parent responsibilities.
- You could tap into the rising demand for social media management, creating a steady income stream.
- You could use your tech and marketing skills to create innovative solutions that drive real results for clients.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $400,000/month
How long does it take to build: 50 days (?)
MeetEdgar, a bootstrapped social media automation tool founded in 2014 by Laura Roeder, has grown to $4 million in annual recurring revenue and more than 5,000 customers, with a team size of two dozen, achieved through content marketing, social media marketing, and organic search.
18. Start a health and wellness app ($108K/month)
As a pet parent looking to diversify your income, starting a health and wellness app offers an exciting opportunity. Imagine an app that helps users with personalized fitness routines, nutrition plans, mental well-being exercises, and progress tracking, all from the convenience of their smartphones. By creating this platform, you could provide users with a virtual coach experience, offering expert advice on everything from water intake to yoga practices and meal planning, tailored to individual needs.
In addition to its practical appeal, developing this app involves market research, collaboration with health experts, app development, and effective marketing strategies. However, the potential for positively impacting lives while tapping into the growing health and wellness market makes this venture particularly compelling. If you're passionate about health, technology, and pet care, this could be your path to a meaningful and thriving business. For more insights, check out these success stories.
Why start a health and wellness app?
- You could tap into a growing market of health-conscious individuals seeking digital solutions.
- You’d provide valuable resources and expert advice, enhancing users' overall well-being.
- You’d create a scalable business model with the ability to reach a wide audience through app stores and digital marketing.
How much you can make: $600 — $300,000/month
How long does it take to build: 200 days (?)
Founder and CEO of SelfDecode, Joe Cohen, explains how his company helps people discover personalized diet, supplement, and lifestyle recommendations based on DNA and lab tests; generating about $2.7 million in revenue over the past year and raising $8 million in a crowdfunding campaign, SelfDecode provides personalized health recommendations prioritized on unique genetic variants, marking the future of healthcare.
19. Start a wordpress plugin business ($33.4K/month)
Starting a WordPress plugin business could be an excellent opportunity for pet parents looking to supplement their income or start a new side hustle. With a little technical know-how, you could create plugins that cater to pet-related needs, such as pet adoption listings, pet care tips, or even virtual pet training modules. This business is highly flexible, allowing you to work from home and set your own hours, making it a perfect fit for those with pets who require attention and care. For insights on how to get started, check out these success stories from various WordPress plugin businesses.
Why consider starting a WordPress plugin business?
- You have the flexibility to work from home, giving you more time to care for your pets.
- The pet industry is booming, and niche plugins can cater to a specific audience, offering solutions to common pet-related issues.
- By developing a successful plugin, you could create a steady stream of passive income, easing financial pressures while enjoying time with your pets.
How much you can make: $120 — $120,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Wheely Sales CEO Josh created a lucky wheel popup that has grown revenue from $0 to $600/month in just 4 months since getting started and has attracted over 1.1 million users to his customers’ websites, all while proving that when it comes to creating a product, competition is validation.
20. Start a podcast ($97.9K/month)
Starting a podcast could be an excellent way for a pet parent to supplement their income or create a side business. By sharing your knowledge and experiences with fellow pet enthusiasts, you can build a dedicated audience and potentially attract sponsors or advertisers. Podcasts are a popular form of entertainment and information-sharing, and with the right niche and content, you can establish a profitable venture with a relatively low initial investment. Check out how other podcasters found success.
Why start a podcast?
- You could tap into a growing market. Many people are increasingly turning to podcasts for their daily dose of entertainment and information.
- Sharing your passion for pets could help you build a strong community. Engaging content can attract like-minded pet lovers.
- You could generate multiple streams of income. Sponsorships, advertisements, and even listener donations could turn your passion project into a full-fledged business.
How much you can make: $400 — $1,020,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 2 hours/week
A successful podcast production company that grew from one client making $15/hour to a team of 10 contractors producing over 30 shows per week with revenue of over $10k/mo, primarily through referrals and with a focus on providing high personal touch and being picky about working only with clients who are a good fit.
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Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.