How to Start a Pet-Related Business During COVID

By Ainsley Lawrence

While many businesses have struggled throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, certain industries have seen growth because of the necessary adjustments we’ve all had to make. The gig economy is booming, food delivery has become more important than ever, and video conferencing companies have seen huge jumps in success.

Pet-related businesses are also on the rise. This is due, in part, to the fact that many people have adopted pets during the pandemic. Many shelters across the country were nearly emptied when “lockdown” orders were issued earlier in 2020. So, it’s a great time to start a pet-related business to help all of those new owners out!

Of course, it’s important to keep in mind that because we’re dealing with such uncertain times, starting any type of business comes with a few potential risks. But, choosing an industry that is on the rise and making smart business decisions can help you to achieve success, even during a global pandemic.

So, if you’re a pet lover yourself and you want to help both people and their four-legged friends, how can you start a successful pet-related business during COVID?

Follow Safety Standards

One of the most important things you can do at the moment is to familiarize yourself with all laws, regulations, and guidelines put in place to keep yourself and others safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. It has been established that dogs and cats can, indeed, contract the virus. It is believed that the few cases that have occurred in pets are the result of close interactions with humans who had the virus.

If you have a business where you are directly interacting with animals, social distancing from them may not be possible. But, there are a few things you can do to reduce your risk of putting yourself or the pet you’re caring for in danger, including:

• Avoiding large crowds
• Not going to local dog parts
• Keeping a six-foot distance from other people/animals
• Washing your hands frequently

You can make pet owners feel safe and comfortable by offering things like contactless payment options, contactless drop-off/pick-up (for pet sitting, dog walking, etc.), and by scheduling any employees you may have at different times so only a few people are working together at once. These precautionary measures show people who might want to utilize your new business that you are taking the pandemic seriously and you care about their wellbeing, as well as the health of their pet.

Give Pet Owners What They Need

The success of any business is based on fulfilling a need. During the pandemic, more people have been willing to help out small businesses to keep them open. The support has been great all over the country. But, if your business isn’t giving consumers something they’re interested in, they’re not going to be able to support you for long. So, with more people working from home or just spending more of their free time at home, what sort of pet-related business can thrive?

Believe it or not, there are plenty of ways your pet business can still succeed. Some of the best options now, and for the future include:

• Dog walking
• Pet sitting
• Grooming
• Boarding
• Training

These are all things that can be done safely while following COVID guidelines. Dog walking, grooming, and training can all be done while wearing a mask. If you’re pet sitting or boarding for a dog or cat, you can market your new business’ safety procedures by including things like frequent sanitizing, contact tracing, and contactless pick-ups and drop-offs.

How to Help Your Business Succeed

You might already be one step ahead of the game because the pet industry is so popular right now. But, it’s still important to know how to manage your business and commit to the best practices for success.

One of the best things you can do, especially when working with people’s pets, is provide superior customer service. Doing so will generate buzz about your business, and will trigger word-of-mouth advertisers that will help you to grow.

Another important key to success, especially in these uncertain times, is showing adaptability. Even if you’re just starting out as a business, showing that your brand can adapt to the changes that are taking place will not only boost your business’ resilience but show your clients/customers how dedicated you are. People want to work with businesses that feel stable and strong. Ironically enough, being flexible does just that.

It doesn’t matter what type of pet-related business you’re thinking about starting. With more people adopting lately, you could be stepping into a great market. But, it’s still important to be safe, be realistic, and understand that for your business to succeed, you’re going to have to put every effort into getting through the rest of this pandemic. If you’re willing to put in that work, you just may find yourself with a howling-good business on your hands for years to come!

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Ainsley Lawrence is a freelance writer that lives in the Northwest region of the United States. She has a particular interest in covering topics related to good health, balanced life, and better living through technology. When not writing, her free time is spent reading and researching to learn more about her cultural and environmental surroundings. You can follow her on Twitter @AinsleyLawrenc3