How to Market a Pet Related Business

By Kristie Leong M.D., published May 16, 2008
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Do you enjoy being around animals and want to start a business of your own? With pet owners holding their pets in such high esteem these days, a pet related business can be your ticket to success. Pet businesses with a bright future run the gamut from doggy day care centers to pet training and grooming services. Once you decide which pet related business is for you, you'll need to develop a marketing plan to bring in clients and their pets. Here are some ideas on how to market a pet business:

Market a pet related business: Co-market with veterinarians

Regardless of what pet related service you choose to offer, co-marketing with veterinary offices in your area is a recipe for success. Ask if you can place brochures in the waiting room or display a container of business cards at the counter where customers check out. This should give you lots of targeted marketing without costing a fortune.

Market a pet related business: Market at the dog park

If you're offer a dog related service such as training or doggy day care center, you'll want to become a regular at your local dog park. When you visit the park take along a generous stack of business cards. Mingle with dog owners while introducing your business in a low key, unobtrusive way. You can also talk to dog owners to see what additional services they would like to see offered.

Market a pet related business: Sponsor a charitable event

Attract the attention of the community and do a good deed at the same time by sponsoring an event for charity. For example, if you do dog grooming, hold a Saturday event where all of the proceeds collected for the grooming goes to an animal rescue organization or your local SPCA. Send out a press release to local publications letting them know about the big event.

Market a pet related business: Co-market with other local pet businesses

Team up with pet stores and other non-competing pet businesses in your area. Do joint advertising in a targeted, local community publication. By featuring both ads in one space, you'll cut your advertising costs in half. You can also team up with other pet businesses locally and sponsor special pet related events in your area.

Comments
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Incredibly good write, Kristie! Now if I can just teach my Beagle to type, maybe I could start a pet-related business (smile). Be well, Michael

Posted on 05/19/2008 at 4:05:38 PM

 
Good article Kristie.

Posted on 05/19/2008 at 9:05:28 AM

 
Great ideas!!

Posted on 05/18/2008 at 11:05:08 PM

 
These are great ideas for those looking to work with animals. My kids walk dogs from time to time...I'll have to ask the vet if he'd put a flyer up or something! Thanx for the ideas...great article!

Posted on 05/18/2008 at 8:05:32 PM

 
Super ideas! I love the offer a free photo of the freshly cleaned pooch!

Posted on 05/18/2008 at 1:05:08 PM

 
one of my friends used to have a dog walking service in LA. He used a lot of similar marketing tips like yours and he was VERY successful. At one point, he was making $6,000 a month walking dogs!!!

Posted on 05/17/2008 at 9:05:17 PM

 
Terrific ideas like always!!

Posted on 05/17/2008 at 8:05:52 AM

 
These sure are unique ideas for marketing your pet business. You are so creative. My hubby wants to start an animal rescue center when we retire. I'll be looking this up again when that happens. Thanks.

Posted on 05/17/2008 at 7:05:10 AM

 
Wonderful job on this, great tips!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted on 05/17/2008 at 4:05:17 AM

 
Very smart ideas!

Posted on 05/16/2008 at 10:05:02 PM

 
Very good Doc

Posted on 05/16/2008 at 9:05:05 PM

 
What a great idea for animal lovers! Love it!

Posted on 05/16/2008 at 9:05:02 PM

 
terrific marketing tips!

Posted on 05/16/2008 at 9:05:27 PM

 
Great know how's. You are just full of wonderful ideas!

Posted on 05/16/2008 at 8:05:11 PM

 
Excellent article!!

Posted on 05/16/2008 at 8:05:27 PM

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