Pet business ideas you can start for up to $5,000
11 ideas
These 12 pet business ideas suit people who love animals and want to start with a modest budget rather than a shopfront or big loan. Some are hands-on, like home-based dog boarding or a local pet taxi.
Home-based cat boarding
Look after other people's cats in a calm spare room at your home while their owners are away.
- A$500-3k
- Side hustle
- From home
Home-based dog boarding
Look after a few dogs in your own home while their owners are away, with a family-style stay.
- A$500-3.5k
- Side hustle
- From home
Local pet taxi
Drive pets to the vet, groomer, kennel or airport in your own car for owners who can't make the trip.
- A$500-4k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
International pet relocation coordinator
Organise paperwork, vet tests, bookings and flights for people moving pets in or out of Australia, from home.
- A$1k-5k
- Side hustle
- From home
In-home dog trainer
Visit owners at home to teach their dog manners, lead walking and basic obedience.
- A$500-3k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Puppy and dog group classes
Run weekly puppy school and obedience classes from a hired hall or paddock.
- A$1k-5k
- Part-time
- Own premises
Online dog training coach
Coach owners over video call and give simple training plans they follow at home.
- A$200-1.5k
- Side hustle
- Online
Pet and home sitting service
Offer a trusted team of sitters who stay in clients' homes and look after pets and plants.
- A$300-2k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
In-home pet boarding
Look after dogs or cats in your own home while their owners are away on holiday or work trips.
- A$300-2.5k
- Side hustle
- From home
In-home cat behaviour and trick trainer
Visit cat owners at home to fix problem behaviours and teach tricks using reward-based training.
- A$500-2.5k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Online cat behaviour coach
Coach cat owners over video call to solve behaviour issues and teach tricks from anywhere.
- A$300-1.5k
- Side hustle
- Online
About these ideas
Others lean on your training skills, such as Puppy and obedience classes. Before choosing, think about your space, your schedule and how much animal handling you are comfortable with. Check what your local council expects for animal numbers, noise, vehicles or home businesses, and whether you need insurance, a venue or any qualifications to be taken seriously by clients. Start by testing demand with a few local pet owners, then price your service to cover costs, your time and quiet periods.
Questions
What should I check before starting a pet business from home in Australia?
Check your local council's rules on home businesses and animal numbers, your lease or strata by-laws if you rent or live in a unit, and whether your insurance covers clients' animals. Also consider noise, fencing and neighbours.
Do I need qualifications to start a dog training or pet care business?
Requirements can vary by state, council and service type. It is worth checking whether any licences, registrations or codes of practice apply. Even where not required, relevant training, first aid and references can help build trust with clients.
How do I keep startup costs under $5,000 in a pet business?
Start with a service that uses what you already have, such as your home, car or skills. Budget for insurance, basic equipment, a simple website and local marketing, and add extras only once you have regular paying customers.