Pet business ideas you can start for up to $20,000
12 ideas
A budget of up to $20,000 opens up a good range of pet businesses in Australia, from service work to small online shops. This page lists 12 ideas, including a home pet grooming studio, an online bird supplies store and a home-based dog day care.
Home-based dog day care
Look after a small group of dogs in your home and secure backyard while their owners are at work.
- A$1.5k-6k
- Part-time
- From home
Online bird supplies store
Sell bird food, toys, cages and accessories online to bird owners, without needing a shopfront.
- A$3k-15k
- Side hustle
- Online
Home pet grooming studio
Groom dogs in a converted garage or laundry at home, one appointment at a time.
- A$3k-12k
- Side hustle
- From home
Home-based pedigree cat breeder
Breed a small number of healthy, registered cats at home and rehome kittens to pet and show buyers.
- A$2k-10k
- Side hustle
- From home
Home fish room with online and local sales
Breed or grow out tropical fish at home and sell fish and supplies to hobbyists online or by local pickup.
- A$1.5k-8k
- Side hustle
- From home
Home-based pond fish breeder and seller
Raise goldfish and other ornamental pond fish at home and sell to local garden owners.
- A$1.5k-7.5k
- Side hustle
- From home
Small-scale home dog breeder
Breed one or two healthy, health-tested litters a year of a breed you know well and match puppies with good homes.
- A$3k-15k
- Side hustle
- From home
Home fish room with local pickup sales
Run a small home fish room selling healthy aquarium fish and basic supplies to local hobbyists by appointment or pickup.
- A$3k-15k
- Side hustle
- From home
Home-based goldfish and aquarium supplies
Sell goldfish and fish-keeping supplies from a home fish room by appointment, plus local pickup orders.
- A$3k-12k
- Side hustle
- From home
Home-based cat boarding with a few pens
Convert a spare room or outbuilding into a few quiet cat pens at home.
- A$3k-15k
- Side hustle
- From home
Online pond supplies store
Sell pond liners, pumps, filters and treatments online to garden owners and hobbyists across Australia.
- A$3k-15k
- Side hustle
- Online
Pet collection and cremation arranger
Gently collect pets from homes and vets, arrange cremation or burial with a partner, and return ashes and keepsakes.
- A$3k-15k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
About these ideas
They suit people who are comfortable around animals, can handle early mornings and messy jobs, and want to build something steady rather than quick. Before you choose, think about where you would run it. Home-based ideas depend on your property, your neighbours and your local council's rules, so check those first. Then consider the daily care involved, any training or licences, insurance, and how many customers you need to cover your costs. Each idea has its own page with startup costs and next steps.
Questions
Do I need council approval to run a pet business from home?
Often you may need to check with your local council, because home-based animal businesses can be affected by zoning, animal numbers and noise rules. Contact them before spending money, and ask about any permits or conditions that could apply to your address.
Are there licences or registrations to check for breeding or boarding?
Requirements can vary by state and territory. For breeding, boarding or day care, check for registration rules, animal welfare codes, and any breeder or microchipping obligations. Your state agriculture or local council office is a sensible place to start.
What insurance should I look at before taking in other people's pets?
Look at public liability insurance and ask insurers whether you need cover for animals in your care, injuries, or property damage. Cover options differ between providers, so compare policies and confirm that your specific activity is included before you start.