Pet business ideas with a startup budget over $20,000
17 ideas
These 18 pet business ideas suit people who have savings, a loan or a redundancy payout to put behind something more substantial. A bigger budget usually buys a vehicle, a fit-out or premises.
Dog day care centre with its own premises
Lease a fenced site or unit and run a daily dog care centre with a small team of staff.
- A$100k-300k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Group dog walking and park adventures
Collect several dogs in a van and take them to parks or bushland for longer group walks.
- A$20k-70k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Local bird shop
Run a small shop selling birds, cages, seed and supplies to bird keepers in your area.
- A$30k-120k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Mobile pet grooming van
Drive a fitted grooming van to owners' driveways and groom dogs and cats on the spot.
- A$20k-90k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Pet grooming salon
Open a small shopfront salon with regular bookings and room to add a second groomer.
- A$30k-90k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Boarding kennel on its own premises
Run a purpose-built kennel with runs and play yards, caring for many dogs at a time.
- A$250k-500k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Interstate pet transport by road
Move pets between cities and states in a fitted-out van for owners relocating or buying from breeders.
- A$8k-40k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Pond fish supplier to landscapers and aquatic shops
Hold stock of koi and goldfish in a small fish house and supply landscapers and aquatic shops.
- A$8k-40k
- Part-time
- Own premises
Local aquarium fish and supplies shop
Open a small shop selling aquarium fish, tanks, food and supplies, with advice for beginners and keen hobbyists.
- A$40k-120k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Local goldfish and aquarium shop
Open a small shop selling goldfish, tanks, filters and feed to families and hobbyists in your area.
- A$25k-80k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Dog-friendly café with a shop front
Run a local café with a fenced outdoor area where owners can enjoy coffee and food with their dogs.
- A$50k-250k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Mobile dog-friendly café van
Serve coffee and snacks, with dog treats, from a van or trailer where dog owners gather, without a shop lease.
- A$40k-120k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Mobile pony rides for parties and events
Take gentle ponies to birthday parties, school fetes and community events and give children short supervised rides.
- A$8k-35k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Pony party days at your own property
Host birthday parties and pony rides on your own land, so the ponies stay home and families come to you.
- A$15k-55k
- Side hustle
- Own premises
Boarding kennels and cattery
Run a purpose-built boarding facility with kennels or cat pens for a steady stream of local bookings.
- A$250k-800k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Pond and water garden shop
Run a small shop or yard selling pond liners, pumps, filters and water plants, with friendly advice for local gardeners.
- A$20k-90k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Pet crematorium and memorial centre
Run your own small pet cremation site and memorial space, serving owners and vets across your region.
- A$350k-1000k
- Full-time
- Own premises
About these ideas
Think of a mobile pet grooming van, a dog day care centre with its own premises, or a dog-friendly café with a shop front. Before you commit, work out where the money goes and how long it could take to earn it back. Check council zoning and permits, insurance, animal welfare rules and lease terms. Visit similar businesses nearby, talk to their owners if you can, and test local demand before you spend. Pick an idea that suits your skills and how much daily animal care you actually want to do.
Questions
What should I check before spending over $20,000 on a pet business?
Check local demand, running costs and how long it could take to recover your outlay. Also confirm council approvals, insurance, animal welfare requirements and lease conditions. Speaking with an accountant before you commit is a sensible step.
Do I need licences or council approval to start a pet business in Australia?
It often depends on the business, your state or territory and your council. Day care, boarding, grooming premises and food service may each have different requirements. Check with your local council and relevant state agencies before you buy or sign a lease.
Is it better to start with a mobile pet business or premises?
Mobile setups can reduce rent and let you test different areas, but you still need to cover vehicle costs, insurance and parking rules. Premises can build a local presence but bring lease commitments. Compare both against your budget and lifestyle.