Pet business ideas you can run from your own premises
13 ideas
These 13 ideas suit people who want a fixed base for their pet business, whether that's a shop front, a purpose-built site or your own property. You might open a pet grooming salon, set up a boarding kennels and cattery, or build a Tropical fish and aquarium shop for local hobbyists.
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
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
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
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
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
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
Each one needs space, fit-out and often specific animal welfare standards, so start by thinking about location, lease or purchase costs, and how many customers live nearby. Check council zoning and any permit requirements before you commit to a site, because noise, smell and animal numbers can matter. Also consider your own experience with animals and how many hours you can realistically be on site each week.
Questions
Do I need council approval to run a pet business from my own premises?
Often you will need to check. Councils commonly set rules on zoning, noise, animal numbers and signage, and these can differ by area. Contact your local council before buying or leasing, and ask whether a development approval or permit applies to your planned use.
What should I check before choosing a site for a pet business?
Check zoning, lease terms, parking, foot traffic and neighbours. For boarding or day care, consider noise and fencing. For retail, look at visibility and nearby competitors. Ask the council and your landlord what changes to the building are allowed before signing anything.
Are there licences or standards for pet businesses in Australia?
Possibly. Animal welfare codes, state or territory rules and council registrations can apply to boarding, breeding, grooming or selling animals. Requirements vary by location, so check with your state agriculture or primary industries department and your council, and consider insurance suited to animal care.