Dog-Friendly café with a shop front

Dog owners, locals, walkers and groups who want somewhere to meet with their dogs.

Sales of coffee, food and 'pup cups', plus dog treats, retail items and paid events like puppy socials or dog birthday gatherings.

• Running a café or hospitality venue
• Food safety and kitchen basics
• Comfortable around dogs and their owners
• Managing staff and rosters

• Rules on dogs in food premises differ by state and council, so check with your local council and state food authority before leasing
• Food business registration with your council and, in some states, a trained food safety supervisor
• Public liability insurance that covers dogs on site, plus workers compensation once you hire
• Dog behaviour, hygiene and noise, so plan for separate areas, clear house rules and waste cleanup
• Lease costs and fit-out can be high, so test your numbers carefully

Startup costs are typically around $50,000 to $250,000, depending on the lease, fit-out and size of the venue. Lease and fit-out costs can be high, so it pays to test your numbers carefully first.

Monthly revenue is typically around $25,000 to $90,000, depending on location, trading hours and menu. This is revenue before costs such as rent, wages and stock, so check what is left after expenses.

Rules on dogs in food premises differ by state and council, so check with your local council and state food authority before leasing. Also check food business registration, any food safety supervisor requirement, and insurance that covers dogs on site.