Neighbourhood pet shop

Local pet owners who want convenience, personal advice and quality food, often as regular repeat customers.

Retail margin on food and accessories, with repeat sales on food and consumables. Extras can include self-wash stations, loyalty cards or local delivery.

• Friendly customer service
• Knowing pet products and basic animal care
• Stock ordering and budgeting
• Comfortable handling animals

• A shop selling only pet food and products does not usually need a pet-specific licence, but check with your local council about planning, signage and trading requirements for your premises
• Selling live animals is regulated differently in each state and territory. Check licensing, registration and housing standards before you plan to stock any
• Public liability and stock insurance, plus workers compensation insurance once you hire staff
• Lease terms, fit-out costs and slow-moving stock tie up money, so check your cash flow carefully
• Competition from big chains and online stores means you need a clear local point of difference
• Register for an ABN, and check when you need to register for GST

Startup costs are typically around $40,000 to $150,000, depending on your lease, fit-out and opening stock. These are estimates, so check your cash flow carefully, as slow-moving stock and fit-out costs tie up money.

A shop selling only pet food and products does not usually need a pet-specific licence, but check planning, signage and trading requirements with your local council. Selling live animals is regulated differently in each state and territory, so check first.

Monthly revenue is typically around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on location, range and repeat customers. Expect at least about 35 hours a week. Competition from big chains and online stores means you need a clear local point of difference.