Pet Business Ideas You Can Start in Canada
42 ideas
These 43 pet business ideas range from low-key home services to ventures that need dedicated premises. Home dog boarding or an in-home dog trainer can suit people who want to start small and build a client base by word of mouth.
Home-based cat boarding
Look after cats in a quiet room of your home while their owners travel.
- C$200-1k
- Side hustle
- From home
Small boutique cattery
Run a small dedicated cat hotel with private suites, either in a rented unit or a purpose-built space.
- C$40k-150k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Home dog boarding
Look after a few dogs in your own home while their owners travel or work away.
- C$500-3k
- Side hustle
- From home
Dog kennel with purpose-built runs
Run a licensed boarding kennel with indoor and outdoor runs on rural or zoned land.
- C$200k-800k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Drop-in pet sitter
Visit pets in their own homes to feed, walk and play while owners are at work or away.
- C$200-1.2k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Overnight pet and house sitter
Stay in clients' homes while they travel, caring for their pets and keeping the house lived in.
- C$150-1k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Goldfish and aquarium supplies shop
Run a small neighbourhood shop selling goldfish, tanks, filters and feed to families and hobbyists.
- C$25k-90k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Home-based goldfish and tank supplies seller
Sell healthy goldfish and basic tank supplies from a home fish room, using online listings and local pickup.
- C$2k-10k
- Side hustle
- From home
Local aquarium fish shop
Open a small shop selling aquarium fish, tanks, food and advice to hobbyists and new pet owners.
- C$30k-150k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Home-based aquarium fish seller
Sell healthy aquarium fish and supplies from a dedicated home setup, with local pickup and delivery.
- C$2k-10k
- Side hustle
- From home
Home-based pond fish seller
Keep healthy goldfish and koi in tanks at home and sell them to local pond owners each spring and summer.
- C$1.5k-6k
- Side hustle
- From home
Pond fish supply to landscapers and garden shops
Deliver healthy pond fish in aerated tanks to landscapers, garden centres and aquatic shops on a regular seasonal route.
- C$20k-70k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Local pet taxi and vet runs
Drive pets to vets, groomers, kennels and new homes within your region using your own vehicle.
- C$500-2.5k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Long-distance pet moving by road
Drive pets between cities and provinces, or across the US border, for owners who are relocating.
- C$35k-95k
- Part-time
- Out and about
International pet relocation coordinator
Plan and manage pet moves abroad from home: paperwork, vet visits, crates and flights.
- C$1k-5k
- Part-time
- From home
Neighbourhood dog walker
Walk dogs one-on-one or in pairs for local owners who are at work during the day.
- C$200-1k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Small-group dog adventure walks
Pick up a few well-matched dogs and take them on longer trail or park walks.
- C$8k-30k
- Part-time
- Out and about
In-home dog training
Coach dog owners one-to-one in their own home and neighbourhood on obedience and everyday manners.
- C$500-3k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Puppy and dog group classes
Run weekly puppy and obedience classes in a rented hall or indoor space for local dog owners.
- C$1k-5k
- Part-time
- Own premises
Online dog training coach
Coach owners by video call on puppy basics and common behaviour problems from your own home.
- C$200-1.5k
- Side hustle
- Online
Home-based pedigree cat breeder
Breed one pedigree cat breed at home and sell health-checked kittens to pet and show homes.
- C$2k-8k
- Side hustle
- From home
Pop-up dog café at markets and events
Test the dog café idea with a weekend pop-up of coffee, snacks and dog treats at markets, breweries and dog events.
- C$3k-15k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Neighbourhood bird shop
Run a small shop selling birds, cages, seed and toys to local bird owners, with advice they can't get from big chains.
- C$30k-150k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Online bird supplies store
Sell bird food, cages, toys and accessories online from home, with no live birds and no shop rent.
- C$2k-10k
- Side hustle
- Online
About these ideas
A home grooming studio suits someone with a spare room and steady hands, while a dog day care centre with premises is a bigger commitment with higher setup costs. Before choosing, think about how much space you have, whether your neighbours and landlord would be comfortable, and how you feel about early mornings, weekends and unpredictable animals. Check what licensing, zoning and insurance rules apply in your province and municipality before you spend money.
More ideas
- In-home dog trainer
- Mobile pet groomer
- Home grooming studio
- Pet grooming salon
- Small home-based dog breeder
- Home-based dog day care
- Dog day care centre with premises
- Home-based tropical fish seller
- Home-based cat boarding room
- Online pond supplies with local pickup
- Pond and water garden supply shop
- Pet aftercare and collection service
- In-home cat behaviour trainer
- Online cat behaviour coach
- In-home pet boarding
- Small boarding kennel or pet hotel
- Mobile pony rides for parties and fairs
- Pony party days at your own small farm
Questions
Do I need a licence to start a pet business in Canada?
It depends on the activity and where you live. Boarding, breeding, grooming and day care may be covered by municipal bylaws or provincial rules. Check with your city or town, and your province's animal welfare body, before taking on clients.
Can I run a pet business from home?
Many ideas here, such as home dog boarding, grooming or training, are designed for home use. Things to check include zoning, bylaws on animal numbers, noise, your lease or condo rules, and whether your home insurance covers business activity.
What insurance should I look at for a pet business?
Look at liability cover for injuries to animals, clients or the public, and whether your policy covers animals in your care. Ask a broker about care, custody and control wording, vehicle use for pet transport, and any home-business requirements.