Neighbourhood bird shop

Pet bird owners, first-time buyers, breeders and hobbyists, plus people who want advice on feeding, housing and care.

Mark-up on supplies and food, which bring regular repeat visits, plus margin on bird sales and extras such as cage setup or wing and nail trims if you are trained.

• Knowledge of bird care and species
• Customer service and friendly advice
• Stock buying and bookkeeping
• Daily animal care routines

• Municipal and provincial rules on selling live animals. Some places restrict pet shop sales or require a licence, so check before signing a lease
• Avian disease controls, such as avian influenza measures, and rules on where birds can be sourced. Check with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and your province
• Some species need CITES or wildlife permits, so check before stocking anything unusual
• Commercial general liability insurance, and WCB/WSIB once you hire staff
• Animal care costs and heating in winter, plus seasonal swings in sales
• Retail sales tax: check GST/HST or provincial sales tax registration

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $30,000 to $150,000, depending on the size of the shop and the stock you carry. Also budget for animal care costs and winter heating.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $6,000 to $30,000, depending on your location, range and customer base. Sales can swing with the seasons, so plan your cash flow accordingly.

Check municipal and provincial rules on selling live animals before signing a lease, as some places restrict pet shop sales or require a licence. Also check Canadian Food Inspection Agency avian disease controls, and CITES or wildlife permits for unusual species.