Online pet supplies store

Pet owners across Canada looking for products they can't easily find in local shops, often buying again on a regular cycle.

Markup on products sold through your website or marketplaces, with extra income from subscriptions for repeat items like treats or litter.

• Online selling and basic website setup
• Product sourcing and supplier negotiation
• Social media or content marketing
• Organised order handling

• Shipping costs across large distances can eat margins, so test rates before setting prices
• Check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence and whether your home insurance covers stock
• Pet food and some products have federal labelling rules, so check with the CFIA; in Quebec, check French-language requirements for your site and labels
• Collect the right sales tax by province once you pass the small supplier threshold
• Avoid products with safety concerns and check supplier quality before selling

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on your website setup, the stock you buy or whether a supplier ships directly to customers.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on your niche, product range and marketing. Hours start from about 8 a week. Test shipping rates before setting prices.

Check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence and whether home insurance covers stock. Check CFIA labelling rules (and French-language rules in Quebec), provincial sales tax once past the small supplier threshold, and supplier quality.