Neighbourhood pet supplies shop

Local dog and cat owners who want convenient shopping, better-quality food and personal recommendations.

Retail mark-up on products, with repeat sales on food and treats. Loyalty cards, local brands and gift items can add extra income.

• Customer service
• Stock ordering and budgeting
• Knowledge of pet nutrition and products
• Basic bookkeeping

• Commercial general liability and property insurance
• Municipal business licence and zoning for retail use, check with your municipality
• Register for GST/HST once you pass the small supplier threshold, and check provincial sales tax rules
• Selling live animals has extra rules, check provincial and municipal regulations before you consider it
• Competition from big chains and online sellers, and tied-up cash in stock
• Check lease terms carefully, including length, rent increases and who pays for repairs

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $25,000 to $100,000, depending on shop size, fit-out, lease deposits and how much opening stock you buy. Stock ties up cash, so plan for that in your budget.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on location, product range and how many regular customers you build. This is revenue, not profit, so rent, stock and other costs come out of it.

Check commercial general liability and property insurance, your municipal business licence and retail zoning, and GST/HST registration once you pass the small supplier threshold. Also check provincial sales tax, lease terms, and the extra rules that apply if you ever consider selling live animals.