Specialist reptile shop

Hobby keepers, beginners buying a first pet, breeders and families who want advice they won't get at a big-box pet store.

Margin on animals and on supplies. Live feeders and consumables bring repeat visits, while enclosures and equipment bring bigger one-off sales.

• Reptile care knowledge
• Friendly, honest customer advice
• Stock buying and ordering
• Basic bookkeeping

• Check provincial and municipal rules on which species can be kept or sold, as some are restricted or banned
• Some species may need federal or provincial permits, so check any import or CITES requirements before buying stock
• Commercial general liability and property insurance, and check whether your insurer covers live animals
• Animal welfare standards and local public health advice, including salmonella hygiene and signage
• Heat lamps and electrical equipment are a fire risk, so check your fire code and lease terms
• Rent, utilities and animal care costs continue through slow months, so plan your cash flow

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $30,000 to $150,000, depending on premises, fit-out, opening stock and animal housing. Rent, utilities and animal care continue through slow months, so plan your cash flow.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on location, range and customer base. The estimates assume a full-time commitment of about 40 hours a week or more.

Check provincial and municipal rules on which species can be kept or sold, as some are restricted. Check any permits or CITES import requirements, insurance for live animals, animal welfare standards, salmonella hygiene advice and fire code for heat lamps.