Pet business ideas you can run out and about
13 ideas
These 14 pet business ideas take you to the animals rather than tying you to a shop or unit. They suit people who like being on the move, enjoy meeting owners in their own homes, and are happy working in all weathers.
Pet taxi and UK pet transport
Drive dogs and cats safely to new homes, vets, groomers and kennels for owners who can't.
- £500-3k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Pet collection and cremation arranging service
Collect pets from homes and vets, arrange cremation through a partner crematorium and return ashes with care.
- £2k-10k
- Part-time
- Out and about
One-to-one dog trainer (home visits)
Visit owners at home to teach their dog good manners and fix everyday behaviour problems.
- £300-1.8k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Pond fish trade delivery round
Supply landscapers, garden centres and small aquatic shops with healthy pond fish, delivered fresh in your own van.
- £3k-12k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Mobile dog groomer
Groom dogs on the owner's driveway from a fitted van, so pets stay relaxed and owners save a trip.
- £8k-35k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Solo dog walker
Walk dogs one-to-one or in a small group for owners who are at work or can't manage long walks.
- £150-800
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Dog walking business with hired walkers
Grow a local dog walking service with a few trusted walkers covering more streets and more dogs.
- £800-4k
- Full-time
- Out and about
Overnight pet sitter in owners' homes
Stay at clients' homes while they are away, caring for pets in their own familiar surroundings.
- £100-500
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Mobile pony rides for parties and fetes
Take well-trained ponies to fetes, parties and school events and give children short, safe rides.
- £4k-20k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Cat behaviour and training visits
Visit cat owners at home to tackle problem behaviour and teach cats new skills.
- £500-2.5k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Pet sitter doing home visits
Pop into local homes to feed, walk and check on pets while their owners are at work or away.
- £100-600
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Overnight pet and house sitter
Stay at clients' homes while they are away, looking after their pets and keeping the house lived in.
- £100-500
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Pop-up dog café at markets and events
Test the idea with a small dog-friendly café stall at markets, parks and dog events.
- £3k-12k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
About these ideas
Options include a mobile dog groomer, a dog trainer doing home visits, a pet taxi, or a pop-up dog café at markets and events. Before you choose, think about the practical basics: whether you need a suitable vehicle, how far you are willing to travel, and what kit you will carry. It is also worth checking what insurance, licensing or local authority rules might apply to the animals you plan to work with. Starting with a small local area is often the easiest way to build regular customers.
Questions
Do I need qualifications to start a mobile pet business in the UK?
It depends on the service. Some activities, such as boarding or home-based pet care, may need a licence from your local council, while training or grooming may not. Check council guidance, and consider relevant courses and first aid training.
What insurance should I check before working with other people's pets?
Look at public liability insurance, and ask insurers about cover for animals in your care, vehicles used for business, and your equipment. Policies differ between providers and services, so compare what is included before you take on customers.
How do I choose between pet services that travel to customers?
Start with what you enjoy and what you already do well. Then compare start-up costs, vehicle needs, the hours customers want, and local demand. Talking to a few pet owners nearby can help you see which service they would pay for.