Pet business ideas with startup costs over £20,000
15 ideas
These 15 pet business ideas generally need a bigger upfront investment, usually because of premises, fit-out, equipment or stock. They suit people who have savings, a loan or investor backing and want to build something with a physical base, such as a dog day care centre with premises, a small licensed cattery or a pet grooming salon.
Dog day care centre with premises
Run a dedicated day care site with secure play areas, taking larger numbers of dogs with a small team.
- £30k-120k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Aquarium fish and supplies shop
Run a small specialist shop selling tropical and coldwater fish, tanks, food and kit to local hobbyists.
- £15k-60k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Local tack shop with fitting service
Open a small shop near riding yards selling saddlery, riding wear and grooming kit, with advice on fit.
- £15k-60k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Small licensed cattery
Run a purpose-built cattery with individual units, taking bookings all year for local cat owners.
- £12k-60k
- Part-time
- Own premises
Boarding kennels with purpose-built runs
Run a licensed kennel site with proper runs, caring for many dogs at once.
- £25k-120k
- Full-time
- Own premises
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
Specialist bird shop
Open a small shop selling bird food, cages and supplies to local bird keepers, with expert advice.
- £10k-50k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Tropical fish and aquarium shop
Run a small shop selling tropical fish, tanks, filters and food to local aquarium keepers.
- £15k-60k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Goldfish and aquarium shop
Open a small shop selling goldfish, tanks, filters and feed, with friendly advice for new fish keepers.
- £15k-50k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Pet grooming salon
Rent a small shop unit and run a grooming salon, with room to take on staff as you grow.
- £8k-40k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Small kennels or cattery
Run a purpose-built boarding site for dogs or cats with proper facilities and staff cover.
- £15k-70k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Local pond and aquatic supplies shop
Open a small shop or unit stocking pond kit, plants and advice for local garden owners.
- £15k-60k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Dog-friendly café with its own premises
Open a small café where owners can sit with their dogs over coffee and cake.
- £25k-90k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Small garden cattery at home
Board a handful of cats in a licensed, purpose-built unit in your own garden while their owners are away.
- £8k-30k
- Part-time
- From home
Full-time purpose-built cattery
Run a larger licensed cattery on rural land or a small site, with a bigger block of pens and help on busy weeks.
- £40k-150k
- Full-time
- Own premises
About these ideas
Before you commit, think about location, lease terms, insurance and whether local demand will support your running costs. Many pet services also need a licence from your local council, so check what applies where you plan to operate. Visit similar businesses, speak to owners if you can, and work out how many customers you need each week to cover your costs. A realistic cash buffer matters as much as the startup budget.
Questions
Why do some pet businesses cost over £20,000 to start?
Costs usually come from premises, building work, secure fencing or kennels, specialist equipment, initial stock and insurance. Businesses with a physical site, such as day care centres or catteries, tend to need more capital than mobile or home-based services.
Do I need a licence to run a pet business in the UK?
Many animal-related activities, such as boarding, day care or breeding, may need a licence from your local council. Requirements can vary, so check with your council before you spend money on premises or equipment.
How can I fund a pet business costing over £20,000?
Common options include personal savings, bank loans, government-backed schemes, family investment or equipment finance. Compare the costs and repayment terms, and check your forecasts can cover repayments before borrowing. An accountant or business adviser can help you review the numbers.