Pet business ideas you can run from your own premises
15 ideas
These 15 ideas suit people who want a base of their own, whether that is a shop unit, a converted outbuilding or a yard. Options range from a pet grooming salon or a local tack shop with fitting service to a small licensed cattery or boarding kennels with purpose-built runs.
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
Puppy and dog training classes
Run weekly group classes for puppies and adult dogs in a hired hall or field.
- £500-3k
- 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
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
Pony party sessions at your own yard
Host children's pony parties and short ride sessions at a yard or paddock you already use.
- £2k-10k
- Side hustle
- 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
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
Some are retail-led, others rely on hands-on animal care, so think about which suits your skills and daily routine. Before anything else, check whether you need planning permission or a change of use, what licence your local council may require, and how insurance and business rates would apply. Look at your likely rent or build costs against realistic customer numbers in your area, and consider noise, neighbours and opening hours.
Questions
Do I need a licence to run a pet business from my own premises?
It depends on the activity. Boarding, breeding, grooming and selling animals may each be treated differently. Check with your local council about licensing requirements and conditions, and confirm what inspections or standards might apply before you commit to premises.
Will I need planning permission for kennels, a cattery or a shop?
Possibly. A new building, a change of use or a business at a home address may need permission. Speak to your local planning authority early, and check any lease, mortgage or covenant terms that could restrict how you use the site.
How should I choose between a retail and a hands-on animal care business?
Compare how you want to spend your day. Retail relies on stock, footfall and margins, while animal care relies on capacity, staffing and routine. Check start-up costs, insurance, opening hours and how seasonal demand might affect your income.