Pet business ideas for working out and about
13 ideas
If you would rather be outside, on the road or in clients' homes than behind a desk, pet services are a natural fit. These 13 ideas all take you out into the community.
Mobile tack shop at barns and shows
Sell saddle pads, grooming kit and riding gear from a trailer at barns, horse shows and clinics.
- $5k-25k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Pet aftercare pickup and arrangements
Collect pets from homes and vet clinics and arrange cremation or burial through a partner crematory.
- $1.5k-8k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
In-home dog trainer
Visit owners at home to teach their dogs obedience and fix everyday behavior problems.
- $300-2.5k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Local pet taxi
Drive pets to the vet, groomer, airport or a new home across your metro area while their owners are busy or away.
- $500-3.5k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Long-distance pet ground transport
Drive pets safely between states for owners who are relocating and can't take them along.
- $20k-70k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Mobile pet grooming van
Groom dogs and cats in a van parked outside the owner's home, so they skip the salon trip.
- $15k-70k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Neighborhood dog walker
Walk dogs on weekdays for owners at work, starting with clients a few blocks from home.
- $150-800
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Dog walking company with a team
Build a local dog walking service by hiring walkers and handling bookings and scheduling.
- $1k-5k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Mobile pony rides for birthday parties
Bring a gentle pony to kids' birthday parties and backyard events for short supervised rides.
- $5k-25k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Pony rides for fairs, festivals and community events
Run a pony ride attraction at fairs, fall festivals and corporate days with a small team and several ponies.
- $10k-50k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Drop-in pet sitter
Visit pets in their own homes to feed, walk and play while owners are at work or away.
- $200-1k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Overnight in-home pet sitter
Stay at clients' homes while they travel, caring for pets on their normal routine.
- $200-800
- Side hustle
- Out and about
In-home cat behavior and trick trainer
Visit cat owners at home to fix scratching, litter and handling problems, or teach tricks and carrier skills.
- $500-3k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
About these ideas
A neighborhood dog walker needs little more than reliable time and a good handle on dogs, while a local pet taxi or mobile pony rides for birthday parties need a suitable vehicle or trailer and more planning. Start by deciding how far you are willing to travel each day, what hours you can offer, and how comfortable you are with different animals. Then look at insurance, local permits and any rules for transporting or handling animals where you live, since these vary by city and state.
Questions
What should I check before starting a mobile pet business in the US?
Check whether your city, county or state requires a business license, animal-related permits or specific zoning. Also look into liability insurance, any vehicle requirements, and whether you need written client agreements. Requirements differ by location, so confirm with local offices.
Do I need insurance for pet services like dog walking or pet sitting?
Many pet owners expect providers to be insured, and some clients will ask for proof. It is worth getting quotes for general liability and, where relevant, care, custody and control cover. Ask an insurer what is covered for your specific activities and vehicle use.
How do I choose between pet services like walking, sitting and transport?
Compare startup costs, schedule demands and how much experience each needs. Walking and drop-in visits can be simple to begin, while transport or pony rides may need a vehicle, trailer or extra permits. Pick the one that matches your skills, local demand and comfort level.