In making a list of potential animal business ventures, most people think of traditional options such as pet sitting, dog walking, grooming, boarding, or training. These are good options for anyone entering the industry. But there are many more possibilities to think about, including some unusual ideas. Here are ten of the most unusual animal business ideas for entrepreneurs seeking something different:
1. Pet Colorist
In recent years, particularly in large metropolitan areas, it has become trendy to dye pet fur into unusual colors and patterns. Many different colors and patterns have popped up in the pet population including pastels, stripes, and spots. This can be an interesting sideline for a pet groomer that will create a buzz in the local pet community. There are also some colorists working on movie sets, heightening or changing the coloration of animal actors.
2. Goat Mowing Service
Some enterprising goat owners rent out their goats for eco-friendly mowing and weed control purposes.
A small herd of goats can mow a pasture in a few days, and they are great for difficult areas like hills and uneven terrain. Big companies like Yahoo and Google use goat mowing services on their campuses. In spring 2015, Amazon joined in by offering goat grazing rentals on its home services page.
3. Goose Control
Goose control services are becoming popular. Golf courses and resorts often use them to reduce problems caused by resident geese, like droppings. Goose control businesses use several methods to encourage geese to move away. They often employ herding dogs, repellents, boats, and other tactics. These measures help make the area less appealing to the geese. These businesses need to be careful. They must follow federal rules about geese and other waterfowl.
4. Cat Cafes
Cat cafes are popular in Japan. Now, you can also find them in several U.S. states, like California and New York. Cat cafes often charge a fee to enter and enjoy the cats. They also sell coffee and baked treats. Some cat cafes feature rescue cats from local shelters that are available for adoption.
5. Pet Taxi Service
Pet taxi services have grown in popularity in recent years. This option is ideal for busy owners who need help getting their pets to appointments. This business has a low start-up cost. So, it’s easy for anyone to get into the pet service market.
6. Pet Psychic or Communicator
Pet psychics and animal communicators might seem unusual as a job, but many pet owners trust them. A belief in telepathic communication is a must for this business.
7. Pet Prosthetics
Many companies now offer pet prosthetics and cosmetic implants. Our favorite quirky product is “Neuticals.” These are prosthetic testicles surgically implanted in neutered dogs. The company claims to have sold more than 500,000 implants.
8. Pooper Scooper Service
Pooper scooper services have shown a sharp uptick in popularity over the last few years. Several major franchises let aspiring business owners join an established team. Examples include Pet Butler and DoodyCalls.
9. Luxury Pet Hotels
More owners are ready to spend on their pets. Some even pay high prices to board them in fancy “hotel rooms.” These rooms often include a human bed, a TV, and other perks. These hotels also tend to feature webcams so owners can view their pets at any time while they travel.
10. End of Life Pet Services
A growing part of the pet services market focuses on end-of-life services. This includes cremation, pet funerals, pet cemeteries, pet memorials, and taxidermy. Many potential services can be offered alone or combined in one business. An article in USA Today mentioned that there were only a few pet funeral and cemetery businesses in the early 2000s, but that number had ballooned to more than 700 such businesses in 2012.
