5 Things No One Tells You About Starting a Pet-Centric Business
If you’ve decided to enter the pet wellness industry, you’re in the right business. Previously a niche sector, pet wellness is experiencing exponential growth. The latest figures shared by Ipsos show that U.S. consumers spent more than $152 billion on their pets in 2024. Vet care products alone amounted to $39.8 billion.
And here they say finance bros are making bank. Nope, follow the money trail, and it’ll lead you to a furry bundle of joy that receives extra love and attention.
It’s no surprise that women are more drawn to the pet industry. Driven by passion and empathy, women entrepreneurs often excel in veterinarian roles, explains International Petfood magazine. Welcome, you are now part of a prestigious club.
Like any other business, some pitfalls can trip you up along the way. We’ll go into more detail below.
#1. Passion Helps, But it Won’t Run the Business
Loving animals is the spark, not the whole fire.
Most new founders assume their passion will carry them through the long days, unpredictable clients, and constant problem-solving. The unfortunate truth is that the actual work looks a lot more like operations, marketing, and logistics. You’ll wear all the hats: CEO, customer support, scheduler, inventory manager, sometimes all in the same hour.
And there will be surprises, lots of them. Like realizing you need contracts. Or, learning the difference between profit and “money coming in.” Or figuring out how to stay afloat during slow seasons.
The passion is your anchor. Systems, strategy, and boundaries? That’s what keeps the business standing.
#2. You Absolutely Need Insurance
Business insurance is the part that new founders often skip until something goes wrong.
If you work with animals in any physical capacity, training, grooming, walking, daycare, boarding, wellness, or handling, you carry legal risk. Veterinary liability insurance is your safety net should you find yourself in a legal gray area. Most veterinary practice owners tend to take this route with insurance coverage.
Professional liability coverage is specialized coverage that protects you against claims of malpractice, negligence, or errors in your work. It handles the costs of defending you against those claims.
LIFE143 explains that if there are settlements or judgments, veterinary professional liability insurance covers you there, too. Accidents happen. Animals react unpredictably. Clients can misunderstand what is “normal.”
Liability insurance protects you from claims like animal injuries, accidental deaths, and property damage. Clients trust you more when you’re insured. It makes your business look real, responsible, and reliable.
#3. The Market is Booming, So is the Competition
Pet spending is through the roof. That’s amazing, but it also means everyone and their goldfish wants in.
Entrepreneur.com warns that you’re entering a field that’s growing fast but getting crowded even faster. Visibility is half the battle.
Standing out requires more than a cute logo and a heartfelt mission statement. You’ll have to show up consistently on the digital marketing side of things. Understand your customers’ search behavior and create content that resonates with them.
People research. They compare. They want transparency. Your brand story, service quality, and communication style matter more than ever.
#4. The Emotional Labor is Real
If you’re in the pet world, you’re dealing with two living beings at once: the animal and the human attached to it. And the human brings a suitcase full of emotions.
The reality is that the work gets personal quickly. People see their pets as family members. Every decision feels high-stakes to them. You may find yourself:
Calming worried pet parents
Managing unrealistic expectations
Navigating grief and anxiety
Handling tense conversations
Mediating between family members who disagree about care
While you want to help, you also need emotional boundaries so you don’t burn out.
#5. The Logistics Hit Harder than You Thought
Every pet business looks simple from the outside until you’re the one running it.
The Animal Refuge Center explains that what starts as a straightforward model quickly becomes a puzzle of schedules, safety protocols, and backup plans.
If You’re Mobile, the Challenges Multiply
Boutique pet service BARK Air markets itself as “the world’s first air travel experience designed specifically for dogs first, and their human companions second.”
The ambitious business model flies with well-heeled clients, yet it eliminates most who can’t afford it, particularly passengers who travel with emotional support animals.
A BARK Air flight between New York and LA costs $6,000 for one dog and one human in each direction. One-way flights between New York and London go for $8,000. You do the math.
Even Product-Based Businesses Juggle Complex Demands
The Guardian’s piece on Mars and the pet care boom reveals how the supply chain, sourcing, and consumer expectations keep evolving.
If big brands feel the pressure, small businesses feel it ten times more. Behind the scenes, it’s a daily dance of inventory, hygiene standards, and equipment maintenance.
Bonus: Most People Start Before They Are Ready
This comes up often. You are never ready. The perfect moment never arrives.
But rest assured that your confidence will grow as you go. You learn by doing. You improve by iterating. And you find your people by showing up consistently.
Starting a pet-centric business is equal parts heart and hustle. It’s messy, beautiful, exhausting, and fulfilling.
Passion Brought You Here
Don’t forget to put as much effort into the admin side. Chat with your insurance company about commercial insurance and veterinary insurance if need be.
Get your business plan in order and research different financing options. Join pet-loving communities and other small business owners who are doing it right. You’ll be astonished at how open to giving advice they are, especially women.
And always remember why you started on your pet business journey in the first place. That passion will keep you alert, even when running on empty.
If you’re stepping into this world, you’re not just building a business; you’re building relationships, routines, and a lifestyle centered around compassion and care.
And honestly? That’s why so many women thrive in this industry.