Opening a pet store can be a challenging venture.
Opening a pet shop can be a rewarding opportunity that involves above-average customer service and responsibility. There are many decisions to consider before opening a pet shop, more than other small retail outlets. As with any small business venture, learn everything you can about the business you are thinking of entering.
Instructions
Preparation
1. Hire an attorney specializing in small business. The attorney you choose needs to be highly knowledgeable about state agricultural laws and licensing.
2. Hire an accountant who specializes in small business accounts.
3. Find a good location. If you are meeting with a landlord for a building lease, make sure he understands that this will be a pet shop location. Ask for a written list of animals that are not allowed on the premises. Have your attorney approve all lease or purchase papers prior to signing a contract or depositing money.
Setting Up the Shop
4. Choosing to sell livestock as pets gives you the rewarding feeling of uniting pet and human for a lifelong experience. It also presents more decisions and licensing. Have your attorney handle all licensing and city ordinance issues. If this is a new location for a pet shop, check with the city council prior to leasing/buying.
Specialize as much as possible to separate you from other pet stores. It also makes cleaning and socializing easier, because similar species are housed similarly and play together.
5. Hire people to help with cleaning and animal handling.
6. Find a reputable animal distributor or breeder for the species you have chosen. Check the references and tour the facility. Get a guarantee.
7. Hire a veterinarian to check the animals before sale and provide a health certificate.
8. Have your attorney draw up a contract of sale and health guarantee.
Opening the Shop
9. Set up the merchandising layout.
10. Order racks and merchandise from a reputable distributor. Comparison-shop for pet-supply distributors.
11. Train your employees on paperwork and the importance of cleanliness. Remind them that the most important thing is that they are caring for a very young animal to be adopted by a family.
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