How Do I Open a Pet Store, and What Licenses Do I Need?

You've finally made the decision to start your dream pet store — but you’re not sure how to execute this idea. On top of setting a business plan and establishing your marketing strategies, you also need to make sure your new pet store is in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.

Where do you start?

Opening a pet store can be daunting, but once you break it down into smaller steps, it becomes much more manageable. In this blog, we’ll explain how to open a pet store and discuss the permits and licenses you need, ensuring you start off strong and are prepared for the future.

What Are the Steps Involved in Opening a Pet Store?

Opening a pet store is one of the best ways to turn your passion for animals and pets into a fulfilling career. Here are the steps you should follow to start your pet store:

1. Conduct market research. Your store’s success will depend on the demand for pet products in your area. During this step, you’ll collect information about potential customers and competitors to shape what your pet store will look like. For example, you might identify that while there are many pet retailers in your area and pet owners who shop at these stores, there aren’t any pet grooming services available. In that case, you might find a lot of success opening a pet grooming business or a combination pet grooming service and retail store.
2. Establish your business plan. After identifying the direction you want to take your business, create a concrete roadmap that guides your business’ growth. In your business plan, detail how you plan to secure funding, the structure of your business, how it will operate, what products you’ll stock or services you’ll offer, and how you plan to grow your business year over year. This plan will act as your guide as you get your pet store off the ground.
3. Decide on your store’s location. Nowadays, most pet retailers are choosing between running brick-and-mortar stores, online stores, or a combination of the two. Consider factors like proximity to your target audience, business partner preferences, and your personal preferences when deciding among these options and choosing where your in-person store will be if you have one. Evaluate costs, benefits, and region-specific rules and regulations as well. If you choose to open an online-only business, keep in mind that you’ll probably still need a physical warehouse or facility to store products.
4. Register and apply for licenses. Starting a pet business requires various forms of registrations and licenses, which we’ll cover in more detail below. However, you can expect, at a minimum, to register your business, obtain federal and state tax IDs, and fulfill any other specific local requirements.
5. Stock your store’s inventory. Once you’re legally allowed to operate your business, acquire the stock you need. If you’re running a pet retail store, you’ll likely work with vendors nationwide to bring supplies to your store for customers to buy. On the other hand, if you’re running a grooming or pet training business, you’ll need to purchase items that will enable you to perform your services.
6. Plan your marketing strategy. Having great products or services isn’t enough — your audience also needs to know about your store’s existence to patronize it. Develop your marketing strategy early, considering which channels your target audience prefers and what types of messages resonate with them. Over time, you’ll adjust and refine your communications to make them truly speak to your customers.
7. Hire staff members. Depending on the hours you plan to keep and the demands of managing your new pet store, you may need to hire additional staff members early on. To secure the right employees, follow best practices like posting on local job boards, inviting promising candidates to interview, and sending offers promptly.

At this point, you’re ready to open your doors and welcome your first customers! However, if you want to ensure your pet store runs smoothly, you’ll also want to purchase software that enables you to easily track inventory, boost customer loyalty, and create marketing messages.

One of the best solutions you can invest in at this point is a dedicated pet store point of sale (POS) system. With a solution like eTailPet, you can manage sales, inventory, and marketing from a single interface. Plus, you’ll get access to a comprehensive product catalog and a complete Astro Loyalty integration.

What License Do I Need To Open a Pet Store?

Having the correct licenses and permits is incredibly important — especially for small businesses owners. Here is a list of the licenses you need to open your pet store.

1. Business License

First, you need a business license. This is a general license that all legally operating businesses need. It allows you to operate your pet store legally in the location that you’ve chosen to set up shop.

Having a general business license for your pet store also builds credibility with your customers because it shows compliance with the Animal Welfare Act (AWA). Apply for your business license as soon as possible to make sure that everything is in order before you open your pet store’s doors.

2. Pet Dealer’s License

A pet dealer’s license ensures the welfare of the pets that you’re selling. It verifies that your store is following specific protocol for the animal’s care, housing, and overall health standard. You need this license for your pet store so that your customers trust you, and so you and your employees have the proper education to care for your animals.

In addition to keeping the pets safe, a pet dealer’s license also protects your customers, promotes public health, and ensures responsible pet trade. Apply for this license early to guarantee that your pet store is in compliance with industry standards.

3. Import/Export Permits

An import/export license can be important depending on what your product plans are. If you plan to only sell products made domestically, you won’t need to worry about this. However, if you’re planning on sourcing your products from all over the world, you need to apply for an import license in the U.S. or in Canada to ensure all of your products are legally sourced.

4. Other Local Permits

Other permits you need for your pet store include general zoning and health department permits. Zoning permits are needed if your store’s building wasn’t already properly zoned as a business. You can check the status of your building by contacting your local zoning department.

Health department permits are particularly important in a pet store because you’ll most likely have pets walking around your store on a regular basis. You want to make sure that your building is clean and up to code for you and your employees, the animals, and your customers. You can apply for this permit by looking up the health department for your area.

Related Read: Understanding the Demand for Pet Services in Your Area: A Guide for Retail Pet Business Owners

How Do I Apply for Pet Store Licenses?

Now that you know what permits and licenses you need to apply for, it’s time to secure them. Although each application process is different, we suggest you follow these general steps to make the application process as smooth as possible:

1. Gather the proper information, such as your legal business name, owner name, and list of services offered.
2. Prepare all necessary documentation, such as business formation, federal and state tax, and insurance documents.
3. Submit your application with ample time, so you can receive your permits and licenses before your pet store opens.
4. Make sure your store is ready for inspection, if required.
5. Follow up and receive your license.

Following these guidelines will help you receive your pet store license as quickly as possible. However, the wait period will ultimately depend on the issuing organization.

Even after you’ve received your licenses for your pet store, your work isn’t over. You also need to maintain compliance with the rules set by each regulatory body. Perform periodic audits on your store to make sure everything is in line.

Additionally, you’ll most likely need to renew your permit at some point. Keep track of your permit renewal date so you can stay ahead of it. Don’t let any of your licenses expire — you may be required to go through a more rigorous re-application process if you do.

Additional Pet Store Resources

Entrepreneurs who are passionate about animals and pets can find great fulfillment in opening a pet store. After following these steps and acquiring the proper licensure, you’re ready to open your pet store. Don’t forget to invest in pet business software — the right systems (especially POS systems) will support your business and make it easier to sell than ever.

Interested in learning more about pet stores? Check out the following resources:

• Pet Store Cash Flow Management: 7 Tips for Surviving Slow Months — All businesses have slow periods where they don’t make many sales. Learn how to survive these periods and set yourself up for long-term success in this guide.
• 10 Best Dog Grooming Supplies To Stock at Your Store — Running a dog grooming pet business? Check out the supplies we recommend stocking at your store.
• 5 Best Pet Store POS Systems To Build Your Pet Business — Interested in purchasing a POS system to support your business’ growth? Explore our top five recommended tools.