Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

So about 2 months back I was putting a lot of thought into a Pet Store and posting a lot on this website, well after that it got put in the back of my mind and I really haven`t put a whole lot of thinking into it. Just recently I started reading "Cesar`s Way", a book by the Dog Whisperer Cesar Millan. Well it made me realize just great it would be to work with dogs (and cats) everyday. So I came to the conclusion that the absolute best way for me to go and what would make me happy, is to work towards starting a doggy day care, pet salon, and dog training business. I know this is a lot of area to focus on but I am up for it. I think it would be great to provide people with a place to drop off their dogs for the day where they can get groomed, trained and socialize with other dogs. Plus if people want to bring their cats to be groomed they could do that too.

I need some input on if you think it is possible and what you would do to make it successful. I am extremely into the idea and I think it would profit immensely.


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"What we do in life echoes in eternity."
       -Maximus Decimus Meridius-

I think it is very possible. We have one right here near where we live and some friends owned it (now divorced and don`t see them very often). She ended up with the business and has been very successful with it. We boarded our dog there often. They took care of everything, they had runs and a fenced play yard and did grooming. They had a little area in the shop where they sold pet supplies and toys and food items. She also had a couple of mobile groomers. She had vans on the road that would come to your house and do the grooming in the van. You just bring the dog out, have it groomed, your all set, don`t have to go anywhere, no mess, pretty easy. I think it is a great idea!

I don`t know, but on Monday, this item made the FRONT PAGE of our city newspaper...  The business looks interesting.

I always say go after those with the money...

http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/cu yahoga/11718777594610.xml&coll=2

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Thank you,   
Nelson
Accessmount LLC
www.accessmount.com   
Easy maintenance, "Ladderless" Light Fixtures

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I`d take a look at your background to see if you have any related experience.

That`s not to say you can`t or shouldn`t open this business. It`s to offer feedback from the perspective of financial backers. I think SuN differs from many other sites in that people here in the community are capable of really good role playing. That`s what I think tends to be missing from many familes, these days.

I remember my own family, where my father was a businessman, and my mother decided to become a kindergarten teacher when she turned 45. They both were great at taking any situation, setting an assumption that it was real, then continuing forward with all the logic, reaction, and projections of what would happen. It was like being in a family of actors, but with a practical outcome of critical assessment.

So, ya wanna open a daycare for dogs, eh? :-)

How long have you been caring for dogs? Do you have any sort of credentials or education, perhaps a certification or a degree of some sort, that would help me feel comfortable leaving my dog in your care? How many kids do you have? Are you accustomed to handling the needs of a crowd of dogs, each of whom wants as much attention as a two-yearold?

That sort of thing.

For people that make their pets their life, they would do it. However, you must be able to tap into that business. I know someone who owns a mobile pet salon, and she is doing well. She picks her clients pets up, and bath them in her trailer outside the clients home. I thought the salon on wheels is the best idea yet.

Well my idea is to get my certified dog trainer license, go to school for dog grooming, and maybe some other dog/cat training courses so that I can definitely show my clients that I am qualified to watch over their animals and groom and train them.

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"What we do in life echoes in eternity."
       -Maximus Decimus Meridius-

I recently heard about this company http://www.tidydog.com  It`s a do-it-yourself dog wash which I think is brilliant! Do you have anything like this in your area? How many doggy day cares/groomers are there?

Jennifer

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Jennifer Thompson
www.tworiverssoaps.com

I have several friends in the pet industry, pet store owners and pet
product developers. Pets are a booming industry for sure. But that
means competition is high. Near me, there are several doggie day cares
and pet stores are plentiful. The new boutique-style pet shops are
popping up all over the country. I know you`re not thinking pet store
anymore, rather pet services. There`s already lots of it out there. Jennifer
asks good questions about competition in your area. How will you
compete? What will make your services more desirable?

What are your thoughts on that so far?

Well I really haven`t looked into competition in the area because I don`t think I will open it in my area, my area isn`t very big, I live around Binghamton, NY if any of you know where that is, its not small but it is booming with opportunity.

I was thinking after school of moving somewhere south maybe, Florida maybe or somewhere southwest like California. I really don`t know what state holds the most opportunity. Maybe I could even just move further upstate from where I am at and stay here in New York.

But I do think that if I could open a place where they could have all of their needs met at one place that it would sell itself. How many people would like to drop their dog off and go to work or on vacation with the sound of mind that when they get back their dog will be clean, groomed, happy, and even learn something along the way (training).


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"What we do in life echoes in eternity."
       -Maximus Decimus Meridius-

 Any thing is possible, but is it feasible ???. Be honestwith your self and dont let what you want rule over good  decisions.. And if its all systems GO, Go for it and the best of luck ..Tony

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Tony.N