Pet shop ideas... all welcome!

[Pets-4-U]

Ok. As I'm nearing completion with my plans of opening a pet shop, I thought now was the time to start seeing if there is something I'd forgotten about (I think I've covered all the bases but whats that old saying "the more, the merrier!")

So, this thread is specifically for people who can think of any snazzy ideas or what sort of things you'd like or expect a pet shop to sell (domestic animals included?

How would you expect to see the animals displayed?

What other services/perks would you like from a trip to your local pet shop?

What animals would you like to see available to purchase from a pet shop?

If you did buy a pet, would you expect the pet shop to take it back within x number of days of purchase? If so, how many days? And under what reasons? (Obviously if it pegs it or if its terribly ill within x number of days then thats fair enough but what other reasons, if any?)

As pet owners, do you prefer the high-end brands of food or the cheaper/mid-range stuff (James Wellbeloved vs Chappie - that kinda thing).

What animals would you not want to see in a shop and why?

Etc, etc, etc. Lets see if someone can come up with something that I've a. not thought about before or b. that can come up with a specific problem with a specific aspect of anything.

 

[serrano]

How would you expect to see the animals displayed?

Having managed a couple of PAH stores which always blew its then American competitors out the water the answer to this question is cleanliness, cleanliness and more cleanliness, space is always an issue as there will always someone who says there is not enough, In effect tip tip animal husbandry which I have no doubt will be the case.

Pedigree Schmakos and rawhide bones at every doggy hot spot! Incredible sellers.

Euaknuba now Iams is always a hard sell so a good range of Superdog etc is always good to accommodate every budget.

Home delivery is good in the local area, not everyone can carry a 15k bag of dog food.

Just a couple of views but hope it helps.

 

[InPrintImaging]

Are you based in County Durham? Pity. If you were closer I might have suggested you could offer pet portraits on a commission per sale basis, but at that sort of distance, I'm not sure if it would be really practical.

www.peterdrought.co.uk

 

[deniser]

I don't like seeing animals in pet shops at all but if you are going to have them then I echo the above words. Cages have to be clean, spacious and well equipped. I have reported pet shops to the Council licensing department before when I have seen animals in atricious conditions.

Please, please, please don't sell those ridiculously small hamster cages that you see in all petshops. Please do sell the big ones which are the minimum of what is suitable. I know they take up a lot of space but the small ones are cruel.

This one as an absolute minimum size please:

http://www.zooplus.co.uk/shop/small_pets/hutches_cages/hamster_cages/hamster_cages

 

[LABJES]

Yes treats are mostly what we buy for our pampered pooch, tend to get food with internet shop. Have noticed that hamster type toys are in short supply in a lot of pet shops, most kids have at least 3 hammies during childhood so I would think anything hamster related should be popular. Do agree on the cage thing too, some are ridiculously small for our furry friends to live in. I am currently on the lookout for a new doggy tag having recently moved house, not so easy to find without going pet superstores!

 

[peepleschmeeple]

On the issue of animal welfare, if a parent wants to buy a rabbit for a young child, please talk them out of it. They are not suitable children's pets. Please ensure that any employees are knowledgeable about such matters.

On the business side a local home delivery service is always good (free for orders over a certain value). Pet products can be ridiculously heavy.

Customer orders are a good idea. My rabbits eat a certain kind of food (Supreme Science Selective) which Pets at Home don't stock. I also like to buy a certain size of sawdust (Canac 7kg) but again Pets at Home don't stock that in-between size and I can only order this online (I get much of my supplies from Feedem).

My dogs prefer wet food to dry and when I was richer (i.e. was employed) I used to buy Naturediet trays, which can be microwaved in the winter. They get bog-standard Chum nowadays.

Offer discounts for bulk buys.

Offer a good selection of reasonably priced toys for all pets, small furries included.

My dogs adore white rawhide (as opposed to the plain stuff).

Hope this helps. Good luck.

 

[deniser]

On the issue of animal welfare, if a parent wants to buy a rabbit for a young child, please talk them out of it.

Actually nor are hamsters, not least because they really are nocturnal.

Our local petshop says the only suitable small furry pet for a child under 10 is a guinea pig. The downside is of course that they live much longer than children keep up their interest in them so many end up in sanctuaries.

I really liked this Naturals range for small furries:

http://www.petscorner.co.uk/small-animal/treats/rosewood-naturals-range-natures-salad

and the Silent Spinner hamster wheel although you need to get the sizing right as the hamster one isn't quite big enough for a Syrian.

Also liked the wooden accessories from Germany.

 

[BustersDogs]

I would never use a pet shop that sold animals, sorry.

 

[peepleschmeeple]

Actually nor are hamsters, not least because they really are nocturnal.

Our local petshop says the only suitable small furry pet for a child under 10 is a guinea pig. The downside is of course that they live much longer than children keep up their interest in them so many end up in sanctuaries.

Well rabbits can live until they're 10 years or even older so you can see why so many of them end up abandoned or unloved in tiny hutches.

Every time I go to my local PaH I have this urge to lecture parents with small children when it looks like they're there to buy an animal. They should see how little Tommy gets on with a virtual pet first.

 

[deniser]

Every time I go to my local PaH I have this urge to lecture parents with small children when it looks like they're there to buy an animal. They should see how little Tommy gets on with a virtual pet first.

I am exactly the same!

 

[deniser]

Well rabbits can live until they're 10 years or even older so you can see why so many of them end up abandoned or unloved in tiny hutches.

.

My cousin actually found an extra rabbit in her rabbit run. Someone had climbed over the fence and added it to her run when they didn't want it anymore!

 

[idhaye]

Obviously you have a good sound business sense, however may I ask if you have a good all round knowledge of domestic animals. We have a great local petshop and frequently when I have been in customers often seek advice about everything from diet, housing, correct harness's to what size perch a budgie requires, quite a responsibility for a pet shop owner.

I have to also agree with others I don't like to see any domestic pets kept within the shop. Why not offer free advertising to local domestic pet breeders, then your customers can go direct and collect all the relevant info required and know exactly where these animals have come from. Just a little point I believe you'll also need various licenses required, even DEFRA & Enviroment Health.

 

[peepleschmeeple]

My cousin actually found an extra rabbit in her rabbit run. Someone had climbed over the fence and added it to her run when they didn't want it anymore!

Disgraceful

 

[LABJES]

I think the point about children and pets is that it's never the kids that look after the pets, they do it for a week and then the poor animal is left to the care of Mom and Dad, fortunately I love animals and actually had a very rewarding relationship with my daughters hamster!

 

[deniser]

I think the point about children and pets is that it's never the kids that look after the pets, they do it for a week and then the poor animal is left to the care of Mom and Dad, fortunately I love animals and actually had a very rewarding relationship with my daughters hamster!

Same here. Definitely pets for adults only!

 

[papverpoppies]

Ok. As I'm nearing completion with my plans of opening a pet shop, I thought now was the time to start seeing if there is something I'd forgotten about (I think I've covered all the bases but whats that old saying "the more, the merrier!")

So, this thread is specifically for people who can think of any snazzy ideas or what sort of things you'd like or expect a pet shop to sell (domestic animals included?

How would you expect to see the animals displayed?

What other services/perks would you like from a trip to your local pet shop?

What animals would you like to see available to purchase from a pet shop?

If you did buy a pet, would you expect the pet shop to take it back within x number of days of purchase? If so, how many days? And under what reasons? (Obviously if it pegs it or if its terribly ill within x number of days then thats fair enough but what other reasons, if any?)

As pet owners, do you prefer the high-end brands of food or the cheaper/mid-range stuff (James Wellbeloved vs Chappie - that kinda thing).

What animals would you not want to see in a shop and why?

Etc, etc, etc. Lets see if someone can come up with something that I've a. not thought about before or b. that can come up with a specific problem with a specific aspect of anything.

I take you will have done a business plan, in which case surely that answers some of the questions you are asking here - because you have done your research, and know what your potential customers want - right?

Keeping/selling animals in a shop is a no no for me, and will also add extra work and licensing stipulations (as well as requiring animal husbandry skills).

Many pets in shops die, and the staff remove the bodies before the shop opens (you are not thinking of selling puppies are you)?

You really need to ask your intended market (as we cannot answer your questions) as that will depend on the area your are setting up in and how deep your customers pockets are.

Pops ~xx~

 

[Doodle-Noodle]

I'm afraid I don't like to see animals for sale in shops at all as I think it encourages impulse ownership to people who really haven't the faintest idea of what looking after an animal properly and responsibly entails........ pet supplies shops are a fab places to visit for pet owners, but with the exception of fish in nice large tanks I don't want to see anything living (oh, the staff are fine of course).

I would be much more likely to us a pet supplies shop that provides lots of good information about pet ownership. You could easily put this ethos forward with some very inexpensive marketing:
Perhaps offers customers some sort of pet owner's club that they could join exclusively through your shop (you know the sort of thing ..... The Kitty Club etc) that would email out newsletters, exclusive offers, reminders about tick/flea treatments, worming etc, pet birthday e-cards ......
When they buy tick/flea/worm treatments from your shop they could get some sort of stamp that would mark them as a good and responsible owner, x number of stamps could entitle them to a free gift/10% coupon?whatever, but it would encourage them to use your shop rther than go elsewhere.
Get a FaceBook page so they can post pics of their pets, you could award virtual certificates to owners for cute pets/funny stories etc, have FB dog/cat/rabbit shows and get people to vote for winners in various kooky categories ......
Oh I don't know, but you could have a lot of fun with this!!!! Good luck

 

[Pets-4-U]

Wow, thanks everyone - this thread has turned up some great ideas and its good to hear what other people use/know their pets like/need. I've owned alsorts in the past ranging from 4 legs to none, feathers, scales, fur and fluff but its always good to hear what other people go out of their way to purchase for their pets

My business plan does indeed answer practically all of those questions but it was good to ask other pet owners/aspiring pet owners their views and opinions too.

I have extensive animal husbandry experience - having worked professionally with animals for more years than I care to admit to in here (I'm starting to feel old when I think about it in numbers!! :redface I've ranged from vet nursing, animal rescue charity work, boarding establishments, dog training, animal behaviour, grooming, microchipping and everything possible in between. Including groom to some lovely yards but alas I don't think I'll go down the line of selling shetlands to kids, hehehe!

Totally agree about the rabbits/kids thing - totally not suitable pets for the majority of children. My folks were lucky - when I was a kid and hounded them for this pet, that pet and then every other pet, I always looked after them. I now realise that I was rather an exception to the standard rule of kids and "their" pets!!

 

[papverpoppies]

Wow, thanks everyone - this thread has turned up some great ideas and its good to hear what other people use/know their pets like/need. I've owned alsorts in the past ranging from 4 legs to none, feathers, scales, fur and fluff but its always good to hear what other people go out of their way to purchase for their pets

My business plan does indeed answer practically all of those questions but it was good to ask other pet owners/aspiring pet owners their views and opinions too.

I have extensive animal husbandry experience - having worked professionally with animals for more years than I care to admit to in here (I'm starting to feel old when I think about it in numbers!! :redface I've ranged from vet nursing, animal rescue charity work, boarding establishments, dog training, animal behaviour, grooming, microchipping and everything possible in between. Including groom to some lovely yards but alas I don't think I'll go down the line of selling shetlands to kids, hehehe!

Totally agree about the rabbits/kids thing - totally not suitable pets for the majority of children. My folks were lucky - when I was a kid and hounded them for this pet, that pet and then every other pet, I always looked after them. I now realise that I was rather an exception to the standard rule of kids and "their" pets!!

What pets do you plan on selling then?

Large animals background experience there, what makes you want to go into the pet shop trade - just out of interest!

Pops ~xx~

 

[KateCB]

I love animals, like you I have had all sorts, my favourite and most unsuual was a 12ft Burmese python called Smeagle, who the South Yorkshire Police used in their 'operation python - squeezing the life out of crime' campaign - fame at last! However, she was bought from a garden centre, who had taken her in because her owner couldn't care for her - she was like a bootlace poor thing, soon sorted her out, and she lived until she was 36 (not bad for a captive reptile with a very poor start) and had a 'personality'.

Anyway, Fish - yes, I love fish, I have tropical tanks, and would never buy fish from Pets at Home - their tanks are overstocked, diseased, and every time I go in for food (I buy Hinari wafers and Aqaria flake from them, along with filter media) there are LOTS of dead fish in the tank, or a tank that is obviously infected with ich etc and they do nothing......the staff are not knowledgable, and I cringe sometimes when I hear them talking to someone who is setting up a first tank - I have to walk away, or I think they would throw me out and ban me....point is, if you DO stock fish, PLEASE know what your are doing, don't guess, don't give out bad advice, and don't sell someone their first tank and couple of little cute plecostomus to go in it - these things grow to around 24" long and wreck everything in sight, but no-one ever tells the new fishkeeper that!

 

[peepleschmeeple]

I was in my local independent pet store today and have one more piece of advice for you: don't sell products that are readily available in supermarkets more expensively i.e. the mainstream brands like Chum, Winalot, Chappie. Either sell these for less (Morrisons sell a six-pack of Chum for around £3:50, Winalot for £4 and own-brand food for £2.50) or don't sell them at all and concentrate on niche brands like Naturediet and James Wellbeloved. In this case the pet shop were selling a 28-pack of large Dentastix for £2 more than Morrisons (£9 v £7). When I was in the pet aisle of Morrisons later a man commented to me that some dog treat had gone up by 12p since last week, so even though people love their pets, they are still price conscious, savvy consumers.

 

[GeorgeStrait]

As above, the margins on branded pet supplies can be as low as 9%, generally around the 17% - 22% region. So little room price matching.

 

[emmylou74]

I hate seeing pets for sale in pet shops! Please reconsider, it would be better to support your local RSPCA or other rehoming centre and advertise pets available for re-homing from them.

 

[papverpoppies]

I hate seeing pets for sale in pet shops! Please reconsider, it would be better to support your local RSPCA or other rehoming centre and advertise pets available for re-homing from them.

So do I, it leads to people impulse buying, and that never should be the case where animals are concerned.

I think a lot of people hold these views, and it can have a detrimental effect on the business...as for pet shops that sell puppies, that are bred on puppy farms, those places want closing down ASAP!



Pops ~xx~

 

[GeorgeStrait]

So do I, it leads to people impulse buying, and that never should be the case where animals are concerned.

I think a lot of people hold these views, and it can have a detrimental effect on the business...as for pet shops that sell puppies, that are bred on puppy farms, those places want closing down ASAP!



Pops ~xx~

There is absolutely no need to get puppies from anywhere else bar the K9 defence league, RSPCA etc.

I would not shop where puppies, kittens are sold. Rabbits and rodents - not so sure.

 

[papverpoppies]

There is absolutely no need to get puppies from anywhere else bar the K9 defence league, RSPCA etc.

I would not shop where puppies, kittens are sold. Rabbits and rodents - not so sure.

Absolutely, do not line the pocket of the cruel puppy farmer, either adopt from a rescue centre, or DO some homework about your puppy, never ever buy from a retail outlet.

There are countless lovely dogs in rescue centres up and down the Country, as well as cats/kittens, rabbits, you name it, they probably have one (well you might not get a Leopard)

So save your money and adopt.

Pops ~xx~

 

[sitandstay]

If you do go a head with this shop. Please only have a adult buying policy.

The amount of my clients that say " This is our dog, it used to be our sons/daughters, but now we have taken care of it "

 

[BustersDogs]

If you do go a head with this shop. Please only have a adult buying policy.

This is now the law anyway. Children aren't legally allowed to buy pets under the Animal Welfare Act.

 

[peepleschmeeple]

As with any retail premises, security is an issue and this is especially important where the lives of animals are concerned. Our local pet shop has CCTV cameras in various locations and has placed a makeshift wooden grille over the tank holding larger fish. Prominent signage suggests that the livestock area is under constant surveillance. It seems that the fish in particular were walking (so to speak).

 

[Brian_210]

Hi, just read through this thread and thought I'd share some opinions. I've been running my own reptile shop for 4 months. I have reptiles in my store as well as all the equipment. All too often I have people coming into my store without a clue how to look after their animal because they have been misinformed or sold without giving real solid information. The can be doubled with the fact they bought on impulse etc.

We have many times refused to sell customers an animal on the basis that they do not have the right equipment and information etc. We also spend more time than you can imagine trying to advise our customers on the best care - to be told by a large amount afterwards comments such as "Well he's been doing fine since I've had him" (in this particular instance a lady keeping a bearded dragon 40f BELOW what it should be). It is particularly hard when this is information they'd been given by other shops. Please make sure you are willing to refuse to sell to customers - and ensure you can afford to refuse customers.

Have care sheets for all animals printed out ready for customers - let them take the leaflets away, think about it and make an informed decision. Then tell them everything they'll need and the total cost. This is the best you can do!

On a business note - go into all your local pet shops, or as many as possible. Write down everything you like and dislike, everything that is wrong, things you over-hear that are good or bad. Utilise their strengths to your advantage and make sure everything that is wrong with them cannot be said about your store. This is what I did and the reaction so far has been excellent. We now have a good turnover and many regular customers. We also have more followers on Facebook than all our local competition combined.

the ethical - quality - clean - informative way to go is the harder, and certainly takes a great deal more time and money, but in my opinion there is no other way. (Well - there shouldn't be allowed any other way).

 

[Deleted member 3454]

I only have experience with hamsters.

If you are selling cages for Syrian hamsters please, please, please sell suitable spacious ones like Savic Cambridge, Duna Multi as opposed to the small modular ones with tubes that are totally unsuitable. Also hamsters need wheels that are big enough for them to use without their backs curving - e.g. most wheels that come with cages are only suitable for Robos, Chinese and Winter Whites and are way too small for a fully grown Syrian.

A good range of healthy hamster treats is always a good thing. Hamster food - Harry Hamster mix is the only food recognised and endorsed by the National Hamster Council (our Syrian hamster prefers it to PAH mix) and is not sold in our local PAH store so I would be happy to see that, too. A good range of hamster toys for use in the spacious cage.

Please do not stock "fluffy" hamster bedding - it can harm hamsters if the eat or pouch it. They need wood shavings as substrate and shredded paper as bedding.

 

[Davek0974]

All of our pets have come from re-homing centers, it does mean we change pets more frequently as they are generally mid-life or older but the rewards are good too.

I do not like to see animals for sale in shops any more, we had a Pets-R-Us near our old house and after it closed down we heard many terrible stories of cruelty from staff that didn't care about the animals, it was sickening and even made the news.

If and only if you really must sell pets, then cleanliness and care are first in my mind, i want to see that they are more than well cared for which sadly is very difficult in a shop environment i feel. They need 24hr care really, being shut in overnight is not good.

How about a grooming parlor in-store?

Or even a vets branch for minor treatments?

Sadly, its nigh-on impossible to buy a puppy these days without supporting or encouraging cruel puppy farms in one way or another, we are supposed to be a nation of animal lovers

 

[idhaye]

Sadly, its nigh-on impossible to buy a puppy these days without supporting or encouraging cruel puppy farms in one way or another, we are supposed to be a nation of animal lovers

I'm happy to hear you agree with the majority - BUT, as a KC dog breeder with over 25 years experience, I do feel offended that you are of the opinion in some way or other, when we supply a puppy to a loving caring home, we are supporting puppy farming - What rubbish.

On behalf of ALL responsible breeders, there is NO WAY what so ever would we have ANYTHING to do with puppy farms.

 

[Davek0974]

I'm happy to hear you agree with the majority - BUT, as a KC dog breeder with over 25 years experience, I do feel offended that you are of the opinion in some way or other, when we supply a puppy to a loving caring home, we are supporting puppy farming - What rubbish.

On behalf of ALL responsible breeders, there is NO WAY what so ever would we have ANYTHING to do with puppy farms.

Sorry, my fault, i was generalising to much. :redface:

I was aiming it at the small pet store who will get the cheapest stock they can, sale cards in shop windows, signs at car-boots etc 'Puppies for sale'.

I certainly did not want to offend genuine breeders, our current re-home was a KC registered Westie b1tch (cant say female dog!!) who had reached her litter limit which was very sensibly set by the breeder.

The down side today is that even when it comes to animals, people are still biased by price and the worst source is very nearly always the cheapest one. If it ever happens that we do buy a puppy one day, i would have to do a heck of a lot of research and visiting before i parted with my money.

Anyway, please don't take offence from my post, its a touchy subject and i sometimes type faster than i think

 

[idhaye]

i sometimes type faster than i think

OK - We're friends now, I do understand about typing too fast, I just broke my record for replying to a posting - I was so Mad LOL

You're right ANYONE thinking about purchasing a puppy must do their homework. It also works the other way, if I have an ad hock enquiry, I soon explain all puppies are sold.

Just a footnote, we had problems here in Sevenaoks with a big retailer selling puppies, guess what I discovered the local council who issue the license to sell puppies, charge the retailer ??????????????????????

Now I know they are short of funds, but this leaves me with a bad taste in my mouth!

 

[papverpoppies]

OK - We're friends now, I do understand about typing too fast, I just broke my record for replying to a posting - I was so Mad LOL

You're right ANYONE thinking about purchasing a puppy must do their homework. It also works the other way, if I have an ad hock enquiry, I soon explain all puppies are sold.

Just a footnote, we had problems here in Sevenaoks with a big retailer selling puppies, guess what I discovered the local council who issue the license to sell puppies, charge the retailer ??????????????????????

Now I know they are short of funds, but this leaves me with a bad taste in my mouth!

I have a friend who campaigns against PF, could I ask if it would be possible to PM me the details on how the council extract money (outside of license fees and rates) from this establishment.

I am sure my friend would be very interested.

No problems; I understand if you do not wish to.

Pops ~xx~

 

[idhaye]

I have a friend who campaigns against PF, could I ask if it would be possible to PM me the details on how the council extract money (outside of license fees and rates) from this establishment.

I am sure my friend would be very interested.

No problems; I understand if you do not wish to.

Pops ~xx~

No problem, there was a campaign here a while back and I was told that every PS establishment that want to keep animals on their premises must apply to their local council for a license. This is where the council charge. It also my belief that this charge relates to what animals are kept on the premises. I also think this is quite common practice throught the UK.

Perhaps the original Poster/others could offer more info. Sorry I can't help more.

 

[SouthernBusiness]

Woodshavings isn't recommended for hamsters. It is too dusty; Carefresh, Back to Nature Fibre Cycle is best. Customers won't pay £100 for a hamster cage. They will buy it from Zooplus. Selective hamster is the best as it is a pellet. So they can't selectively feed. They aren't nocturnal they are crepuscular. Pet shops don't really sell kittens or puppies any more. Stick with Hamsters, Gerbils and G-pigs. Rabbits are the most rehomed pet. Depends on the size of your shop with what brands to stock. If it is big enough. Then you should be able to compete with PaH by buying when on offer and holding the promo's. It shows you are cheap.
You don't need a DEFRA licence you need a Pet Shop Licence from the local council.

Pets don't constantly die in pet shops. They aren't removed daily! It wouldn't make sense in any respect to sell if this was the case.

 

[JMRidley]

To get back to the original question - the service I'd really like from our local pet store is home delivery of bedding and food - would be great if I could go online when stocks are running low and put an order in. We have guinea pigs but I work full time and it can be difficult to get to the pet store (it's a bit out of town and not open Sundays). I'd rather support an independent store but end up buying stuff from Tesco because it's the only place open on Sunday when I realise I'm about to run out of pet food.

 

[ryedale]

My parents owned a small chain of pet shops for over 35 years

They were an integral part of the community and renowned for being welcoming, friendly and always helpful if anyone wanted to talk about their pets (or anything else!)

They always went to the trouble of ordering something in if not stocked (if possible)

They sent all their staff on City and Guilds in Animal and Pet store management courses so that they could give genuine (and correct advice!) to customers.

Cleanliness was essential and the smellier products (pigs ears springs to memory!) were always kept in a place where they wouldn't stink the shop out !

They kept care sheets for every animal sold and were always very strict on not selling to children without parents being there

They placed massive importance on a good shop window display, changing it frequently and appropriate for the season of course!