Pets offer unconditional love and companionship to their owners, so it’s not surprising to find that many people treat their beloved fur babies like members of the family. In fact, recent surveys have shown that pet owners in the U.S. spend around 103 billion dollars on their furry companions alone. These owners love their pets so much that they often bring them along on their outings or travels, even going as far as to cancel their trips if a destination isn’t pet-friendly.
If you’re a business owner, then you may already be aware of the benefits that come with going pet-friendly. By being more animal-inclusive, you’ll not only widen your client base, but also earn customer loyalty, generate more profits, and find great promotional opportunities for your brand. However, before you start opening your business’s doors to furry companions and their owners, there are a few things that you should take into consideration.
Things to Consider before Going Pet-Friendly
While there are many benefits to going pet-friendly, this endeavor will require you to invest a significant amount of time, effort, and money.
Firstly, you must create an environment that’s conducive not only for your customers, but also for their pets. Because of this, your establishment will have to shoulder the costs of necessary renovations, like installing pet-friendly flooring and furniture. You may also want to invest in pet accessories and equipment like custom dog collars, leashes, water bowls, and toys. After all, pet owners value businesses that prioritize the comfort and well-being of their fur babies.
Do assess the potential benefits of this undertaking to determine whether or not going pet-friendly is right for you and your business. If you need some help deciding on whether you should open your establishment’s doors to animals, it may be a good idea to assess the profitability and the amount of work you have to put in first. With that in mind, below is a list of five businesses that are sure to be a hit with pet parents and their fur babies, and what it would take to pull it off:
- Hotels
Pet-friendly hotels are widely sought after by pet owners that often travel with their furry friends. It shouldn’t come as a surprise, as it’s almost a given that they’d want their accommodations to welcome them and their animal companions. Additionally, most pet owners want to enjoy the luxury of staying at a hotel without having to leave their fur babies at a daycare center.
If you own a hotel and want to start catering to pet parents, consider offering an outdoor play space, premium services, and thoughtful care packages to your furry guests. Pet owners will surely appreciate the extra effort you put into keeping their pets happy and satisfied throughout their stay.
- Salons and Spas
Pet parents are always looking for more opportunities to rejuvenate with their fur babies, so you’ll have a lot to gain from welcoming them into your establishment. If you own a salon or a spa, then you may want to offer stylish makeovers or relaxing spa treatments that pamper both pets and their parents. Salon owners can collaborate with pet groomers to offer grooming services for cats or dogs while their owners have their hair done. Similarly, spas can offer soothing massage packages to pet owners and their fur babies.
- Restaurants and Cafes
Owners appreciate establishments that allow them to enjoy delectable food and beverages with their furry friends. If you own a restaurant or cafe with an alfresco area, you may want to consider opening it up to pet owners and their fur babies.
For a unique dining experience, it would help if your establishment offered a pet-friendly menu. For instance, restaurants can serve dog biscuits or cat treats that are styled like dishes made for humans, so pets can chow down with their owners. If you own a cafe, you can offer pooches a small cup of whipped cream while you serve their owners coffee. With an animal-inclusive space and menu, your establishment will have a special place in the hearts and itineraries of many pet owners.
- Photography Studios
Although pet parents can easily take pictures of their furry companions using their smartphones, they may want to own photographs that have been taken with a more professional touch. This is why going pet-friendly can be a lucrative decision for photography studios. Your studio can take solo pet portraits or photographs of owners together with their animals. A pet-friendly studio is sure to be a hit with pet owners who are willing to spend on quality mementos of their beloved companions. After all, preserving their precious memories with their fur babies is priceless.
- Clothing Stores
Many pet owners enjoy dressing their pets in cute and stylish outfits. If you own a clothing store, including pet accessories and clothes in your catalog will surely attract these pet parents’ attention. You’ll get bonus points if you sell identical pairs of pet and human apparel, as some pet parents may want to wear matching outfits with their fur babies. You can even allow your customers to bring their pets with them into your dressing rooms. That way, they can easily keep an eye on their fur babies—and maybe even get their animal companions to try on a few clothes or accessories, while they’re at it.
Going pet-friendly may not work for every business, but establishments that can afford to do it may soon find that it’s well worth the effort. Most pet owners are enthusiastic about places that welcome their furry companions, and if you manage to give them a great experience, they’re likely to put in a good word for your business or recommend it to other animal lovers. With this growing and loyal customer base, your business will definitely reach new levels of success.
