Pet Transportation Services are needed as the number of pets in
the U.S. has grown tremendously over the past few decades.
According to the U.S. Pet ownership and Demographics sourcebook,
there are an estimated 60 million dogs and 70 million cats in
American homes today. Apart from that, households which own pets
have been recorded to spend 36% more in 2001 as compared to
1996. With this, owning a business that caters to the pet
market, including a pet transportation service has lots of
potential for healthy growth. This is due to the fact that many
Americans move around the country yearly and thus would require
pet transportation services to move their pets as well. On a
smaller scale, pet transportation services can also cater for
local residents who require these services to transport their
pets to and from the vet, within a local area or even to the
crematorium for pets which have died. Start Up Costs and
Financing Sources:< Starting a pet transportation business
really depends on the scale that you want your business to be.
If you want to start on a smaller scale, all you really need is
probably a pickup truck that has been modified to be safe and
suitable for the transport of animals. Of course, you will need
to set up an office or operate from your home with just a
telephone, email and a fax machine. All of these will cost you
less than $20,000. On a larger scale, especially when you are
considering cross border transportation, you will probably need
to invest on a larger truck that can accommodate a few pets at
the same time. Apart from that, the insides of the truck will
need to be made suitable, safe and clean for pets, with adequate
ventilation and cleaning facilities. In order to make this
business viable, you may need to quickly expand your business to
include sales agent offices in various locations. This way, you
can build up business volume in order to increase profitability.
All of these may cost you anywhere from $200,000 to $500,000 in
initial start up costs. Financing can be obtained from investors
who may be interested in the potentials of such a business.
Other than that, lending institutions such as banks can be
approached to obtain a loan for the business. As with any
business start-up, an impressive business plan must be developed
for potential investors and financiers, indicating the potential
growth as well as the estimated annual costs and revenue of the
business. Pricing Guidelines for Service: The pricing
strategy for a pet transportation service business fluctuates
based on the fixed and variable cost of the business, as well as
the nature of the service provided. Local transportation
services may start with a minimum charge of $20 to $40 for the
first 20 miles and an additional $10 for every 10 miles after
that. As for interstate transportation or transportation between
cities, the distance between the origin and the destination will
be the major price determinant. With this, prices may range from
$100 and up, depending also on the size of the animal and the
pet carrier. Advertising and Marketing: As you are
targeting pet owners, the best marketing approach would to
advertise in locations where pet owners would go. Reading
material for pet owners as well as events that are attended by
the same target group. Placing brochures within pet stores and
probably awarding pet stores with commissions for every customer
they recommend to you would be a good idea. Advertising in pet
magazines or getting a write up on your services would be
helpful. Of course, classified ads in the Yellow pages are a
must in order to make it easy for customers to locate you. Other
channels of promotion would be participation as a vendor in dog
shows or exhibitions. Doing this will help increase awareness on
the existence of the business. Additionally, working with
associations such as the American Kennel Association would
create and improve visibility to pet breeders and pet store
owners. Especially when you participate in events organized by
these associations. Launching a website and allowing potential
customers to get instant price estimates from your website would
also be a great idea. Essential Equipment This business
requires a fair amount of equipment, in which the most important
would be the vehicle that is used to transport the animals.
Apart from that, other equipment such as crates, kennels and
carriers may be required as some customers do not have these
items with them. The size and usage of these crates must be
according to the guidelines set by the Independent Pet and
Animal Transport Association (IPATA). Handlers and drivers will
need to be employed to care for the animals while they are in
transit. Other equipment required would be built-in sinks within
the vehicle to allow for easy cleaning and water refills.
Recommended training, experience, or needed skills: There
is no extensive training required for a pet transportation
service business. However, good and responsible drivers and
animal handlers need to be engaged. It would be best if you have
a background and experience in handling animals during travel so
you can train your staff and ensure that they are handling
animals in the correct manner. Apart from that, your staff must
also know what to do if they encounter problems during the
journey, and should also be equipped with the latest kennel and
vet location information in case of emergencies. Apart from
that, the business owner must be well informed on all legal
requirements pertaining to pet transportation. For example,
there are IPATA guidelines on the size of crates and wire crates
that are required by law. Moreover, all pets must be accompanied
by an inter-state travel certificate that has been certified by
a veterinarian. Income potential: The income potential of
this business is dependent on how large the business grows to. A
larger business with multiple offices and destinations will be
able to sustain a higher sales volume. With this, the pet
transportation business will be able to generate at least a six-
figure income each year. Target market: Pet owners, pet
stores and animal breeders. Success tips: A pet
transportation business requires investment and a passion for
welfare of animals in order for it to be successful. As it is
also a niche market, lots of marketing and advertising need to
be invested into the business in order to create the awareness
of the services. ? Copyright Randy Wilson, All Rights Reserved.
About the author:
Randy has dozens of home based business articles at
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