How to Start a Pet Care Business in Ontario

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.    Introduction
2.    Basics To Getting Started
3.    Regulations
4.    Taxation
5.    Financing
6.    Managing Your Operation
7.    Associations
8.    Next Steps

1. INTRODUCTION

The pet care industry consists of businesses that provide products or services for pets and pet owners. If you’re considering starting a doggy daycare, obedience training, pet grooming, or other pet related business, you will be part of this growing industry.

Other common types of pet care businesses include:

• Pet-sitting and dog walking services
• Pet cleanup service
• Kennel/boarding services
• Animal behavioural advice
• Pet supply store

In addition to the business types covered in this guide, you can visit the following websites to find information on pet breeding, humane treatment of animals, or veterinary care.

• Canadian Kennel Club – Purebred Dog Registry
• Canadian Cat Association – Purebred Cat Registry
• Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
• Canadian Federation of Humane Societies
• College of Veterinarians of Ontario

2. BASICS TO GETTING STARTED

Before starting a business in Ontario, there are several issues to consider such as regulations, financing and taxation. Read our start-up guide to learn the basics.

Read online:
Business Start-Up Guide

3. REGULATIONS

Your business may need licences and permits from the federal, provincial, and municipal levels of government.

In addition to the information you will find in this guide, you can use BizPaL—an online search tool—to find licences and regulations that may affect your business. You can also contact the Business Info Line to speak to someone about starting your business.

Use online:
BizPaL

Contact the Business Info Line:
1-888-745-8888

Some common licences, permits and regulations that may apply to starting your pet care business include:

Labelling Pet Foods

Learn about the labelling and advertising regulations for dog and cat food.

Contact the Competition Bureau:
1-800-348-5358
Guide for the Labelling and Advertising of Pet Foods

Importing or Exporting Wild Plants or Animals

If you plan on importing or exporting wild plants or animals (such as aquarium plants, or crickets and mealworms as reptile or bird food), you may need an import or export permit:

Contact Environment Canada:
1-800-668-6767
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) – Permits

You may also wish to consult the following guides:

• Importing Guide
• Exporting to the United States Guide
• Exporting to World Markets Guide

If you have legal questions, contact a lawyer who deals with business regulations. The Law Society of Upper Canada's Lawyer Referral Service may be able to assist you in finding a lawyer, based on your needs.

Contact the Law Society of Upper Canada:
1-800-268-8326
Law Society of Upper Canada's Lawyer Referral Service    

4. TAXATION

Depending on your location and the type of products or services being offered, federal, provincial and/or municipal business taxes may apply.

Read online:
Taxation Guide

If you sell goods and services in Ontario, you may need a business number to charge and remit the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST). Speak with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for more information.

Contact CRA:
1-800-959-5525
Canada Revenue Agency – Business

5. FINANCING

There are many different ways to finance your business. Canada Business can help you find government financing that is available for starting a business.

Search online:
Find Government Grants, Loans and Financing

Contact the Business Info Line:
1-888-745-8888

6. MANAGING YOUR OPERATION

The success of any business starts by setting goals and managing the ups and downs of daily operations. Here are some key factors to consider when starting a pet care business:

Insurance

Having the correct business insurance can provide peace of mind. Contact an insurance agent to discuss your business insurance options, or to develop a plan that is right for your business.

You may also wish to contact your local chamber of commerce or industry association, as some organizations offer members lower rates on their business insurance.

The following list is included to remind you not to overlook the complex areas of business insurance. It is best, however, to discuss your specific requirements with your insurance agent.

Basic insurance:

• Fire insurance (extended coverage on buildings and contents)
• Liability insurance
• Burglary protection (theft coverage)
• Dishonesty insurance (covers thefts by employees)

Read online:
Insurance for Your Small Business

Marketing/Advertising

Marketing can help you determine the value of your product or service and communicate that information to customers. Depending on your market and its size, you can consider using flyers, business cards, brochures, newspapers, radio, TV, the phone book or the Internet. Keep in mind, a satisfied customer or a positive referral is often the best form of advertising.

Read online:  
Developing a Marketing Plan 
Marketing and Sales

When preparing your marketing and/or advertising material, there are regulations to follow. When you promote a product or service, your customers need to have enough information to make informed choices. You can get more information on advertising requirements from the Competition Bureau.

Contact the Competition Bureau:
1-800-348-5358
Misleading Advertising and Labelling

Setting the Right Price

Setting the right price is important in ensuring the success of your business. Here are a few questions you may want to consider:

• What is the current price for your range of services in the industry?
• What is your competition charging?
• What is the total cost of running your business?
• What is the minimum acceptable profit you need to generate from your business?

When determining your fees, make sure you include the cost of your labour, the overhead, and the expenses that will be incurred.

In the end, the right price for the service is the price that the consumer is willing to pay. Correct pricing decisions are often key to successful business management.

Read online:
Pricing

Professional Services

The use of business support services can be essential to the success of a small business. Professionals can provide knowledge and expertise or they can round out your management team to ensure your business is operating efficiently.

As an entrepreneur, there are several types of professional business services you can consult:

• Lawyers
• Real estate agents
• Insurance brokers
• Bookkeepers
• Accountants

Choosing a Location

For most businesses, choosing an appropriate location is critical. Your ideal location will depend on your business needs, zoning restrictions, and where your customers and competitors are. Taxes, noise and the local business environment are also important factors to consider when reviewing your options.

Whether you’re setting up a home-based business or a commercial location, make sure you know what regulations and restrictions will apply before you start.

Read online:
Home-Based Business
Choosing and setting up a location

Furnishings and Equipment

Your business will need equipment and furniture, and it's important to decide what you need and how much you want to spend.  Some common ways to save money on furnishings and equipment are:

• Buying used equipment - Consider buying used equipment as a cost-saving measure. Sources of used equipment could be a pet business that is closing or a second-hand equipment store. Keep in mind the cost of maintenance and repair in the overall costs when buying used equipment.

• Leasing equipment - Another alternative is to lease equipment to help keep start-up costs down. If you choose to lease equipment remember to include interest in your overall cost.

Certification

As an owner of a pet care business, recognized certification may help set you apart from your competition. Certification shows clients that you have the skills to meet the standards set by the industry.

7. ASSOCIATIONS

There are many associations that may be of use to a pet care business. It is not necessary to join an association, but some of the advantages include:

• Promoting and exchanging marketing and promotional ideas among members
• Establishing and encouraging high standards of quality and professionalism

Examples of associations for a pet care business include:

Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC)

You can find information about pet business best practises from this national organization dedicated to ensuring the highest level of pet care. You can also find resources about new regulations and legal requirements in the Canadian pet industry.

Contact PIJAC:
1-800-553-7387
Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC)

Canadian Association of Professional Pet Dog Trainers (CAPPDT)

CAPPDT promotes dog-friendly and humane training techniques. Professional pet dog trainers can use the association’s forum to share and exchange ideas and network with other professionals.

Contact CAPPDT:
Ontario - Central North 1-705-726-4112
Ontario - Central South 1-905-257-2828
Ontario – East 1-905-419-3647
Ontario - South West 1-519-619-3954
Canadian Association of Professional Pet Dog Trainers

8. NEXT STEPS

For other information that relates to starting your business, you can read the following guides:

• Business Planning
• Market Research and Statistics
• Starting Your Business
• Grants and Financing
• Taxation Guide
• Employment Regulations Guide: Hiring

You can also find books, magazines and other relevant print material at business service organizations in your community. To locate a Canada Business Ontario (CBO) community partner, contact us through the Business Info Line at 1-888-745-8888.

Need more information?

Click: Canada Business
Call: The Business Info Line, a collaboration between ServiceOntario and Industry Canada, at 1-888-745-8888
Visit: Find a Community Partner Location near you

DISCLAIMERS

Information contained in this document is of a general nature only and is not intended to constitute advice for any specific situation. Users concerned about the reliability of the information should consult directly with the source, or seek legal counsel.

Some of the organizations listed above are not subject to the federal Official Languages Act or the French Language Services Act of Ontario. Their services may not be available in both official languages.