I'm considering a career change...animal related/long

[Cami]

Please forgive me if this goes against BW rules, but I read the rules twice last night and couldn't find anything reguarding this....
I am considering a career change. I have been a hair dresser for over 18 years, self-employed for the last 11.
Every since I can remember I have wanted to do something with animals but didn't know what. I could never be a vet because of all that it entails so I never went that route. I thought I would be satisfied with just being an animal lover.....and pet owner.
I enjoy the creativity that my current profession offers, but the drive is gone, the passion has subsided and it's now "just a job".
So.....I had a brainstorm about 4 months ago and it startled me and excited me all at the same time.
Prior to Cami (boxer), I have had cat's for the past 20 years. Dog's from birth until I was in my mid-teens.
The last 2 cats that I had buzzy & kitty both had serious medical issues to deal with....weight issues (over and under), allergies (food and inhalant), cancer (lymphosarcoma), renal failure, anemia......I lost one at the age of 12 and the most recent at the age of 17 back in April.
Then along comes Cami, with her whole host of medical issues, poor immune system, demodectic mange, eye problems, possible allergies, von Willabran, nearly lost on 3 different occasions prior to finding us and Silver (kitten), bad reaction to sedation......
Anyhow, I have spent years running all over town to different pet stores, health food stores, many sleepless nights sitting in front of a computer doing research, numerous trips to specialists etc....
There is not one single pet-speciality store near me.....if they even exist.
So, why not offer others in my position or owneres that want only "The Best" for their healthy aimals?
A store with only the top foods, foods for allergies, foods for senior animals, non-destructable toys, healthy edible and digestable treats, bones....positive use training aparatus (no choke chains, pinch colors etc..), hypo-allergenic bedding, shampoos free of harsh chemicals that dry out skin, medicated shampoos for specific skin conditions, supplements for keeping healthy animals healthy and getting sick and frail animals on the mend. Only high-quality, healthy products for our furr-babies.
These products are available I understand that but one location has only 2 the other has only 5......why not a place that only carries these items specifically?
And to top it off, a caring animal loving business owner that will listen and understand and perhaps tear up when it hears of an animal that needs care.....Somome willing to go the distance for her own pets as well as wanting only the best for those that she has never even met!
Out of all of the local pet supply stores in my area (covering 4-5 suburbs and one large enough city (columbus, ohio), there are competent locations but not one that carries specifically all of the above mentioned thoughts.
Of course Cami would be the greeter....just like at Walmart!!!
Is this just a pipedream? Am I the only one that feels a need for this market....and just live in the wrong city?
Thanks for letting me vent and express.....
Susi w/
Cami & Silver (co-owners of .......*Cami & Silver's Place*)

 

[BrazilBoxer]

I think it's a wonderful idea, but you are probably the best judge of the market, along with any other members here who live near you.

I know these types of stores exist in other cities in the U.S. I have also been tempted to open my own store here in our city in Brazil. Four million people in our metro area, and there is not a single pet shop that carries a decent selection of terrible products, let alone good ones :rolleyes:

I think you are on the right track, and seeing as you have been a small business owner already, you are already ahead of the learning curve.

Maybe conduct an informal poll at your local dog club? See what others think? Good luck, Mariah.

 

[Kimber & Mac]

We have one of those in Gainesville. It is great. You go in, ask for food, and they know what they are talking about, the benefits, etc. They have a bakery section with treats, all kinds of toys and knickknack stuff - and they recommended my new GREAT vet to me. They know what they are tlaking about. I think it is a great idea, and with some advertising you could probably have a good business.

Kimberly

 

[catneon]

I agree with Brazil Boxer, you are the best judge of the market. Find a way to make your own survey to see the potential. You could even check out some dog grooming places (they usually don't sell much things but have a great clientele of dog owners who want "what's best for their dogs") You can also establish a small website and maybe advertise somewhere (local paper) to get people to send you their opinions, maybe fill out a survey etc...

After that you'll have to look at suppliers, rent space and figure out how much money you need to start this.
These stores don't exist (at least not where I live either) and they should!! it's true most staff at the regular pet stores aren't really knowledgeable on top of this if you don't visit pet store that sell pets the selection is even more limited.

I would also look at the web for help, find the type of pet stores that are similar to what you would want and contact them. I'm sure some of them would be happy to give you information even put you in contact with some of there suppliers.

I think its a great idea! Good luck!

Catherine

 

[ljnash]

I have no advice for you, but I think you have a good idea! I wish you luck! Keep us posted on your progress!

Lenore

 

[martins]

We have a store just like you described, and once I found it I buy everything for Roscoe from there. They carry a great variety of good foods, treats, supplements, good toys, gear such as travel bowls, lifejackets, seatbelts, etc. The couple who runs the store are fantastic and really know their products. They love for Roscoe to come in and the guy of the couple always gets down in the floor and plays with him. They also have a picture wall of their fur-customers! Whenever they get in new treats they give out samples in your bag to take home and try and when I've mentioned that it's Roscoe's birthday or around Christmas, they give hima toy! Those are the kind of things that make me want to support them and why I buy everything I can from their store, it is our absolute favorite.

I wish you the best of luck if you decide to give this a try! Just wanted to share some ideas!