Starting A Business In The Pet Industry (2025 Updated)

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Australia has one of the highest rates of pet ownership in the world. According to recent surveys in 2025, approximately 63% of Australian households now care for a pet. The pet industry continues to flourish and is now valued at around $15 billion, reflecting its growing importance in our economy.

As the market continues to expand, starting a business in the pet industry can be both a fulfilling and profitable venture. In this article, we’ll explore various ways to get involved and discuss the legal considerations you should keep in mind along the way.

What Are Some Pet Services In Australia?

There are a range of ways to embed yourself in the pet industry in Australia. Pet services are in high demand among pet owners, and whether you’re looking to work full-time with animals or launch a side-hustle, there is a niche for you. Common pet-related services include:

Pet care
Pet treats
Pet grooming
Breeding services (in NSW, all animals must be registered)
Pet day care
Adoption services
Courier services

We’ll explore these services in more depth – keep reading to learn more about each option and the legal frameworks that support them.

How To Start A Pet Care Business

Pet sitting is one accessible way to enter the pet industry. This service involves looking after someone else’s pet while they are away for the day or overnight. When considering pet sitting, think about which types of pets you are comfortable caring for and review the current animal welfare standards to ensure you meet the requirements.

Be sure to equip yourself with the necessary supplies – from water bowls and appropriate food to treats, leashes, cleaning supplies, and any other items needed to keep pets safe and comfortable.

Pet owners tend to prefer professionals who are qualified and experienced. Enhancing your credentials can boost your appeal to clients – consider undertaking TAFE courses in Animal Care, such as a Certificate III in Animal Studies. In addition, several online training programmes now offer accredited qualifications to further boost your credibility in 2025.

Like any other business, a pet care venture should follow the correct process for business registration and ensure that you have the proper legal documents prepared. It’s also crucial to consider your business structure – whether you operate as a sole trader or set up a company, as this choice will impact your tax, liability, and compliance obligations.

How To Start A Pet Treat Business

Pet treats can be crafted and sold from home. In fact, locally made treats often have a special appeal, as many pet owners prefer boutique, small-batch products over mass-produced alternatives. You may even want to start your business from home entirely!

If you’re planning to sell pet treats, it’s essential to research and prepare your recipes using ingredients and methods that conform to the latest food safety standards for pet consumption. This ensures that your treats are safe and nutritious.

Moreover, if you mislead or deceive consumers about the contents or quality of your treats, you could breach the Australian Consumer Law – making you liable if issues arise. Transparency is key when describing ingredients and production methods.

Another important aspect of selling pet treats is ensuring that you adhere to packaging and labelling requirements. Clear and accurate labels allow consumers to make informed decisions, which helps build trust in your brand.

It’s important to make sure all items are labelled correctly and that you clearly communicate the ingredients and cooking process used, enabling pet owners to choose the best treats for their furry friends.

How To Start A Pet Grooming Business

Pet grooming is an excellent way to work with animals while running your own business. Although there are no strict legal requirements for pet groomers, there are several steps you should consider before launching your service:

Obtain relevant training or qualifications in animal services to understand pet behaviour and client expectations
Decide which types of pets you will cater to
Register your business and organise your tax obligations
If you have a website, ensure you include robust legal pages such as Website Terms and Conditions, a Privacy Policy, a Cookie Policy, and appropriate Service Agreements

Since pet grooming requires specialised equipment and products, it may be necessary to draft Supply Agreements with your vendors. This becomes even more crucial if you are engaging overseas suppliers, where customs and tax issues can arise without clearly defined terms.

How Does Mobile Pet Grooming Work?

Mobile pet grooming involves the groomer travelling to the pet owner’s location. Many pet owners appreciate this convenience because transporting pets to a salon can be stressful for both the animal and its owner.

Provided there is access to an electrical outlet and a reliable water tap, mobile groomers can offer on-site services directly at a client’s doorstep. It’s often wise to start with a few local appointments and then expand your territory as your business grows and becomes more cost-effective.

How To Become A Registered Dog Breeder

Dog breeding laws vary by state and locality, so if you want to become a registered dog breeder, it’s crucial to do thorough research before committing to this path. For example, in NSW, all animals must be registered – including those used for breeding.

To legally breed animals for commercial purposes, you will need to register as a breeder. In NSW, consult the Guidelines for Approval as a Recognised Breeder Body to determine if you meet the requirements.

Once registered, complete the application form and await approval. It is also essential to familiarise yourself with the Pet Registry, as both you and your customers will need to use it regularly.

Finally, ensure that all your breeding practises comply with the Animal Welfare Code of Practice for Breeding Dogs and Cats to maintain high standards and legal compliance.

What Should I Know About Pet Breeding Businesses?

Pet breeding is one of the most regulated sectors within the pet industry. With a growing demand for transparency and higher standards, regulations are continually evolving. It is crucial to stay up-to-date with any changes in legislation to ensure your breeding practices remain compliant.

Regularly reviewing your policies and consulting with legal professionals—such as those featured on our Legal Documents for Business guide—can help safeguard your operations against unforeseen legal changes.

Starting A Dog Daycare Business

Dog daycares are increasingly popular as more owners seek social environments for their pets while they are away. In 2025, the demand for dog day care services continues to grow as pet parents look for safe, stimulating, and caring environments where their dogs can interact and play.

Much like childcare centres, dog daycares offer a blend of playtime, interactive activities, snacks, water, shelter, and designated nap areas to ensure that dogs remain happy and healthy throughout the day.

If you’re considering starting a dog daycare, diligent business planning is essential. Consider factors such as securing the right space and equipment, implementing strict Service Agreements with clients, understanding limitation of liability issues, obtaining comprehensive insurance coverage, and researching local zoning laws and council regulations. For in-depth planning strategies, have a look at our Business Plan Guide.

Laws On Running A Pet Service From Home

The most important aspects of running a pet service from home are zoning requirements and council regulations. Since these vary significantly between localities, it is essential to check the specific rules that apply to your address.

Additionally, when operating a pet service from home, you must ensure that your premises meet animal welfare standards. Your home should be safe, pet-friendly, and ideally located in a neighbourhood with access to parks and veterinary clinics.

Also, consider obtaining appropriate insurance to safeguard against issues such as neighbour noise complaints and client parking inconveniences during pet drop-offs and pickups.

It’s best to develop a comprehensive business plan that outlines solutions to potential challenges and sets a clear blueprint for your business’s future.

Can I Start A Pet Adoption Service?

Launching a pet adoption service is a wonderful way to help place animals in loving homes. Before you begin, decide whether your service will operate as a charity or as a for-profit business. This decision will influence your registration process and the legal structure you adopt.

If you choose the charity route, you must register your organisation as a charity. Alternatively, if you opt for a commercial model, apply for an Australian Business Number (ABN) and follow the standard business registration process.

Set Up A Pet Courier Service

Offering a pet courier service is another innovative way to engage with the pet industry. Since you are responsible for the safe transport of pets, it’s important to have the necessary legal contracts in place to mitigate risks and limit your liability.

In addition, consider comprehensive insurance, factor in start-up costs, and be aware of any regulatory restrictions in your target service areas.

When planning a pet transport service, reflect on several key factors:

Identify the regions you will serve and determine the type of transport provided
Secure any special permits or provisions required for the type of vehicle or service offered
Ensure that animal comfort and proper care are top priorities throughout the journey
Schedule veterinary consultations for pets that may require a health check before long travels
Provide specialised equipment, such as travel crates and mats, to guarantee safe and comfortable transport

What Documents Or Licences Do I Need?

The documents and licences required will depend on both the type of pet service you establish and your location. Regardless, animal welfare standards apply universally, so it’s crucial to be well-versed in the relevant laws.

Because these requirements vary from state to state, it’s a good idea to consult a professional to make sure you’re complying with all the necessary regulations.

We also recommend having comprehensive Service Agreements in place. These agreements clearly outline what clients can expect from your service, detailing your responsibilities and their obligations. Such a legally binding document is invaluable in protecting your business, especially if you’re involved in services like pet grooming or pet sitting.

Regularly reviewing and updating your contracts, including Service Agreements, is a smart strategy to ensure they adhere to the latest 2025 legal standards.

Key Takeaways

Starting a business in the pet industry is an exceptional way to combine your love for animals with the opportunity to run a profitable venture. Whether you focus on pet care, treats, grooming, breeding, daycare, adoption or courier services, careful planning and legal compliance are essential for success.

However, like any business, it’s important to consider all legal aspects to ensure you remain compliant. To summarise what we’ve discussed:

Obtain the necessary qualifications and secure comprehensive insurance before entering the pet industry
If producing pet treats, comply with Australian Consumer Law to avoid any misleading or deceptive conduct
Register your business promptly and establish the appropriate legal documents, including crucial contracts like Service Agreements
Dog breeders must register their operations and adhere to established animal welfare standards
Local regulations will vary—ensure you check and comply with the specific rules in your area
Having the right equipment, training, and dedicated space is essential to operate safely and successfully
Regularly update your policies and agreements to stay current with evolving 2025 legal standards

As we move further into 2025, the pet industry is also embracing digital innovation. Modern technology, from digital booking systems to online pet care consultations, is reshaping how services are delivered. Staying informed about these trends and integrating digital solutions can give your business a significant competitive edge. For more insights on navigating online operations, consider our Online Business Privacy guide.

If you would like a consultation on starting a business in the pet industry or need assistance with your legal documents, you can reach us at 1800 730 617 or team@sprintlaw.com.au for a free, no-obligations chat.

Sapna Goundan

Sapna has completed a Bachelor of Arts/Laws. Since graduating, she's worked primarily in the field of legal research and writing, and she now writes for Sprintlaw.

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