TOP 14 Potential Money Making Dog Business Ideas in 2025

The pet industry is booming, with the global market expected to reach $261 billion by 2024, led by the love of dogs. Here are 14 dog business ideas compiled by NextSky with startup costs, profit potential, and real-life success stories to help you shine in this promising field.

Profitable dog business models in 2025

The answer is: Yes. With the pet industry worth over $150 billion and the growing popularity of dog ownership, starting a business in this field is a wise choice. Pet owners are willing to spend much money caring for and pampering their pets like family members.

Dog business ideas are increasingly diverse, from grooming, dog sitting, training, to artistic photography. Whether you love creativity or service, there are opportunities to make a profit and contribute positively to the dog-loving community. Are you still wondering how to start? Here are some interesting ideas to help you begin your entrepreneurial journey.

Learn more: Top 26 Best Online Business Ideas Worth Trying Today

TOP 14 pet dog business ideas in 2025

1. Dog adventure tour

Hiking, hiking, and urban treasure hunts for humans and dogs are becoming a trend. This model helps pets exercise and provides valuable bonding time for busy owners. The travel demand, combined with health care, is increasing for both. Sidewalk Dog, a famous, friendly tour organization platform in the US, attracts thousands of participants yearly.

• How to get started:
  • Research dog-friendly locations like parks or beaches to design engaging itineraries.
  • Learn pet first aid to keep your dog safe on trips.
  • Purchase liability insurance and obtain a public space permit.
  • Invest in durable equipment like leashes and portable water bowls.
  • Promote through local pet stores, vet clinics, and Instagram reels showing happy dogs on the go.
  • Offer themed experiences like "Dog Yoga" or "Dog Camping" to differentiate yourself.
  • Create a loyalty program with discounts for group tours.
• Startup costs: $5,000 – $20,000, including liability insurance, licensing, marketing, equipment like leashes, and portable water bowls.
• Potential Profit: $30,000–$100,000 per year.

Read more: TOP 15 Creative Pet Business Ideas Make You Profit in 2025

2. Mobile pet grooming at home

Mobile pet grooming services at home are becoming a trend thanks to their convenience and reasonable cost, meeting the growing needs of pet owners. This is a potential business model for those who want to start a business. 

Check out the Aussie Pet Mobile story, a global mobile pet care pioneer founded in Australia in 1996 by Ian Moses and Vivienne McIntosh, thriving on a franchise platform, with many additional services to increase experience and revenue.

• How to get started:
  • Buy a reliable van and equip it with shower equipment, clippers, a dryer, and a bathtub.
  • Certified by the National Groomers Association of America.
  • Apply for permits and insurance for mobile operations.
  • Advertise through your local pet community, Nextdoor, and Google Ads with the keyword "dog grooming near me".
  • Offer recurring subscription packages to ensure steady income.
  • Build a Shopify website to showcase your services and book appointments.
• Startup costs: $10,000 – $50,000
• Income potential: 30,000 – 120,000 USD/year

3. Boutique of custom-designed pet accessories

In an era where pets are treated like family, small accessories like bandanas, leashes, or DIY kits are enough to make customers spend big if they have an aesthetic mark. Parisa Fowles-Pazdro is a living proof of this when she built Maxbone in 2016 with a minimalist style, conquering the millennial generation. By leveraging Shopify and Instagram, this brand reached a revenue of 5 million USD in 2024 and reached global scale.

• How to get started:
  • Source sustainable or premium fabrics (organic cotton, leather).
  • Create a design portfolio and sell on your Shopify store with the Nextsky theme.
  • Participate in dog shows and craft fairs to build your brand.
  • Use Instagram to showcase your designs and drive traffic.
  • Offer personalization options like name engraving or custom colors.
• Startup costs:  $1,000 – $10,000.
• Potential Profit: $20,000 – $100,000 per year.

See more: TOP 40+ Home business at home for 2025 with Real Examples

4. Dog training academy

Everyone wants a well-behaved dog, but not everyone knows how to train one. If you have the passion and patience, opening a training class at home, at a park, or online is a potential option. In California, veterinarian Ian Dunbar's Dunbar Academy has found success by offering online courses and an instructional app, earning millions of dollars thanks to its reputation for expertise.

• How to get started:
  • Certified by the Council of Professional Dog Trainers.
  • Build a curriculum for group classes, private sessions, or online courses via Zoom.
  • Invest in basic equipment like treats and clickers ($100–500).
  • Set up a Shopify website to sell courses and schedule appointments.
  • Create free YouTube videos to showcase your expertise and attract customers.
  • Promote through pet stores, veterinary clinics, and social media advertising.
• Startup costs: $2,000 – $10,000.
• Income potential: 30,000 – 150,000 USD/year.

5. Dog walking service

Amidst the hustle and bustle of urban life, dog walking services have become a flexible solution to help pets maintain their exercise habits while still being suitable for the modern lifestyle of their owners. With low startup costs and large room for growth, this is an ideal model for those who want to start their business journey. A typical example is Brendan Rogers with Wag! from a local service that has grown into a user-friendly application platform that has attracted millions of dollars in investment capital.

• How to get started:
  • Leashes, poop bags, and basic marketing materials cost around $100–500.
  • Advertise via Nextdoor, flyers, and apps like Rover or Wag!.
  • Offer additional services like group walks or pet checks.
  • Purchase liability insurance to protect against accidents.
  • Build a Shopify website to book appointments and share testimonials.
  • Connect with your local pet community for referrals.
  • Offer GPS-guided walks or photo updates to add value.

Pet birthday parties are becoming a trend as more and more people want to capture memorable moments with their "four-legged friends". Understanding that need, Laura Vozzella founded The Bark Day Planner in New Jersey, providing a full-service birthday party for dogs. Leveraging Instagram, she grew from a few small events to hundreds of parties each year, attracting many loyal customers.

See more: 14 Lucrative Part-Time Business Ideas to Start in 2025

6. Dog and cat cafe 

Coffee shops that combine space for dogs and owners are becoming popular destinations in big cities. The intersection of cuisine, amenities for dogs, and community nurtures a loyal customer base. A typical example is Boris & Horton by father and son duo Coppy and Logan Holzman, considered the first dog-friendly coffee shop in New York, attracting many customers thanks to its cozy space, private brand products, and events such as dog costume contests.

• How to get started:
  • Find a location with outdoor space and get a health permit.
  • Design dog-safe menus (like puppy cakes, coffee) and amenities like play areas.
  • Host events like dog adoptions or "dog yoga" to attract visitors.
  • Promote through Instagram and local pet communities.
• Startup costs: $50,000–$200,000 for space, equipment, licenses, and pet amenities.
• Potential Profit: $50,000–$200,000 per year.

7. Dog photography studio

As pets become more like family members, more and more dog owners are looking to capture their beloved moments through artistic photography. With just a sense of aesthetics and a camera, you can start this business at a park, a guest house, or with a compact mobile studio. Photographer Lisa Holloway is a prime example of how she quickly made her mark and expanded her clientele with a series of viral dog photos on Instagram.

• How to get started:
  • Learn pet photography techniques through online courses or webinars.
  • Invest in quality camera and lighting equipment ($1,000–5,000).
  • Offer mobile services like Dogexpression to save on studio rental costs.
  • Create themed photo packages (Halloween, birthday).
  • Set up a Shopify website to showcase your catalog and schedule.
  • Promote on Instagram with high-quality dog photos to attract customers.
• Startup costs: $2,000–$10,000.
• Income potential: $20,000–$100,000/year.

Read more: TOP 500 Photography Business Name Ideas for Every Niche

8. Therapy Dog Training

Training therapy dogs to assist people with mental health problems or disabilities is a growing trend in the medical and educational sectors. This model is especially popular in hospitals, schools, and nursing homes because it brings both emotional and physical benefits. Therapy Dogs International by Ursula Kempe stands out with its rigorous training program, building a reputable brand that serves thousands of people.

• How to get started:
  • Get certified from an organization like Pet Partners or Therapy Dogs International.
  • Train dogs with calm, reliable temperaments for therapy settings.
  • Partner with a local hospital, school, or community center.
  • Purchase liability insurance and health certificates for your dog.
  • Set up a Shopify website to promote your services and share customer stories.
  • Promote through social media outreach and testimonials.
• Startup costs: $5,000–$20,000.
• Earning potential: $30,000–$80,000/year.

9. Dog Food Truck

Mobile dog food trucks that serve fresh meals at parks and outdoor events are attracting health-conscious pet owners. The Seattle Barkery, founded by Ben and Dawn Ford, is a successful example. It started as a small cart and grew into a chain with a healthy menu and effective marketing strategy, earning praise from the Seattle Times and People Magazine.

• How to get started:
  • Equip trucks with pet-safe cooking equipment and storage.
  • Develop veterinarian-approved recipe menus (such as jerky, veggie cakes).
  • Promote at dog parks and events with fun branding.
  • Comply with food safety regulations.
• Startup costs: $20,000–$100,000 for equipment like a truck, kitchen equipment, and licenses.
• Potential earnings: $40,000–$150,000 per year.

10. Dog Daycare

When the owner is away from home, dogs need a safe space to play and socialize. Therefore, the daycare model can be an attractive dog business idea in big cities that you cannot ignore. The Camp Bow Wow brand, founded by Heidi Ganahl, is a successful example. From one facility, the brand has expanded to more than 200 branches thanks to professional services and pet monitoring webcams.

• How to get started:
  • Rent or renovate space with play areas, lounges, and safety features.
  • Obtain an animal welfare license and liability insurance.
  • Invest in supplies like toys, bedding, and toiletries.
  • Offer additional services like grooming or training to increase revenue.
  • Offer unique features like themed playrooms or training sessions.
  • Set up a Shopify website to schedule and offer a live webcam.
  • Promote through veterinary clinics, pet stores, and social media.
• Startup costs: $10,000–$50,000, including rent, toys, cleaning supplies, and licenses.
• Potential Profit: $40,000–$200,000 per year.

11. Pet-friendly accommodation

Dog-friendly short-term accommodations with fenced yards and beds are increasingly popular with travelers looking to stay with their pets. This trend has led Airbnb and other platforms to expand their pet-friendly options. Like Kimpton Hotels, the American hotel chain welcomes all pets without size restrictions or extra fees. This friendly policy has helped Kimpton consistently appear in the top pet-friendly hotel rankings by Travel + Leisure and USA Today.

• How to get started:
  • Purchase or renovate property with pet-friendly features (fenced yard, durable furniture).
  • Add amenities like dog beds, bowls, and toys ($1,000–5,000).
  • List on Airbnb or VRBO with a clear pet policy and quality photos.
  • Purchase insurance to protect against pet-related damage.
  • Set up a Shopify website to promote your property and share guest reviews.
  • Market to the pet travel community via social media and travel blogs.
• Startup costs: $50,000–$200,000
• Income potential: $50,000–$200,000/year

12. Dog product review blog

Reviewing dog toys, food, or accessories on a blog, YouTube, or social media is a low-cost but high-potential way to start a business. Dog owners are always looking for advice on authentic content. In 2018, Rochelle Bilow and her rescue dog launched The Dog People by 2024, a blog that has brought in $60,000 in affiliate and sponsorship revenue and has attracted 500,000 Instagram followers through authentic content combined with a Shopify store.

• How to get started:
  • Build a blog with Nextsky's Shopify theme and join an affiliate program like Amazon Associates.
  • Request free products from brands to review.
  • Post written and video content on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.
  • Focus on niches like eco-friendly or cost-effective products.
  • Interact with your followers through giveaways or Q&A sessions.
• Startup costs: $500–$2,000 (website, camera, initial product).
• Potential Profit: $10,000–$50,000 per year.

13. Dog Park Design 

Designing dog parks or play areas is a smart idea because of the need for safe spaces in the heart of urban areas. As cities prioritize pet-friendly infrastructure, your expertise can translate into lucrative contracts. Keith Day's K9Grass, a specialized artificial grass solution for dogs, has served hundreds of communities and generated millions of dollars in revenue.

• How to get started:
  • Partner with local venues (parks, pet stores) for event space.
  • Build a Shopify store with the Nextsky theme for booking tickets and goods.
  • Promote through social media and partner with trainers or salons.
  • Offer unique events like charity parties or themed parties.
  • Make sure to get liability insurance to be safe.
• Startup costs: $2,000–$10,000 for marketing strategy, event supplies, website.
• Potential Profit: Ranges from $30,000–$100,000 per year.

14. Dog Bakery

Pumpkin Pie, Peanut Butter, All-Natural Ingredients, No Preservatives, Veterinarian-Approved Safe Snacks for Pets with Allergies, So You Can Take Advantage of This Recurring Package Model to Maintain Steady Revenue from a Loyal Customer Base. Bocce's Bakery is a prime example. It started in New York in 2010, quickly gained prominence with its clean recipes and eye-catching packaging, and by 2023, it had reached $5 million in revenue.

• How to get started:
  • Formulated for dogs with special nutritional needs (grain-free, low calorie).
  • Invest in kitchen appliances like a food processor ($85–500) and bulk containers.
  • Obtain food safety permits and comply with local regulations.
  • Sell through Shopify or at farmers' markets or pet events.
  • Create seasonal treats like Christmas cakes or birthday cakes.
  • Promote on Instagram with eye-catching cake photos and customer testimonials.
• Startup costs: $10,000–$50,000
• Earning potential: $30,000–$150,000/year

Summary of 6 steps to start a successful pet business

• Understand the market you serve: Every successful journey starts with understanding. So, take the time to find out what farmers are really looking for, what trends are on the rise, and where there are gaps that are not being met. Additionally, researching your competitors will help you stand out from the crowd.
• Building an inspirational brand: A good brand needs to create a unique brand identity, such as an inspirational story, a recognizable logo, a consistent visual style, and personality to become an icon in the industry.
• Pick a catchy and memorable brand name: Choose a name that reflects your brand's personality and pet. Get inspiration from your pet's name, a funny phrase, or a clever pun to make your name stand out. If you're stuck, try the [Shop Name Generator] tool for more creative ideas.
• Create products and services: Invest in product quality and launch promotions like "buy one get one free", "VIP membership", or "free shipping" to attract attention. 
• Set up a professional online store: Nowadays, having an online presence is a must to help you build credibility and increase conversion rates. You can easily create a store with Shopify and use the NextSky Theme to design a professional interface without hiring a designer. 
• Brand promotion: No matter how good your brand is, no one will know about it if you don't market it properly. You can combine word of mouth, Facebook/Google ads, and social media channels (TikTok, Instagram) to spread your brand to customers.

The dog business industry offers endless opportunities for entrepreneurs passionate about pets. From pet accessories manufacturing to dog boutiques and unusual pet services, there’s a niche for every skill set and budget. By leveraging e-commerce platforms like Shopify, optimized by Nextsky’s high-performance themes, you can create a scalable, profitable business that meets the needs of pet owners worldwide.