Virtual Entrepreneur

St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Despite the dozens of pet shops and boutiques in the St. Louis area, local entrepreneurs selling pet products and services say they aren’t operating in a dog-eat-dog world.

Americans are expected to dole out $40.8 billion this year on pet items and services, according to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association. That’s up 5.9% from $38.5 billion in 2006 and double the amount spent 10 years ago. Area business owners say they are noticing the growth and there are opportunities for more pet companies.

National retail chains like Petco and PetSmart dominate accessory and food sales, but small local businesses have found a stake by concentrating on the personalized segments of pet care: services and upscale products. According to Bob Vetere, president of the pet products manufacturers group, and several business owners, pet-related companies require less training and smaller startup costs than other ventures.

Although no data tracks pet-related spending or businesses in the St. Louis area, Greg Tucker of the Small Business Development Centers – a part of the University of Missouri Extension that helps established and startup firms – said the local pet industry is expanding. The number of startups for doggy day cares, grooming services and posh boutiques especially has increased locally in the last 2 years. Read more.

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