Opening a pet shop is an exciting adventure: it requires a passion for animals, but also practical planning. This guide provides a practical checklist to get you off to a good start—from initial product assortment and inventory to customization and promotional strategies. If you're looking for a practical pet shop opening checklist , you've come to the right place! 🚀
1) Initial assortment: must-have categories 🛒
Start with a balanced selection: too much merchandise will tie up your budget, too little will cause you to lose sales. Here are the categories to include right away:
- Dry and wet food (different sizes/ages) 🥫
- Snacks and rewards (various sizes) 🍖
- Leashes, harnesses, and collars (various sizes) 🐕
- Bowls and water dispensers (steel, silicone) 💧
- Beds, pillows, and blankets (various sizes) 🛏️
- Games (chewable and interactive) 🧸
- Hygiene and grooming products (shampoo, brushes) 🧴
- Tech accessories (ID tags, reflective vests) 🪪
Tip: For each category, consider 3–6 initial SKUs (e.g., two sizes, three colors) to test demand.
2) Initial pet shop supplies: quantity and stock logic 📦
To establish the starting quantities, take into account: space, capital and sales forecast.
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Recommended starting point:
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Fast-moving products (food, snacks): stock for 4–6 weeks.
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Accessories (harnesses, leashes): 5–20 pieces per SKU depending on size/color.
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Textiles and kennels: 3–8 pieces per model.
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Calculate your expected turnover : How many units do you expect to sell per month? Multiply by lead time (supplier time + shipping) + safety stock (10–20%).
💡 If you're working on a limited budget, order samples and small batches to test sales before scaling up.
3) Customization and wholesale supplies (B2B advantages) ✨
Offering personalized products with your store logo can increase margins and recognition.
- Recommended products to personalize: tags, bowls, mats, bibs, and water bottles.
- Advantages: higher margins, exclusive merchandising, loyalty.
- How to order: Contact suppliers who offer reasonable MOQs and printing/engraving options. For quick, personalized quotes, you can use services like the one offered by Dogmoda: request a quote via chat at /contacts. 🔧
4) Supplier selection and logistics 🏷️
Choose reliable suppliers and evaluate real times and costs:
- Check MOQ (minimum order quantity), lead time and return policies.
- Request samples for quality, material and finishes.
- Check shipping and customs costs (if applicable).
- Choose suppliers with certifications/quality controls for food products and hygiene.
Tip: Keep 2 suppliers for key categories (backup in case of delays).
5) Prices, margins and positioning 💶
Set clear and sustainable prices:
- Calculate product cost + shipping + VAT + desired margin.
- Target margin: 30–60% depending on the category (food has a lower margin, accessories a higher one).
- Offer bundles and kits to increase the average receipt (e.g. leash + harness + tag).
6) Visual merchandising and storage 📐
Good display increases sales:
- Organize by category and size, with clear signage.
- Include a space for best-selling products and one for new products/promotions.
- Organized backroom stock for easy in-store replenishment and online orders.
7) Initial marketing and promotion 🚀
Let people know you exist:
- Social Media: Professional Product Photos (Use our Product Photography Guide) 📸
- Email marketing: Offer opening discounts and loyalty programs.
- Local collaborations: groomers, trainers, animal rights organizations.
- Branded packaging: adds perceived value and passive advertising.
8) Good operational and legal practices ✅
Don't forget the bureaucratic aspects:
- Check local licenses and regulations for selling pet food.
- Manage VAT and invoicing correctly.
- Prepare clear return policies for food and non-food products.
- Make sure your staff knows the product characteristics (ingredients, sizes).
9) Quick final checklist (to print) 🖨️
- ☐ Initial assortment defined (categories + SKUs)
- ☐ Initial quantities calculated for 4–6 weeks (fast-moving)
- ☐ Selected suppliers and samples received
- ☐ MOQ, price and delivery time agreements
- ☐ Defined price plans and margins
- ☐ Shop fitting + signage ready
- ☐ Social/local marketing plan ready
- ☐ Procedures for reordering and managing stocks set up
- ☐ Active contacts for product customization (e.g. medals, bibs)
10) Do you want custom orders or large stock quantities? 💬
If you need support for initial pet shop supplies , stock orders, or want customized products with your brand, contact us at https://www.dogmoda.it/contatti —We'll help you create the best quote and customized inventory plan for your pet shop. 🐶
✨ Conclusion
Opening a pet shop requires attention to product quality, supplier quality, and a sound marketing strategy. With a clear checklist and the right approach to initial pet shop supplies , you can get off to an organized start and scale with confidence. Happy entrepreneurial adventure! 🐾