I am in the process of opening a pet store and I could use LOTS of help! I want to make sure I have all my fins and paws in a row before I jump in with both feet so I was courious if there is any other pet store owners that belong to this site? I am willing to listen to all ideas/suggestions even if its not what I want to hear lol.
I plan on selling caged critters such as ferrets, rabbits, rats, gerbils, chins, sugar gliders, fresh water and salt water fish and of course all accessorys. I really am still in the "RESEARCH" stage and could use any advice.
I am really excited about opening this and moving on to a new job. I have been employeed with the same job for 11 years and I am really wanting a new change. I get told all the time how I have my own zoo in my home and why not spread the love of animals past my home? lol! I will be offering post adoption check ups as well as making sure the new owners of the pets will know all there is to know before they walk out that door with their new baby. I really don't want anyone walking out the door without a clue of what they are getting into. I want to be the best store for customer service (which i am good at since i have done it 11+ yrs) as well as the best for the knowledge of what I am selling. I am still looking for certain breeders for some of the animals I would like to have in the store and suppliers (told ya still researching) I wanted to be open by mid-summer or late summer. What better way to spend the day in a room full of loving pets then in my own store?
I do plan on having a dog/cat breeder section where I can direct people in the right place if they are looking at certain breeds but not selling them in the store. I plan on doing a breeder day once a quarter where they can even come in and bring their new puppies/kittens into the store just for the day so people can see whats out there. Help them / Help me bring people in for the day.
I am dreaming / eatting / sleeping this store and I don't even have it yet LOL I just can't wait to get started. It will be family owned not a corporate business. I am looking at possibly putting in a wishing well with Japanese Koi and all donations that go into the wishing well go to the local humane society. I want to make sure its a community friendly and they see I am not out just for myself.

If there is any pet store managers/owners/operators out there please email me or page me...would love to talk.

Thanks,
Kim