Pets have been a part of our lives for thousands of years. The first domesticated pets helped people in hunting. Nowadays, their main role is as companions and furry friends. As more and more people become pet owners, the demand for pet products constantly increases. Business owners have noticed this trend and many new companies have emerged in the field of pet products and services. In this article, we’ll shed some light on the wholesale pet supplies industry. We’ll share details about the main product categories that wholesale businesses in the field of pet products sell. You’ll also find out more about the opportunities for starting an e-commerce store or another type of pet-related business.
Main Categories of Pet Products
Pet Food
Unsurprisingly, pet food is one of the major categories of wholesale pet supplies. There is a wide range of options when it comes to pet food wholesale. They differ in size and taste. There are also specialized food products that improve the hair or the digestive system of pets. Treats are also part of the pet food category. They can be used as a reward during training. Although the profit margins are small, various retailers buy wholesale products from the pet food category. That’s why you can find such products in supermarkets, convenience stores, and other retail stores.
Pet Toys
Our furry friends enjoy playing with various toys. That’s why this is another important category of wholesale pet supplies. There are a couple of subcategories when it comes to pet toys. For example, dogs often enjoy fetch and plush toys. Cats, on the other hand, enjoy toys with feathers or ones that resemble small animals.
Pet Clothing
Coats are one of the most purchased items from the apparel category. They are a must-have item for dogs during the cold months. Like other types of pet supplies, clothes come in various sizes in order to fit different dog breeds. There are many different types of clothes for pets. The category includes costumes, dresses, party hats, and other clothes.
Pet Accessories
Collars, leads, ID tags, bowls, and other accessories are also among the popular supplies for pets. Wholesale ordering of these accessories is common for various retailers. They benefit from the lower wholesale prices and sell these products with a margin of 40 to 70 percent.
Key takeaway: Pet food products are the most common types of pet supplies. They are offered not only by specialized pet stores but also by supermarkets and convenience stores. The market for retail and wholesale pet supplies is growing annually as more households have pets.
The Wholesale Pet Supplies and Services Market
The global pet care market size is more than 235 billion dollars. That number includes not only wholesale pet supplies but also services such as pet healthcare and grooming. The market is estimated to grow by an average of 5 percent annually. Pet food products are responsible for the majority of the global pet care market size. Veterinary care also plays a major role in it.
According to the American Pet Products Association, 70% of US households own a pet. Dogs are the most common pets in the US. It is estimated that there are between 80 and 90 million dogs in US households. The number of cats is estimated to be around 62 million.
Offline VS Online Sales of Pet Supplies
Although online sales of retail and wholesale pet supplies have increased in recent years, the offline segment still holds a major market share. It’s driven primarily by supermarkets and pet stores. Specialized pet stores have the competitive advantage of being able to offer advice and consultation to pet owners. On the other hand, supermarkets are a convenient option for people who need pet food today. In terms of online sales, the subscription model has gained significant popularity in recent years. Pet owners find it handy to regularly receive pet food, treats, and accessories for their furry friends. A lot of the big online retailers also offer a wide range of retail and wholesale pet supplies. There are also eCommerce stores like Chewy that specialize in pet-related products.
Pet-Related Business Ideas
Whether you’re a cat or dog person, you can benefit from the increasing market of pet care and products by starting a business in this field. Allow us to share some pet-related business ideas.
- Pet store. Opening a physical pet store or starting an online eCommerce store can be a profitable business. Keep in mind that location is the most important factor for a physical pet store.
- Pet bakery. People who enjoy baking can combine their hobby with their love for four-legged friends. These businesses often purchase wholesale peanut butter and wholesale carob powder as these are the two main ingredients for pet sweets.
- Pet grooming salon. Grooming services are essential for the good care of pets. These salons offer bathing, haircuts, and other cleaning procedures. You can also offer mobile pet grooming services.
- Pet sitting, walking, and boarding services. Taking care of pets while their owners are at work or on vacation can also be a profitable business. It’s suitable as a part-time job as well. With the increase in the traveling industry, pet boarding also becomes increasingly popular. It can be combined with training sessions or breeding as well.
Frequently Asked Questions about Wholesale Pet Supplies
If you’re interested in the pet supplies business, check out the answers to some of the commonly asked questions regarding pet products.
Is Selling Pet Supplies Profitable?
Selling pet supplies can be a profitable business that can be scaled and grown easily. The easiest way to benefit from the opportunities in this business niche is by purchasing wholesale pet supplies and selling them retail. This can be done either via an eCommerce platform or through physical stores.
The main revenue stream of pet-related businesses comes from selling pet food. This is something every pet owner needs on a daily basis. However, other high-demand products like pet toys and clothes have higher profit margins. Therefore, some D2C retailers of pet products will target their marketing efforts to sell such products.
What Are the Most Common Pet Services?
Besides wholesale pet supplies, pet-related services have also grown significantly in recent years. Pet owners strive to improve the lives of their furry friends. Here are some of the services that are available for pets.
- Veterinary services. Naturally, this is the most popular pet-related service. From removing ticks to doing complicated surgeries, vets are trained to take care of pets.
- Pet grooming. It includes a combination of services based on the pet’s needs. The most common ones are nail trimming, bathing, haircut, ear and teeth cleaning.
- Training. This service is primarily used for dogs. They can be trained in various ways. The most basic training programs are related to dogs’ hygiene and manners. Advanced courses further improve a dog's behavior.
- Pet hotel. Businesses offer services related to taking care of your beloved four-legged friend while you travel.
Can You Dropship Pet Supplies?
Yes. In fact, starting an eCommerce business related to pet products is among the most profitable dropshipping ideas. The most important thing you need to do in order to start a dropshipping business is to find suppliers to handle the actual shipping and handling of products. Furthermore, you need to benefit from the modern trends in the field of eCommerce marketing. That will allow you to achieve good ROI and create a brand that can later be transformed into an eCommerce website with multiple categories and products. Check out our article on how to start a dropshipping business.