Entrepreneurship Tips for New Pet Parents

Sure, we all say we are not going to take on more than we think we can handle. The next thing we know, we’re starting a business and adopting a tiny kitten simultaneously. It makes sense because animals reduce stress, right? Well, yes and no. While it is true that having a faithful furry companion offers many benefits according to Johns Hopkins Medicine, such as stress reduction, more physical activity, and better heart health, 

Cats (and dogs, too) are lots of work, especially when you’re trying to establish a bond. Much of your time will be spent prioritizing your business. Today, Humane Decisions explains that this does not mean that you can’t manage, but that you may need to make a few preparations so that you can manage both without sacrificing either.

Draft Your Business Plan

When you are just launching your new business, make sure that you have a business plan in place. This is a document that will help you decide how much money you’ll need, where it will come from, what services you offer, and showcase the finer points of your company. Your business plan can also include insight into how you will manage your business, which can give you guidance on how to manage your time at home. 

Choose a Business Structure

Each business structure has its own advantages, so it’s important to think about what type of structure will work best for your company. An LLC is often a popular choice for many reasons; it offers limited liability protection to owners and allows for flexibility in how profits and losses are allocated among members. With an LLC, owners can benefit from the same taxation benefits that corporations do without having to adopt an extensive upkeep model of governance that comes with incorporation. Learn how to start an LLC to get the process underway.

Design Business Cards

Code Hawker notes that business cards are an important part of any business, as they provide a tangible tool that people can keep to remember key details about your organization. Not only do they remind customers and clients of the products and services you offer, but they also serve as proof of credibility, adding value to your enterprise. If you aren’t sure where to start, this site may prove to be helpful by providing templates you can use to design eye-catching business cards. Just add your own copy, fonts, and images. 

Give Them a Space in Your Office

If you’re bringing your animal into a brick-and-mortar location, make sure they have a place to rest and play comfortably. For cats, this might be a scratching post or a cat tree. Chewy points out that these should be chosen based on your cat’s personality and activity level.

Accommodate Your New Animal

If you’re planning to bring your kitty or canine to the office, make sure that you have the right equipment to accommodate them both there and on the way. A harness, food and water bowls, and a carrying case may all come in handy. Before you make any type of investment, check reviews to get some expert pet care advice to ensure you’re getting quality products.

Use Cameras When You Can’t Be Together

When you can’t bring your pet to the office, technology steps in for the win. There are many different pet cameras that allow you to interact with and supervise your animal’s activities while you’re away. Safewise recommends Furbo for dogs and Petcube Play 2 for cats. 

Hire a Pet Sitter

You can find a pet sitter by looking online. If you’re not sure who to use, ask your friends, neighbors, and family for recommendations. You’ll also want to talk to your veterinarian about how often your pet needs to be fed or taken out to use the bathroom so that you can decide how often to schedule in-home visits.

Work from Home

When you can work from home, do. Your pets will be most comfortable in their own environment, even if that environment is not yet the “norm.” They need time to acclimate to their surroundings, and having you around will go a long way toward ensuring their comfort.

Keep Them Occupied During Meetings

Whether you are working from home or at the office, you’ll still need to keep your pets occupied during meetings so that you can handle business. Toys, a treat dispenser, and a fenced-in area in the yard will go a long way toward buying you some time where you can meet uninterrupted and grow your business.

Entrepreneurship and pet parenthood can easily go hand-in-hand, even if you are new to both. It starts by writing up your business plan to include accommodations for your animals. After that, it’s a matter of making sure you have the right equipment, environment, and entertainment.

Humane Decisions is devoted to halting the suffering of animals. If you’d like to get involved, let us know!

By Lacie from RaiseThemWell.org