Every business model in the pet industry is profitable. While those in the pet breeding business might argue they enjoy the best returns, people dealing in pet treats and supplies will claim they carry the least risk. And they're right.

In any case, whatever pet business model you choose, you're bound to make some great returns because the industry is currently on a bull run.

In this post, we're going to share a bundle of profitable pet business models with you. But first, let's take a look at what the numbers say about the size of the industry.

Statistics revealing business opportunities in the pet industry

1. Over 50% of cat and dog owners give their pets gift items.

I once saw a Goldendoodle dog rocking a suit and tie (a gift from the owner) on the Daily Mail website. And guess what? He looked super cute. See for yourself:

2.  According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, approximately 80+ million US households own at least one pet.

3. According to the same organization, the average vet expenditure per household per year in the US is $410 for dogs and $182 for cats.

4. According to a new study reported by marthastewart.com, the average pet owner spends $111 each month on their animal, which adds up to $13,320 in 10 years - the average lifespan of most dogs and cats.

5. Dog owners spend $73 a year on grooming.

So, what does all this mean for you?

It means that there is indeed a market to leverage in the pet industry. It's just a matter of what to sell or do. And that's where this post comes in.

Profitable pet businesses to start right now

1. Pooper-scooper service

Did you know there's at least one pet owner on your street who hates the sight of pet poop? And another in the next street, and the next, and the next?

What if you could start a business that helps these people with their pet poop trouble? Don't you think that would fetch you some cool cash? Of course it would.

Currently, guys who deal in this kind of business charge, on average, $30 to $60/month. If you're able to build your business network into something around 50-100 pet clients, that's a whopping $6k monthly, just for picking up pet poop.

Can you imagine?

"That sounds nice," you may say, "but I don't like the sight and smell of poop either."

Who said you had to do the picking up by yourself? How many times have you seen Jeff Bezos delivering products to customers? Of course, you can hire someone to do the dirty work for you.

All you have to do is spread the word about your business and land paying gigs. Voila!

2. Pet breeding

If you have the time and you're truly a pet lover, what's stopping you from running a pet breeding service?

You could start with your favorite pet breed (maybe a Goldendoodle dog like the one above), team up with a professional breeder, and launch your business.

3. Affiliate marketing for pets or pet products

Did you know that not all pet breeders and pet supply sellers you see around are the actual owners of the products or breeders of the pets?

Most are mere affiliates: folks who take other people's products, market, sell and get a commission from the sale.

If you're willing to do the legwork, you can collaborate with a reputable pet breeder, veterinarian, or pet supply store to bring them customers. In return, they pay you a commission.

Imagine you're living in an area that doesn't have many Goldendoodles, but then one day you walk your cute doodle to the park. I can bet a lot of folks will walk up to you, asking you where you've gotten your furry friend. From there, you can connect people to the breeder and get a commission in return.

Simple and easy!

4. Pet toys, treats, food, and supplies

Pet products are limitless. From toys to gift items, food to treats, over-the-counter medicine to vet supplies, leashes to grooming items, and more.

Depending on your choice, you could start a business focused on designing, manufacturing, wholesaling, or retailing any of these pet products.

If you choose to manufacture, the process is as simple as formulating a unique pet food/treat and then marketing it. Same thing for product designs. If you want to start a wholesale or retail business, you simply have to team up with a product manufacturer or bigger supplier, as the case may be.

5. Pet photography

In this Instagram-driven world, a lot of folks are in desperate search of candid pet photographers - experts who can take Instagram-worthy shots of their furry friends.

Are you one such photographer? Do you boast excellent photography skills? If so, then there's a market for you to leverage.

Simply invite pet owners into your studio or ask them to come over to snap their pets. With your pet costumes, pet-themed backdrops, and eye-catching videotaping services, you can bet a bunch of pet owners will be intrigued and will be more than willing to pay for your service.

6. Pet training service

Did you know people pay thousands of dollars just to have their pets trained? This is particularly common amongst people who own therapy and watchdogs, although other pet lovers are not left behind.

If you're sure you have the knack for training pets and have the zeal to pursue professional dog training certifications, then this is for you.

You can earn hundreds to thousands of dollars training dogs, cats, horses, etc. On a larger scale, you could even build a pet training school, where pets of all kinds come to get trained.

7. Pet walking service

Whether they own big dogs or small dogs, every dog owner knows how important it is to exercise their canine friend. But the busy nature of most people's lives means they can't make the time to walk their furry companions themselves. Therefore, they're happy to pay anyone willing to do it for them.

A pet walking service doesn't really entail many details. You simply take the pets out for a walk in the park, around your garden, or down the street.

If you think that's too strenuous for you, you can hire hands to help out. It's a business, remember?

8. Dog grooming

Like pet walking, pet owners understand the need to groom their furry friends regularly. But, again, most of them don't have the time, and some don't even know how to do it properly.

You could be their helping hand.

You can open a pet grooming shop down the street or run a mobile type of business where you visit clients' homes. In any case, you'll be making some cool cash in return.