How to Operate a Pet Store
Once you decide that you are going to operate a pet store, you can't just purchase some pets and foods and start selling. Instead, there are several steps that you must take in order to gain your pet facility license and maintain approval for your store to continue in operation. Learn strategies to operate a pet store and ensure that it is in compliance with government regulations.
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Instructions
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Decide what kind of pet store you will run. There are several options for the kind of pet store that you can operate. You may choose to run a "virtual" pet store where all sales are online, a pet store with a physical location that sells only pet merchandise or a full-service pet store with a physical location that sells both merchandise and pets. This decision of the type of pet store you will operate is important because it will determine ease of operation, budgetary costs and the extent of licensing needed.
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Determine where you will operate your pet store. Each state has its own laws governing the operation of pet stores. Once you determine which state (or states) you will be operating in, you should familiarize yourself with the state and municipal laws, which will affect your business. Additionally, you will have to make sure that the location where you will operate your pet store is in accordance with all zoning laws.
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Apply for a license and pay the licensing fee. Your state and county government will provide application forms for you to apply for a license to operate your pet store and can inform you of the licensing fee, which varies from state to state. This step will only be necessary if you will be selling pets or pet food. If you are planning on running an online business, you will not need to go through the licensing process. See the resources section for a link to a directory of government websites.
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Make sure you are in compliance with state and municipal ordinances. Each state and county will have laws regulating the operation of your pet store. These laws will mostly be for the safety of the pets involved and will describe the containers in which the pets may be kept, temperatures, sanitary conditions and food issues. Part of the licensing process entails having an inspector come out to your store to see if your store complies with all applicable rules and regulations.
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Ensure continued compliance. Your pet facility license will need to be renewed periodically. You will also need to continue to comply with all regulations regarding pet facilities. Failure to abide by these regulations after you have received your license will result in your license being revoked.
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