hey! okay so im in the 11th grade, and my parents are saying that i have to get serious about my future ... so .... i really want to start my own animal shelter business and open up a store. what does it take to get there? how long? basic information please!
2007-10-25 07:48:43 · 5 answers · asked by Sally A 3 in Business & Finance ➔ Small Business
Bravo for you! An animal shelter! I applaud your ambition!
In order to clarify your thinking, you need a business plan. Contact your local community college or the Small Business Administration for help with this if you don't know about it yet.
Have you looked at Best Friends out of Utah? They have a no-kill animal shelter concept they are willing to help others duplicate.
Check with your local area's health codes, places you are able to place the shelter, licenses, requirements, whether or not you want to incorporate and if so, what type of company will it be, or will you be a 501(c)(3)?
As far as the store goes, what type of store? Will it be associated with the shelter? Look up vendors/manufacturers in the animal business - food, toys, medicines, gifts, books, etc. - and request a "dealer's packet." This usually consists of a catalogue of products offered and paperwork you need to fill out in order to carry their products.
There are numerous professional associations in any type of business. Check out what is available in the animal shelter world. They should be able to fill in a lot of the blanks for you.
It will take time and money. Keep plugging away at it. Good Luck!
2007-10-25 08:35:54 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are variations on the animal shelter--ones that can be done on a small scale for cheaper.
Animal rescue for one, there's dog and cat rescues all over major cities, plus fostering for the animals that are waiting for finding homes.
Stores are expensive to establish and to keep running. But again, you can find a variation on that to see what you really want to get into, OR try clerking at a pet supplies store and see first hand how they're run, where they order from, and the ins and outs of business.
You might want to see if your library can get a brand new book that just came out a month or two ago-- called 101 Best Businesses for Pet Lovers. Try searching for it on Amazon.com, I have this out from the library right now and it's a good reference book for people thinking of getting into the animal field full time or part time.
2007-10-26 01:55:05 · answer #2 · answered by Elaine M 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Great idea! You are a budding entrepreneur! Kudos to you.
Start with taking care of peoples pets, build a good and honest reputation. Doors will open up from there. Save money,,11th grade is a great time to start saving..once you have the money, you can apply for a credit card and great credit will open more doors for you!
Then, if you need a loan for your store you can get one.
I think you have a great idea!
Build a reputation, do what you love and the money will follow!
Go for it!
2007-10-25 15:28:45 · answer #3 · answered by neveragain 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A store selling what, animals? I hope not.
Anyways, a store=rent $$
Animal shelter=need permits for such a place, see local/city and state business office for specifics
More important, you need a business plan. How will you be successful? You need to sell things/get donations. How? who is your customer? How will you attract them?
What type of money do you need to make each year? How will you achieve this?
A business plan walks you through all this and gets it into one paper of questions and answers...so you can show others you are ready.
Good luck!
2007-10-25 14:53:28 · answer #4 · answered by JoJo 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Firstly, is there a market for your idea?
Secondly, is there competition and if so can you compete with them.
Thirdly, would you be able to make a living on whats left after you've paid everything out?
Know your market, product and target audience and you won't go wrong. Plan carefully.
2007-10-25 14:55:40 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋