After managing a moderately successful independent pet store, I and a partner took the plunge and opened our own store. I too advise you only to do it if you really have a passion for it. You will NOT get rich. Also realize you will NOT be able to compete with the "big boxes" as a standard full-line pet store. Find your niche and go with whatever strengths and interests you have and do a specialty store. We decided to specialize in reptiles and hand-fed parrots (most of which we bred ourselves).

A few more "do's and don'ts":

Don't try it unless you can raise at LEAST 75 K in seed money.

Do familiarize yourself with ALL regulations in your state/municipality.

If you don't have any experience in business and accounting-either find a partner who does, take a course, or forget it!

Don't expect to take any vacations or days off in your first year (or two). Also, no holidays off-animals still have to be cared for, even if the store is closed. Also, you won't make much in this period, so make sure you have savings to meet your own bills.

Don't open a store in New York state (probably not CA either). Just trust me on this.

Do realize-at least at first-that the store is your life.

Don't plan on spending much time with the animals-your job is to take care of the business. You'll have employees to take care of, feed and socialize the animals.

Do get used to the idea that-after several years of 12 hour days and no time for yourself, you may be rewarded with a solid, middle class income and be able to cut your hours down to 50 a week.

Don't even try it unless you can honestly say you are an EXPERT in your chosen specialty. If you open a reptile store, you damn well better know far more about reptiles than any of your customers. You should preferably have at least a decade's experience keeping and breeding a wide variety of reptiles and amphibians. Violate this rule and you're dead before you start.

As I said, it isn't easy, and it's not for everybody-but if you have a real passion for it, the proper level of financial startup, and the right area and location, you can make a go of it.

Me? Well, we did very well for several years, but both of us wanted to spend more time with our animals. We recently sold the store-and now are full time breeders. I look back on it fondly, but have no desire to get back in the rat race lol.....

Brad Chambers

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