7 Unusual Dog Business Ideas to Get Excited About

These are 7 dog business ideas that you may not have heard of before and maybe there is something in this list to get you excited to start. The last one on the list may be the most genius one I have heard of!

Table of Contents

1. Dog Masseuse

2. Reiki

3. Flight Nanny

4. Acupuncture

5. Dog Party Planner

6. Dog Escort for Wedding

7. Puppy Social Wellness Experience

1. Dog Masseuse

Step 1: Research dog massage certifications. You do not need to be licensed or certified to become a dog masseuse. However, to start a reputable business it is strongly recommended to become certified. This is not only to showcase yourself as an expert, but it will also give your clients confidence in choosing you.

Step 2: Complete 200 hours of training and study. There are a few places you may become certified. The National Board of Certification for Animal Acupressure and Massage (NBCAAM) is the main one.

Step 3: Learn and relay the benefits of massage to potential clients. It can be used for a dog recovering from an injury or as a relaxation technique for dogs who may be anxious or improve circulation. And what creature doesn’t love a massage?

Step 4: Start offering your services-get out and network!

 2. Reiki

Step 1: Learn about Reiki. Reiki means spiritual energy and it is an ancient Japanese healing practice. It is light touch therapy. Keeping our pets comfortable is so important to us. Reiki eases pain and reduces stress.

Step 2: You may become a Certified Pet Reiki Practitioner. As with a masseuse it is not recommended to be certified but strongly encouraged.

You can easily find courses online to learn Reiki for animals. I was surprised to see the Community College of Baltimore County offers an in-person Animal Reiki practitioner certification. It just shows that caring about our pets has become mainstream. There are also many online course options.

Step 3: Offer Reiki sessions for dogs, especially those dealing with chronic pain, anxiety, or end-of-life care.

3. Flight Nanny.

Step 1: Understand the job of a flight nanny. A flight nanny flies with the dog in the cabin. This allows them to stay with the pup to ensure it is safe and comfortable while all its needs are met

Step 2: Network with breeders and pet owners who travel frequently. Breeders commonly use flight nannies to transport a puppy to the new owner. You can also hire a flight nanny if you are moving and want someone to fly with your dog.  Or anyone who cannot be with their dog on a flight and needs to ensure they are being cared for.

Step 3: Keep the dog calm on flights while keeping them happy and healthy.

4. Acupuncture

Step 1: A licensed veterinarian can perform acupuncture on a dog. This is an interesting path to take as a veterinarian.

Step 2:  Besides being a veterinarian, you must be an acupuncturist certified veterinary acupuncturist (CVA).

Step 3: Acupuncture may be used to treat pain or anxiety and is typically used in addition to other treatments. My dog had acupuncture while he was being treated for his brain tumor and did find it helped with pain management and comfort.

5. Dog Party Planner

Step 1: A dog party planner can be used to plan dog birthdays or canine weddings as they become more and more popular.

Step 2: Offer pooch décor, dog-friendly treats, as well as cake. You can also partner with caterers to provide for the needs of humans.  

Step 3: You can also offer DIY party kits for humans to be their own party planners for the day. Offer a dog-friendly photo booth or backdrops for chaotic photos.

6. Dog Escort for Wedding

Step 1:  Learn the potential here! This is also known as a wedding pet attendant. So many couples are including their pets on their wedding day and want a worry-free day when it comes to the needs of their fur baby.

Step 2: Specialize in transporting dogs to weddings and ensuring they are well-prepared for their roles in the ceremony. Help primp the pups to get photo ready.

Step 3: The attendant ensures the pup is fed, properly hydrated, and all-around cared for while the bride and groom enjoy their day.

7. Puppy Social Wellness Experience

Step 1: Organize puppy social events such as yoga or a social hour of play.

Step 2: Partner with breeders or rescues to bring puppies to events. This helps puppies who need a home as well as help with socialization.

Step 3: Market to dog lovers and especially to companies looking to book events. Educate potential clients of the benefits of a puppy wellness event. According to the National Institutes of Health interacting with puppies can lower blood pressure and cortisol levels.   As a former employer of a large corporation, I can tell you this is something I would have looked forward to!

Hopefully, these unusual dog business ideas will provide some inspiration. I know how hard starting a new job or business can be. The anxiety of the unknown is enough to prevent anyone from starting. But what if you try it and love it?  So many of these can be started as a part-time job or just started with one initial client. If you hate it don’t move forward. If you find you love it the options can be endless!