Opening a pet shop or mobile grooming business in the Philippines can be a rewarding venture, both financially and emotionally.
With more Filipinos welcoming pets into their homes, the demand for quality pet care, grooming, and retail products is on the rise.
But running a successful pet business requires more than simply stocking shelves or offering grooming services—it takes planning, smart investment, and the right systems to keep everything running smoothly.
Why the Pet Industry in the Philippines is Growing
Pet ownership in the Philippines has been on a steady rise. According to Statista, around 42% of households now have pets—home to an estimated 16.4 million dogs and 2.06 million cats as of 2024.
From high-rise condos in Metro Manila to family homes across the provinces, more Filipinos are treating their pets as members of the family rather than just companions. This growing sense of “pet humanization” is driving owners to spend more on premium food, veterinary care, spa-style grooming, and even pet fashion.
For business owners, the opportunities are clear. A physical pet store can meet the everyday needs of pet owners, while mobile grooming services provide the convenience that busy city dwellers look for. Both models tap into a market that continues to expand with no signs of slowing down.
Setting Up Your Pet Shop or Mobile Grooming Business
Before diving in, it’s important to look at the practical side of setting up.
Setting up a Pet Shop
- Location matters. Look for high-footfall areas such as near residential neighborhoods, shopping centers, or close to veterinary clinics. Accessibility and parking are big factors—pet owners won’t want the hassle of carrying 10kg bags of pet food across long distances.
- Licenses and permits. You’ll need a business permit from your local government unit (LGU), a Barangay Clearance, and a Mayor’s Permit. If you plan to sell live animals, you may also need permits from the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) and compliance with the Animal Welfare Act.
- Initial costs. Beyond rental deposits, budget for renovations such as shelving, aquariums, display units, and proper ventilation. Depending on shop size and inventory, set-up costs can range anywhere from ₱500,000–₱1.5 million.
- Inventory. Core products include pet food, treats, grooming supplies, cages, leashes, toys, and health supplements. If you plan to carry live animals, you’ll also need proper enclosures, clean water systems, and quarantine space.
- Customer experience. A welcoming environment matters—wide aisles, non-slip flooring, and even pet-friendly sections where owners can safely bring their pets in.
Setting up a Mobile Pet Grooming Service
- Vehicle investment. A van or MPV converted into a grooming unit is the heart of your business. It should have space for a grooming table, dryers, clippers, and a water tank with proper drainage. Many groomers also install generators or inverters to power equipment.
- Health and safety. Vehicles must be well-ventilated and temperature-controlled to keep pets comfortable. Non-slip flooring and secured grooming stations are essential to prevent accidents.
- Running costs. Petrol, insurance, and regular maintenance add up. Petrol alone could cost anywhere between ₱10,000–₱20,000 per month, depending on your service area.
- Scheduling. Efficiency is key—route planning saves both time and fuel. Many mobile groomers use booking software or POS systems with scheduling features to prevent double bookings.
- Licensing. While you won’t need a shoplot licence, you still need to register your business with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) or the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), plus get permits from your LGU to operate as a mobile service.
Why a POS System Matters for Pet Shops and Grooming Businesses
Running a pet shop or mobile grooming service means juggling more than just the animals.
You’re handling anxious pets, advising owners, restocking shelves, and keeping appointments on track—all while trying to keep the business side running smoothly. The last thing you need is to get buried in paperwork, manual stock counts, or double-booked schedules.
This is where a point-of-sale (POS) system becomes invaluable. For pet shops, it removes the guesswork from inventory. Instead of manually checking which bags of food or supplements are running low, the system alerts you before you run out. If you decide to expand, it also keeps product prices and stock synced across outlets without requiring constant manual updates.
For grooming businesses, especially mobile ones, a POS system helps prevent scheduling nightmares. Missed or overlapping bookings can quickly damage customer trust. With automated appointment management, your day flows more smoothly, allowing you to focus fully on the pets in front of you.
Built-in loyalty programs also keep regular customers coming back, rewarding them with perks that make them feel valued.
Beyond these, a POS system tackles the behind-the-scenes tasks that often eat up your time—like tracking staff hours, staying compliant with the BIR, and making sense of sales reports. Instead of spending hours crunching numbers, you’ll have real-time insights on what’s selling best, when your services are most in demand, and whether your promotions are paying off.
By taking these routine burdens off your plate, a POS system frees you to do what you do best: provide great care for pets and build strong relationships with their owners.
Final Thoughts
The pet industry in the Philippines is thriving, and whether you choose to open a pet shop or launch a mobile grooming service, success comes down to preparation. Plan your operations carefully, understand what your customers truly value, and invest in systems that give you full visibility of your business.
At the end of the day, pets may be the heart of your business—but efficiency and good management are what keep it alive.
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