How to Start a Successful Pet Parties Business

For many people, their pets truly are like their children. Whether the pet owner simply does not have any human children or they have retired and their pet is now their sole companion, the ability to lavish love and affection on their pets is something they derive pleasure from. This can also extend to hosting parties for their pets. While birthday parties are by far the most common type of party to be held for a pet they are by no means the only type of pet party that can be held. Other possible ideas include bark and meow mitzvahs, which are canine and feline versions of the traditional Jewish coming of age parties.

Starting a pet party business is an excellent idea if you enjoy working with animals, love party planning and have good organizational skills. Even better, you can easily start your business part-time and even operate it from your home in most instances. While many pet owners like the idea of hosting a party for their pet they simply may not have the time or the organizational abilities to actually plan the party. You can help and also earn an income by planning, organizing and hosting a unique party for these beloved pets.

Some of the tasks that you may assist with when planning a pet party for clients include sending out invitations based on the customer’s guest list. Guests will likely include all of the pet’s friends from the neighborhood, dog park and pet daycare center. Invitations should always mention that each guest should be accompanies by their owner. Family members who enjoy pet owners should also be included. It is also a good idea to include a wish list for the birthday guest of honor. The wish list can be developed by working with the pet’s owner. If the pet does not need any more clothing, treats and toys the client might wish to request that guests make a donation to their favorite pet charity or animal shelter in lieu of gifts.

Of course, the centerpiece of any birthday party is the birthday cake and this is no different if it is a party for a pet. There are many pet friendly birthday cake options and even recipes that are available today. You may wish to provide this as a service of your business. You can either bake the cake yourself and charge for it separately or as part of a package or you might consider outsourcing this part of your business. Keep in mind that it is a good idea to also have a second birthday cake at the party for the human guests.

Along with the birthday cake, it is also a good idea to have some other pet friendly foods and treats available at the party as well. These could even be used as party favors for the ‘guests.’ As with the birthday cake, you may also wish to provide party favors for the human guests too. Once again, these are all services that you can include as part of an overall party package or as a separate service.

You may also wish to work with the pet owner to come up with fun activities for their pet’s party. The best types of activities are those that will appeal to the human as well as the four-legged guests. Consider some of the following ideas:

• Plan a costume party. Party guests will certainly love an excuse to dress up their furry friends in fun costumes for the special event. You can even have costume contests for the most unique costume, best costume, cutest costume, etc.
• Have a cake eating contest. Rather than simply feeding the doggie guests a slice of cake, make it a fun event and have a batch of homemade pet treats available to give the winner as a prize.
• Host a fetching race for the owners and their dogs. This can be fun for everyone. The pet that fetches in the least amount of time wins!
• Have a doggie treat hunt. Spread some hay on the ground and hide treats in it ahead of time before the party. Allow each doggie guest to locate the treats one at a time and the dog that locates and eats his treat in the least amount of time wins!
• Have an agility course for the guests. You can easily set up various cones as a zig-zag obstacle course as well as a platform from a bale of hay. You might require each owner to have their dog sit for five seconds. There is sure to be plenty of fun and laughs for everyone as the owners attempt to lead their dogs through the course.

You might also consider offering specialty party planning services, such as Bark Mitzvahs and Meow Mitzvahs for pet owners who truly want to offer their pets a special occasion. Such events have become increasingly popular over the past few years and will provide your business with an additional source of revenue. Keep in mind that practically anything can go when it comes to entertainment for such parties. Some might include live entertainment while others might even feature a rabbi to bless the guest of honor. The doggie or kitty guest of honor might also wear a special prayer shawl as well.