How to Launch Your Business with a New Pet in Tow

Starting a new business requires an exceptional amount of time and energy. Welcoming a new pet into your life is also a big event, and when you’re doing both simultaneously, you could find yourself juggling multiple competing priorities.

A little bit of pre-planning and patience can go a long way in ensuring both your business and your new fur baby get the attention they deserve. To prepare for your pet’s arrival, take a quick dive into pet pampering via the Pet Grooming Information website. A little TLC can go a long way in getting your new family member acclimated as your business gets underway!

Set Your Business Priorities

Your business has the best odds for success when you have a detailed operational plan in place prior to launch. This includes determining your corporate structure, developing a detailed business and marketing plan, getting necessary licenses and permits, and according to Entrepreneur, identifying your target demographic.

If you’re a brick-and-mortar operation, securing your location and outfitting yourself with furnishings, equipment, and inventory will also be key pre-startup priorities. If you’re bringing in onsite staff, you’ll also need to advertise, interview, hire and train.

Find Great Staffers

Time is at a premium when you’re a business owner, and Boss Magazine says delegation and task management can be your best friends. If you’re operating exclusively from a home office, it might make sense to hire freelancers like website developers, virtual assistants, or mobile app designers.

This approach frees up some time while leaving important tasks to the experts. Posting your needs on an online job board can make hiring easy. Outline the skill sets you need and then inquire about rates, availability, and turnaround time. Don’t forget to read reviews before hiring.

Create a Schedule

A routine will be essential to getting your business up and running, while also giving your new pet the time it needs to get acclimated and comfortable in its new home.

Create a schedule that includes regular feedings and exercise for your pet, and don’t forget to build in time for training and housebreaking. Develop a similar routine for work, devoting time to key operational functions, project management, and customer cultivation.

Having regularly scheduled team meetings with in-person, remote, and freelance staffers can also ensure you’re all staying focused and on track.

Make Pet Care Arrangements

While your new fur baby is settling in, you’ll want to have reliable pet care options in place for emergencies, or for when you can’t be around. Identify in-home pet sitters and pet daycare close to work, and create appropriate space in your office for your companion.

To ensure a sense of consistency early on, make “go-bags” of pet supplies to have on hand. These bags can include toys, chews, bedding, food, and training pads. A portable pet bed can also be helpful, as can gates and play yards to ensure safety when you’re not in your home environment.

Make Use Of Tech

Technology can aid in your pet care routine.

For example, you can use a video baby monitor to keep an eye on your companion animal when you can’t be together, or use video chat to check up and stay connected when they’re in the care of a pet sitter.

You can download numerous useful apps, like lost pet locators, animal first aid directions, and you can even summon a pet walker to stop by your house or business location if you can’t get there on schedule to walk your fur baby.

Launching a business and bringing a new animal companion into your world are both exciting events! Careful time management can help ensure both of these important parts of your life are full of joy and success.

The Pet Grooming Information website has a host of information related to not only pet grooming, but also best practices around pet care in general. Check out the blog for insightful articles and information!

Photo by Pixabay

Guest Post by Cindy Aldridge