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Work checklists for pet shops are discussed and examined.

Twelve of the pet industry's most dynamic firms, all of which have yearly gross sales in the $10 million range, have been chosen for their contribution to the industry. The list include Animal Exchange of Rockville, MD, Avian Adventures, Fluker Farms of Port Allen, LA, Ocean Nutrition of Chula Vista, CA, Pet Greetings of Westlake Village, CA, Quality Pets Inc of Oklahoma City, OK, Sheppard & Green Pet Products Inc, Sherpa's Pet Trading Co, T-Rex Products Inc, Thee Birdie Bordello of Gardena, CA, Wyld's Wingdom Inc of Norfolk, VA, and Zoo Med Laboratories Inc of San Luis Obispo, CA.

Pet store owners should realize the many advantages offered by working with in-home pet care service providers. Pet-sitting has grown to become a thriving mid-sized industry and many pet owners prefer it to kennels and next-door neighbors. Pet store operators can help pet sitters by referring them to customers. In return, the pet sitter can distribute product samples along with the store's business card.

Pet supplies retailers can bring a significant boost to their profits by providing pond owners with sound advice. Retailers can help customers choose the type of fish which is most appropriate for their ponds. Retailers can also provide customers with information on matters such as stocking levels, fish selection techniques and proper fish introduction methods. Such value-added services can help to promote customer loyalty and bring in a significant amount of repeat business.

Pet retailers are either concerned or optimistic about the growing number of pet superstores. Some believe that the superstores would take business away from their operations. Other have tried to maintain their competitiveness against superstores by establishing niche markets. The Pet & Hobby Shoppe in Salem, N.C., for instance, has begun specializing in fish tanks, while the Love A Pet store in Arrow, OK, sells different pets in various quantities.

Pet retailers are often asked for advice on how to control algae in aquariums. They must first assure customers that algae is an important requirement of aquatic ecosystems and only becomes a problem if it affects the growth of other organisms. The use of phosphate test kits can also be recommended as an algae control measure.

A growing number of consumers are abandoning established national brands in favor of private-label pet products as they realize that store-brands offer the same quality at a much lower price. However, private labeling is not advisable in all cases. Smaller retailers who normally order in relatively small batches or who do not enjoy fast turnover will not be able to take full advantage of the price factor benefits of private labeling. In addition, private labels require the retailer to take on marketing and brand-building responsibilities.

Many pet store owners mistakenly assume that dog dishes are the type of products which do not require promotion and merchandising. However, there is a very wide variety of products on the market today and consumers often need someone to point out the difference between them. In selling dog dishes, pet retailers should try to educate their customers on the reasons why different dogs need different kinds of bowls.

The pondkeeping industry presents a lucrative opportunity for pet store owners in view of the increasing number of pondkeeping enthusiasts and the existing demand for pond products. Pet retailers also have an advantage over garden centers in being able to supply fish to customers. Factors to consider when entering this market include the types of customers, store size and marketing strategies.

Pet shop owners who wish to sell chameleons should know how to properly care for these reptiles, which are fast becoming popular among pet lovers. Chameleons are habitually solitary and should not be placed in close proximity with other chameleons or animals. Store owners should regularly provide them with water and food, which consist mainly of insects. Failure to meet any of these requirements could stress the reptile and make it highly susceptible to endoparasites.

Aquarium retailers can increase their sales by offering products and services that cater to the needs of experienced hobbyists. Experienced hobbyists are more difficult to satisfy compared to first-time aquarists and pondkeepers. Retailers who intend to attract experienced fish hobbyists to their stores and promote repeat patronage should think about stocking and maintaining unusual species such as Lamprologus leleupi and Lamprologus compressiceps.

Pet retailers can garner added business by offering cat owners cat-related specialty items. Cat owners are differ from other pet owners in the sense that they are more inclined to purchase items, such as mugs, T-shirts and housewares, which bear a cat's likeness. However, a cat boutique section should have variety and should not be confined to a single type of item. In addition, the items should be presented in an imaginative manner.

Pet retailers should devote time and effort to learn about feline health to help customers choose from the wide variety of feline health care products. Information on feline health is available in books, magazines, veterinary and feline organization newsletters. A store owner who knows more about feline health than the cat owner has a definite advantage in the market. Pet retailers should also stock appropriate health care items such as hairball remedies, ear medications, eye solutions, dental products and deworming treatments.

Retailers should have a wide selection of small animal foods and treats to better cope with the growing demand for these products as the popularity of small animal pets continue to rise. Ideally, retailers should have at least two complete diets. These and other related products should be displayed in a single section of the store and be of very good quality. To better assist customers, retailers should familiarize themselves with the dietary requirements of small animals and the features of the product lines being introduced by manufacturers.

Omar and Franz Gonzalez's love for birds led them to establish Omar's Exotic Birds in 1984. The business began with the couple selling birds from a used van in a flea market but has since grown into a two store operation. It has also expanded into other ventures, such as cage manufacturing and the publication of books on avian care and breeding. Omar Gonzalez credits their success to their product mix, their brand of customer service and their commitment to caring well for birds and sharing their knowledge to bird owners.

Herptiles are fast becoming one of the most popular pets in the US and present a unique opportunity for pet stores to gain extra income and additional customers. Before venturing into this new pet trend, pet retailers should first familiarize themselves with the behavior, dietary requirements and physical characteristics of these animals to provide better customer service and improve sales. They should also seek the assistance of reptile suppliers and of reptile and herpetological societies to obtain information on health and legal issues and availability.

The American Aquarium, a pet shop located in the heart of New York City, specializes in selling not only tropical fish but a range of exotic animal species. Customers find the store clean, well stocked, offers reasonable prices and has strong after sales support. The store's staff willingly advises each of its customers on the proper care and handling of every pet purchased. This emphasis on customer service has been the key to the store's successful operation for the past 10 years.

The demand for exotic birds has grown tremendously over the years. As such, many pet shops stock parrots, mynahs and other birds. Exotic birds need special care, and customers often ask store owners for referrals when their pets get sick. Pet retailers should seek to establish a relationship with a competent veterinarian specializing in avian medicine. In addition, he should know the rudiments of basic bird care.

Independent pet retailers are facing increasing competition from large pet superstores and retail chains. In many instances, small pet stores become overwhelmed by the low prices and marketing strategies used by large superstores. However, small pet retailers can effectively compete with the larger stores. Several tips on how this can be done are presented and discussed.

Cold winter weather means gloves, boots and other apparel designed for keeping the wearer warm in harsh conditions. Dogs are not immune to the effects of cold, and they can suffer from frostbite and hypothermia if they are excessively exposed to the elements. Pet retailers should stress to their customers the importance of weather protection for their pets. They can reccomend good doghouses, winter nutrition and the appropriate thermal outfits for dogs during wintertime.

An increasing number of people are buying small pets such as hamsters and birds in view of space and lifestyle considerations. As such, there is a huge market for small pet accessories and pet retailers can take advantage of the demand. Small pet owners are always inclined to buy products such as exercise toys, playhouses and chew items for their pets. Several techniques for marketing small pet accessories are presented.

Some pet store owners consider opening a second outlet because of numerous benefits such as economy of scale and centralization. A second branch can also hone the owners' management skills in addition to building equity. Branching out is also a defense against future competition. However, retailers should practice strategic site selection to avoid affecting the sales and profits of the first store. They should also learn how to delegate to competent and trustworthy managers.

Pet shop owners are solely responsible for the success of their stores. Pet shop owners should implement strategies to increase sales and use these to improve and expand their business. In order to maximize profits, store owners should identify and implement business plans covering a specific period of time as well as improve the design of their pet shops giving particular attention to interior design, fixtures and color.

Small pet retailers can compete with pet supply superstores using a few effective methods. The pet shop should be placed in a position to provide real value in terms of services, pets or customer service. A neat appearance and aggressive promotion will help attract customers. Pricing should be competitive with the superstore and product lines should be readily obtainable. Cultivating ties with the community and a personal relationship with the customers goes a long way in ensuring a constant clientele.

Lyng's Pet and Garden Center is one of the few pet stores that keeps a large selection of livestock on display. In nearly 70 years of business, this has proven to be an effective customer draw. However, most of the profits from the pet operation come from the sale of food. A dog grooming service brings in additional clients. Lyng's has had a 28-year-old policy of running a quarter-page ad in the weekly community newspaper detailing items on sale that has continued up to the present.

Pet retailers must know how to care for puppies. These animals should be obtained from superior suppliers and inspected for any signs of injury or illness. The pet retailer must take its temperature to identify infections or stress-related problems. Puppies must initially be isolated and monitored on their feeding, drinking and elimination habits. Cleanliness of bowls and surroundings is also important to avoid diseases. Puppies must be examined by a veterinarian and given appropriate vaccinations. The pet retailer must also know local and state legislation concerning pets. Sales usually increase when customers are assured by the pet retailer of quality puppies.

Retailers need to encourage families with small children on bird ownership, as it will ensure that the pet industry will have support from the next generation. Suggestions to pet retailers, on guiding families with children in selecting the appropriate bird breeds and related products, are also discussed.

The pet shops citing some or the other reasons donEt stock books on the pet subjects. The importance of stocking books and how it can increase profits and goodwill is discussed.

The winners of the Pet Products Retailer of the Year for 2004 - 05, Tails by the Lake, Squaw Valley, California is assessed for the management of the successful independent pet store. The owners Robert Burks and Lori Dotterweich say they continue to grow despite the bad economic conditions.

The steps for opening a successful pet store are discussed. The main mistakes to be avoided by retailers include lack of business plan, lack of experience in retail, undercapitalization, ineffective merchandising, non-negotiation of lease, usage of wrong equipment, ignorance of trends, understaffing and under training.

Pet shop owners must take good care of the new animals in their shops to ensure that sales are good.