If you have ever scrolled through an online pet store and thought, “I could run something like this”, you might be right.
Because right now, owning an online pet supply store is one of the most exciting small business opportunities in Australia.
Pet ownership is soaring, subscription models are booming, and customers are loyal.
This is not a side hustle, it is a scalable, digital-first business with serious earning potential.
The Pet Supply Industry in 2025: Growth Meets Stability
Let’s start with the facts:
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$955 million in annual revenue and growing.
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$41 million in profit, up more than 16 percent per year since 2008.
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Over 400 active enterprises nationwide.
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Profit margins around 4.3 percent and improving as subscription models expand.
This industry is not a fad. Pet ownership is rising, and Australians are spending more than ever on premium food, accessories, and health products for their furry family members.
Why Buying an Online Pet Store Can Be Life-Changing
Most first-time buyers are chasing three things: freedom, stability, and scale.
And this industry delivers all three.
Here’s why:
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Predictable income: Recurring orders for pet food and essentials mean steady cash flow.
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Scalable model: You can grow nationally without opening new locations.
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Low overheads: No rent, no expensive fit-outs, and minimal staff.
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Emotional connection: You are not just selling products, you are part of people’s families.
It is a digital business that can give you both income and independence, something most nine-to-five jobs cannot.
Where the Opportunities Are
Australians are shopping online for their pets more than ever before.
If you want to explore real businesses, start browsing:
You will find established online pet stores generating consistent sales, often priced between $150,000 and $800,000, with returns of 20 to 35 percent for owner-operators.
What Makes a Good Online Pet Business
Forget flashy branding or cute logos, the best stores are built on repeat orders and customer loyalty.
Here’s what to look for:
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Repeat revenue: Subscription or auto-ship sales for food and healthcare.
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Efficient fulfilment: Solid 3PL (third-party logistics) or warehouse setup with reliable delivery times.
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Supplier stability: Strong relationships with Australian distributors to protect margins.
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Positive customer reviews: A 4.5-star Google rating can double your conversion rate.
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Marketing engine: Proven email, SMS, and paid ad systems that bring customers back.
The Financials
Here’s what to expect when you dig into the numbers:
|
Business Type |
Price Range |
ROI (Owner Operated) |
ROI (Managed) |
|
Small Niche Pet Store |
$100k – $250k |
25–40% |
10–20% |
|
Mid-Sized Subscription Store |
$250k – $600k |
20–30% |
10–15% |
|
Premium Brand with Loyal Base |
$600k – $1m+ |
15–25% |
8–12% |
Profitability depends heavily on automation, repeat orders, and freight efficiency.
Stores that keep delivery costs low and average order value (AOV) high are the ones printing cash.
The Lifestyle Factor
This is where it gets interesting.
Owning an online pet supply store can completely change how you live.
You can run it from anywhere, the beach, the bush, or your home office.
Many owners manage their store part-time, spending their mornings handling orders and their afternoons living life.
And when you build systems right, the business can run with minimal hands-on work.
Some owners even travel while their store continues generating sales.
If you love pets and want a business with purpose, this industry ticks both boxes.
What You Will Need to Succeed
Here’s the practical setup:
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Website: Shopify or WooCommerce store with clean navigation and mobile optimisation.
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Automation: Email flows, subscription billing, and loyalty programs.
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Logistics: Third-party fulfilment or warehouse partner for packing and shipping.
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Marketing: SEO, social ads, and Google Shopping.
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Compliance: ACCC-compliant product claims, privacy policies, and refund terms.
The best stores combine good operations with smart marketing.
If you can master both, you can scale fast.
The 2025 Outlook
Let’s look ahead:
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Pet ownership is growing, with over two-thirds of Aussie households owning pets.
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Subscription-based pet products are becoming mainstream.
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Big players like Woolworths are expanding in the space, proving the market’s strength.
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Demand for premium, eco-friendly, and vet-endorsed products is surging.
In plain English, the future is bright.
There is room for independent, specialist operators who know how to connect with pet parents.
What to Do Next
If you are serious, do not overthink it, start looking at live listings.
Compare margins, read reviews, and talk to the sellers.
Explore:
Then talk to your accountant, check the profit and loss reports, and review subscription retention.
You are not just buying an online store, you are buying a digital asset that can fund your freedom.