Starting a Dog Accessory & Clothing Business in 2024

There’s no denying that a lot of pet owners would be willing to spend a fortune for their four-legged, furry friends. In fact, the pet industry in the UK is experiencing remarkable growth, with pet owners spending approximately £8 billion annually on their beloved companions. This huge spending just shows how much we care about our pets – they're family. With around 13.5 million dogs in the UK and a growing trend towards premium pet products, there surely is a huge market for dog accessories and clothing. And as more and more people want the best for their pets, it seems like a thriving industry to be a part of.

Wondering how to start a dog accessory business in the UK?  In this blog, we’ll explore essential topics such as conducting market research, developing high-quality products, creating a brand, and implementing successful marketing tactics. When done right, launching a dog accessories business isn’t just profitable but also fulfilling as you cater to the needs of pet lovers eager to pamper their furry friends.

Is the pet accessory industry really for you?

Starting a pet accessory business can be super rewarding, especially if you’re a fur parent at best. You can create stylish products that dog owners love, and you could make a good living doing it. But like any business, building a thriving enterprise takes a lot of hard work - you'll need to find reliable suppliers, compete with big brands, and keep up with the latest trends.

If you're passionate about pets and ready to take on a challenge, this business could be the perfect fit for you. 

Steps to start a dog accessory business

1. Conduct market research and analysis

To successfully navigate this market, it’s important to initially research your target audience and analyse their behaviour. Identify who your ideal customers are by looking into factors such as age, income level, and lifestyle choices as these are likely to affect what they’re looking for in a dog store. Tools like surveys and focus groups can also provide you with valuable insights into what pet owners prioritise when purchasing accessories and clothing. 

If you’re really serious, you might also consider using helpful resources and tools. Industry reports from sources like Statista can give you comprehensive data on market size and growth trends. Competitor analysis tools such as SEMrush or SimilarWeb can help you understand how other pet brands are performing online, while consumer survey platforms like SurveyMonkey or Google Forms can gather direct feedback from your potential customers. By understanding the current market, you’re set to make business decisions that align with market demands and consumer preferences, ultimately positioning your dog accessory business for success in this thriving industry.

How big is the dog clothing industry?

The dog clothing industry is part of a rapidly growing pet clothing market in the world. On average, Brits spend nearly £200 a year on clothes for their pets! Globally, the industry was valued at approximately 6 billion dollars in 2023, and is expected to grow to 9 billion by 2031.  Pet owners fondly love to dress their furry companions up for fun, keep them warm, or even just show off their unique style. From cosy sweaters to fancy costumes, UK dog owners are embracing the trend and splashing out on adorable outfits for their furry friends. 

2. Create a solid business plan

Next, you’ll need a business plan to guide your whole venture. It’s like a roadmap to help you navigate the ins and outs of your business journey and can help you figure out what you want to do, how you’ll do it and why it’s a good idea, giving you solid plans for the future. Your business plan is also crucial for securing funding from investors or lenders to show your business is on its road to success.If you’re new to creating one, we’ve created a guide on how to write a business plan you can easily follow.

3. Understanding your finances

While thinking about the money side of things may leave you feeling overwhelmed, the sooner you plan and understand your finances, the better position your business will be in. You’ll need to consider capital and operating costs such as company formation, legal fees, licences and permits, rent, website and domain, marketing and branding, inventory, packaging, employee salaries, and insurance, to name a few. Startup A-Z offers free company formation for starting your business, so you have one less thing to pay for.. 

According to pet accessories and business founders, it may cause you between USD 1,000 to USD 150,000, an average of USD 15,000, as starting costs for your pet accessory business. That’s approximately £11,500 to start. While this might not be cheap, these costs can vary widely depending on the scale of your business and its location. 

How much does it cost to start a dog clothing business?

Starterstory’s data from actual dog clothing businesses costs from USD 500 to USD 27,000, or approximately £385 to £20,800. While this may still vary depending on your market, this data can give you an estimate of the costs to start.

4. Selecting and developing your products

Your core offerings can make or break your business. Consider being innovative, unique and trendy so fur parents can rave about your business. You might offer hypoallergenic and natural products or eco-friendly products for conscious individuals, for example. 

Here’s a list of products you could consider for your new business:

• Collars and leashes: Standard collars, harnesses, reflective collars, training leashes, retractable leashes.

• Toys: Chew toys, interactive toys, plush toys, fetch toys.

• Grooming supplies: Brushes, shampoos, nail clippers, grooming gloves.

• Apparel: Jackets, sweaters, costumes, raincoats.

• Feeding accessories: Elevated feeders, spill-proof bowls, travel bowls.

• Travel accessories: Car seat covers, travel crates, portable water bottles.

If you’re planning to import products from other countries, there are EU regulations and standards for pet toys and accessories to consider too.

5. Begin planning your brand

If you want to make your dog accessory or clothing stand out in a saturated market, you’ll need to create a brand. It helps you be remembered in a crowded market, build trust with your customers, and increase the perceived value of your products. A strong brand involves creating a unique identity, telling a compelling story, and designing a memorable logo. By understanding your target audience, using social media effectively, and learning from successful brands, you can establish a strong brand presence that resonates with pet owners and drives business growth. 

Mungo & Maud, a pet and accessory store based in London, is known for stylish dog accessories, high-quality materials and chic designs that appeal to fashion-conscious pet owners. Their branding emphasises luxury and sophistication. And just like Mungo & Maud, you can focus on connecting emotionally with customers while maintaining consistency across all branding elements, to build loyalty and recognition over time.

6. Set up your sales channels

Selling pet stuff requires a multi-pronged approach. E-commerce platforms like your own website, Amazon, eBay, and Etsy offer diverse avenues to reach pet owners. You might also explore brick-and-mortar stores, consignment agreements, and pop-up shops for in-person sales.

When setting up your online store, it’s nice to choose a user-friendly platform like Shopify, Wix, or WooCommerce, and prioritise a mobile-friendly design. Make sure that you use high-quality images and competitive pricing for your product listings. You might also consider shipping strategies, whether local or international, as you might be including free shipping thresholds and international shipping options. 

As fur parents are increasingly mindful of the products they buy for their pets, it’s also important to prioritise customer service. Ensure prompt responses, clear policies, and loyalty programs when building your channels online.

7. Curate a marketing strategy

To get the word out about your dog accessory business, you can use a variety of marketing strategies. Social media is a great way to show off your products and connect with pet owners. Teddy Maximus, known for its luxury pet accessories, uses a high-quality gallery with dogs in their carriers to appeal to its customer base.

Photo: Instagram / @teddy_maximus

Partnering with pet influencers can also help you reach a wider audience, just like Carter chow chow and its owner Carl, flaunting their cute matching fits on their social media platforms.

Photo: Instagram / @carterchowchow

Posting high-quality photos and videos can definitely help you stand out, and hosting events like pop-up shops or community gatherings can be a fun way to connect with people. You can also encourage your customers to share photos of their pets using your products.

8. Ensure you’ve considered legal and regulatory guidance

Starting a dog accessory business in the UK also involves some legal and regulatory hoops to jump through. You'll need to register your business, pay taxes, and make sure your products are safe. This includes labelling them correctly and testing them to meet safety standards.

• Company registration: You must register your business with Companies House if you are registering as a limited company.

• Taxes: As a business owner, you are responsible for paying taxes, including Income Tax (for sole traders) or Corporation Tax (for limited companies). You must also register for VAT if your taxable turnover exceeds the VAT threshold (currently £95,000)

• Product Safety Standards: All products sold must comply with UK safety standards, which include the General Product Safety Regulations 2005. This ensures that your products are safe for consumers and their pets.

• Product label: Labels should comply with the Consumer Rights Act 2015, which mandates that products must be of satisfactory quality and fit for purpose.

• Testing and Certification: Depending on the type of dog accessories you sell (such as toys or grooming products), specific testing may be required to ensure they meet safety standards.

The government website, the British Standards Institution, and Trading Standards are great resources for information on legal and regulatory requirements. By staying compliant, you can protect your business and ensure a positive experience for your customers. Pet licences last only for a year, so you’d have to renew every year. 

Start your dog accessory business with Start Up A-Z

The UK's love for pets is unconditional, making today an ideal time to start a dog accessories business. To succeed, you'll need a solid plan, innovative products, and effective marketing. From stylish collars to cosy sweaters, there's a huge market for innovative and high-quality products. So, if you're passionate about pets and ready to turn your hobby into a profitable business, you can register your company for free today with SUAZ.