8 Ways your CBD store can enter the pet market

Business tips
Jereme Sanborn


The pet industry is booming, and pet owners are increasingly seeking natural solutions to support their animals' well-being. As CBD continues to gain popularity for its potential wellness benefits, many businesses are expanding into the pet market to meet this growing demand. 

Whether you own a CBD store or want to diversify your offerings, selling CBD products for pets can open new revenue streams and attract a dedicated customer base. However, entering this market requires careful planning, education, and reliable payment processing for CBD businesses to ensure seamless transactions. 

Understanding the pet CBD market.

The pet CBD market is experiencing rapid growth, fueled by increasing awareness of its potential benefits and a shifting legal landscape. As pet owners become more invested in natural remedies for their animals’ health, CBD products have gained popularity, particularly for managing pain, anxiety, and joint issues. 

The global market is projected to reach $1.7 billion by 2030, with an impressive annual growth rate of 31.8%. North America currently holds the largest market share at over 40.53%, and dog products account for 50% of sales. 

Millennials are the biggest consumers of pet CBD, as they increasingly prioritize their pets' well-being, often viewing them as family members. 

While CBD is generally considered safe for pets, the lack of FDA regulation means that product quality and potency can vary significantly. 

Selling CBD products for pets comes with unique challenges, including regulatory considerations due to this lack of regulation. Thus there are additional requirements needed in order to accept payments for CBD products. Partnering with a trusted high-risk payment provider is the best way to make sure that you can accept payments for these transactions.

Tips for entering the CBD pet market.

Expanding your CBD store into the pet market presents an exciting opportunity to reach a growing customer base. 

By offering high-quality pet CBD products, educating pet owners, leveraging social media, and ensuring secure payment processing for CBD businesses, your store can successfully enter and thrive in this niche. 

Ensuring that you can accept payments seamlessly, both online and in-store, is key to long-term success. With the right strategies, your CBD business can establish itself as a trusted source for pet wellness solutions. Here are some tips for how to successfully transition into selling pet products at your CBD store:

Offer a dedicated line of pet-friendly CBD products.

If your business already sells CBD products for human use, creating a dedicated pet-friendly line is a logical next step. Many CBD manufacturers offer pet-specific formulas that are carefully dosed, and made with ingredients that are safe for animals.

When developing your pet CBD product line, consider offering a variety of options, such as CBD tinctures, treats, and topical balms. Different pets have different needs, so providing multiple delivery methods can attract a wider audience. 

Transparency is essential, so clearly label CBD concentrations and ensure all ingredients are pet-safe.

Educate pet owners on the benefits and safe use of CBD.

One of the biggest barriers for consumers considering CBD for their pets is a lack of education. Many pet owners are unfamiliar with how CBD works for animals, what dosage to use, or how to determine product quality. By positioning your CBD store as a trusted resource, you can build credibility and increase sales.

Creating educational blog content, social media posts, and in-store materials that explain CBD’s potential benefits can help customers make informed decisions. 

Hosting informational sessions, or partnering with veterinarians who support CBD use for pets, can also strengthen your brand’s reputation.

Partner with veterinarians and pet wellness professionals.

Building partnerships with veterinarians, pet nutritionists, and holistic pet care professionals can enhance your credibility and expand your reach. While veterinarians may have varying stances on CBD, some are open to discussing its benefits and can provide valuable insights into how pet owners should approach CBD use.

Consider offering professional discounts to pet care providers, supplying free samples for them to test, or collaborating on educational initiatives. 

These partnerships can help position your business as a knowledgeable and responsible provider of pet CBD products.

Develop a strong online presence for pet CBD products.

A well-structured online store that highlights your pet CBD products can significantly boost sales. Many pet owners research products online before making a purchase, so having detailed product descriptions, customer reviews, and educational content can help build trust.

Ensure your website is easy to navigate, mobile-friendly, and optimized for search engines so customers can find your pet CBD products. Additionally, providing secure and compliant payment processing for CBD businesses ensures a smooth checkout experience. 

Look for a payment provider that allows you to accept payments reliably, even for high-risk industries like CBD.

Sell in pet stores, groomers, and boutiques.

Expanding your sales channels beyond your CBD store can introduce your products to a wider audience. Many pet stores, grooming salons, and pet boutiques are looking for unique products that differentiate them from big-box retailers.

Offering wholesale options or consignment agreements with pet-related businesses can also help to increase brand visibility and generate additional revenue. In-store displays, samples, and informative brochures can further encourage sales and educate new customers about the benefits of pet CBD products.

Leverage social media and influencer marketing.

Pet-related content is highly popular on social media, making it a valuable platform for promoting CBD pet products. Creating engaging content featuring pets, customer testimonials, and educational information can drive interest and engagement.

Partnering with pet influencers or bloggers who advocate for natural pet wellness can further expand your reach. 

Many pet owners trust recommendations from influencers they follow, so working with reputable content creators can provide social proof and increase brand awareness.

Offer sample packs to build trust.

Since many pet owners may be hesitant to try CBD products on their animals, offering small sample packs can encourage them to test the products before committing to a full purchase.

Providing samples in-store, through online promotions, or at pet-related events can generate word-of-mouth marketing and increase customer confidence. Consider pairing samples with educational materials to guide pet owners on proper use and expected results.

Ensure compliance and secure payment processing.

As a CBD business, ensuring that you have reliable payment processing is essential. Since CBD is classified as a high-risk industry, not all payment processors support transactions for these products. Choosing a provider that allows you to accept payments securely and efficiently is crucial for maintaining smooth operations.

Additionally, staying informed about state and federal regulations regarding CBD pet products helps prevent legal complications. Clear labeling, third-party lab testing, and adherence to industry best practices can further establish your credibility and protect your business.