Pet Supplies Retail Business Guide (Philippines)
Clear, actionable step-by-step checklist with typical fees to start a small pet-supplies retail shop in the Philippines, focusing on DTI/SEC registration, LGU permits, BIR requirements, and realistic startup costs.
What you'll learn in this pet supplies business guide
This pet supplies retail business guide explains the usual business-registration steps for a small shop (DTI/SEC, barangay and mayor's permits, BIR registration), plus typical fee ranges and what’s unique about running a pet-supply business.
For deeper registration steps, you may also want to read our DTI Business Name Registration Guide, Business Registration & Bank Account Guide, and Basic Bookkeeping & Accounting Guide.
Para ma-planong mabuti ang inventory, rent, at daily expenses, puwede mong gamitin ang Budget Calculator para sa capital at buwanang gastos, ang Stock Management System para sa pet food at accessories, at ang Task Management System para sa reordering, cleaning schedules, at marketing tasks.
Step-by-step requirements & registration flow
1) Choose business structure & register business name
If you’re a sole proprietor, register your business name with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). If you plan to incorporate or share ownership, register with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) instead.
This choice affects your tax registration (BIR), liability, and how you can add partners or investors later.
2) Obtain local clearances / permits
First, get a Barangay Clearance from the barangay where your store will be. Requirements usually include your DTI/SEC certificate, lease contract or proof of address, and valid ID.
Next, apply for a Mayor’s / Business Permit at the city or municipal licensing office (BPLO or Business One-Stop Shop). They will assess local taxes and require supporting documents like zoning/locational clearance, fire safety and sometimes sanitary permits.
3) Register for taxes with BIR
Once you have your DTI/SEC registration and local permits (or at least your business address and ID), register with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) at the correct Revenue District Office.
Submit forms like Form 1901 (sole prop) or Form 1903 (corporation), then register your Books of Accounts and apply for an Authority to Print receipts/invoices or enroll in an accredited e-receipt solution.
If you plan to hire employees later, you’ll also need to register as an employer with SSS, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG.
4) Optional: MSME registration & prepare operations
If you anticipate growth or want access to MSME programs, you can register through DTI/Negosyo Center schemes as a micro or small enterprise.
In parallel, set up your operations:
- Lease or secure a small retail space.
- Source pet supplies: food, litter, accessories, cages, toys, etc.
- Set up simple accounting/bookkeeping and receipt processes.
- Plan marketing (good in-store merchandising, signage, and online presence if possible).
Typical fees / cost estimate (small pet-supplies shop)
| Step / Item | Typical fee / cost |
|---|---|
| DTI Business Name registration (sole prop) | ₱200–₱2,000 + ₱30 DST (depending on scope and term) |
| Barangay Clearance | ₱300–₱1,500 (varies by barangay & declared capital) |
| Mayor’s / Business Permit + LGU-required permits | ₱2,000–₅,000 (small business, can be higher in major cities) |
| BIR Registration (initial) | ₱500 reg fee + ₱30 DST (for sole prop; verify current rules) |
| Books of accounts & printing receipts/invoices | Books: ₱200–₅00; OR/Invoice printing: a few thousand pesos depending on volume |
For a small sole proprietorship pet-supply shop, the first-year registration & compliance cost (excluding inventory and rent) often falls roughly between ₱8,000–₱18,000, depending mainly on your LGU and structure.
If you incorporate (corporation / OPC), SEC registration adds more cost (filing fees, notarization, SEC charges based on capital), which can bring total startup cost for legal compliance into the ₱30,000–₱100,000 range.
What’s specific about a pet supplies business?
- Pet supplies shops follow the same registration path as other small retailers; there is usually no special “pet-store license” unless you add services like grooming or boarding (which may trigger health/sanitary or animal-welfare rules depending on the LGU).
- Initial capital beyond registration is driven by inventory (pet food, litter, cages, accessories) and rental deposit / renovation for a good location.
- Good bookkeeping and inventory tracking will help you manage taxes (especially if you grow into VAT range) and avoid stockouts or overstocking on slow-moving items.