4 Pet Store Inventory Management Questions Every Owner Should Ask

Running a pet store is rewarding. But let’s be honest, it’s not always easy. One day, your shelves look full and tidy, and the next, a customer asks for a product you didn’t know was out of stock. Keeping inventory balanced, making sure customers find what they want, all while avoiding waste, can feel like an impossible juggling act.

However, with some planning, a few best practices, and the right tools, running your store can become much more manageable. In this guide, we’re answering the most common inventory and merchandising questions independent pet retailers ask as they grow their stores.

1. How Do I Avoid Running Out of Inventory?

It’s tempting to stock only a few months’ worth of everything. In fact, many retailers plan inventory around just the next two to three months of sales, according to the PETS+ Big Survey. But that short planning window often leaves limited visibility beyond what’s immediately ahead.

And frankly, it’s not that simple. Fast-moving staples like food and treats need more frequent replenishment, while slower-moving toys or specialty items don’t need as much shelf space.

Then there’s the size of your store to consider. Small shops just don’t have the room for huge stockpiles of non-perishables, and even bigger stores risk tying up too much cash if they overstock. Some products, like seasonal items, need extra attention around peak times.

The goal isn’t perfection — it’s staying ahead of demand without drowning in inventory. This is where accurate forecasting comes in. The right pet store POS system can track sales and trends in the background, so you don’t have to worry about running out or overbuying.

2. What Types of Products Should My Pet Store Carry?

Choosing what to carry can feel overwhelming. You want to stock essentials that keep customers coming back, but also have something that sparks interest. Most successful stores strike a balance between staples, everyday items, and a few specialty products.

Food, treats, and litter are your backbone. They’re what customers will buy week after week. Essentials like grooming products, supplements, and health items may not fly off the shelves as fast, but people rely on them. Accessories like beds, leashes, bowls, and toys bring variety and healthy margins, and small impulse items near checkout can nudge a customer into grabbing just one more thing. Seasonal or trending products are fun to rotate in, but don’t overcommit — you don’t want to tie up cash unnecessarily.

Here’s a tip: As you grow your pet store, managing vendors, orders, and categories becomes more complex. So, spreading your vendors around is smarter than relying on just one. If one supplier has a delay, you’re not left scrambling. It also gives you access to unique items that competitors might not have.

3. How Should I Merchandise My Pet Store to Sell More?

Merchandising is more than making shelves look neat — it’s about guiding shoppers naturally. Ever notice how pairing dog leashes with poop bags makes you pause and think, “Oh, I might need this too”? That’s merchandising at work.

Eye-level placement is key for popular items, and grouping complementary products together often increases sales without being pushy. Impulse items do best near checkout, while seasonal or promotional products need rotating spots so they stand out but don’t clutter.

Pay attention to traffic flow. Slower-moving products can benefit from being near areas that get more foot traffic, and grouping similar items together makes shopping less frustrating. Interestingly, the PETS+ Big Survey found that nearly half of pet retailers think customer experience drives sales more than price, which shows how important thoughtful merchandising really is.

Above: Effective merchandising delivers a one-two punch: it boosts sales and enhances the customer experience.

4. How Often Should I Review or Count Inventory?

There’s no single right answer — it really depends on what you sell and how your store runs day to day. Checking inventory can feel like a chore, but it doesn’t have to be. Items that move quickly may need a weekly check, while slower sellers can often be reviewed once a month. Seasonal or promotional products usually need a closer eye during busy times.

The goal is catching patterns early. If a new treat suddenly flies off the shelves, you want to know before it’s gone. The process is really about staying aware, so the shelves stay stocked and customers aren’t disappointed. A unified system can keep an eye on sales trends and let you know when it’s time to reorder, freeing you up to focus on running your store instead of constantly checking stock.

How PetStack’s Pet Store POS System Can Make Inventory Management Easier

Juggling stock, sales trends, and reorders can feel endless. A system like PetStack takes a lot of that off your plate. It shows what’s moving quickly, what’s sitting on the shelf, and when it’s time to reorder. You can track multiple locations, spot seasonal trends, and make purchasing decisions without staring at spreadsheets.

PetStack also gives you a clear picture of top sellers, slow movers, and how your store performs over time. That visibility makes it easier to keep shelves stocked, avoid overstock, and plan smarter. Less time worrying about numbers means more time engaging with customers, building loyalty, and growing your store.

Learn more about PetStack POS and Retail Management Software for your pet retail business.