If you are living in an area that is frequented by tourists, take advantage of it by offering pictures just like this man does.
I’m sure this man with the parrots loves his pet birds very much and is able to make money with them and enjoy them all day long.
Of course, exotic birds and Hawaii just seem to go together well. But you don’t have to live in Hawaii to start this creative business idea, you might be able to do something very similar.
Most people are attracted to exotic birds and are especially excited when they are able to interact with them, without fear of being hurt by them.
And then having the added bonus of a picture taken with these creatures is a great souvenir!
This is one of those small business ideas that is long on creativity and ingenuity and requires little start up cash unless you need to invest in a camera and printing equipment.
If you are short on cash and would like to try this idea out you can find some good deals on Polaroid cameras on eBay (just make sure you can get the required film for the camera):
Remember that if you decide to do something similar to this idea, make sure that what ever you decide is absolutely safe for the tourists. If not, you could find yourself involved in a lawsuit.
If you are not in a typical tourist area, you could offer something like this at local fairs, farmers markets, and even local shopping malls.
You will have to check on what the exhibit requirements are and pay the registration fees. But you won’t need any big set up with tables so you will be able to keep things fairly simple.
There are many types of animals and reptiles you could use in this business idea; why not try with (safe) exotic pigs, snakes, horses, or lizards? (If it is a pet you enjoy working with and are able to hand-train, it can be trained to be handled by strangers.)
If you are in areas where wolves are a constant feature, maybe you could use tame wolves that are family pets, or llamas, or camels, the list can go on forever.
You can use just about anything that most people don't have the opportunity to come into contact with where they live. They don't necessarily need to hold the animals, but just be near them for a picture.
Make sure that you get all of the required licenses to do this if they are required.
In some areas of the world, it is also illegal to raise certain animals too, so make sure that you're not choosing to use an animal that is outlawed in your area, especially without the proper licensing as a trainer.
You might also wonder where you could find these types of pets; it is amazing how many organizations there are that would love to place these types of animals with you, if you are willing to properly care for and adopt them.
These are usually rescue organizations that will check to make sure that you are able to care and house them properly. There are many that you can find by just surfing the Internet such as
NetPets.org
and
ParrotRescue.org
To end this article I wanted to show you this video of a man who is using a variation of this business idea, albeit somewhat unintentionally.
This heartwarming video is of a homeless man in Santa Barbara and his pets.
They work State Street every week for donations. The animals are pretty well fed and are mellow. They are a family.
The man who owns them rigged a harness up for his cat so she wouldn't have to walk so much (like the dog and himself).
At some juncture the white rat came along, and as no one wanted to eat anyone else, the rat started riding with the cat and, often, on the cat!
The dog will stand all day and let you talk to him and admire him for a few chin scratches.
The Mayor of Santa Barbara filmed this clip and sent it out as a holiday card:
