Finding Commercial Space for Solo Pet Services: LoopNet, Crexi, & When You Actually Need It
A solo dog walker or pet sitter often operates entirely from home or clients' locations. But as your Pet Services (Solo) business grows, you might consider a dedicated space for equipment, vehicle storage, or even a small grooming studio. This guide helps you decide if commercial space is right for your solo pet care business and shows you where to find it using tools like LoopNet and Crexi, rather than spending too much or signing a bad lease.
READY TO TAKE ACTION?
Use the free LaunchAdvisor checklist to track every step in this guide.
The Quick Answer
For most solo pet services like dog walkers or pet sitters, a traditional commercial storefront isn't needed. You likely operate from home or clients' locations. If you *do* need space for things like secure equipment storage (crates, leashes, bulk treats), a small office for bookings, or a parking/wash station for a mobile grooming van, start your search on LoopNet. It's free and covers many small-scale commercial leases, like flex spaces or small warehouses. Use Crexi to check for other options, especially if you're looking outside major city centers. CoStar is too expensive and complex for a solo pet care business; it's for big investors. Focus on spaces under 1,000 sq ft or specific storage units.
Side-by-Side Breakdown
LoopNet: Free basic search. Best for finding small offices, flex spaces, or light industrial units suitable for storing pet grooming equipment (tubs, dryers, cages), bulk pet food, or setting up a small administrative hub. You'll see basic details and broker contacts. Paid plans ($130–$300/month) are overkill for solo pet care. Focus on spaces below 1,000 sq ft. Crexi: Free to search listings, including contact info. Good for finding similar small-scale options, especially in less dense areas where a small storage unit or a corner of a warehouse might be available for rent. Its map search can be helpful for finding spots close to your service area or home. CoStar: Forget it. At $400–$2,000+ per month, this tool is for large commercial brokers and investors dealing with big properties. It's not designed for a solo pet services owner looking for a small, affordable space.
How to Use LoopNet as a Solo Pet Services Tenant
LoopNet's free search is usually enough for a solo pet services business. You can see available properties, their size, basic pricing, and how to contact the broker. For most solo operations, you'll need under 500–1,000 sq ft at most. Use filters for property type: 'Flex' or 'Industrial' for secure storage of mobile grooming gear, bulk pet food, or parking/washing your grooming van. 'Office' if you need a dedicated, quiet space away from home for client calls and paperwork. 'Retail' only if you plan to open a very small, dedicated grooming studio or boutique, which is rare for *solo* operations. Focus your search on areas close to your clients or home. Set up email alerts for new listings that match your needs, like "flex space under 700 sq ft for pet business."
When to Work Directly With a Broker
For solo pet services, a broker isn't always needed, especially if you're just looking for a small storage unit or a basic flex space under 500 sq ft. However, if you're planning a bigger step like a small indoor dog daycare, a dedicated grooming salon, or a space that needs specific zoning for animals, a tenant's broker is a smart move. The landlord usually pays their fee, so it costs you nothing. A good broker knows about spaces that aren't advertised online, understands zoning for pet-related businesses, and can negotiate for things like pet-friendly clauses, waste disposal, or specific utility hookups for grooming equipment. If you're serious about a lease longer than six months for anything beyond basic storage, get a broker.
The Verdict
For solo pet services, first decide if you truly need commercial space beyond your home. If you do, use LoopNet and Crexi to find small, affordable options like storage, flex space, or a micro-office. Aim for under 1,000 sq ft, focusing on cost-effectiveness. Once you find a few potential spots, reach out to the listing brokers. If the space is more than a simple storage unit – like a small grooming studio – consider engaging a tenant's broker for negotiation. Always have a commercial real estate attorney review the lease. They can spot hidden costs or clauses about pet waste, noise, or liability insurance for animals that you might miss.
How to Get Started
1. Go to loopnet.com. Use filters for 'Flex,' 'Industrial,' or 'Office.' Set your size range to under 1,000 sq ft (or even under 500 sq ft) and narrow your location to your service area. Save your search for email alerts. 2. Repeat step 1 on crexi.com to catch any listings not on LoopNet. 3. For any property you're serious about, contact the listing broker. Ask about zoning for pet services, waste disposal options, parking for a work vehicle, and if utilities like water hookups for grooming are available. 4. Tour a few spaces to see if they fit your needs for equipment, vehicle, or a small administrative setup. If you're looking for something more complex than basic storage, consider contacting a tenant's broker at this stage. 5. Before you sign *any* lease agreement, get a commercial real estate attorney to review it. Make sure they check for pet-specific clauses, insurance requirements, and common area maintenance (CAM) charges that can add up.
RECOMMENDED TOOLS
Rocket Lawyer
Have your commercial lease reviewed by an attorney before you sign
LiquidSpace
Find and book flexible short-term commercial space on demand
Some links above are affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you sign up — at no extra cost to you.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is LoopNet free to use?
LoopNet offers a free search tier that shows listings, basic details, and broker contact information. Paid plans ($130–300/month) unlock full property details, demographics, traffic counts, and saved search alerts with more data. For most small business tenants building a shortlist, the free tier is sufficient.
Why do some commercial spaces not show up on LoopNet?
Some landlords, particularly smaller local owners, do not pay to list on LoopNet. Some spaces lease through word of mouth or tenant networks before hitting any listing platform. A local commercial broker has access to these off-market availabilities through CoStar and direct landlord relationships.
How do I know if the asking rent is fair?
Ask the listing broker for comparable lease data in the market. You can also search recent LoopNet and Crexi lease comparables in the same submarket. For a more rigorous analysis, a tenant's broker can pull CoStar lease comp data for free as part of their representation service.
Apply This in Your Checklist