12/09/2025
Hello Chomper Fans. It seems running a business from home that involves food is hard, and if it involves meat is just about impossible. Even for pets. To gain the necessary documents, testing, training and permits just to be able to apply to be approved to be accredited will potentially cost me over $10,000. And without a separate dedicated kitchen I am very unlikely to be accredited for any meat based treat. Even using a rented commercial kitchen, I still need all the accreditation. I could outsource the manufacture of the treats, but I have then lost my own ability to control the quality and financially it would not be worth it for a business as tiny as mine.
To completely change all the treats and make things that are not meat is also going to be problematic and let’s face it our pets really like meat treats, and fish is really expensive to buy and would in turn make the treats expensive as well. The fish option also comes with its own dilemmas and will also require separate premises. There are also ongoing fees for tests, audits and more tests and more audits that occur annually. There is really no incentive for micro business at all.
Right now, the old Chompers no longer exists and right now I don’t know what a new Chompers would look like, or if it’s even possible to rise from the ashes and create a new one. Also right now I cannot see any options that do not have insurmountable financial or logistical challenges and regardless of any option, none will be the same as it was.
I need to consider a lot of things and make some really tough decisions. And I don’t want to rush into anything. And that’s where I am right now. And the website and store remain closed, and I will not be attending any markets.
I do however want to personally thank every single person who reached out to me since this all started. I am humbled by your love and support. And so grateful for the community I have around me and Chompers. 💗💗💗
Love Susan & Lola xx
