[samclem]

Oldbabe,
Just an idea FWIW: A few years ago we had our pet's portrait taken at the local Petsmart. The photographer was really surprised when we showed up with a hamster, but she did a great job and we always get a chuckle when we see these old pictures. Anyway, I think this might be a great way to get started--you'd just do it a couple times a month, people make appointments and you do all your shooting there. Promotion would primarily be via flyer at the Petsmart (lots of very devoted animal folks go there). I don't know how the proceeds would be split with the store, but it's still likely to be far cheaper than setting up your own studio. Finally, you might offer to sweeten the deal by giving a certain amount to an animal-related cause (it would be a good selling point on your flyer).