Kaitlin Wood of Kaitlin's Pet Sitting in Chattanooga, TN shares her journey from teenage sitter to full-time business owner. She discusses the evolution of her services, including her growing wedding assistance offering, and the importance of clear client communication. Kaitlin opens up about lessons in time management, setting boundaries, and the struggle of finding trustworthy team members. Her passion for pets and people shines through as she talks about building trust and delivering peace of...
Aug 13, 2025•53 min•Ep. 621
Non-negotiables aren't just nice-to-have—they're the backbone of running our pet care business. In this episode, we share the 10 essential policies and procedures we believe every sitter and walker should put in place. From cancellation and payment terms to health requirements and emergency plans, we explain why each matters and how we enforce them. We also talk about the dangers of bending rules too often and how exceptions can quietly become the norm. Through practical examples, we show how we...
Aug 11, 2025•33 min•Ep. 620
What happens when pet sitters and independent veterinarians start working together more intentionally? Dr. Christie Cornelius, Director of the Independent Veterinary Practitioners Association, joins the show to discuss the unique challenges and strengths of independently owned veterinary practices. She explores how pet sitters can play a pivotal role in improving pet health outcomes through strong communication and observation. The conversation covers evolving veterinary trends, AI integration, ...
Aug 06, 2025•49 min•Ep. 619
In this episode, we explore what makes a pet care business stronger over time. Using the example of Corten steel—designed to strengthen through exposure—we discuss how intentional systems and experiences build long-term resilience. We share six key areas to focus on, including SOPs, hiring, marketing, education, feedback, and boundaries. Each one is like a layer of protection that helps your business weather challenges and grow stronger. It's an honest look at what it takes to build something th...
Aug 04, 2025•25 min•Ep. 618
What happens when pet sitters take the leap into retail? Morgan and Austin Weber, owners of Lucky Pup Adventures, share how they purchased and now run Woofs and Waves, a beloved community pet store in Sioux Falls. They dive into the differences between managing a service business and a retail space, including inventory, staff training, and community outreach. They reflect on their complementary strengths and how they divide responsibilities for long-term growth. They also share how they're stayi...
Jul 30, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 617
Wag!, one of the largest gig economy pet care platforms, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and is undergoing a rapid restructuring. This episode explores the deeper issues behind Wag's financial collapse, including its flawed business model, sitter churn, and lack of consistent, relationship-driven care. The discussion highlights how investor interest is shifting away from gig platforms toward higher-margin services like pet insurance and veterinary e-commerce. Independent pet care providers a...
Jul 28, 2025•20 min•Ep. 616
Are you treating your pet sitting like a real business? In this episode, Rachelle Steele of Loving Arms Pet Services returns to share how she transitioned from a hobbyist mindset to confidently leading her company. She dives deep into boundaries with clients, why setting an emergency fund is crucial, and how she prices her services based on value—not competition. Rachelle also opens up about preparing for the future, possible expansion, and navigating the mental shift from animal lover to busine...
Jul 23, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 615
Business owners often feel compelled to defend every policy and decision. We share a recent incident that brought that into sharp focus. We explore why learning to observe rather than react is a skill worth cultivating. From dealing with difficult client feedback to navigating aggressive Facebook comments, we share some personal stories and hard-earned lessons in restraint. Observation leads to better leadership, stronger boundaries, and a healthier business culture. Remember, not everything des...
Jul 21, 2025•34 min•Ep. 614
Have you ever wondered if your business could thrive by serving just one type of pet? In this episode, Mandi Fleitz, owner of Durham Cat Company, talks about her bold decision to transition from running a general pet sitting and dog walking company to exclusively serving cats. Mandi shares why she made the switch, how she navigated the emotional process of closing her first business, and the surprising benefits of becoming a niche specialist. She also discuss how cat clients' needs have evolved,...
Jul 16, 2025•57 min•Ep. 613
Over the past 13 years, we've built, paused, and rebuilt our pet sitting business across multiple cities and life stages. In this episode, we share the lessons that have shaped how we operate today—from getting licensed and insured, to listening closely to clients, and setting clear policies. We talk about the hard decisions that came with growth, like raising prices and ending services that no longer fit. We also reflect on the emotional journey of staying connected to our work while learning t...
Jul 14, 2025•38 min•Ep. 612
Are pet sitters and veterinarians really on the same team when it comes to caring for cats? In this episode, Dr. Ashlie Saffire, feline specialist and President of the Feline Veterinary Medical Association, joins the show to explore how deeper collaboration between pet sitters and veterinary professionals can dramatically improve cat care. She dives into common stress-related cat health issues, the importance of maintaining routines, and why understanding feline behavior is essential. They discu...
Jul 09, 2025•49 min•Ep. 611
Have you ever clung to a system simply because you built it? In this episode, we explore the IKEA effect—how emotional investment in our creations can unintentionally sabotage our pet care businesses. We unpack how pride and ownership can be both motivating and limiting, and how to know when it's time to evolve. With practical examples from scheduling tools to onboarding procedures, we offer tools to recognize when you're stuck. This is your invitation to build a better, more sustainable busines...
Jul 07, 2025•44 min•Ep. 610
What does it take to start over and succeed in pet care—twice? After moving from Los Angeles to Canada, Maricella Sauceda launched Love 4 Dogs Pet Services from scratch, building it into a thriving solo operation. When betrayal and burnout led her to scale back and start fresh in a new town, she leaned on resilience, community, and clarity to move forward. From seasonal adventure hikes to enrichment walks for senior dogs, she shares how custom services and strong boundaries have helped her stay ...
Jul 02, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 609
How is your year going—really? In this episode, we share why doing a mid-year review is essential for personal and business clarity. We explore common reasons pet business owners avoid this process, from fear and overwhelm to unclear goals, and offer a practical roadmap to reflect, adjust, and move forward with purpose. We also dive into what to track, how to celebrate your progress, and how to simplify or pivot your goals. Mid-year is not just about performance—it's about direction, clarity, an...
Jun 30, 2025•27 min•Ep. 608
What does building a sustainable pet care business look like? Wendy Mackay, founder and owner of Pet Sitters Nelson, shares her 20-year journey from backpacking traveler to thriving business owner, offering a fresh look at how community involvement and flexibility can drive success. She dives into how she developed her signature services like "doggy day outs," and the power of group walks in rented paddocks. Wendy also opens up about facing burnout, overcoming serious health challenges, and reim...
Jun 25, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 607
In today's pet care world, it's easy to fall into false choices — between daycare and in-home care, solo sitters and teams, enrichment and exercise, and more. But these false dichotomies often lead to confused clients, bad service matches, and needless infighting between pet professionals. In this episode, we explore the most common false dichotomies in pet care, how they show up in client conversations and marketing, and how we as pet sitters and dog walkers can communicate more clearly and pro...
Jun 23, 2025•27 min•Ep. 606
What happens when dog training meets pet sitting? Ines McNeil, APDT Chair, dives into how the pet care industry can benefit from cross-disciplinary collaboration. She explores innovative training methods, shared challenges, and evolving client expectations. Her conversation also highlights the impact of emerging regulations on pet care practices. Ultimately, she showcases how working together can transform care for both pets and their owners. Main Topics: Bridging Pet Training and Sitting Naviga...
Jun 18, 2025•57 min•Ep. 605
How should pet sitters adapt as client expectations shift? Camp Bow Wow is celebrating 25 years as a market leader in daycare and boarding. Their recent brand refresh and national pet parent survey offer valuable clues about where the pet care consumer mindset is heading — and what we, as dog walkers and pet sitters, can learn to better serve clients and compete in an increasingly emotional and experience-driven marketplace. In this episode, we explore insights from the survey, including the ris...
Jun 16, 2025•27 min•Ep. 604
What does local collaboration mean in 2025 and beyond? Why should pet sitters care about it? Kristin Holzapfel, founder of Midwest Pet Sitter Affiliates, joins us to share her journey of building a thriving community of pet sitters across the Midwest. She talks about the importance of educating both pet sitters and clients, how to move beyond third-party platforms, and why fostering an open-minded, collaborative culture matters for the future of the pet care industry. We cover how local organiza...
Jun 11, 2025•52 min•Ep. 603
How can a centuries-old art supply company teach us about running a pet care business? This episode draws lessons from La Maison du Pastel in Paris, a 300-year-old handcrafted pastel maker, to explore what it means to build a business rooted in quality and culture. It highlights the importance of prioritizing craft over scale, using thoughtful service offerings to meet specific client needs, and collaborating with clients to create personalized care. The conversation also emphasizes the power of...
Jun 09, 2025•32 min•Ep. 602
What is life really like behind the scenes at your vet's office? Collin sits down with Gigi Tsontos, Executive Director of Not One More Vet, Inc. (NOMV), to discuss the hidden mental health crisis facing veterinary professionals. Gigi shares the mission of NOMV, the complex stressors vets face, and the resources NOMV provides—from peer support to emergency grants. They also explore how pet sitters and pet parents can shift the culture through empathy, gratitude, and everyday check-ins. It's a ca...
Jun 04, 2025•51 min•Ep. 601
Have you ever found yourself endlessly planning but never actually launching? This episode explores the common trap of over-planning and perfectionism that keeps business owners stuck. Drawing lessons from Thomas Edison's relentless experimentation, it contrasts "dwelling" with "doing" and emphasizes the power of messy, iterative action. It unpacks how fear of failure and the sunk cost fallacy often prevent entrepreneurs from testing ideas, and why feedback—not perfection—should guide the next m...
Jun 02, 2025•24 min•Ep. 600
How do you take a pet sitting business from one city to two, grow a team of 30+, and develop a thriving brand? In this episode, Natalie Durack of Happy Hounds Pet Services shares how she expanded from the Gold Coast to Brisbane, navigating market differences and competition. She discusses the importance of client communication, onboarding team members, and building a recognizable brand. Natalie also explains how she introduced wedding pet attendance and proposal services, creating new ways for p...
May 28, 2025•1 hr•Ep. 599
How do you market something that has to be experienced to be believed? In this episode, we dig into the challenge of selling emotional value—like peace of mind, trust, and joy—when your service can't be fully understood until after it's delivered. We explore why emotional storytelling matters more than bullet points and how to connect with both logical and emotional buyers. From showcasing transformations to using guided testimonials, we share practical strategies for building trust and standing...
May 26, 2025•27 min•Ep. 598
How important are independent pet stores to our community? In this episode, Teresa Miller, president of IndiePet and owner of Treats Unleashed, discusses the vital role of local pet retailers in building community connections. She shares insights into the challenges these stores face, including e-commerce competition and inflation, while highlighting how they can remain competitive through innovation and customer service. Teresa explains how IndiePet acts as a bridge between retailers and manufa...
May 21, 2025•41 min•Ep. 597
How confident are you when sharing your rates? In this episode, we explore the mindset of being price proud —what it means to stand behind your pricing without apology. We discuss how pricing is a reflection of your values, structure, and the quality of your service. From overcoming imposter syndrome to handling client pushback, we share practical tips to strengthen confidence and communication. Whether you're a solo sitter or leading a team, this episode will inspire you to sell with pride, not...
May 19, 2025•35 min•Ep. 596
What happens after a pet passes away, and how can pet professionals support owners through this difficult time? Donna Shugart-Bethune, Executive Director of the International Association of Pet Cemeteries and Crematories (IAOPCC), shares the importance of ethical pet aftercare. She discusses the industry's lack of federal regulation, the role of IAOPCC in setting standards, and why transparency and trust are essential. Donna shares insights on the evolution of pet cremation, the impact of grief,...
May 14, 2025•41 min•Ep. 595
How do you offer truly personalized pet care? From daily routines to unique quirks, pets need more than just a one-size-fits-all approach. As professional pet sitters, we're responsible for tailoring our care to each pet's needs—and clearly communicating that value to clients and team members. We break down how to gather the right information, implement scalable personalization, and build client trust through intentional care. We share practical ways to make visits more meaningful without overco...
May 12, 2025•29 min•Ep. 594
How do you know when it's time to transition your business—or even your life? In this episode, Nicole Packin shares her incredible journey through selling two successful pet care businesses, moving across the country, and preparing for her next adventure. She opens up about the emotional and practical challenges of letting go, creating healthy boundaries, and finding new passions after nearly two decades in the industry. She discusses the evolving pet care landscape, the pressure entrepreneurs p...
May 07, 2025•54 min•Ep. 593
Trust is essential in every part of a pet sitting business. It begins before a client ever reaches out and is built through clear communication, consistency, and transparency. Clients look for reassurance at every step, and trust can grow when expectations are met and mistakes are owned. Building trust with pets requires patience, routine, and positive reinforcement to create a sense of safety. Internally, trust within a team—and with yourself as a business owner—comes from accountability, hones...
May 05, 2025•36 min•Ep. 592
