How do you protect your passion while running a growing pet care business? In this episode, Wayne Hartley Jr. of Happy Hearts Pet Care and PETLANTA shares the realities of entrepreneurship, including the hustle, the overwhelm, and the habits that help keep you grounded. He discusses the role of community and education in sustainable growth, and why posting imperfect content is often better than not posting at all. Wayne opens up about learning from mistakes, setting boundaries, and shifting from...
Nov 26, 2025•59 min•Ep. 651
In this episode, we continue our conversation on building a resilient business by focusing on shared ownership, redundancy, and smart automation. We talk about how to empower your team to make decisions, centralize knowledge and access, and design systems that don't fall apart when one person steps away. We also explore the mindset shift from being the hero of every story to building a brand and team that clients can trust, not just a single person. Ultimately, we challenge ourselves and you to ...
Nov 24, 2025•30 min•Ep. 650
How do we better serve aging pets and their senior owners? Angela Dinsmoor, gerontologist and founder of Grey Whiskers, joins the show to share how her background in human aging informs her unique approach to senior dog care. From adapting grooming practices to handling emotionally complex client conversations, Angela outlines the deep overlap between pet and human aging. She discusses the importance of mental enrichment, emotional sensitivity, and communication with senior clients. This episode...
Nov 19, 2025•53 min•Ep. 649
What would actually happen to your pet sitting or dog walking business if you couldn't show up tomorrow? In this episode, we share how a scary experience during COVID forced us to confront just how much our business depended on us personally. We walk through the first four ways to build a more resilient business: having a backup as a solo sitter, creating a team-based system with employee backups, handing off admin tasks, and getting your "in-your-head" knowledge documented. We talk about the me...
Nov 17, 2025•23 min•Ep. 648
In every industry, true leadership isn't about recognition—it's about service. In pet care, that spirit shows up in those who give their time, share their experience, and create space for others to grow. Few embody that better than Deanna Schaar and Cathy Vaughan of the Texas Pet Sitters Association. What began as a small meet-up in a boarding facility has become one of the most beloved conferences in pet care—an annual, volunteer-led non-profit event that draws attendees from across the country...
Nov 12, 2025•48 min•Ep. 647
Are you covered for what you actually do today—not what you did last year? We walk through our annual insurance review. We cover the "must-haves", when bonding makes sense, and why non-owned auto and business property matter once you add staff or an office. We also explain what petsitting business insurance does not cover—and how workers' comp and personal health insurance fit in. Finally, we share practical risk-management habits and the customer-service "intangibles" we expect from any insurer...
Nov 10, 2025•25 min•Ep. 646
What does it take to build a successful, heart-centered pet sitting business? Lindsey Perriello shares her path from surgical tech to pet care professional, highlighting the emotional toll of past jobs and how her values shaped the company she leads today. She discusses the challenges of setting boundaries, training staff, and keeping a personal touch with 300+ clients. Lindsey's approach is rooted in education, empathy, and honesty—qualities she believes all pet sitters should bring to their wo...
Nov 05, 2025•58 min•Ep. 645
What do you do when competitors copy your ideas, wording, or services? In this episode, we share a practical mindset shift: ideas are cheap—execution is everything. We explore how delivery, team training, client experience, and reliability become the differentiators copycats can't replicate. We talk through stability as a strategy, resisting reactive changes, and doubling down on strengths. We close with concrete ways to serve deeper, not louder, so you lead for years—not minutes. Main topics: C...
Nov 03, 2025•26 min•Ep. 644
What does it really mean to educate your community while running a thriving pet care business? Miguel Rodriguez of City Dog Pack returns to share how he balances content creation, training, boarding, and walking services—while staying grounded in his values. He opens up about recognizing the value of his time, setting clear policies, and learning to say "no" without guilt. Miguel also explains his shift toward video and course-based learning, and how gratitude reshaped his approach after COVID-1...
Oct 29, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 643
In this episode, we unpack how the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) used its magazine to point cat owners toward insured, trained, professional sitters—despite being sponsored by a gig-app. We explore why that subtle editorial stance signals a cultural shift and how it aligns with PSI's new global standards. We share what owners are now encouraged to ask: insurance, medical competence, meet-and-greets, backups, and referrals. We also name the gaps (team-based models and continuing education) whil...
Oct 27, 2025•23 min•Ep. 642
What does it really mean to be a kind and ethical pet care provider? In this episode, Helen Motteram of The Pet Professional Network shares her personal story of burnout, bullying, and the powerful impact of kindness in an industry that often lacks support. She explains how ethical pet care involves both the animals and the humans who love them, and why setting clear boundaries is crucial to sustainable compassion. Helen also unpacks common ethical dilemmas pet sitters face and how we can stay g...
Oct 22, 2025•50 min•Ep. 641
What happens when an "unregulated" industry finally publishes standards? We unpack PSI's new Global Standards for professional pet sitting and dog walking, explaining why standards are the floor—not the ceiling—for ethical care and business practices. We discuss how courts, insurers, and regulators use industry standards to define "reasonable care," and what that means for documentation, insurance, and client data security. We also outline practical next steps to self-audit your policies, train ...
Oct 20, 2025•24 min•Ep. 640
What does it take to build a thriving solo pet care business rooted in community? Olivia Hanson of Waggin Tails Winona shares her journey from a banking job to becoming a full-time pet sitter and dog walker. She discusses the power of word-of-mouth, the value of community collaborations, and the joy she finds in organizing monthly pack walks. Olivia also shares how boundaries and relationships with other sitters help protect her joy and prevent burnout. It's a story about trusting your path and ...
Oct 15, 2025•56 min•Ep. 639
Who actually wins when the pet care industry gets bigger, noisier, and more competitive? We break down how the market has matured, why growth feels harder, and why the old "post on Facebook and wait" playbook no longer works. We introduce three market layers—generic/basic, niche/specialized, and high-end/boutique—and explain how our choices determine the effort and spend it takes to get clients. We share practical tactics like building referral engines, forging one-to-one partnerships with vets,...
Oct 13, 2025•22 min•Ep. 638
How do you professionalize an unregulated industry across a vast country? Erika Godwin and Morag Wilcox share why they launched Canadian Pet Care Professionals, a membership built by and for Canada's pet care providers. They explain the "Verified Pro" approach, Canada-specific education (HR, legal, CRA), and a public directory designed to build trust with pet parents. We discuss shifting the mindset from "pet care is a luxury" to "professional care is a necessity," and why turning competitors in...
Oct 08, 2025•54 min•Ep. 637
What if your blank notebook became the engine of your business growth? Collin shares the two phrases he writes in every notebook—"Nothing doesn't go in here" and "The first page is profound"—to defeat perfectionism and capture ideas without judgment. He explains why our brains are processors, not hard drives, and how offloading thoughts reduces mental fatigue. Drawing on James Dyson's 5,000+ prototypes, he shows how creativity thrives through small, physical iterations. Finally, he gives a simpl...
Oct 06, 2025•33 min•Ep. 636
What does it really mean to grieve a pet—and how can we do it well? In this deeply moving episode, we talk with Koryn Greenspan, founder of The Parted Paw, about the often overlooked reality of pet loss and the profound emotional toll it takes. Koryn breaks down the distinctions between grief, mourning, and bereavement, and shares how anticipatory grief can offer a healthier path through the end-of-life process. We explore how disenfranchised grief silences many pet parents and why pet professio...
Oct 01, 2025•54 min•Ep. 635
What do you do when unexpected free time makes you anxious instead of relieved? We break down the difference between constant motion and true movement, introducing three kinds of time: Action, Admin, and CEO. WE explain why we often tie success to tangible, immediate tasks—and how that mindset keeps us stuck on the hamster wheel. Practical tactics follow: name the time, block the calendar, keep a CEO list, measure progress differently, and build in rest. The result is a framework to move from fe...
Sep 29, 2025•33 min•Ep. 634
What does it take to transition your team from independent contractors to employees? Abby Strong, owner of Auntie Abby's Professional Pet Sitting, returns to share how she nurtured a strong, supportive company culture while navigating major changes. She discusses the motivation behind dropping overnight services, onboarding employees with intention, and creating space for growth within her team. Abby also talks about the importance of feedback, both from clients and staff, and how being vulnerab...
Sep 24, 2025•51 min•Ep. 633
What do we do when our business feels broken? In this episode, we share practical ways we as pet sitters and dog walkers can turn setbacks—client complaints, burnout, or sudden revenue dips—into lessons that build resilience. We outline three pillars: extract one lesson from each setback, lean on a support network, and redefine success on our own terms. By scheduling true rest, strengthening policies, and setting aside emergency funds, we can recover with intention. Ultimately, healing is a proc...
Sep 22, 2025•25 min•Ep. 632
What does it look like to run a pet care business with heart? Sam Erbaugh, owner of Paw Beach Pet Care, shares her journey from interior designer to pet care entrepreneur. Sam shares how she rebuilt her life in Florida around joy, service, and sunshine—and how her business is a direct reflection of her personal values. Together, they discuss how to create a culture of genuine customer care, why team communication is critical, and how to grow a business without losing your soul. Sam's story is a ...
Sep 17, 2025•54 min•Ep. 631
What do new laws mean for your pet care business? Across the U.S., states are passing legislation that raises the standards for how pets are cared for—and the consequences for falling short. From licensing and inspections to criminal negligence and felony charges, the bar is getting higher for sitters, walkers, and boarders alike. These changes can feel overwhelming, but they don't have to catch you off guard. In this episode, we talk through the most recent laws, what they mean for you, and how...
Sep 15, 2025•23 min•Ep. 630
What does it really mean to be a professional in the pet care industry? In this episode, Jenn Dahinten, Chair of PACCC, joins to explore the importance of third-party certification in setting industry standards. She shares how PACCC was founded to support experienced pet care providers with recognition, ethics, and continuing education. The conversation dives into the rising pressure from legislation, public expectations, and why certification helps build trust with clients and lawmakers alike. ...
Sep 10, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 629
What happens when the excitement of growing your team turns into the disappointment of a bad hire? In this episode, we explore why failed hires sting so deeply, from the personal investment of time and trust to the disruption it causes clients, pets, and team morale. We share how rushing to replace too quickly can compound mistakes, while ignoring red flags or skipping feedback loops leaves you vulnerable to repeat issues. While every bad hire feels discouraging, it doesn't have to define your b...
Sep 08, 2025•27 min•Ep. 628
What does it really mean to grow your business? In this episode, Morgan Weber of Lucky Pup shares why growth isn't always the answer and how defining success on your own terms is crucial for long-term sustainability. She unpacks the danger of chasing vanity metrics, the importance of budgeting your time like your finances, and why business owners must avoid resentment and burnout. Morgan also explains how to build a "filter system" based on values and goals to guide decision-making. Whether you'...
Sep 03, 2025•55 min•Ep. 627
What happens when the joy of pet sitting starts to fade into monotony? In this episode, we explore why the "ho-hum" feeling creeps in, from repetitive routines and emotional fatigue to physical exhaustion, isolation, and the comparison game on social media. We share how staying stuck in this flat season can impact client experience, dull attention to detail, and accelerate burnout. While monotony is a natural byproduct of sustained work, it doesn't have to define your business. By shifting persp...
Sep 01, 2025•29 min•Ep. 626
What should you do when a pet emergency happens on your watch? In this episode, Arden Moore returns to share practical, life-saving advice for pet sitters and dog walkers. From subtle signs of stress to new research on treating heatstroke, Arden emphasizes the importance of preparedness, adaptability, and calm communication. She also discusses the mental mindset needed to respond effectively and the benefits of her new self-paced CPR and first aid courses. Whether you're a seasoned professional ...
Aug 27, 2025•50 min•Ep. 625
What happens when your business no longer fits the market—or the law? In this episode, we explore the challenges of pivoting, from labor law changes to zoning regulations to personal burnout. We share stories of sitters who had to shift away from overnights, navigate the shift from independent contractors to W2 employees, or give up in-home boarding due to city requirements. While pivots can feel like rejection of our original vision, they also open doors to resilience, creativity, and new oppor...
Aug 25, 2025•30 min•Ep. 624
How can we make sure we're providing the best care possible for pet birds? Dr. Jennifer Graham, President of the Association of Avian Veterinarians, joins the show to discuss the crucial partnership between avian vets and pet sitters. From common health issues and behavioral cues to transport tips and nutrition red flags, Jennifer shares decades of wisdom to help pet sitters level up their bird care. She emphasizes the importance of consistency, observation, and cleaning routines, especially whe...
Aug 20, 2025•53 min•Ep. 623
This episode explores the powerful role identity and labels play in the life of a pet sitter. Too often, we adopt labels given by clients, colleagues, or even ourselves—like "just a dog walker"—without questioning if they reflect our full value. We discuss how external and internal labels shape confidence, pricing, and client relationships, and how narrowing our identity increases the risk of burnout. Practical reflection exercises help reframe limiting labels and uncover hidden strengths that i...
Aug 18, 2025•23 min•Ep. 622
