Oct 29

Oct 29 643: Balancing the Hustle with Miguel Rodriguez

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-19. This conversation is a powerful reminder that being an educator starts with empathy, boundaries, and knowing your worth.

Oct 27

Oct 27 642: Why the Cat Fanciers Association Just Elevated Professional Cat Sitting

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In this episode, we unpack how the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) used its magazine to point cat owners toward insured, trained, professional sitters—despite a season 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) while celebrating a rising floor for industry expectations.

Oct 22

Oct 22 641: Building an Ethical Pet Business with Helen Motteram

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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 grounded in our values through them. Whether you’re new or experienced, her message encourages you to cultivate personal touch and protect your own wellbeing as part of professional kindness.

Oct 19

Oct 19 640: Raising the Bar: Inside PSI’s Global Standards for Pet Sitters

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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 your team, and communicate compliance to clients. Finally, we share how clearer standards could shift market dynamics—especially for app-based platforms—and elevate the profession’s reputation.

Oct 15

Oct 15 639: Community Walks that Foster Collaboration with Olivia Hanson

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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

Oct 13

Oct 13 638: Competing Smart: What Really Matters in Pet Care Growth

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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, trainers, and boutiques, and crafting high-touch client experiences. Most importantly, we show how clarity about who we serve beats trying to be everywhere at once.

Oct 8

Oct 8 637: Raising the Bar in Canada: Inside Canadian Pet Care Professionals

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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 into colleagues helps everyone win. The conversation closes with how in-person events and a shared code of ethics can elevate standards from coast to coast.

Oct 5

Oct 5 636: Capture Ideas without Overthinking

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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 simple cadence: capture daily, review weekly, and treat the page as a workspace—not a performance.

Oct 1

Oct 1 635: Navigating Pet Loss with Compassion and Care with Koryn Greenspan

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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 professionals need to show up better for their grieving clients. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone who’s ever loved—and lost—a pet.

Sep 29

Sep 29 634: Making CEO Time in Your Business

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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 fear to focus and intentionally steer your business.

Sep 24

Sep 24 633: Leadership Starts with Listening with Abby Strong

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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 vulnerable as a leader builds trust. This episode is filled with practical advice for pet business owners ready to scale with purpose.

Sep 22

Sep 22 632: Strong at the Broken Places: Building Resilience in Pet Care

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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 process, and where we’re “broken” can become the strongest part of our business.

Sep 17

Sep 17 631: Building a Business that Feeds Your Soul with Sam Erbaugh

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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 reminder that growth isn’t always about numbers—it’s about purpose, balance, and people.

Sep 15

Sep 15 630: The Legal Landscape for Pet Sitters

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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 you can prepare your business to thrive in this new legal landscape.

Sep 10

Sep 10 629: Shaping Industry Standards with Jenn Dahinten, Chair of PACCC

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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. Jenn also offers practical steps for those ready to elevate their professionalism.

Sep 8

Sep 8 628: Recovering from a Bad Hire

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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 business or your leadership. By giving yourself space to grieve, reviewing the clues left behind, strengthening your hiring funnel, and communicating transparently with your team, you can recover with resilience and make smarter, more confident hires in the future.

Sep 3

Sep 3 627: Profit Isn’t Just About Money with Morgan Weber

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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’re solo or scaling, this is an honest look at staying aligned in a world pushing constant expansion.

Sep 1

Sep 1 626: The Ho-Hum Pet Sitter

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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 perspective, setting micro-goals, refreshing routines, learning something new, and prioritizing real rest, you can reignite your motivation and keep showing up with purpose for pets and their people.

Aug 27

Aug 27 625: Pet First Aid Essentials Every Sitter Should Know with Arden Moore

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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 or just starting out, this episode will help you handle emergencies with confidence.

Aug 25

Aug 25 624: When the Pivot Hurts

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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 opportunities. Ultimately, give yourself grace, communicate with clients, and stay grounded in your mission of serving people and pets.

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