Jul 30

Jul 30 617: Building a Community Pet Store That Sticks with Morgan & Austin Weber

What happens when pet sitters take the leap into retail? Morgan and Austin, 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. The couple reflects on their complementary strengths and how they divide responsibilities for long-term growth. They also share how they’re staying intentional about values, culture, and customer experience while preparing for potential future expansion.

Jul 16

Jul 16 613: Transitioning from Full-Service to Specialty with Mandi Fleitz

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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, the importance of customized care, and what’s next for Durham Cat Company. Whether you’re thinking about niching down or just love hearing stories of business transformation, this episode is packed with insights.

Jul 14

Jul 14 612: 13 Years, 13 Lessons: What We’ve Learned as Pet Sitters

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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 to lead with boundaries. It’s a candid look at the evolution of a pet care business and the people behind it.

Jul 2

Jul 2 609: Love 4 Dogs, Love for Community with Maricella Sauceda

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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 passionate and present. Her evolving journey—including a surprising recovery from a cat allergy—highlights the power of trusting your instincts and staying true to your purpose.

Jun 25

Jun 25 607: Sustainability, Stress, and Success with Wendy Mackay

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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 reimagining her business to prioritize her well-being. Her story is a heartfelt reminder that pet care is about more than just animals—it’s about people, purpose, and balance.

May 28

May 28 599: Standing Out in a Saturated Market with Natalie Durack

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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 pet parents to include their furry friends in big life moments. Tune in to learn how she sets herself apart in an industry filled with hobby sitters and temporary dog walkers.

May 26

May 26 598: Selling What Has to Be Experienced

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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 out. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to elevate your brand, this episode will help you sell the experience, not just the service.

May 19

May 19 596: Being Price Proud

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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 guilt.

May 7

May 7 593: Building and Letting Go with Nicole Packin

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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 put on themselves, and the importance of taking space to breathe and reflect. Whether you’re thinking about selling your business, refining your services, or simply looking to reclaim your time, Nicole’s story offers valuable insights and inspiration.

Apr 7

Apr 7 584: Show Up and Stand Out: Visibility and Value for Pet Businesses

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Can showing up at local events truly set our pet businesses apart? We discuss our experiences speaking at a Home and Garden show, highlighting how community visibility builds trust and credibility among pet parents. We also reflect on powerful lessons learned from our son’s entrepreneurship bake sale, emphasizing the importance of confidently pricing premium services. Practical insights are shared about identifying speaking opportunities to boost our brand’s visibility. Ultimately, this episode explores why delivering value first can transform our pet businesses into trusted community leaders.

Apr 2

Apr 2 583: Creating a Trusted Name in Pet Sitting with Justina Allen-Yancey

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How do you build a pet sitting business that becomes a household name? Justina Allen-Yancey, owner of Justina’s Pet Sitting, shares how she turned her business into an award-winning, community-trusted brand. She dives into the power of team management, setting clear client expectations, and why networking is key to sustainable growth. Justina also discusses how proactive planning, volunteer work, and local recognition have helped her business stand out in a competitive market. Whether you’re looking to refine your policies, grow your team, or strengthen your community presence, this episode is full of valuable insights to help you build a thriving pet care business.

Mar 10

Mar 10 576: From Survival Mode to Sustainability

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Do you ever feel like your pet sitting business runs your life? In this episode, we discuss the mental burden that comes with owning a pet care business and how to create healthier boundaries. We break down the impact of decision fatigue, the challenge of always being on call, and how to shift from survival mode to proactive management. Practical solutions like setting clear business hours, enforcing client boundaries, and using automation are explored. If you're struggling with burnout, this episode provides actionable steps to regain control of your time and mental energy.

Feb 19

Feb 19 571: Expanding Horizons with Josie Noriega

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Have you ever wondered what it takes to turn a thriving pet sitting business into a full-fledged dog daycare and boarding facility? Josie Noriega, owner of Super Paws Pet Care, shares her journey of navigating zoning regulations, building a superhero-themed dog resort, and balancing her original pet sitting business. From battling unexpected obstacles like dryer vent cleanouts to finding the right team members, Josie reveals the immense effort and creativity required to make her vision a reality. She highlights the power of networking and mentorship, crediting her business coach, real estate agent, and community for her success. Josie’s energy and passion for pets and her community shine through as she discusses creating services like “Bark After Dark” and low-cost events to serve both clients and their furry companions.

Feb 12

Feb 12 569: Making Business a Win-Win with Jo Moorcroft and Vicky Davies

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Is your pet business running you instead of the other way around? Jo Moorecroft and Vicky Davies from Canine Business Academy join us to share their expertise on building intentional, sustainable, and fulfilling pet care businesses. We discuss the power of defining your business purpose, creating win-win client relationships, and avoiding common pitfalls like burnout and disorganization. Learn actionable steps to shift from survival mode to thriving mode while maintaining exceptional care standards.

Jan 29

Jan 29 565: How Metrics Transform with Corinne Moore

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How do you transform your business into one that works for you? In this episode, Corinne Moore, owner of Paws and Claws Pet Service and founder of Pawsome Metrics, shares how data-driven decisions helped her streamline services and reclaim balance. From navigating the challenges of purchasing a family business to making tough choices like cutting underperforming services, Corinne opens up about the power of metrics in creating a sustainable and fulfilling company. She emphasizes the importance of aligning business operations with personal and professional goals while empowering her team to thrive. Whether you’re looking to refine your services or improve work-life balance, Corinne’s story is a reminder that change starts with knowing your numbers.

Jan 22

Jan 22 563: Elevating Professionalism with Ruby Ballesteros

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How do you grow a pet care business while staying true to your values? Ruby Ballesteros, owner of Ruby Red’s Pet Care, shares how she maintained her standards during tough times, leading to a surge of new clients and stronger relationships with her community. She leveraged local TV segments to educate the public about professional pet care and collaborated with small businesses to promote their services through her newsletters. By embracing opportunities and pushing herself out of her comfort zone, Ruby grew personally and professionally, while elevating her business. Her story is an inspiring example of how staying authentic and community-focused can lead to sustainable success.

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