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.
639: Community Walks that Foster Collaboration with Olivia Hanson
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
634: Making CEO Time in Your Business
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.
627: Profit Isn’t Just About Money with Morgan Weber
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.
626: The Ho-Hum Pet Sitter
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.
625: Pet First Aid Essentials Every Sitter Should Know with Arden Moore
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.
621: Weddings, Walks, and Winning Clients with Kaitlin Wood
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 mind.
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.
613: Transitioning from Full-Service to Specialty with Mandi Fleitz
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.
612: 13 Years, 13 Lessons: What We’ve Learned as Pet Sitters
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.
609: Love 4 Dogs, Love for Community with Maricella Sauceda
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.
607: Sustainability, Stress, and Success with Wendy Mackay
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.
599: Standing Out in a Saturated Market with Natalie Durack
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.
598: Selling What Has to Be Experienced
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.
596: Being Price Proud
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.
593: Building and Letting Go with Nicole Packin
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.
584: Show Up and Stand Out: Visibility and Value for Pet Businesses
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.
583: Creating a Trusted Name in Pet Sitting with Justina Allen-Yancey
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.
576: From Survival Mode to Sustainability
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.
571: Expanding Horizons with Josie Noriega
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.