641: Building an Ethical Pet Business with Helen Motteram
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.
610: The Trap of Loving What You Built Too Much
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 business—one that serves your clients, your team, and your future self.
578: New Client Experience: Why Your Onboarding Process Matters
How does your onboarding process impact your client relationships? We discuss why a smooth, clear onboarding experience is crucial for building trust and client retention. We break down common pitfalls, such as unnecessary complexity and redundant steps, and share strategies for making the process simple yet effective. From setting clear expectations to using digital forms efficiently, we cover everything you need to create an onboarding experience that sets the tone for long-term client satisfaction. Plus, we share personal insights from a frustrating onboarding experience they had, highlighting why clarity and efficiency matter.
568: The Rising Costs of Business
Running a pet care business is getting more expensive, and simply raising prices isn’t always an easy option. In this episode, we break down the factors driving up costs—rising labor wages, increased overhead, and shrinking profit margins—and explore what pet sitters can do to maintain profitability. From improving operational efficiency to refining service offerings, we discuss strategies to stay ahead without sacrificing quality or burning out. If you’ve been feeling the financial squeeze, this episode will give you actionable steps to take control of your costs and future-proof your business.