All tagged client communication
Are you treating your pet sitting like a real business? In this episode, Rachelle Steele of Loving Arms Pet Services returns to share how she transitioned from a hobbyist mindset to confidently leading her company. She dives deep into boundaries with clients, why setting an emergency fund is crucial, and how she prices her services based on value—not competition. Rachelle also opens up about preparing for the future, possible expansion, and navigating the mental shift from animal lover to business leader. Her advice is practical, empowering, and a must-listen for anyone ready to stop winging it and start planning with purpose.
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.
In today’s pet care world, it’s easy to fall into false choices — between daycare and in-home care, solo sitters and teams, enrichment and exercise, and more. But these false dichotomies often lead to confused clients, bad service matches, and needless infighting between pet professionals. In this episode, we explore the most common false dichotomies in pet care, how they show up in client conversations and marketing, and how we as pet sitters and dog walkers can communicate more clearly and provide better care by embracing nuance. Because in pet care, it’s rarely either/or — and pets deserve better.
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.
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.
Trust is essential in every part of a pet sitting business. It begins before a client ever reaches out and is built through clear communication, consistency, and transparency. Clients look for reassurance at every step, and trust can grow when expectations are met and mistakes are owned. Building trust with pets requires patience, routine, and positive reinforcement to create a sense of safety. Internally, trust within a team—and with yourself as a business owner—comes from accountability, honest reflection, and clear follow-through.
What does it take to create a pet care business that truly stands out? Janet Buchwald, owner of Kisses Happen, shares her journey from a corporate career to running a thriving pet sitting company. She discusses the deep emotional connections between pet sitters, clients, and their pets, and how understanding both animal and human behavior has helped her business grow. Janet emphasizes the importance of clear communication, maintaining professional boundaries, and marketing with authenticity. She also provides valuable insights into branding, SEO, and client retention strategies. This episode is a must-listen for any pet sitter looking to build a business with passion and purpose.
How do you build a pet care business that stands the test of time while staying rooted in your core values? Amy Munns, owner of Leash 4 Lease, shares how she has successfully grown her company over 24 years by focusing on honesty, reliability, and professionalism. Through the challenges of balancing a team, client relationships, and evolving industry standards, Amy stayed true to her mission: providing high-quality pet care with a personal touch. She leveraged her values to guide decisions during difficult times, like the COVID-19 pandemic, and even turned those moments into opportunities to serve her community through initiatives like a pet food drive. By embracing open-mindedness, trusting her instincts, and empowering her team to shine, Amy has built a business defined by passion and purpose. Her story reminds us that staying authentic, even in the face of challenges, is the key to building a business you truly love.
Have you ever wondered how AI can improve your pet care business without losing your personal touch? In this episode, we explore the practical ways AI can enhance productivity, client communication, and decision-making while keeping your brand's authenticity intact. From target marketing and content creation to using AI in hiring processes, we share how to make AI work for you—not replace you. We also dive into how to ensure AI reflects your voice and values, and why it's essential to use it as a tool to streamline tasks, not as a substitute for human connection.
How do you build lasting trust with your clients while staying true to yourself? In this episode, Catherine Oury, owner of Ladybug Pet Care, shares how authenticity has been the cornerstone of her success as a solo pet sitter. From managing client expectations for overnight stays to setting boundaries for a better work-life balance, Catherine opens up about the lessons she’s learned in over five years of business. She highlights the importance of fostering genuine, long-term relationships with clients and tailoring services to align with personal and professional values. Whether you’re a solo sitter or managing a team, Catherine’s story offers powerful insights on balancing passion with sustainable growth.
How do you turn everyday dog walks into safe, enriching adventures? Mo Thompson, owner of Mo Mountain Mutts, explores her unique approach to dog walking, training, and pack dynamics. Mo shares how she uses structured training, reliable recall, and intentional programs to create off-leash adventures that build confidence and control. She also dives into the importance of clear client communication, adaptability, and continual improvement in running a successful pet care business.
Are you making the most of your time and resources in your business? Being efficient allows you to reduce headaches, free up time, and lead a more focused life. Although finding efficiencies is an ongoing process that takes effort, it’s ultimately worth it once everything is streamlined. Route planning might be one of the biggest challenges, but there are many other areas to optimize for running the business you truly envision. By addressing these aspects, you’ll build a business that works for you, not the other way around.
In this episode, we explore seven key strategies for ending the year well, including reflecting on surprises, analyzing client feedback, and adjusting your pricing to better align with your goals. We also emphasize the importance of refining your marketing efforts and streamlining operations to enhance efficiency. Listen in to learn how to make 2025 your best year yet, starting right now!
Are you relying too heavily on just a few clients to support your business? In this episode, we discuss the importance of diversifying your client list to build a more resilient and stable pet care business. We explore how understanding the difference between total and active clients can provide clarity, while seasonal marketing strategies and targeted client avatars help maintain consistency year-round. We also share practical upselling techniques to expand your service offerings and deepen client relationships. Tune in to learn how to strategically grow your client base and safeguard your business against unexpected changes.
