All tagged dog walking

591: From Lions to Labradors with Leanne Burger

What happens when you treat pet sitting not just as a job, but as a serious and deeply rewarding responsibility?Leanne Burger, owner of Going Away Pet and House Sitting in South Africa, shares her journey from raising lion cubs to building a thriving team of pet sitters and groomers. Leanne shares how her passion for animals, commitment to trust, and attention to detail helped her business flourish across multiple cities. She explores the deep responsibility that comes with caring for both pets and homes and the balance needed to maintain quality as you grow. It’s an inspiring look at how love, professionalism, and hard work can create a business that changes lives — both for people and their pets.

589: It’s All About the Heart with Janet Buchwald

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.

585: Building Client Trust Through Niche Services with Niki Lepine & Steph Law

How do you build trust with clients while offering specialized pet care services? Niki Lepine and Steph Law of Dog Jogs share how they carved out a niche in pet care by focusing on reactive dogs, shift workers, and personalized dog jogging services. They discuss how they built a loyal client base by addressing unique pet care needs, the importance of clear communication, and why community engagement matters. From offering pet first aid courses to hosting monthly dog walk meetups, Niki and Steph break down the strategies that have helped them stand out in a crowded market. If you’re looking for ways to specialize your services and build stronger client relationships, this episode is packed with inspiration!

577: Burnout, Automation, and Private Equity—A Pet Industry Roundtable

What does the future of pet sitting and dog walking look like in a rapidly evolving industry? Collin sits down with four industry leaders—Morgan Weber, Doug Keeling, Michelle Kline, and Daniel Reitman—to talk about the changing landscape of pet care. They explore the challenges of economic uncertainty, competition with tech-driven platforms, and the impact of private equity entering the industry. The conversation highlights the importance of balancing automation with personal relationships, professionalizing businesses, and maintaining strong core values. Ultimately, they all agree that the next 30 years of the industry will be shaped by how pet sitters and dog walkers step up today.

573: Building a Team That Empowers Your Business with Angela Watts

How do you go from burnout to building a thriving pet care business? In this episode, Angela Watts of Pawsitive Dawg Walking shares her journey of navigating personal and professional challenges while scaling her business. She discusses the importance of building a strong management team, creating effective SOPs, and empowering employees to take ownership. Whether you’re starting out or scaling up, Angela’s insights will inspire you to streamline operations, support your team, and grow with purpose.

557: Scaling with Heart with Amy Addington

Ever feel like the stress of competition overshadows the joy of your work? Amy Addington, President and Co-Founder of Woofie’s, shares her 20-year journey from a $10 dog walk to leading a thriving pet care franchise. Amy dives into the power of relationships in business, how to build trust with clients, and the importance of staying flexible in a changing industry. She also unpacks the challenges and rewards of franchising, the role of branding in maintaining consistency, and why networking—even with competitors—is essential. Full of insights and actionable tips, this episode will inspire you to lead with heart and build a pet care business that thrives on trust and connection.

549: Building a Better Business One Step at a Time with Mo Thompson

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.

543: Trust is the Ultimate Asset in Pet Care with Dan Reitman

Ever wondered what it takes to build unwavering trust with clients in the pet care industry? Dan Reitman, owner of Dan’s Pet Care discusses into his journey of building a trusted pet care brand. Dan shares his evolution from a solo dog walker to managing a large-scale business that includes daycare and kennel-free boarding, emphasizing the importance of maintaining client trust throughout. We explore his challenges in deciding when to keep things in-house versus partnering, as well as his commitment to ensuring high standards of care in an increasingly competitive industry. Dan also opens up about overcoming personal and business-related fears, pushing himself to learn and grow continuously. This conversation is a deep dive into why trust remains the ultimate asset in pet services and how it can drive sustainable success.

531: Building Community Through Shelter Partnerships with Austin Tuck

Ever wondered how your pet care business could make a bigger impact on the community? In this episode, Austin Tuck, owner of Tuckered Out Dog Walking, shares how she transformed her business by partnering with a local shelter through a unique sponsorship program. Austin explains how transitioning from pet sitting to daily dog walking helped reduce burnout while allowing her to focus on creating meaningful community partnerships. Her field trips for dogs offer enrichment beyond the standard walk, benefiting both pets and owners, while the shelter program boosts adoption rates and strengthens her team's connection to their work. Listen in to learn how Austin's approach to community involvement is making a difference for her business, her staff, and shelter dogs.

145: Building Your Community with Lyndsay Shackelford

Growing community has become increasingly more important over the past year. While it may look different for each of us the principles of connecting with a broader group of people and cultivating relationships remain the same. Lyndsay Shackleford, owner of dogs of charm city, joins The show to talk about what it means to be a community focused business.