657: At The Crossroads in Pet Care with Matthew Kutas
What does the future of the pet service industry look like as technology and client expectations evolve? Matthew Kutas, founder and CEO of Republic of Dog, talks about the challenges and opportunities facing pet care businesses today. He discusses how technology can streamline operations without losing the emotional connection at the heart of the work, and why onboarding is a make-or-break process for client trust. Matthew shares insights on staffing, scaling, and the professionalization of the industry. He also explores how pet care intersects with city planning, corporate wellness, and strategic partnerships, pointing to new opportunities for growth.
594: Crafting Personalized Pet Care
one-size-fits-all approach. As professional pet sitters, we’re responsible for tailoring our care to each pet’s needs—and clearly communicating that value to clients and team members. We break down how to gather the right information, implement scalable personalization, and build client trust through intentional care. We share practical ways to make visits more meaningful without overcomplicating your systems or burning out your staff.
348: Staffing Struggles
Have you had issues with staffing? 2022 may very well be defined by the labor market flipping to empowering employees. This has meant hiring and retaining staff has been difficult, especially as a small business. From competing on wages, to connecting with mission, job applicants are able to be very picky. We break down how we’ve changed our processes and have been investing in existing staff. Having staff will continue to be a major issue into the new year, and we have to prepare for it.
344: 2022 in Review
How has your 2022 been? For many, it’s been the biggest year they’ve had in a long time. For others, it’s been a trying time as they work to rebuild and restructure their business. We reflect on how 2022 has gone and why listening to client feedback is one of the best ways to improve your business. We also give some of our biggest lessons we’re taking into 2023. Share your biggest win with us!
257: Onboarding and Training Staff
It’s now time for you to bring your new hire into your company and help them feel like they belong. You need them to feel valued and part of your company, which takes time and intentionality on your part. Onboarding and training staff can feel daunting, but planning out the first six months to one year for them will help you make sure they’re on track and you don’t miss anything that will leave them hanging. Then, Natasha answers, “How do I become a better manager?”