All tagged pet care industry
Wag!, one of the largest gig economy pet care platforms, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and is undergoing a rapid restructuring. This episode explores the deeper issues behind Wag’s financial collapse, including its flawed business model, sitter churn, and lack of consistent, relationship-driven care. The discussion highlights how investor interest is shifting away from gig platforms toward higher-margin services like pet insurance and veterinary e-commerce. Independent pet care providers are uniquely positioned to meet modern client expectations through professionalism, trust, and personalized service. As the industry changes, quality and consistency are emerging as the new standard in pet care.
Are pet sitters and veterinarians really on the same team when it comes to caring for cats? In this episode, Dr. Ashlie Saffire, feline specialist and President of the Feline Veterinary Medical Association, joins the show to explore how deeper collaboration between pet sitters and veterinary professionals can dramatically improve cat care. She dives into common stress-related cat health issues, the importance of maintaining routines, and why understanding feline behavior is essential. They discuss practical tips for pet sitters—like using pheromones, documenting eating habits, and asking better intake questions. Dr. Saffire also encourages pet sitters to pursue certifications and reach out to local clinics to form partnerships built on trust and knowledge.
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.
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.
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!
Do clients really understand what it means to hire a professional pet sitter, or do they think you’re just another neighbor kid with a key? In this episode, we dive into the ongoing need to educate the public about the professionalism, training, and dedication that sets true pet sitters apart. We discuss how to use every interaction — from inquiry calls to social media posts — to highlight your certifications, insurance, and high standards of care. By clearly communicating your value, you not only set yourself apart, but also raise the bar for the entire industry. Whether you’re celebrating Professional Pet Sitters Week or just looking for ways to stand out, this episode gives you practical strategies to help your community understand and appreciate the work you do.
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.
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.
