639: Community Walks that Foster Collaboration with Olivia Hanson
What does it take to build a thriving solo pet care business rooted in community? Olivia Hanson of Waggin Tails Winona shares her journey from a banking job to becoming a full-time pet sitter and dog walker. She discusses the power of word-of-mouth, the value of community collaborations, and the joy she finds in organizing monthly pack walks. Olivia also shares how boundaries and relationships with other sitters help protect her
637: Raising the Bar in Canada: Inside Canadian Pet Care Professionals
How do you professionalize an unregulated industry across a vast country? Erika Godwin and Morag Wilcox share why they launched Canadian Pet Care Professionals, a membership built by and for Canada’s pet care providers. They explain the “Verified Pro” approach, Canada-specific education (HR, legal, CRA), and a public directory designed to build trust with pet parents. We discuss shifting the mindset from “pet care is a luxury” to “professional care is a necessity,” and why turning competitors into colleagues helps everyone win. The conversation closes with how in-person events and a shared code of ethics can elevate standards from coast to coast.
629: Shaping Industry Standards with Jenn Dahinten, Chair of PACCC
What does it really mean to be a professional in the pet care industry? In this episode, Jenn Dahinten, Chair of PACCC, joins to explore the importance of third-party certification in setting industry standards. She shares how PACCC was founded to support experienced pet care providers with recognition, ethics, and continuing education. The conversation dives into the rising pressure from legislation, public expectations, and why certification helps build trust with clients and lawmakers alike. Jenn also offers practical steps for those ready to elevate their professionalism.
626: The Ho-Hum Pet Sitter
What happens when the joy of pet sitting starts to fade into monotony? In this episode, we explore why the “ho-hum” feeling creeps in, from repetitive routines and emotional fatigue to physical exhaustion, isolation, and the comparison game on social media. We share how staying stuck in this flat season can impact client experience, dull attention to detail, and accelerate burnout. While monotony is a natural byproduct of sustained work, it doesn’t have to define your business. By shifting perspective, setting micro-goals, refreshing routines, learning something new, and prioritizing real rest, you can reignite your motivation and keep showing up with purpose for pets and their people.
621: Weddings, Walks, and Winning Clients with Kaitlin Wood
Kaitlin Wood of Kaitlin’s Pet Sitting in Chattanooga, TN shares her journey from teenage sitter to full-time business owner. She discusses the evolution of her services, including her growing wedding assistance offering, and the importance of clear client communication. Kaitlin opens up about lessons in time management, setting boundaries, and the struggle of finding trustworthy team members. Her passion for pets and people shines through as she talks about building trust and delivering peace of mind.
605: Innovate & Elevate: Pet Care Synergy with Ines McNeil
What happens when dog training meets pet sitting? Ines McNeil, APDT Chair, dives into how the pet care industry can benefit from cross-disciplinary collaboration. She explores innovative training methods, shared challenges, and evolving client expectations. Her conversation also highlights the impact of emerging regulations on pet care practices. Ultimately, she showcases how working together can transform care for both pets and their owners.
593: Building and Letting Go with Nicole Packin
How do you know when it’s time to transition your business—or even your life? In this episode, Nicole Packin shares her incredible journey through selling two successful pet care businesses, moving across the country, and preparing for her next adventure. She opens up about the emotional and practical challenges of letting go, creating healthy boundaries, and finding new passions after nearly two decades in the industry. She discusses the evolving pet care landscape, the pressure entrepreneurs put on themselves, and the importance of taking space to breathe and reflect. Whether you’re thinking about selling your business, refining your services, or simply looking to reclaim your time, Nicole’s story offers valuable insights and inspiration.
580: Why Consistency Beats Intensity
How does consistency impact the long-term success of your pet care business? We explore why steady, reliable actions build stronger client trust and sustainable growth compared to short bursts of intense effort. Common pitfalls such as burnout and inconsistency are discussed, along with practical strategies to avoid them, including clear SOPs and effective habit stacking. From maintaining internal motivation to knowing when to delegate, we cover the essential components to ensure your consistency remains manageable and impactful. Plus, we share personal insights on how focusing on daily, repeatable tasks has significantly improved our business.
579: From Legacy to Leadership with Lauren Dunkle
How do you build a thriving business while staying true to its legacy? Lauren Dunkle, owner of The Pet Lady, shares how she transformed her aunt’s long-standing pet care business into her own while honoring its foundation. She opens up about the struggles of hiring and staff turnover, the transition from independent contractors to employees, and the power of clearly defined roles and SOPs. Lauren also discusses the emotional challenges of business ownership, from self-doubt to burnout, and how she reignited her passion by embracing new learning opportunities. Her story is a powerful example of how growth, structure, and personal fulfillment can coexist in a pet care business.
569: Making Business a Win-Win with Jo Moorcroft and Vicky Davies
Is your pet business running you instead of the other way around? Jo Moorecroft and Vicky Davies from Canine Business Academy join us to share their expertise on building intentional, sustainable, and fulfilling pet care businesses. We discuss the power of defining your business purpose, creating win-win client relationships, and avoiding common pitfalls like burnout and disorganization. Learn actionable steps to shift from survival mode to thriving mode while maintaining exceptional care standards.
567: Fostering Premium Experiences with Candace D’Agnolo
How do you create raving fans and deliver premium client experiences? In this episode of Pet Sitter Confessional, Candace D’Agnolo of Pet Boss Nation dives into the art of fostering genuine connections that go beyond surface-level interactions. She explores how personalized touches—like understanding client preferences and small acts of care—create lasting loyalty. Candace also discusses the benefits of using AI to enhance efficiency, the value of local collaborations, and actionable ways to surprise and delight clients without breaking the bank. If you're looking to elevate your business and stand out in a competitive market, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration!
536: Preparing for a Strong 2025
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!