089- Carmen Rustenbeck with IBPSA
Carmen Rustenbeck, CEO of the International Boarding and Pet Services Association (IBPSA), talks about how IBPSA has adapted their upcoming conference to a virtual format, the state of the pet care industry, and what the road forward looks like. Carmen also shares how IBPSA has supported and fought for their members this year, and how that helps the entire industry.
088- Supporting Your Staff with Susan Anderson
Susan Anderson, owner of The Pet Gal, shares why she started pet sitting, how she expanded across multiple states, and the importance of supporting her employees. Susan discusses how, by taking care of the back-end work and making sure her field staff are well equipped with tools and knowledge, they’re able to provide better care.
087- Industry Standards
We discuss regulations and industry in the pet care industry. It’s a hot topic, and one with lots of potential for needed healthy conversations. Some people will say regulations hurt business, while others say it puts everyone on equal footing. It’s important, however, that as an industry, we are proactive in setting forth regulations which will help instead of hindering advancement and innovation. Natasha is back to answer another question, “What tools does she use to run her business?”
086- Social Media in Pet Care with Dan and Mauro
On today's episode Dan, owner of Dan's Dog Walking and Pet sitting, and Mauro, their Media Director, join us to talk all about social media in the pet care industry. Dan and Mauro discuss their social media strategy and simple tools and equipment we can use to produce high quality content. They also talk candidly about both the best practices and the ones to avoid when engaging on social media.
085- Death of a Client's Pet
Today we are going to discuss dealing with the death of a client’s pet. It’s not a fun topic but something that, if you are in this business long enough, you have to deal with. First we want to say that we are not experts in pet loss and bereavement. We are going to interview an expert in that in the coming months. Today we just wanted to share the experiences we’ve been through, what we’ve learned, and what has helped us. Over the 9 years we have been pet sitting, we have had several clients pets pass away, and it never really gets easier. Plus, on this week’s “Ask a Pet Biz Coach” segment with Natasha O’Banion, she answers the question, “How should I be using social media?”
084- Palmetto Scoopers
We are joined by Courtney, owner of Palmetto Scoopers. Easily one of the most passionate people about a dogs #2, Courtney shares his enthusiasm with us and helps shine a light on a side of pet care that doesn't get talked a lot about.
083- Customer Reviews
On today’s episode we talk all about reviews! If you’re in business long enough, you’re bound to get a bad one. How do you handle that kind of feedback and how do you even define what a bad review is? We discuss all of that and more. Plus, on this week’s “Ask a Pet Biz Coach” segment with Natasha O’Banion, she answers the question, “How do you hire people, while still making money for yourself and how do you hire the right people.”
082- Cat Care for Pet Sitters with Dr. Kathryn Primm
Dr. Kathryn Primm, owner of Applebrook Animal Hospital and host of multiple podcasts and radio shows, joins us for a show packed with amazing advice for those of us who don’t have a lot of experience caring for cats. She shares the importance of fear free in animal care and how to bond with those really shy cat clients.
081- School for Dog Walkers with Jess Bay
On today’s episode Jess Bay, owner of School for Dog Walkers, joins us to discuss what it is like to run and operate a pack walking dog business. After 20 years in the industry she has a lot of wisdom to share with us. We discuss what kind of policies and procedures you could have in place to save your sanity and how to safely operate a pack walk off leash.
080- Customer Service in Pet Care
Today on the podcast, Meghan and Collin discuss their personal approach to customer service and point out some best practices to ensure clients have the best experience possible. The goal is to provide the best possible care to the pet, but we can’t forget about how we treat the owners! On the ‘Ask a Pet Business Coach’ segment, Natasha O’Banion answers the question everyone has as they start to grow: how you stay connected and communicate with clients as you add staff.
079- Our Defining Moments with Asha Olivia
Asha Olivia, owner of Hoby Dogy, shares what's shaped her passion and desire to go above and beyond for the safety of pets in her care. From family history, to recent health battles, each moment has shown her what she is capable of. As pet sitters, we all have defining moments in our life and in our business that set the course of how we respond and act in the future.
078- Keeping Kids Safe Around Dogs with Alicia Obando
Alicia Obando, owner of Pitter Patter Parenting, joins us to share her mission to keep dogs and kids safe together. Whether it’s a brand new puppy meeting a baby, or a pet sitter bringing their kids to a drop-in, we all have a role to play in keeping kids safe and the dogs happy.
077- Reassessing 2020 Goals
We open with Collin’s epic ankle story and move into taking another look at our goals for 2020. Things definitely haven’t gone the way we anticipated, and that's ok! By creating S.M.A.R.T. goals and objectives for you and your business, tracking and modifying goals is easy. Natasha O’Banion joins us for the “Ask a Pet Business Coach” segment, where she addresses the question, “Which is best for my business, ICs or employees"?”
076- Aunt Mary's Pet Care with Mary Cornelius
Mary Cornelius, owner of Aunt Mary’s Pet Sitting, started a pet care business 5 years ago with an extensive background in the hospitality industry. From how she defines who her clients are to how she meets their needs, she brings that expertise into everything she does. Mary discusses the importance of clear communication and setting expectations in her policies, and how she makes clients and their pets feels happy and respected.
075- Playtime Paws with Debbie Cilento
Debbie Cilento, owner of Playtime Paws and host of the ‘Your New Puppy Podcast’ shares all things puppy. As pet sitters, we often care for brand new puppies for first-time dog owners. It can be a real challenge to remain consistent and offer the best possible care. Debbie breaks down some simple things we can all do when watching even the most challenging puppies.
074- Having Tough Conversations with Clients
We break down 10 things to consider when having a hard conversation with a client. Unfortunately, we’ve all been there. Whether it’s a lost pet, a dog that won’t eat, or a service you forgot to render, tough conversations happen in this business. We discuss ways to help make them just a little bit less difficult. Natasha O’Banion is back for another “Ask a Pet Business Coach” segment where she answers the question “What are the basics needed for a successful business?”
073- Heidi and Hope Pet Services
Heidi Lewis, owner of Heidi and Hope Pet Services, joins us to share what moving to a new city and starting a dog walking company is like, what Covid has looked like in Naples, FL and some of her all time favorite resources.
072- Colleen Sedgwick the Pet Nanny Coach
The Pet Nanny Coach, Colleen Sedgwick, joins us to talk all about mindset and mindfulness in the face of adversity. We discuss the importance of delegating tasks and hiring the right people to be more present in the day-to-day operations of your business. Colleen also shares some of her most influential books and must reads as a pet business owner.
071- Dog Days of Summer
Summer is on and so is the HEAT! Join us as we discuss how to make sure you AND the dogs you’re caring for are ready for summer. From signs of heat exhaustion in both humans and dogs, to things to have on hand to treat it, we cover it. Summer time is also a time for fireworks, so what are some of the best practices for caring for pets afraid of loud noises? On our “Ask a Pet Business Coach” segment, Natasha O’Banion answers the question, “How do I balance the new services I added during lockdown with the increasing demand for my original services?”
070- Cat Sitting in London with Michelle Adams
Owner of Chatty Cats Care, Michelle Adams, discusses what it’s like running a cat only care business in London. We have a great discussion about taking moments of stillness and using right now to be energized for the future.