Jessica Abernathy, President of NAPPS, comes on the show to share about their 2020 conference and her encouragement and excitement for the future of the industry. Jessica also describes the importance of taking time right now to dig into your business and where opportunities are opening up.
On today’s episode, Gillian Edwards, owner of Four Paws Holistic Therapy, joins us to talk all about holistic pet care. Gillian shares how pet sitters are a part of the pets care team, and how we can learn more about massage, animal communication, and the role reiki plays in their long term care.
Today's episode is our one year celebration! We dive into listener questions, from our background to some podcasting basics. Thank you so much for all of your support. We appreciate you going on this journey with us! Natasha also joins us to answer the question, "Do we really need insurance?"
Beth Stultz, President of Pet Sitters International (PSI), joins us on the podcast to discuss their move to a virtual conference. Beth shares how to prepare for an online conference format and what kind of talks to expect. We also discuss how PSI has supported its members, and the industry at large, though education and training opportunities throughout the pandemic.
The House Sit Diva, Kelly Hayes-Raitt, joins us for her SIXTH appearance on the podcast. Kelly shares how, not surprisingly, not every pet sit or house sit goes according to plan. Even though we screen and ask all the questions, unforeseen things can and do happen. Kelly gives us some awesome tips for overcoming the unexpected and how to avoid becoming overwhelmed in the midst of the let down.
We share responses from last week’s episode and discuss knowing your worth. We take a holistic approach to understanding that you are valuable and your business provides a value to your clients. Natasha O’Banion answers the question, “How do you know when to delegate and actually stick to it?”
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.
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.
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?”
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.
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?”
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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"?”
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.
