595: Pet Aftercare and Ethical Standards with Donna Shugart-Bethune

595: Pet Aftercare and Ethical Standards with Donna Shugart-Bethune

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What happens after a pet passes away, and how can pet professionals support owners through this difficult time?Donna Shugart-Bethune, Executive Director of the International Association of Pet Cemeteries and Crematories (IAOPCC), shares the importance of ethical pet aftercare. She discusses the industry’s lack of federal regulation, the role of IAOPCC in setting standards, and why transparency and trust are essential. Donna shares insights on the evolution of pet cremation, the impact of grief, and how professional pet sitters can guide clients in making informed aftercare decisions. This conversation highlights the importance of self-regulation and education in ensuring pet owners receive compassionate, reliable services.

594: Crafting Personalized Pet Care

594: Crafting Personalized Pet Care

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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.

593: Building and Letting Go with Nicole Packin

593: Building and Letting Go with Nicole Packin

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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.

592: Bridging the Trust Gap

592: Bridging the Trust Gap

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Trust is essential in every part of a pet sitting business. It begins before a client ever reaches out and is built through clear communication, consistency, and transparency. Clients look for reassurance at every step, and trust can grow when expectations are met and mistakes are owned. Building trust with pets requires patience, routine, and positive reinforcement to create a sense of safety. Internally, trust within a team—and with yourself as a business owner—comes from accountability, honest reflection, and clear follow-through.

591: From Lions to Labradors with Leanne Burger

591: From Lions to Labradors with Leanne Burger

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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.

590: Finding Repeatable Success

590: Finding Repeatable Success

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Have you ever wondered why something worked so well in your business, but struggled to replicate it? In this episode, we discuss the critical importance of building repeatable success by tracking your actions and outcomes. We share how documenting your systems, analyzing client feedback, and maintaining consistency lead to sustainable growth. We explore the connection between daily habits, professional development, and long-term business stability. By making intentional, data-driven decisions, pet sitters can create a reliable, thriving business and personal life.

589: It’s All About the Heart with Janet Buchwald

589: It’s All About the Heart with Janet Buchwald

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What does it take to create a pet care business that truly stands out? Janet Buchwald, owner of Kisses Happen, shares her journey from a corporate career to running a thriving pet sitting company. She discusses the deep emotional connections between pet sitters, clients, and their pets, and how understanding both animal and human behavior has helped her business grow. Janet emphasizes the importance of clear communication, maintaining professional boundaries, and marketing with authenticity. She also provides valuable insights into branding, SEO, and client retention strategies. This episode is a must-listen for any pet sitter looking to build a business with passion and purpose.

588: Success on Your Terms: Escaping the Comparison Trap

588: Success on Your Terms: Escaping the Comparison Trap

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What does success really look like in today’s pet care industry? In this episode, we dig into the shifting landscape of 2025 and explore how external pressures—from social media comparison to AI tools and rising costs—can distort our definitions of success. We challenge you to define success on your own terms rather than chasing someone else’s goals. From financial milestones to personal freedom and mental well-being, we highlight both tangible and intangible markers of a fulfilling business. We also share practical steps to help you gain confidence, clarity, and control over your pet business path.

587: The Changing Landscape of Pet Services with Carmen Rustenbeck

587: The Changing Landscape of Pet Services with Carmen Rustenbeck

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How are mergers and acquisitions reshaping the pet care industry? In this episode, we welcome back Carmen Rustenbeck of IBPSA to discuss the rise of corporate buyouts, the impact on small pet businesses, and the challenges of maintaining a personal touch in an evolving market. They explore industry regulations, including Ollie’s Law in Massachusetts and the new Veterinary Professional Associate role in Colorado, and what they mean for pet professionals. Carmen also highlights the growing influence of Gen Z pet owners and their unique preferences, from pet insurance to reptile care. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone navigating the shifting pet care landscape.

586: Stop Running Someone Else’s Business

586: Stop Running Someone Else’s Business

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Are you building the business you actually want—or just the one you think you should have? In this episode, we get honest about the constant pressure to scale, grow, and do more in the pet care industry. We share how chasing someone else’s definition of success can lead to burnout, resentment, and misalignment with your personal goals. Instead, we encourage you to use data, not emotion, when making decisions and to define what sustainable success means for you. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone looking to grow intentionally and build a business that supports their life—not the other way around.

585: Building Client Trust Through Niche Services with Niki Lepine & Steph Law

585: Building Client Trust Through Niche Services with Niki Lepine & Steph Law

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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!

584: Show Up and Stand Out: Visibility and Value for Pet Businesses

584: Show Up and Stand Out: Visibility and Value for Pet Businesses

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Can showing up at local events truly set our pet businesses apart? We discuss our experiences speaking at a Home and Garden show, highlighting how community visibility builds trust and credibility among pet parents. We also reflect on powerful lessons learned from our son’s entrepreneurship bake sale, emphasizing the importance of confidently pricing premium services. Practical insights are shared about identifying speaking opportunities to boost our brand’s visibility. Ultimately, this episode explores why delivering value first can transform our pet businesses into trusted community leaders.

583: Creating a Trusted Name in Pet Sitting with Justina Allen-Yancey

583: Creating a Trusted Name in Pet Sitting with Justina Allen-Yancey

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How do you build a pet sitting business that becomes a household name? Justina Allen-Yancey, owner of Justina’s Pet Sitting, shares how she turned her business into an award-winning, community-trusted brand. She dives into the power of team management, setting clear client expectations, and why networking is key to sustainable growth. Justina also discusses how proactive planning, volunteer work, and local recognition have helped her business stand out in a competitive market. Whether you’re looking to refine your policies, grow your team, or strengthen your community presence, this episode is full of valuable insights to help you build a thriving pet care business.

582: Dealing with Setbacks and Frustrations—Without Losing Your Passion

582: Dealing with Setbacks and Frustrations—Without Losing Your Passion

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Have you ever felt like no matter how hard you try, your business just isn’t moving forward? We breakdown the setbacks that can derail even the most passionate pet business owners—from hiring struggles and burnout to personal life chaos and economic uncertainty. We share about our tough 2024, missing goals despite best efforts, and how we reframed the season as one of survival and growth. We emphasize the importance of redefining success, reconnecting with your “why,” and setting micro-goals to regain confidence. It’s a powerful reminder that progress isn’t always linear—and you’re not alone.

581: Driving Success Through Core Values with Amy Munns

581: Driving Success Through Core Values with Amy Munns

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How do you build a pet care business that stands the test of time while staying rooted in your core values? Amy Munns, owner of Leash 4 Lease, shares how she has successfully grown her company over 24 years by focusing on honesty, reliability, and professionalism. Through the challenges of balancing a team, client relationships, and evolving industry standards, Amy stayed true to her mission: providing high-quality pet care with a personal touch. She leveraged her values to guide decisions during difficult times, like the COVID-19 pandemic, and even turned those moments into opportunities to serve her community through initiatives like a pet food drive. By embracing open-mindedness, trusting her instincts, and empowering her team to shine, Amy has built a business defined by passion and purpose. Her story reminds us that staying authentic, even in the face of challenges, is the key to building a business you truly love.

579: From Legacy to Leadership with Lauren Dunkle

579: From Legacy to Leadership with Lauren Dunkle

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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.

578: New Client Experience: Why Your Onboarding Process Matters

578: New Client Experience: Why Your Onboarding Process Matters

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How does your onboarding process impact your client relationships? We discuss why a smooth, clear onboarding experience is crucial for building trust and client retention. We break down common pitfalls, such as unnecessary complexity and redundant steps, and share strategies for making the process simple yet effective. From setting clear expectations to using digital forms efficiently, we cover everything you need to create an onboarding experience that sets the tone for long-term client satisfaction. Plus, we share personal insights from a frustrating onboarding experience they had, highlighting why clarity and efficiency matter.

577: Burnout, Automation, and Private Equity—A Pet Industry Roundtable

577: Burnout, Automation, and Private Equity—A Pet Industry Roundtable

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What does the future of pet sitting and dog walking look like in a rapidly evolving industry? Collin sits down with four industry leaders—Morgan Weber, Doug Keeling, Michelle Kline, and Daniel Reitman—to talk about the changing landscape of pet care. They explore the challenges of economic uncertainty, competition with tech-driven platforms, and the impact of private equity entering the industry. The conversation highlights the importance of balancing automation with personal relationships, professionalizing businesses, and maintaining strong core values. Ultimately, they all agree that the next 30 years of the industry will be shaped by how pet sitters and dog walkers step up today.

576: From Survival Mode to Sustainability

576: From Survival Mode to Sustainability

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Do you ever feel like your pet sitting business runs your life? In this episode, we discuss the mental burden that comes with owning a pet care business and how to create healthier boundaries. We break down the impact of decision fatigue, the challenge of always being on call, and how to shift from survival mode to proactive management. Practical solutions like setting clear business hours, enforcing client boundaries, and using automation are explored. If you're struggling with burnout, this episode provides actionable steps to regain control of your time and mental energy.

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