How does a passion for pet care transform into a thriving business? Amy Garrison, owner of Oh My Dog Sitters, shares both her evolution as a business owner and her business. She takes us through the challenges she faced when she started, pivotal moments of growth, and how changes in business tactics propelled her company forward. Amy is actively working on shifting to be forward-thinking as she shares the importance of strategic planning. Main topics: Starting and Scaling Challenges Building and Managing a Team Strategic Business Adaptations Planning for Future Growth Main takeaway: It's not about the numbers. It's about making sure every pet we care for feels loved and every client feels understood. About our guest: I’ve had pets my whole life. Growing up we had several dogs, cats, rabbits & ducks, and a couple of lambs for a time. My grandparents even had a pair of pet skunks and a woodchuck! I loved horseback riding at the local stable and visiting the calves at the dairy farm. As an adult, being a military family (now retired) we were more limited, but our dogs and cats have always been a part of our family. I have experience with the young and old ones, the well and not-so-well. In our house, we’ve dealt with allergies, auto-immune disorders, Addison’s disease, Cushings, arthritis, hip dysplasia, cancer(s), kidney disease, UTIs, surgeries, physical therapy, alternative therapies, the list goes on. I understand the level of care and gentle handling they require. Links: [email protected] https://ohmydogsitters.com https://www.facebook.com/ohmydogsitters/ Buy PSC Merch Give us a call! (636) 364-8260  Follow us on: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter Email us at: [email protected] Full show notes and transcript   Sponsored by: ❤️ Our AMAZING Patreon Supporters Time to Pet Visit: https://timetopet.com/confessional Code: 50% off first 3 months Peaceful Pet Music - Calm Music for Pets 🎶💜 From peaceful melodies to soothing nature sounds, this channel is your go-to spot when your pet is anxious and you don’t know where to turn.💜🐾 Subscribe now at https://www.youtube.com/@peacefulpetmusic  

Who are you allowing to speak into your life and business? As a business owner, there are a lot of people who have opinions about what you do and how you do them. There is a lot of advice out there that clutters up our brain space and processing abilities, which can lead to decision fatigue and an incoherent approach. Instead of following the whims of other people, we have to tune out the noise by quieting our own life to better recognize the irrelevant advice from others. Main topics: Where noise comes from How do I know what the noise is? Discerning what to listen to Main takeaway: Be you and let your uniqueness define your business, because nobody else will do things the way that you do. Links: Episode 470 Buy PSC Merch Give us a call! (636) 364-8260  Follow us on: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter Email us at: [email protected] Full show notes and transcript   Sponsored by: ❤️ Our AMAZING Patreon Supporters Pet Sitters Associates Visit: https://www.petsitllc.com Code: Confessional  

What is anticipatory grief and how can we help our client through it? In the complex landscape of pet care, we face the delicate issue of anticipatory grief among pet owners—a pre-loss mourning filled with anxiety and sorrow. Erica Messer, founder of Wolfie's Wish, discusses the critical need for pet care providers to offer support and practical resources to our clients. She advocates for early conversations about end-of-life decisions, emphasizing the importance of self-care for both owners and ourselves. She reminds us that in addressing anticipatory grief, our actions resonate more profoundly than words, fostering a supportive community for both pets and their owners. Main topics: Anticipatory pet loss grief Self-care when looking after a senior animal Preparing for and coping with palliative care Main takeaway: Start conversations early and have resources ready for your clients. About our guest After the sudden passing of her beloved cat, Wolfgang, Erica embarked on a heartfelt quest to find a simple way to cope with her grief. Frustrated by the lack of suitable products, and encouraged by her mother, Bonnie, she created the perfect solution: Pet Loss Grieving Cards. Thus, Wolfie’s Wish was born. These cards garnered worldwide attention after receiving a prestigious “Best New Product” award at the esteemed Superzoo trade show in 2022. Erica is a board certified pet bereavement specialist and coach and leads a free monthly virtual support group and is also an in-demand international speaker and (fanfare) is releasing her first full-length book in the Summer of 2024. In February 2024, she is releasing Wolfie’s Wish Pet Loss Podcast with celebrity interviews on coping strategies on pet loss. With clinical musical training, she helps people navigate their grief through the healing power of music. Erica’s artistic talents also shine through her hand-painted pet portraits, showcasing her love for animals and dedication to capturing their spirits on canvas. She both wrote and illustrated the captivating story “Tails Of Spirit Pets” and Tails of Spirit Cats Books. Erica’s profound love for music, animals, and her unwavering desire to support others in their healing journeys make her an exceptional and inspiring individual, touching the lives of many with her unique blend of creativity, compassion, and entrepreneurial spirit. Links: https://www.petsitterconfessional.com/episodes/341 Use code PETSITTER for 15% off orders https://wolfieswish.com [email protected] https://www.instagram.com/wolfies_wish/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/243053351275157 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPkpa_ynS8Im1YlFNAvzZBA Buy PSC Merch Give us a call! (636) 364-8260  Follow us on: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter Email us at: [email protected] Full show notes and transcript   Sponsored by: ❤️ Our AMAZING Patreon Supporters Time to Pet (50% off first 3 months) National Association of Professional Pet Sitters 

What are you learning right now? Are you doing anything with it? We’re reflecting on the overwhelming abundance of information available to us, especially in running a pet care business. There is a crucial difference between endlessly acquiring knowledge and actually applying it to make tangible progress in our business. Something that is a hard balance to walk. We want to encourage you to prioritize action over consumption of new information! Main topics: Stop taking in new information Information overload Making time to do stuff Learning from doing Main takeaway: We should never learn at the expense of doing. Links: Episode 255: https://www.petsitterconfessional.com/episodes/255 Episode 390: https://www.petsitterconfessional.com/episodes/390 Buy PSC Merch Give us a call! (636) 364-8260  Follow us on: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter Email us at: [email protected] Full show notes and transcript Sponsored by: ❤️ Our AMAZING Patreon Supporters Pet Sitters Associates Visit: https://www.petsitllc.com Code: Confessional

In the ever-evolving landscape of pet care, how do you carve a niche that not only serves your clients but also gives back to the community? Carla McClellan, the founder and owner of Tallahassee Lassie Pet Care, shares her journey from a modest beginning to leading a thriving business that puts community at its heart. With a rich background in social work and public health, Carla infuses her business with a unique blend of care, compassion, and community service. From establishing partnerships with local nonprofits to launching mobile pet food pantries, she's on a mission to ensure no pet or pet owner in Tallahassee goes unsupported. Carla's approach goes beyond pet sitting; it's about building a community network that uplifts every member. Join us as Carla shares her insights on growing a business that not only looks after pets but fosters a sense of belonging and support within the community. Main topics Client Relationships Pet Pantries Initiative Community Partnerships Employee Engagement Main takeaway: Embrace the power of integrating community service into your business model, to not only enhance your brand but also to make a tangible difference in your community. About our guest: Carla returned to the Tallahassee area in 2014 where she was working in social work.  After some soul searching, she made the decision to use her social work skills in the pet world as well as continue with the human side, their owners.  Carla has over 20 years experience caring for animals and has owned a pet most of her life. She is currently mom to two pugs and one cat. Along with a few outdoor cats she feeds every evening.     Carla is certified in pet CPR and First Aid by the Pet Health Academy and is a member of Pet Sitters International and National Association of Professional Pet Sitters. She takes this knowledge and receives Continuing Education Units, along with providing training to her team. She also utilizes Pet Pro Hero and Fetch Find in teaching her team.  One of the most important aspects of this work is community - for her to hire within the community, spend local dollars, and participate in local non-profits within the community. She uses her business as a vehicle of good, always.  Links: https://www.tallahasseelassiepetcare.com https://www.facebook.com/tallylassiepets https://www.instagram.com/tallylassiepets/ Buy PSC Merch Give us a call! (636) 364-8260  Follow us on: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter Email us at: [email protected] Full show notes and transcript   Sponsored by: ❤️ Our AMAZING Patreon Supporters   Time to Pet Visit: https://timetopet.com/confessional Code: 50% off first 3 months   Pet Perennials Visit: https://petperennials.com/pages/register-for-a-business-account Code: 'PSC' when registering for a $2 off coupon on any purchases in the 1st 90 days

Have you been to a conference? In a first for us, we were LIVE all weekend at the 2024 Texas Pet Sitters Association Conference! It was a jammed packed weekend filled with amazing people and great information. We sat down with some of the amazing speakers, vendors, and attendees from the conference to share a little of our experience. We were so thrilled to get reconnected with friends from previous years, and make new friends as well. We firmly believe educational conferences help grow you, your business, and the pet sitting community. Listen in to get a little taste of what it's like to attend a conference, and check out our resource pages to see which one you can attend! Main topics: Things we were learning People we connected with Why you should attend Main takeaway: If you can, plan to attend at least one in-person conference! Links: Texas Pet Sitters: https://txpetsitters.com https://www.petsitterconfessional.com/conferences https://theaquariumkeepers.com https://memoryflame.co https://www.dogcolaunch.com https://tinypawsbookkeeping.com https://www.coveredinpethair.net Buy PSC Merch Give us a call! (636) 364-8260  Follow us on: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter Email us at: [email protected] Full show notes and transcript   Sponsored by: ❤️ Our AMAZING Patreon Supporters   Pet Sitters Associates Visit: https://www.petsitllc.com Code: Confessional  

What are you saying ‘No’ to? For many, saying ‘No’ is almost unthinkable; we have to service the client, right? Liz Raitman, owner of Dogs Next Best Friend, joins the show to share how a love of hiking and running turned into a full-time dog walking company. By learning to say ‘No’ more, Liz talks about how she’s learned from past mistakes to run a company that fits her better. Liz also gives her perspective on why we should hold customer appreciation in such high regard.   Main topics: Making mistakes Making hikes work Be generous with your clients Favorite gear and resources Main takeaway: You’ll get ahead of competition by learning from the mistakes you make. About our guest: Liz Raitman is the owner of Dog's Next Best Friend, a dog walking and pet sitting company in Summit County, Colorado. Her love for the outdoors and dogs led her to this wonderful career. She has a team of around 30 dog walkers as well as a manager to help meet the needs of locals and vacationers with pets. Her husband of 7 years is one of the biggest dog lovers she knows. She started walking dogs in her home state of Michigan in 2006 and continued when she moved to Colorado is 2007. She caters to all breeds and ages as well as cats and other pets. She loves to xc ski and hike with a pack!!   Links: https://www.replacements.com [email protected] https://www.instagram.com/dogsnextbestfriend https://www.facebook.com/dogsnextbestfriend https://www.dogsnextbestfriend.com/#home-about Buy PSC Merch Give us a call! (636) 364-8260  Follow us on: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter Email us at: [email protected] Full show notes and transcript   Sponsored by: ❤️ Our AMAZING Patreon Supporters Time to Pet Visit: https://timetopet.com/confessional Code: 50% off first 3 months   Peaceful Pet Music - Calm Music for Pets 🎶💜 From peaceful melodies to soothing nature sounds, this channel is your go-to spot when your pet is anxious and you don’t know where to turn.💜🐾 Subscribe now at https://www.youtube.com/@peacefulpetmusic

Do you consider yourself a multitasker? Contrary to popular belief, multitasking does not make us more productive. In fact, what we are capable of doing is not even considered true multitasking. Task switching, as it is known, is the process where our brain switches from one thing to another in rapid succession. While it may feel like we are getting more done, there are several drawbacks to this method of working. We walk through common misconceptions and the modern research on what multitasking actually does to us. We give several tactics you can use to break the habit of attempting to multitask to keep you productive and focused on the things that really matter. Main topics: What is multitasking? What is task switching? Common misconceptions Current research What do we do about it? Main takeaway: Focusing on a single task saves time, improves accuracy, and reduces stress. Links: https://www.petsitterconfessional.com/episodes/402 https://www.jstor.org/stable/pdf/43152412.pdf?casa_token=S-1ui_eUhqgAAAAA:XaRrqeXqErPQYx9qJTk4MwjSMjXEVYvWIX-J2cJYgPMrmO1d4pFHpCyxTR4CRbOAMlL-pSD7eY-JsIftLs_rdV4HSrTD8LLBFN4iL3HGZ4tF_zViLl4 https://original.newsbreak.com/@dr-donna-l-roberts-561947/3230240556565-the-myth-of-multitasking-understanding-the-limits-of-human-attention https://www.thenewatlantis.com/publications/the-myth-of-multitasking https://www.npr.org/2013/05/10/182861382/the-myth-of-multitasking https://neuroleadership.com/your-brain-at-work/the-myth-of-multitasking Buy PSC Merch Give us a call! (636) 364-8260  Follow us on: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter Email us at: [email protected] Full show notes and transcript   Sponsored by: ❤️ Our AMAZING Patreon Supporters   Pet Sitters Associates Visit: https://www.petsitllc.com Code: Confessional

How do you envision your business in the future? If building a team and having employees are on that list, you need to carefully consider your team's structure. Creating a team involves ensuring each person is in the right role, equipped with clear directions to accomplish their tasks. Anna Rickert, the owner of Pup Culture Dog Walking and Pet Sitting, joins us to share her strategies for developing a robust business structure. Aiming for her business to operate independently of her presence, Anna discusses the importance of having a balanced mix of services and a team that excels in delivering them. Main topics: Cutting out services Bringing on a manager Building a team structure Managing a large team Main takeaway: It’s not all about the money, reduce the headaches where you can! About our guests: Hi, I’m Anna Rickert, the owner of Pup Culture Dog Walking and Pet Sitting. I grew up in Minnesota with a household of pets and have loved animals ever since. Right now I have two fur babies (a cat and dog) of my own: Ellie and June. Ellie is a tabby cat who I adopted from the Animal Ark and June is a black lab mix who I adopted from the Humane Society in Golden Valley. June is an escape artist and is reactive when she is on leash, so we have worked extensively on her leash manners. I attended the College of Saint Benedict and majored in English and secondary education. I was a middle and high school language arts teacher for nine years, but I decided to trade in working with children for my real dream of working with animals. I have volunteered as a foster dog mom and have fostered over fifteen foster dogs in my home. I also volunteered as a case manager for The Retrievers for years. My work in rescue and with The Retrievers has made pets’ safety a top priority at Pup Culture. I believe strongly in respecting and loving all animals, so I became a vegan a couple years ago. I am also certified in pet first aid and CPR. I currently serve on the board of the Professional Pet Sitters of Minnesota, and I’m committed to fostering connections and professionalism in the pet care industry. For years I was unable to own a dog because of long work hours and travel, so I understand the guilt that busy people who own pets often feel. I strive to offer the type of service that I would want as a pet parent. I am dedicated to providing you with reliable, friendly service, so you don’t have to worry about your pet when you are gone. We provide safe, healthy dog walks and pet-sitting with lots of loving. Links: www.pupculturemn.com https://www.instagram.com/pupculturemn https://www.facebook.com/PupCultureMN/ https://www.jazzhr.com https://www.sixfigurepetbusinessacademy.com Buy PSC Merch Give us a call! (636) 364-8260  Follow us on: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter Email us at: [email protected] Full show notes and transcript   Sponsored by: ❤️ Our AMAZING Patreon Supporters   Time to Pet Visit: https://timetopet.com/confessional Code: 50% off first 3 months   National Association of Professional Pet Sitters www.petsitters.org

What grabs your attention? At times, our focus is hijacked by external forces, such as notifications or phone calls, or internal, as we attempt to fill time or divert our thoughts from the task at hand. We discuss the impact of these distractions and share insights into how these constant pings disrupt focus and productivity. We offer strategies to manage and minimize such distractions and highlight the need for strategic time management to improve efficiency and reduce overwhelm. Main topics: Notification overwhelm Disruption vs distraction Costs of task switching Understand how you work Main takeaway: When a disruption occurs, we must prevent ourselves from immediately diverting to another task by placing it on a separate to-do list. This ensures we don't worry about forgetting it. Links: ProTrainings: For 10% off any of their courses, use CPR-petsitterconfessional Give us a call! (636) 364-8260 Follow us on: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter Subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, Google, Stitcher, & TuneIn Email us at: [email protected] Buy PSC Merch Give us a call! (636) 364-8260  Follow us on: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter Email us at: [email protected] Full show notes and transcript   Sponsored by: ❤️ Our AMAZING Patreon Supporters   Pet Sitters Associates Visit: https://www.petsitllc.com Code: Confessional