Pet Sitter Confessional Pet Sitter Confessional, LLC

Are you embracing growth? We explore the relationship between personal growth and business adaptation. We are always growing; every phone call, dog walk, and client interaction contributes to our internal changes and makes us stronger. Embracing both internal and external growth is essential to a better business, whether it's updating your SOPs or rebranding to better meet client needs. We also talk about the importance of resilience building, turning challenges into opportunities, and thriving amidst constant change.
Main topics:
Personal Growth
Business Adaptation
Internal Changes
External Growth
Resilience Building
Main takeaway: Challenges build resilience; they are opportunities in disguise.
Links:
Buy PSC Merch
Give us a call! (636) 364-8260 
Follow us on: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter
Email us at: feedback@petsitterconfessional.com
Full show notes and transcript
 
Sponsored by:
❤️ Our AMAZING Patreon Supporters
Pet Sitters Associates
Visit: https://www.petsitllc.com
Code: Confessional

How are you evolving as a business owner? Debbie Solis, owner of Personal Pet and Home Care, shares her 28-year journey in the pet care industry, starting with her deep-rooted caregiving spirit and balancing roles as a mother and entrepreneur. She discusses the challenges she faced, including burnout and the need for personal growth, which led her to seek counseling and start delegating. By adopting new technologies and building a supportive team, Debbie transformed her business practices and achieved a more balanced life. She emphasizes the importance of self-care, adaptability, and continuous learning for long-term success.
Main topics:
Work-life Balance? Business Evolution Team Building Self-Care Strategies Main takeaway: Taking time off is crucial – it helps clear your mind and makes you a better business owner.
About our guest:
I began pet sitting in 1996, in Allen, Texas. My youngest daughter was starting the first grade, so I was ready to do something out of the home. After caring for children in my home, I knew that I have always enjoyed caring and seeing to the needs of others. What a wonderful career to care for animals and their homes! As all pet owners know, animals express an unconditional love and appreciation that can truly make pet ownership worth every minute spent. This is why I am truly enthusiastic about spending my time caring for the animals that bring so much into our lives. We have since expanded to cover the South McKinney, East Lucas, Parker and Fairview in North Texas.
Links:
https://www.facebook.com/debbie.monroe.507
pets@personalpetandhomecare.com
https://personalpetandhomecare.com
Buy PSC Merch
Give us a call! (636) 364-8260 
Follow us on: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter
Email us at: feedback@petsitterconfessional.com
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

How is your business doing? So far, 2024 has been a challenging economic landscape, marked by a significant downturn in both new and returning clients. The pet sitting industry has experienced a saturation of the market post-COVID-19 and now economic pressures have led pet owners to tighten their budgets. We share strategies for adapting services and specializing to meet changing customer needs while maintaining a resilient and optimistic business approach. We cover everything from building in-person relationships with business owners, to also the challenges of niching in lean times and prioritizing mental health during slow periods. 
Main topics:
Market Trends Business Adaptation Client Retention Economic Strategy Main takeaway: It's important to remember that clients will choose your services not just based on price, but also on your policies and how you offer those services.
Links:
Buy PSC Merch
Give us a call! (636) 364-8260 
Follow us on: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter
Email us at: feedback@petsitterconfessional.com
Full show notes and transcript
 
Sponsored by:
❤️ Our AMAZING Patreon Supporters
 Pet Sitters Associates
Visit: https://www.petsitllc.com
Code: Confessional

Heidi Lewis-Pracko and Savanna Westwood, from the Florida Pet Services Association (FPSA), discuss the organization's mission to connect and support pet service businesses in Florida and beyond. They highlight their first aid kit initiative, which provides basic supplies to homeless pet owners and is expanding to shelters and hurricane preparedness. The upcoming FPSA Summit will be held in Naples at the Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center in August 22-24 2024, offering educational speakers, activities, and networking opportunities. Attendees will gain valuable industry insights and explore the renovated center's exhibits and trails. They each underscore the importance of community collaboration for the pet services industry to thrive and improve care standards.
Main topics:
Learning from feedback
Expanding the Association
Planning the summit
Giving back to the community
Main takeaway: As the pet care industry continues to grow and expand, this means more potential for business and impacting people's lives, but also more scrutiny and attention.
About the Florida Pet Services Association
Florida Pet Services Association is a 501C3 comprised of companies that provide professional pet services in Florida. All members of FPSA are required to be a legal business, and be insured.

Mission Statement: To promote professionalism, provide elite education and create and connect professional relationships in the pet industry in the state of Florida.

Vision Statement: To promote the highest level of excellence in the pet industry and advancement of pet care standards in the state of Florida.
About the Board of Directors:
Savanna Westwood
“Hello! I am Savanna Owner and Founder of The Savvy Sitter, Pet Sitting and Dog Walking, LLC. I have grown up with animals all my life and enjoy spending time with them. I have lived in the Winter Garden and Windermere Area for over 30 Years. Though I do not have any animals myself, I love taking care of them and giving them the cuddles, playtime, and treats they deserve. I am an active equestrian, big dogs and horses do not frighten me. When I am not taking care of your Fur Friends, you can find me reading, practicing archery, riding, and figuring out ways to provide additional and great services to our clients!”
Doug Keeling
“I’m Doug the Dog Guy, and I’m the owner and founder of Bad to the Bone Pet Care. I began pet sitting and dog walking in the Fall of 2013 because I missed my childhood best friend, a Jack Russell named Skip, and because I wanted to combine my passions for animal welfare and entrepreneurship. Bad to the Bone Pet Care was born in 2014, and we have since had the privilege of working with thousands of pets across Northeast and Central Florida. We have won multiple awards for our premium-level professional pet sitting and dog walking, including Pet Sitter of the Year 2023, Best Jacksonville Dog Walking Company 2018-2022, and Best Pet Sitting Service in Northeast Florida 2016 & 2017. I tell everyone I meet, “this is a dream come true for a dream I didn’t know I had.”
Amber Van Denzen Suarez
“Amber is the founder of Atta Boy! Animal Care. She has been working in the animal field for over 16 years. She started in the field by working in the horse industry – stable hand and pet sitter. She then trained as a local Veterinary Kennel hand, Veterinary Assistant and then an Emergency Veterinary Technician for both small and large animals for over 13 years. She has a bachelors of Animal Science from University of Florida.”
Heidi Lewis-Pracko
“Throughout my childhood, the running joke was always, “Where’s Heidi? She’s probably with the dogs.” In 4th grade, my family adopted our Welsh Corgi, Angel - the light of my life all the way into college. When she passed away, I was devastated. Luckily for me, 4 months later, we brought another Corgi into the family. I named her Hope, because she was doing exactly that, bringing hope to ou

Ever wondered how to effectively network and forge meaningful connections within the industry? We share the importance of setting clear goals and aligning expectations in your networking endeavors. We consider the four main reasons for connecting with industry peers. When connecting, it's crucial to freely share information while respecting boundaries, and also understand the nuances between formal and informal referral networks. Ultimately, we offer practical advice for cultivating meaningful connections and robust support networks to navigate the challenges of the industry.
Main topics:
Why network
Know your (and their) reasons
Share freely
Follow-up is critical

Main takeaway: Building a network of fellow pet sitters is not just about referrals; it's about finding camaraderie and support in a sometimes lonely industry.
Links:
Buy PSC Merch
Give us a call! (636) 364-8260 
Follow us on: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter
Email us at: feedback@petsitterconfessional.com
Full show notes and transcript
 
Sponsored by:
❤️ Our AMAZING Patreon Supporters
Pet Sitters Associates
Visit: https://www.petsitllc.com
Code: Confessional

How do you keep things simple in your business? Scott Black, owner of Personal Touch Pet Sitting, discusses the importance of personalized communication, screening clients thoroughly, and managing risks in the industry. He also emphasizes the significance of continuing education and balancing growing a pet sitting business while prioritizing quality and safety. Scott shares his thoughts on liability and risk management, setting boundaries, and managing client relationships.
Main topics:
Networking
Managing your risk
Quality over quantity
Importance of relationships
Main takeaway: Be careful of creating a demand you cannot, or do not want to, supply.
About our guest:
Top dog, jack of all trades and founder/owner of Personal Touch Pet Sitting, Kingwood, TX since 2005. CPPS through PSI. Top 5 finalist  for PSI’s Pet Sitter of the year 2097 and 2009. Honored to have been named the 2010 Pet Sitter of the Year.
I am a co-pet parent to 4 dogs and 3 cats, all rescues. I represent the professional pet care industry by taking part in town events, as well as maintains professional relationships with the veterinarians and other pet businesses in my community.
(The picture is the day I met Chato. He is our blind and deaf dog. We fostered him for almost a year before we adopted him.) This is one of my favorite pictures. Some how the two of us bonded that day. He couldn’t see or hear me. It was love at first smell I guess.)
Links:
Previously on Episode 315: https://www.petsitterconfessional.com/episodes/315
https://www.petsit.com/pet-sitter-kingwood-tx-personal-touch-pet-sitting-inc
https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-black-76ab301b/
281-441-PETS
Email: ptps@comcast.net
Buy PSC Merch
Give us a call! (636) 364-8260 
Follow us on: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter
Email us at: feedback@petsitterconfessional.com
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