What does it look like to grow a pet sitting business without losing safety, consistency, or your sanity? Mikayla and Aaron Anders share how Adventures in Pet Sitting evolved from offering "everything" into a focused set of services built around what they love and what their community truly needs. We talk about building a team with a rigorous hiring and onboarding process, including certifications that prepare staff for real emergencies. They explain how boundaries, policies, and case-by-case flexibility protect both the business and client relationships over the long haul. The conversation closes with how networking in a rural market drives referrals and expands awareness—especially for specialty care like farm animals. Main topics: Safety-first hiring and training Refining services for focus Team consistency and handoffs Policies, boundaries, and fairness Rural referrals and networking Main takeaway: "Knowledge is what protects us." This is a standard that shapes how you hire, how you train, and how you operate when things go sideways. Safety isn't only about avoiding worst-case scenarios; it's about building a team that can make smart decisions without panic, even in weather events, lockouts, or unfamiliar animal behavior. The more your business grows, the more your systems have to carry the load—because the stakes get higher with every new client, pet, and employee. Training, clear procedures, and ongoing education aren't "extra," they're what create consistency. If you want a business that lasts, build the kind of knowledge that keeps everyone safe. About our guests: Mikayla Anders is the founder and "Head Adventure Leader" of Adventures in Pet Sitting, where she designs and oversees enriching, compassionate care for a wide range of animals. With a background in biology and hands-on experience across animal care environments, she's built a safety-first business known throughout her community. Aaron Anders supports the company through marketing and operations, bringing his experience in business, photography, and brand-building to the behind-the-scenes work. Together, they've grown a trained team, refined their services, and built strong local partnerships to better serve clients. Links: https://petsittingadventurescom.wordpress.com https://www.facebook.com/PetSittingAdventures18 Check out our Starter Packs See all of our discounts! Check out ProTrainings Code: CPR-petsitterconfessional for 10% off 📞 Call us: (636) 364-8260 Follow us on: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter Email us at: petsitterconfessional@gmail.com Full show notes and transcript Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Pet Sitter Confessional, its hosts, or sponsors. We interview individuals based on their experience and expertise within the pet care industry. Any statements made outside of this platform, or unrelated to the topic discussed, are solely the responsibility of the guest. 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
