Pet Sitter Confessional

Pet Sitter Confessional, LLC
  • 4.9 (103)
  • Personal Journals
  • Updated Weekly

Pet Sitter Confessional is the go-to podcast for pet sitters who want to grow, learn, and feel seen. Having run a pet sitting and dog walking business since 2012, Meghan and Collin share the real, behind-the-scenes life of professional pet sitting—from funny mishaps and tough lessons to business insights and personal stories. Each week, they also interview fellow sitters and industry pros to explore what it really takes to thrive in pet care. Whether you're just starting out or a seasoned pro, you'll find support, inspiration, and a community that truly gets it. Your story belongs here, too!

  1. Are You Prepared for the Emotional Weight of Pet Care with Jeanette Latter

    12h ago

    Are You Prepared for the Emotional Weight of Pet Care with Jeanette Latter

    What does it truly mean to care for pets at their most vulnerable stages of life? In this episode, we talk with Jen Latter, owner of Nanna Jens Services, about her journey from nursing into holistic pet care and how that shapes her approach today. We explore the emotional labor involved in working with senior, disabled, and end-of-life pets, and why boundaries are essential in this deeply personal work. We also discuss how trust is built through consistency, communication, and professionalism. This conversation will challenge you to think more deeply about the responsibility and impact of the care you provide. Main topics: Emotional labor in pet care Caring for senior and disabled pets Building trust through consistency Setting professional boundaries clearly Holistic pet care and Reiki Main takeaway: "Boundaries are essential, especially when working in clients' homes." Boundaries are not a barrier to great service—they're what make great service possible. In pet care, we're invited into people's homes, their routines, and their most vulnerable moments. Without clear boundaries, it's easy for expectations to blur and for burnout to follow. But when you clearly define what you do—and what you don't—you create stability. You protect your energy. And you give your clients confidence in the care you provide. Boundaries don't push clients away. They build trust, clarity, and professionalism. About our guest: Jen Latter is the founder of Nanna Jen Services, an award-recognized holistic in-home pet care business based in Queensland, Australia. With over 50 years of experience caring for animals and a background in nursing, she specializes in senior, disabled, and anxious pets. Jen integrates holistic practices such as animal Reiki and massage into her services to promote calm and well-being. As a solo operator, she is dedicated to providing consistent, one-on-one care that builds deep trust with both pets and their families. Links: Website: www.nannajensservices.com.au Facebook: https://facebook.com/Nannajsservices Instagram: @nannajensservices TikTok: @nannajensservices Check out our Starter Packs See all of our discounts! 📞 Call us: (636) 364-8260 Follow us on: Instagram, Facebook 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 Critter turns insights into action. Use 'PSC20' for 20% off your first three months

    53 min
  2. You Get What You Pay For

    2d ago

    You Get What You Pay For

    What happens when we tell clients not to choose a pet sitter based solely on price, but then make every business decision based on cost ourselves? In this episode, we explore the disconnect between the advice we give clients and the choices we make as business owners. We discuss the hidden costs of free software, delayed hiring, skipped education, and avoiding professional help. We share the investments that transformed our own business, from software and certifications to coaching and conferences. We also examine the difference between being frugal and being cheap, and why strategic investments often create the biggest returns. Main topics: Hidden costs of cheap decisions Software and systems investments Outsourcing and hiring support Education coaching and growth Frugal versus cheap mindset Main takeaway: "If you truly believe that your clients get what they pay for, then you have to accept that your business gets what you pay for too." We're quick to explain why professional care costs more than the cheapest option. We talk about training, insurance, reliability, backup plans, and professionalism. But are we holding ourselves to that same standard? Too often we delay hiring help, avoid upgrading software, skip education, or put off investments that could make our businesses stronger because we're focused only on the price tag. The real question isn't "How much does it cost?" It's "What is it costing me not to do it?" Sometimes the most expensive decision is refusing to invest in the tools, systems, and expertise that could move your business forward. Links: Check out our Starter Packs See all of our discounts! 📞 Call us: (636) 364-8260 Follow us on: Instagram, Facebook 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   Pet Sitters Associates Visit: https://www.petsitllc.com Code: Confessional

    21 min
  3. The Playbook for Better Decisions in Busy Seasons with Brian Hurtak

    Jun 10

    The Playbook for Better Decisions in Busy Seasons with Brian Hurtak

    What do you do when your business feels like chaos is calling all the plays? Brian Hurtak shares how overwhelmed professionals can borrow practical tools from football coaches to make better decisions in high-pressure moments. Brian explains the difference between ethos, a playbook, and a play sheet, and why clarity about who you are has to come before productivity systems. They also discuss how to organize what you learn, reduce cognitive overload, and build simple routines for making adjustments over time. This conversation is a helpful framework for pet care business owners who want to stop collecting ideas and start actually using them. Main topics: Managing chaos with systems Ethos as decision filter Building a personal playbook Using a practical play sheet Making ongoing adjustments intentionally Main takeaway: "You can be anything, but not everything." Brian Hurtak reminds us that clarity is one of the most important tools we have when life and business start to feel overloaded. We do not need more random information piled on top of our stress. We need a better way to filter what matters, organize what we learn, and actually apply it. If you have been feeling stretched thin, scattered, or stuck in reaction mode, this conversation will help you think about your next steps with more intention. About our guest: Brian Hurtak is a corporate executive, speaker, and author of The Play Sheet: A Simple Resource for Overloaded Professionals. Drawing from nearly two decades of leadership experience in large organizations, he helps people organize information, reduce overwhelm, and make better decisions under pressure. His work adapts lessons from football coaching into practical tools for leadership, parenting, and personal growth. Brian is passionate about helping professionals create systems that lead to greater clarity and more effective action. Links: Email Brian: myplaysheet@gmail.com Brian's official website is The Play Sheet, where he shares speaking, consulting, and templates. https://myplaysheet.com His book is The Play Sheet: A Simple Resource for Overloaded Professionals. https://amzn.to/43VEToQ Check out our Starter Packs See all of our discounts! 📞 Call us: (636) 364-8260 Follow us on: Instagram, Facebook 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   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 Pet Sitters International- Visit https://www.petsit.com/psc

    56 min
  4. The End of Easy Growth in Pet Care?

    Jun 8

    The End of Easy Growth in Pet Care?

    Is the pet industry slowing down, or is it simply evolving? In this episode, we explore recent projections showing pet industry growth moderating from pandemic-era highs while still expanding overall. We discuss how changing consumer behavior is impacting pet sitting and dog walking businesses, why outcomes matter more than services, and how trust is becoming a critical differentiator. We also examine the growing influence of cat ownership and what it means for pet care providers. Finally, we share practical ways pet sitters can position themselves for success as the industry enters its next phase of maturity. Main topics: Pet industry growth slowdown Consumer spending behavior shifts Outcome-focused service marketing Growing cat ownership trends Trust and premium positioning Main takeaway: "The businesses that survive are going to be the ones that, when the client gets their credit card statement or their bank statement and they see your name, they don't cringe—they're excited." When clients see your business name on their bank statement, what do they feel? If the answer is excitement, relief, gratitude, or peace of mind, you're building something valuable. The pet industry is changing. Growth is still happening, but consumers are becoming more intentional about where they spend their money. The businesses that thrive won't necessarily be the cheapest. They'll be the ones that solve meaningful problems, build trust, and consistently deliver value. Don't focus on being the lowest-priced option or even the highest priced. Focus on becoming the service your clients can't imagine living without. Links: Episode 703: Cat Sitting Roundtable: https://www.petsitterconfessional.com/episodes/703  Episode on PSI Global Standards: https://www.petsitterconfessional.com/episodes/640  Check out our Starter Packs See all of our discounts! 📞 Call us: (636) 364-8260 Follow us on: Instagram, Facebook 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   Pet Sitters Associates Visit: https://www.petsitllc.com Code: Confessional

    24 min
  5. The Numbers You're Ignoring (and Why They Matter) with Chante Dawston

    Jun 3

    The Numbers You're Ignoring (and Why They Matter) with Chante Dawston

    Ready to earn a CEU? Start here! Are you truly making money in your pet care business, or just staying busy? In this episode, we sit down with CPA Chante Dawston to unpack what "knowing your numbers" actually means. We explore why record keeping is more than a tax requirement and how it directly impacts your decision-making. We also discuss cash flow, profit, and the hidden dangers of growing without understanding your costs. This conversation will help you move from guessing to confidently leading your business with clarity. Main topics: Importance of financial record keeping Profit vs cash flow clarity Budgeting and expense planning strategies Pricing adjustments and inflation impact Building consistent financial habits Main takeaway: "I think the biggest thing that can be a superpower for you in your business, on the financial side, is consistency." Consistency doesn't sound flashy. It doesn't feel like a breakthrough strategy. But when it comes to your finances, it might be the most powerful habit you can build. You don't need hours of analysis or a finance degree to start understanding your business. You just need to show up regularly. Even 15 minutes a week can completely change how you see your numbers. That small rhythm builds awareness. Awareness builds confidence. And confidence leads to better decisions. If you've been avoiding your numbers, don't overhaul everything overnight. Just start showing up consistently—and let that habit do the heavy lifting. About our guest: Chante Dawston is a CPA and the owner of C Squared Accounting, a firm specializing in financial services for small businesses in the pet care industry. With over a decade of experience, including time as an auditor at Deloitte, she brings a strong analytical and practical approach to business finances. Chante helps pet care professionals better understand their numbers, improve profitability, and build sustainable financial systems. She is passionate about making accounting accessible and actionable for everyday business owners. Links: Ready to earn a CEU? Start here! Website: https://petcare.c-squaredaccounting.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/csquaredaccounting/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chantedawston/ Check out our Starter Packs See all of our discounts! 📞 Call us: (636) 364-8260 Follow us on: Instagram, Facebook 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   Critter to turn insights into action. Use 'PSC20' for 20% off your first three months   Pet Marketing Unleashed Visit: petmarketingunleashed.com Use code PSC15 to save 15% on your website template

    1h 1m
  6. Working at 150% (Without Breaking Yourself)

    Jun 1

    Working at 150% (Without Breaking Yourself)

    How do we survive the seasons when our business demands more than we feel capable of giving? In this episode, we discuss what it means to operate at 150% capacity and why some seasons require extraordinary effort. We explore the difference between temporary sacrifice and permanent overload, along with the systems that help us endure difficult periods without destroying ourselves. We share practical strategies for protecting sleep, simplifying decisions, preserving non-negotiables, and reducing decision fatigue. Most importantly, we talk about planning your recovery before the sprint begins so you can return to a healthy pace when the season ends. Main topics: Operating Beyond Normal Capacity Embracing Temporary Business Seasons Protecting Sleep And Energy Simplifying Daily Decisions Planning Intentional Recovery Main takeaway: "The goal isn't to prove how much pain you can tolerate. The goal is to survive the season, accomplish the mission, and still have enough left in the tank to enjoy the life you're building on the other side of it." It's easy to believe that success comes from simply enduring more pain than everyone else. More hours. More stress. More sacrifice. But business ownership isn't a contest to see who can suffer the longest. There are seasons when extraordinary effort is required. Sometimes the business genuinely needs more from us. But the purpose of that effort isn't to earn a badge of honor. It's to accomplish a mission. The real goal is to get through the difficult season while preserving enough energy, health, and relationships to enjoy what you're building when you reach the other side. Work hard when necessary. Recover intentionally when it's over. Build a business that supports your life instead of consuming it. Links: Check out our Starter Packs See all of our discounts! 📞 Call us: (636) 364-8260 Follow us on: Instagram, Facebook 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 Pet Sitters Associates Visit: https://www.petsitllc.com Code: Confessional

    25 min
  7. 703: Cat Sitting Roundtable: A Maturing Industry

    May 27

    703: Cat Sitting Roundtable: A Maturing Industry

    What if cat sitting isn't a side-service anymore, but one of the fastest-maturing lanes in professional pet care? Collin sits down with Beth Pasek (Finicky Cat), Shannon Hendon (Ocala Pet Sitting), and Grace Taylor (Furever Friends Cat Sitting) to unpack why cat-only services are growing, what "maturing" looks like in client expectations, and how education around stress, behavior, and enrichment is reshaping demand. They discuss how veterinary-adjacent care shows up in real homes (especially with medical cases) and why language, scope, and standards matter as specialization increases. The group also tackles pricing, staffing, team structures, and the realities of cash flow when revenue is seasonal and peaky. The takeaway: cat sitting is not a fad, it's segmenting, professionalizing, and creating new opportunities for operators who build standards and stick to them. Main topics: Cat sitting industry growth and maturity Cat stress, behavior, enrichment Medical cats and scope Pricing, staffing, team models Technology, automation, reliability Main takeaway: "Businesses live and die on cash flow." That's true in every industry, but it's especially true in cat sitting, where busy seasons can feel like a tidal wave and slow months can sneak up fast. The answer isn't panic pricing or breaking your standards to "stay busy." It's knowing your patterns, planning ahead, and building a model that's honest about the highs and lows. Your care can be excellent and still fail if the business side isn't stable. Cat sitting is growing, so let's build it to last. About our guests: Beth Pasek runs Finicky Cat Sitting and Behavior in Cleveland, Ohio, with a cats-only focus and deep experience supporting behavior and medical-needs cases. Shannon Hendon is the founder of Ocala Pet Sitting in Central Florida and the Vice President of the Florida Pet Services Association, bringing two decades of industry experience and a cat-only transition perspective. Grace Taylor owns Furever Friends Cat Sitting in Baltimore, leading a cats-only team specializing in medical cats and building systems to support high-touch care at scale. Together, they represent a wide range of approaches to feline-focused business models and standards. Links: Beth Pasek — Finicky Cat Sitting & Behavior (Cleveland, OH) Website: https://finicky.us/ About Beth: https://finicky.us/meet-the-owner Field Notes mentoring series: https://finicky.us/cat-behavior-beth-pasek Facebook: Search "Liz Pasek" on Facebook Instagram (@finickycat): https://www.instagram.com/finickycat/ Book — Understanding Cat Behavior: A Compassionate Guide to Training and Communication: Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Understanding-Cat-Behavior-Compassionate-Communication/dp/164739614X Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/understanding-cat-behavior-beth-pasek/1137311653 Target: https://www.target.com/p/understanding-cat-behavior-by-beth-pasek-paperback/-/A-90337331 Shannon Hendon — Ocala Pet Sitting LLC (Ocala, FL) Website: https://www.ocalapetsitting.com/ Meet the Owner: https://www.ocalapetsitting.com/meet-the-owner Cat Sitting page: https://www.ocalapetsitting.com/cat-sitting LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-hendon YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCE48Cv_QpYgNE6PSmzUspNg Grace Taylor — Furever Friends Cat Sitting (Baltimore, MD) Website: https://fureverfriendscatsitting.com/ Instagram (@fureverfriendscatsitting): https://www.instagram.com/fureverfriendscatsitting/ Built for Cats (Shannon & Grace's joint education platform) Facebook group "Built for Cats: The Business of Feline Care" — searchable on Facebook Speaker bio/overview: https://flpetassociation.org/home/speakers/ Organizations & Resources Mentioned Ohio State University — Indoor Pet Initiative (Dr. Tony Buffington's work on cat enrichment) Main site: https://indoorpet.osu.edu/ For cat owners: https://indoorpet.osu.edu/cats Dr. Tony Buffington bio: https://indoorpet.osu.edu/people/tony-buffington-dvm-phd-dacvn Fear Free Pet Professionals (the Fear Free Certified® designation referenced) Main certifications page: https://www.fearfree.com/certifications/ Fear Free Pet Sitter Certification: https://fearfreepets.com/fear-free-pet-sitter-certification/ Feline Veterinary Medical Association (Feline VMA) — formerly AAFP — Cat Friendly Veterinary Professional designation https://catvets.com/ (Feline VMA) Cat Friendly Practice program info: referenced via https://catvets.com/ Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) — International Cat Show (held in Cleveland) CFA: https://cfa.org/ International Show & Expo: https://cfa.org/catexpo/ Florida Pet Services Association (FPSA) — Shannon is VP https://flpetassociation.org/ Check out our Starter Packs See all of our discounts! 📞 Call us: (636) 364-8260 Follow us on: Instagram, Facebook 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 Sitters International- Visit https://www.petsit.com/psc

    1h 12m
  8. Stop Typing the Same Thing Twice

    May 25

    Stop Typing the Same Thing Twice

    How do you communicate clearly when you are tired, frustrated, or emotionally depleted? In this episode, we talk about why templates and saved scripts are not robotic shortcuts, but tools that help us protect our voice, our policies, and our peace. We share how repeated questions about cancelations, pricing, onboarding, hiring, birthdays, reviews, and training can drain a business owner when every response has to be written from scratch. We also explain why consistent communication is a brand issue, a team culture issue, and a sustainability issue. By creating templates ahead of time, we can reduce decision fatigue while still showing up with warmth, professionalism, and good judgment. Main topics: Templates reduce decision fatigue Consistent client communication matters Brand voice beyond owners Scripts support team training Systems protect emotional energy Main takeaway: "Copy, paste, change the name, and you're done, and you can actually go on to serve the next client, just like you want to be doing." A strong communication template is not about sounding robotic. It is about borrowing the clearest, calmest, most professional version of yourself when you are tired, overwhelmed, or emotionally depleted. When a client asks about a policy, your answer should not depend on whether it is 10 a.m. or 10 p.m. Templates help you protect your tone, enforce your boundaries, and communicate with consistency. They also give your team the language they need to represent your business well. Links: Check out our Starter Packs See all of our discounts! 📞 Call us: (636) 364-8260 Follow us on: Instagram, Facebook 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   Pet Sitters Associates Visit: https://www.petsitllc.com Code: Confessional   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

    39 min
See All (709)

4.9
out of 5
103 Ratings

About

Pet Sitter Confessional is the go-to podcast for pet sitters who want to grow, learn, and feel seen. Having run a pet sitting and dog walking business since 2012, Meghan and Collin share the real, behind-the-scenes life of professional pet sitting—from funny mishaps and tough lessons to business insights and personal stories. Each week, they also interview fellow sitters and industry pros to explore what it really takes to thrive in pet care. Whether you're just starting out or a seasoned pro, you'll find support, inspiration, and a community that truly gets it. Your story belongs here, too!

Information

  • Creator
    Pet Sitter Confessional, LLC
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    709
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2019-2026 Pet Sitter Confessional LLC
  • Show Website
    Pet Sitter Confessional

You Might Also Like