Pet Industry Mentor

Chenelle Conquest

Welcome to "Pet Industry Mentor," A podcast dedicated to the art and business of pet sitting. Join us as we delve into expert advice, share captivating stories, and explore the ins and outs of running a successful pet sitting venture. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, our podcast offers valuable coaching services and insights to help you thrive. Tune in for engaging discussions on pet care, business strategies, and the joys of working with animals. Perfect for anyone passionate about pet sitting and eager to learn from real-world experiences

  1. 4D AGO

    49. Pet Forum Posts and My Thoughts

    In this episode, I did something a bit different. I spent some time going through common problems I keep seeing in pet industry forums and groups, and I shared my thoughts on them. Not to criticise anyone, but because the same issues keep coming up over and over again. When you’ve been in this industry long enough, you start to notice patterns. People undercharging and wondering why they are exhausted. People scared to put boundaries in place. People fully booked but still stressed about money. People saying yes to everything and then feeling resentful. People thinking loving animals is enough to run a business. None of these are rare situations. They are common. And that is exactly why we need to talk about them properly. A lot of what gets posted in forums is not actually a personal problem. It is usually a structure problem. Pricing structure. Client communication. Systems. Positioning. Confidence in leadership. In this episode, I share how I would approach those situations, what I think is actually happening underneath them, and what I would do differently if I was in their shoes. If you have ever read a forum post and thought, I feel like this is me, this episode will probably resonate. It is practical. It is honest. And it is about building something that actually works long term instead of constantly putting out fires. If it helps, share it with another pet professional. And if you are ready to build properly instead of guessing, you know where to find me.

    35 min
  2. FEB 1

    47. Stop Normalising Burnout In Your Pet Business

    In this episode of The Pet Industry Mentor Podcast, I’m talking about something that comes up constantly in this industry and is far too normalised. Burnout. Yes, running a pet business takes effort. There are long days, busy seasons, and moments where you do have to show up even when you’re tired. That part is real. But pushing yourself to the point of constant exhaustion is not something we should be celebrating or accepting as normal. If your business only works because you are always available, always switched on, and running on empty, something is off. A business should not completely fall apart the moment you try to step away for a day or take a proper break. In this episode, I talk about: Why burnout has become so accepted in the pet industry The difference between working hard and overworking yourself Why hustling 24/7 is not the same as being successful What it really means if you cannot take time off without everything stopping How better systems, boundaries, and structure protect your mental health Why your business should support your life, not take it over This conversation is not about being lazy or avoiding responsibility. It is about recognising when the way you are working is no longer sustainable. Being exhausted all the time is not a sign you are doing something right. It is usually a sign that something needs to change. If you love what you do but feel constantly drained, guilty for resting, or afraid to step away from your business, this episode is for you. You are allowed to build something successful without sacrificing your mental health in the process.

    17 min
  3. JAN 25

    46. The World Of Dog Training with Flying Paws Dog Training Owners, Molly and Pat

    In this episode, I’m joined by Pat and Molly from Flying Paws Dog Training for a real, honest conversation about what it actually means to do right by dogs. We dive into the realities of working with clients and their pets, the truths behind dog training that don’t always get talked about online, and the responsibility pet owners have when they commit to bringing a dog into their life. This isn’t about quick fixes or flashy promises. It’s about consistency, accountability, and putting the dog’s wellbeing first. We also zoom out and talk business. What it’s like running a training business, setting expectations with clients, navigating difficult conversations, and staying aligned with your values while still building something sustainable. If you’re a pet owner, trainer, walker, or anyone working in the dog industry, this episode will challenge you to think deeper about your role, your responsibility, and the standards you’re willing to uphold. In this episode, we cover: The reality of working with clients alongside their dogs Why training doesn’t work without owner commitment Common misconceptions about dog training and behaviour The responsibility pet owners have beyond “sending the dog to training” Honest conversations trainers have behind the scenes Running a dog training business with integrity and boundaries Doing the right thing by dogs, even when it’s uncomfortable This is a grounded, no BS conversation for people who care about dogs and the industry they’re part of. To find the girls on socials Facebook: Flying Paws Dog Training Instagram: @flyingpawsdogtraining Their podcast: Flying Paws Dog Training on Spotify and Apple Podcasts

    57 min
  4. JAN 18

    45. What Success Actually Takes

    Success isn’t hard because you’re doing something wrong. It’s hard because it asks something of you that most people aren’t prepared to give. Grit. Consistency. The willingness to keep going when it stops feeling exciting, validating, or clear. Somewhere along the way, we were sold the idea that if something is truly aligned it should feel easy, smooth, and effortless. That discomfort means you’re off track. That if it feels heavy, slow, or frustrating, you must be failing. That’s simply not how real success works. Most people don’t quit because they’re incapable. They quit because they mistake discomfort for failure. They assume the hard part means something is broken, when in reality the hard part is often the proof that the work is actually working. Progress is rarely loud. It’s repetitive, boring, and unglamorous. It’s showing up before you feel confident. It’s staying consistent without applause. It’s continuing even when the results haven’t caught up yet. The truth is, success is built in the messy middle. The phase where you’re doing all the right things but nothing feels certain yet. Where comparison creeps in and makes you question yourself. Where motivation fades and discipline has to take over. This is the part no one posts about, but it’s the part that separates people who build something real from those who give up just before it starts to move. Hard does not mean broken. Slow does not mean failing. Discomfort does not mean misalignment. Sometimes it just means you’re building resilience, skills, and capacity that can’t be rushed. Most breakthroughs don’t come from changing direction. They come from staying the course longer than most people are willing to tolerate. If this episode hit home and you’re ready to stop chasing ease and start building something that actually lasts, come and join the spaces where the real work happens. Check the links to access my free resources, join the private community, or learn more about working with me inside Pet Business Mastery. Find them in my linktree on my Instagram @petindustrymentor

    15 min
  5. JAN 11

    44. Raising Doggy Daycare Standards With Dylan from Farmtastic

    In this episode, I sit down with one of the most progressive and inspiring leaders in the doggy daycare space, the owner of an incredible farm-style dog care facility that is truly changing what is possible in our industry. We talk about what it really means to run a high-standard daycare, not just in terms of space and facilities, but in training, staff education, dog selection, safety protocols, and ethical decision making. This is the kind of operation that does not chase volume. It prioritises wellbeing, structure, enrichment, and the long-term mental health of the dogs in its care. We discuss why the old model of “pack them in and hope for the best” is failing dogs, staff, and business owners alike, and how forward-thinking facilities are proving that you can be profitable without compromising welfare. This conversation is for pet parents who want to understand what truly good daycare looks like, and for industry professionals who want to raise their own standards and build something they can be proud of. In this episode we cover: • What makes a truly high-standard doggy daycare • Why space, structure, and dog selection matter • How a farm environment changes dog behaviour and stress levels • The reality of running a welfare-first dog business • Why the industry needs to move away from overcrowding and chaos • What pet parents should be looking for when choosing daycare • What the future of professional dog care should look like This episode is part of my mission to push our industry forward, protect dogs, and support the professionals who are doing things properly. If you are a pet business owner who wants to build something that is both profitable and ethical, or a pet parent who wants to understand what quality care really looks like, this is an episode you do not want to miss. Listen now and join the movement to raise the bar in pet care. You can find Dylan on social media by searching up @farmtastic.doggy on TikTok @farmtasticdoggydaycare on Instagram

    1h 37m
  6. JAN 4

    43. Why Pet First Aid Is Not Optional With Aubrey From Bluebell Pet First Aid

    In this episode, I sit down with Aubrey from Bluebell First Aid to talk about one of the most overlooked but most critical parts of pet care: knowing what to do when something goes wrong. We unpack why pet first aid is not just for emergencies but a core responsibility for anyone who owns, works with, or cares for animals. From pet parents to professional walkers, sitters, groomers, trainers, and boarding facilities, this is a life saving skill that should never be treated as optional. Aubrey shares real world scenarios she has seen firsthand, including situations where the right knowledge saved a life and others where a lack of training had devastating consequences. We talk about how fast emergencies unfold, how panic can take over, and why having practical, hands on education makes all the difference in those moments. We also dive into our own experiences in the industry, the risks we have witnessed, and the growing need for higher standards in pet care. From choking and heat stroke to poisoning and injuries, these are not rare events. They are happening every day, and being unprepared is not just risky, it is dangerous. This conversation is a powerful reminder that loving animals is not enough. You need the skills to protect them when it matters most. If you work with animals or have pets in your life, this episode will change the way you think about responsibility, professionalism, and what it truly means to care. In this episode, we cover • Why pet first aid is a non negotiable skill • Real emergencies Aubrey has responded to • What actually happens when a dog collapses, chokes, or is injured • How fast situations escalate and why preparation matters • The difference between panic and trained response • Why the pet industry needs higher safety standards • How pet parents can protect their animals better • What every professional should know before they take on clients Guest Aubrey from Bluebell First Aid Providing practical, real world pet first aid education for pet owners and animal professionals You can find her on Instagram or TikTok using @bluebellpetcarefirstaid If this episode hit home for you, I want you to take it seriously. If you are a pet professional, getting trained in pet first aid is part of your duty of care. If you are a pet parent, knowing what to do in an emergency could save your dog’s life. Share this episode with someone who works with animals or loves their pet like family, and help raise the standard of care in this industry. And if you want to be part of a community that takes professionalism, safety, and animal welfare seriously, come and work with me inside Pet Business Mastery. We do not cut corners when it comes to the animals.

    1h 14m
  7. 12/28/2025

    42. Pet Business and Partner Support

    This episode is deeply personal. I share the full story of how partner support has directly shaped my confidence, my decisions and the success of my business. From being with a partner who believed in me so deeply that it made everything feel possible, to being in a relationship where that support disappeared, and then finding my way back to the kind of partnership that allows me to thrive. I talk openly about my husband being my biggest supporter from the beginning. The way he backed my vision, my work ethic and my dreams, even when the path was uncertain. I also share what happened when we broke up, and I found myself in a new relationship where that same belief, encouragement and emotional safety was not there. You will hear how being with someone who does not support you quietly changes the way you show up in your business. How it affects your confidence, your energy, your risk taking and your ability to grow. And how it can make even the strongest people start to shrink. Then I share what it was like reuniting with my husband and being back in a relationship where I am supported, encouraged and genuinely believed in. How that ongoing support still shows up in my work today and why it matters more than people realise. This is not a relationship episode. It is a business episode about how the person you build your life with directly impacts the business you are able to build. If this episode hit home, and you are ready to build your business in an environment that actually supports your growth, this is your invitation to work with me. I mentor pet business owners who are serious about building something sustainable, profitable and emotionally healthy. We focus on pricing, boundaries, systems, confidence and leadership so you can stop surviving and start running a real business. You do not have to do this alone, and you do not have to keep guessing. If you are ready to be supported the way a business owner should be, you can explore my mentoring programs, resources and coaching through my website or socials www.petindustrymentor.com Instagram: @petindustrymentor I would love to work with you.

    25 min

About

Welcome to "Pet Industry Mentor," A podcast dedicated to the art and business of pet sitting. Join us as we delve into expert advice, share captivating stories, and explore the ins and outs of running a successful pet sitting venture. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, our podcast offers valuable coaching services and insights to help you thrive. Tune in for engaging discussions on pet care, business strategies, and the joys of working with animals. Perfect for anyone passionate about pet sitting and eager to learn from real-world experiences

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