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. 1d ago

    What Does Your Company Say About You?

    What if the biggest influence on your business isn't your marketing, your policies, or even your employees, but you? In this episode, we explore how every business gradually becomes a reflection of its owner's values, standards, and daily actions. We discuss why professionalism, integrity, education, and accountability must be modeled before they can be expected from a team. We also examine how culture is created through what leaders reward, tolerate, and consistently reinforce. Finally, we challenge you to identify the values you want your business to embody and evaluate whether your systems and leadership truly support them. Main topics:  Leadership shapes company culture Professionalism beyond appearances Teaching values through actions Integrity under difficult circumstances Building lasting business culture Main takeaway: "The question really isn't what kind of business do I want to build. The question is, what kind of leader would build that business?" The business you're building is becoming a reflection of you, whether you realize it or not. Clients don't just experience your logo or your website. They experience your values through every phone call, every visit, every report, and every interaction your team has with them. If you want your business to become more trustworthy, more professional, or more compassionate, it starts with becoming that kind of leader yourself. The culture of your business isn't created by what's written in your handbook, it's created by what you consistently live out every day. 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   Your peace of mind is part of great pet care. Pet Sitters Associates provides the insurance you need to get the work done. Visit: https://www.petsitllc.com and use the code 'confessional' for $10 off today!   DogCo Summit

    What Does Your Company Say About You?

  2. 6d ago

    Hard Conversations Build Better Businesses with Whitney Guison

    What if better communication was less about winning arguments and more about building stronger relationships? Whitney Guison, President/CEO of the Nixa Area Chamber of Commerce, talks about hard conversations, community involvement, and why business owners need shared language with their teams. Whitney explains how clear expectations, defined policies, and immediate feedback can prevent unnecessary conflict. They also discuss how chambers of commerce can help pet care businesses build legitimacy, relationships, and local trust. This conversation is a practical reminder that pet care may start with animals, but it grows through people. Main topics: Clear communication in business Handling hard conversations well Building shared team language Chamber involvement for growth Community trust and legitimacy Main takeaway: "It's not about winning arguments. It's about winning people." This is the heart of what strong communication is really about. In pet care, hard conversations are unavoidable — with clients, employees, contractors, community partners, and sometimes even ourselves. But the goal should not be to bulldoze our way to the end or prove that we were right. The goal is to build enough clarity, trust, and shared language that the relationship is stronger on the other side. Better communication helps us lead better, serve better, and create businesses people can trust. About our guest: Whitney Guison is the President/CEO of the Nixa Area Chamber of Commerce and a keynote speaker focused on leadership, communication, and conflict resolution. She holds both a bachelor's and master's degree in Communication, with an emphasis in conflict resolution, and is a trained mediator. Whitney works with leaders and teams to help them approach hard conversations with clarity, humor, and practical tools. Her work centers on helping people turn conflict into stronger relationships. Links: Whitney Guison website: https://www.whitneyguison.com/ Nixa Area Chamber of Commerce: https://www.nixachamber.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/whitney-guison Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/61588893950449/ 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 DogCo Summit

    Hard Conversations Build Better Businesses with Whitney Guison

  3. Jul 20

    There's No Easy Button

    What easy button are we hoping will finally solve everything in our business? We examine why more clients, another employee, new software, AI, additional services, or a manager may create new challenges instead of eliminating our existing ones. We discuss how instant gratification and shiny object syndrome can distract us from the consistent, sometimes boring work that builds a dependable pet care company. We also explain why tools, systems, and advice only become valuable when we understand the real problem and possess the discipline to implement the solution. Ultimately, we encourage pet sitters to stop searching for a silver bullet and commit to executing the fundamentals extraordinarily well. Main topics: Chasing Business Quick Fixes Hiring Without Proper Systems Tools Versus Operational Discipline Testing New Business Solutions Consistency Over Shiny Objects Main takeaway: "Most of us don't need another strategy. We need about six months more of execution on the one that we said that we would do in the first place." It is tempting to believe that new software, another employee, a rebrand, a manager, or an AI tool will finally make business ownership easier. Sometimes those tools genuinely help, but they cannot replace clear systems, thoughtful implementation, and consistent execution. Before moving on to the next exciting solution, consider whether you have given your current strategy enough time and attention to work. The strongest businesses are rarely built through one dramatic breakthrough. They are built by owners and teams who keep showing up, refining their processes, serving clients well, and doing the fundamentals consistently. 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  Your peace of mind is part of great pet care. Pet Sitters Associates provides the insurance you need to get the work done. Visit: https://www.petsitllc.com and use the code 'confessional' for $10 off today! 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

    There's No Easy Button

  4. Jul 15

    717: Building a Nonprofit From Grief, Love, and Service with Janelle Vargas

    What happens to a family's pets when cancer treatments consume their time, energy, and finances? Janelle Vargas joins Collin to share how losing her mother, Wilma, inspired her to create Wilma's Wags, a nonprofit providing pet food and pet-care assistance to families affected by cancer. She explains how the organization supports patients and caregivers, develops community partnerships, and delivers practical help directly to families. Janelle also discusses the realities of starting a nonprofit, raising funds, documenting assistance, and building a mission that can grow sustainably. Janelle's story is a reminder that your work serves people as much as it serves pets and that pain can become a powerful source of purpose. Main topics: Supporting Families Battling Cancer Turning Grief Into Purpose Starting a Pet Nonprofit Building Community Business Partnerships Providing Practical Pet Assistance Main takeaway: "You're turning something so painful that is unimaginable, but you're giving it a new life. You're turning it into a purpose." After losing her mother, Wilma, to cancer, Janelle Vargas knew she wanted to create something that would support other families facing the same overwhelming journey. Wilma's Wags now provides pet food and pet-care assistance to cancer patients and caregivers who may be spending long days at hospitals, managing treatment expenses, or struggling to meet their pets' needs. Her story is an important reminder that the entire family is affected by cancer—including the animals who depend on them. It also shows how you can use your experience, relationships, and resources to meet needs that might otherwise go unnoticed. Pain does not disappear when we give it purpose, but it can become the beginning of something that brings comfort, dignity, and hope to others. About our guest: Janelle Vargas is the founder of Wilma's Wags, a nonprofit providing pet food and pet-care assistance to families affected by cancer. She is also the owner of Pup and Away Premium Dog Services in Palm Beach County, Florida. Janelle created Wilma's Wags in memory of her mother, Wilma, after experiencing firsthand the challenges of caring for a loved one while also managing the needs of a pet at home. Through community partnerships, fundraising events, and direct family assistance, she is working to create a nationwide support network for cancer patients and caregivers. Links: https://www.instagram.com/wilmaswags/ https://bio.site/wilmawags wilmaswags@gmail.com 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

    717: Building a Nonprofit From Grief, Love, and Service with Janelle Vargas

  5. Jul 13

    Before You Spend Another Dollar on Marketing, Calculate This!

    Have you ever wondered whether a marketing expense is actually worth the money? In this episode, we explore three financial metrics every pet care business owner should understand before making decisions: client lifetime value, profit margin, and cost per visit. We discuss how these numbers remove guesswork from marketing, pricing, hiring, and growth decisions. We also explain how operational efficiency directly impacts profitability and long-term sustainability. By the end, we encourage you to calculate just one of these metrics so you can begin making more confident, data-driven decisions in your business. Main topics: Calculating client lifetime value Understanding profit margin percentages Measuring cost per visit Smarter marketing investment decisions Improving operational efficiency Main takeaway: "If you're not profitable at one visit, you won't be profitable at a thousand visits." Growth doesn't solve broken systems—it amplifies them. Before chasing more clients, more employees, or more marketing, make sure you understand what each visit actually costs your business. When you know your numbers, you stop guessing and start making decisions that build a business capable of serving clients, supporting your team, and lasting for years. 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 Your peace of mind is part of great pet care. Pet Sitters Associates provides the insurance you need to get the work done. Visit: https://www.petsitllc.com and use the code 'confessional' for $10 off today! Using Meta ads is hard, www.petcaregrowth.com makes it easy. Use PSC15 for 15% off the course!

    Before You Spend Another Dollar on Marketing, Calculate This!

  6. Jul 8

    Starting Over and Growing Stronger with Meagan Cervini

    What happens when an unexpected opportunity takes you across the world—and then brings you back again? Meagan Cervini shares her journey from managing dog daycares in Canada to helping launch a facility in Dubai, and ultimately building her own business back home. She reflects on the lessons learned from different work environments and how they shaped her approach to client care and team building. Through challenges, self-doubt, and growth, Meagan developed a business rooted in relationships and trust. This episode highlights the power of experience, resilience, and doing things your own way. Main topics: International pet care experience Transitioning into business ownership Building strong client relationships Overcoming fear and self-doubt Team growth and hiring challenges Main takeaway: "I'm allowed to be scared, but I'm not going to let that fear take over my decisions." Starting something new in your business will always come with fear. The question isn't whether you feel it—it's what you do with it.Meagan Cervini shared something powerful: you're allowed to be scared. That feeling doesn't mean you're making the wrong decision—it means you're stepping into something that matters. The key is not letting that fear control your next move. Growth in pet care (and in life) often looks like moving forward even when you're unsure. Every new client, new hire, or new opportunity comes with uncertainty. But those are also the moments that shape your business the most. You don't need to eliminate fear—you just need to lead through it. About our guest: Meagan Cervini is the owner of Meagan's Paw Squad, a dog walking and pet sitting company based in Ontario, Canada. With over 16 years of experience in the pet care industry, she has worked in boarding facilities, managed dog daycares, and even helped launch a pet care facility in Dubai. Meagan brings a relationship-focused approach to her business, prioritizing communication, trust, and personalized care. She continues to grow her team while maintaining a strong connection with both clients and their pets. Links: https://meaganspawsquad.com https://www.instagram.com/meaganspawsquad/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553555017851 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

    Starting Over and Growing Stronger with Meagan Cervini

  7. Jul 5

    Leading Beyond Your Default

    What kind of leader does your business need from you right now? In this episode, we build on episode 710 and talk about why self-awareness is only the starting line. We explore how each leadership style has strengths, stress responses, and blind spots that can either help or hurt our teams. We also discuss why great leaders learn to borrow from other styles without abandoning who they are. Ultimately, we remind pet sitters that leadership growth is about becoming the version their business needs in each season. Main topics: Growing beyond self-awareness Leadership under stress Practicing opposite strengths Building leadership systems Adapting as businesses grow Main takeaway: "The best leaders aren't locked into one style, they're adaptable." Knowing your leadership style is helpful, but it is not the finish line. Every style has strengths, but every style also has blind spots that show up most clearly under stress. As pet care business owners, we have to learn when to lean into our strengths and when to borrow from another style. Sometimes your business needs vision, sometimes it needs systems, sometimes it needs accountability, and sometimes it needs encouragement. Leadership growth is learning to become the version your business needs right now. Links: Episode 710: https://www.petsitterconfessional.com/episodes/710  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

    Leading Beyond Your Default

  8. Jul 1

    Leadership, Legacy, and the Next Chapter of PSI with Adam & Rachel Foster

    What happens when the leadership of one of the pet care industry's most influential organizations changes hands? In this episode, Collin sits down with Adam and Rachel Foster, the new owners of Pet Sitters International, to discuss their backgrounds in technology, entrepreneurship, and pet care. They explore how technology is reshaping the industry, why relationships remain at the heart of professional pet sitting, and the challenges of competing in an increasingly app-driven marketplace. The conversation also dives into succession planning, the future of independent pet care businesses, and the importance of preserving industry standards. Adam and Rachel share their vision for honoring PSI's legacy while helping it evolve for the next generation of pet care professionals. Main topics: Technology and pet care Independent business advantages PSI leadership transition Industry growth and maturity Succession planning strategies Main takeaway: "I think the independent business owners are the ones who are going to win." That's a bold statement in an industry filled with apps, automation, and growing competition. But Adam and Rachel Foster, the new owners of PSI, believe that what separates independent pet care businesses isn't technology—it's trust, relationships, and genuine expertise. While apps can make booking convenient, they can't replace the peace of mind that comes from knowing a professional is caring for your pet. As the pet care industry continues to mature, the businesses that invest in professionalism, education, and exceptional client relationships will be well positioned for the future. About our guests: Adam and Rachel Foster are the new owners of Pet Sitters International (PSI), the world's largest educational association for professional pet sitters. Adam brings extensive experience in customer success, business operations, and entrepreneurship through acquisition, while Rachel has a background in software development, project management, and pet technology. Together, they combine expertise in technology, leadership, and small business growth with a shared passion for pets and professional pet care. Their goal is to honor PSI's legacy while helping prepare the organization and its members for the future. 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  Time to Pet Visit: https://timetopet.com/confessional Code: 50% off first 3 months Critter to turn insights into action. Use 'PSC20' for 20% off your first three months

    Leadership, Legacy, and the Next Chapter of PSI with Adam & Rachel Foster
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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
    720
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2019-2026 Pet Sitter Confessional LLC
  • Show Website
    Pet Sitter Confessional

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