Hey there! I'm Michelle Kline, host of the DogCo Secrets Podcast and founder of DogCo Launch. This episode is part of our Scaling Series, where I break down the phases of growth for pet care companies. Today we’re diving into the $200K–$300K revenue stage. This is such an exciting time in your business, but it comes with new challenges around structure, team management, admin systems, and focus.

If you’ve ever felt stuck in the whirlwind of scheduling, admin, or hiring, this one is for you. I’ll share the biggest risks I see in this stage and practical steps you can take to keep scaling sustainably while avoiding burnout.

👉 And don’t forget, the DogCo Business Summit is happening September 26–28 in Winston-Salem, NC, and online. This is the premier event for pet care business owners ready to grow with confidence. We only have digital tickets left - but it's going to be amazing! Grab yours at: http://dogcosummit.com

✨ Key Takeaways
• The temptation to stay in the field is your first bottleneck
• Building admin support is no longer optional; it is necessary
• SOPs and standardized training protect your business and your team
• Losing focus at this stage is one of the biggest risks
• Safety incidents increase with volume, so systems must come first
• Data-driven marketing creates a predictable lead flow

⏰ Timestamps
0:00 – Welcome and Scaling Series recap
1:00 – The tough $100K–$200K season and what comes next
2:35 – The $200K–$300K stage explained
3:48 – Why stepping out of the field is the first real bottleneck
5:02 – Transitioning into admin leadership
6:22 – The need for structure and SOPs as teams grow
8:10 – Hustling for leads and managing team size
10:45 – The risks of losing focus too early
12:20 – Safety considerations as volume increases
15:00 – Hiring admin and training a trainer for your team
20:00 – Building data-driven lead flow and predictability
24:30 – Closing reflections and invitation to connect

🚨 Final Call: DogCo Summit is Almost Here! 🚨
September 26–28: only digital tickets left. Walk away with strategies to grow your pet care business with confidence. http://dogcosummit.com

🎧 Also listen on:
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | YouTube

Hi friends, Michelle Kline here, host of the DogCo Secrets Podcast and founder of DogCo Launch. In this week’s Hot Tip Friday episode, I am pulling back the curtain on a powerful moment from this summer when I had the opportunity to workshop my own business directly with Alex Hormozi at his Acquisition Workshop.

I share three big insights that left a lasting impact on me and that I believe will help you rethink how you are running and scaling your pet care business:

✨ What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Why “if it’s working, don’t stop” is one of the smartest growth strategies you can adopt

• How to lead with vision instead of fear, and why your conviction matters more than your struggles

• The importance of knowing your numbers and how clarity with data creates better decision-making

As always, these Hot Tip episodes are short, tactical, and straight to the point. My hope is that you walk away with one clear action you can implement right away in your own business.

🚨 The DogCo Business Summit is Almost Here 🚨

If you are serious about growing and scaling your pet care company, you cannot miss this. Join me September 26–28 in Winston-Salem, NC or grab your digital ticket to attend online. This is the event where the industry comes together to connect, learn, and build stronger businesses. Tickets are still available at 👉 http://dogcosummit.com. 

In-person ticket sales end 8/31 - so get yours now.

Cheering you on,

- M

In this episode of the DogCo Secrets Podcast, I break down one of the toughest and most defining phases for pet care business owners: the $100,000 to $200,000 revenue stage. This is the season where owners are often stuck with one foot in the field and one foot in administration, trying to juggle everything while building a team of three to seven people.

I share the risks, bottlenecks, and strategies to help you break through this phase and set your business up for long-term growth. If you are feeling stuck in the whirlwind of daily tasks or struggling to retain staff while keeping clients happy, this episode is for you.

👉 And do not forget, the DogCo Business Summit is almost here! Join us in Winston-Salem, NC or online from September 26 to 28. Tickets are almost gone, so secure yours today at: http://dogcosummit.com

✨ Key Takeaways
• The $100K to $200K phase is one of the hardest growth seasons in pet care businesses
• Owners often get stuck juggling fieldwork and administrative work, limiting growth
• Lack of systems and SOPs can hurt client experience and stall retention
• Protecting windows of time for business-building is essential
• Two hiring pathways: keeping full-time clients vs creating stability for staff
• Retention improves when you prioritize stability for your team
• Running lean financially may be necessary to push past this bottleneck
• Focus on building scalable systems to avoid chaos as you grow

⏰ Timestamps
0:00 Welcome to the Scaling Series
0:37 Why the $100K to $200K phase is unique
1:15 Building teams of 3 to 7 employees
2:04 The hardest season of Michelle’s business journey
3:02 Why owners get stuck between fieldwork and admin
4:05 The “whirlwind” that pulls you under
5:15 Decline in client experience without systems
6:32 Risks of staying too tied to fieldwork
7:48 Pathway one: keeping clients and giving staff leftovers
9:03 Pathway two: stability for staff, overflow for the owner
10:21 Why dog walking focus can stabilize growth
11:25 The power of SOPs and documented systems
12:40 Running lean to break through the $200K ceiling
13:55 Encouragement and strategy to push forward

🚨 Final Call: DogCo Summit is Almost Here! 🚨
The industry’s most powerful event is happening September 26 to 28 in Winston-Salem, NC. Whether you join in-person or online, you will walk away with strategies to grow your pet care business with confidence. Seats are almost gone, so grab your ticket today at: http://dogcosummit.com

Do you have software for scaling your pet care business? Check out my friends at Time to Pet - use my affiliate code and receive a free trial: www.timetopet.com/dogco

🎧 Also, listen to this podcast episode on:
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

-M

🔥 Your ego can be your biggest battle or your biggest breakthrough. In this week’s Hot Tip Friday, I'll share one of the hardest lessons I've had to learn as a business owner: how to battle ego and embrace true open-mindedness. From realizing I wasn’t as openminded as I thought, to working through defensiveness, emotional decision-making, and my fear of data, I'll get personal about what it takes to grow.

In this episode, I unpack 3 actionable strategies to quiet the ego and develop a healthier mindset:

✅ Stay genuinely curious and listen to feedback
✅ Step into your “future self” when making decisions
✅ Use data as your ally, not your enemy

If you’ve ever felt your ego holding you back from growth, this episode is for you.

📍 The DogCo Business Summit is almost here! Join us in Winston-Salem, NC, September 26–28 or grab your digital ticket at: http://dogcosummit.com

Resources Mentioned (disclosure - these are affiliate links):

📖 Principles by Ray Dalio: https://amzn.to/4fGdUTe
📖 Ego is the Enemy by Ryan Holiday: https://amzn.to/45T97KW 

Cheering you on.

-M

Are you running your pet care business solo and wondering how to scale without burning out? 🐾 In this episode, I'm kicking off the Scaling Series by breaking down the path from solopreneur to team growth. Whether you love working solo or are ready to build your dream team, this episode is packed with practical steps, key risks, and real-world strategies to help you thrive.

And don’t forget, the DogCo Business Summit is almost here! Join us in Winston-Salem, NC or online from September 26–28. Get your ticket today at 👉 http://dogcosummit.com

✨ Key Takeaways
• Solopreneurs can scale by raising prices or by building a team
• Know your personal financial numbers before hiring
• Avoid burnout by planning for time off early
• Build systems like Time to Pet and on-site entry before bringing on staff
• Hire part-time team members first and let them grow with the business

⏰ Timestamps
0:00 – Welcome to the Scaling Series
0:36 – Why scaling matters in pet care businesses
1:27 – The surprising stat that started DogCo
2:22 – Breaking down scaling phases for pet care businesses
3:12 – Transitioning from solo to team
4:01 – The challenges and risks of solopreneurship
5:05 – Two scaling paths: higher ticket services vs team growth
6:15 – Why team growth removes the ceiling on scale
7:01 – Knowing your numbers before you hire
8:13 – The financial dip you can expect when building a team
9:08 – Pro tip: how to time your first hires
10:14 – Systems you need in place before hiring
11:02 – Why on-site entry beats keeping client keys
12:05 – Hiring strategy: two part-timers vs one full-timer
13:29 – Doug Keeling’s hiring course recommendation
14:07 – Closing thoughts and next steps

🚨 Final Call: DogCo Summit is Almost Here! 🚨
The industry’s most powerful event is happening September 26–28 in Winston-Salem, NC. Whether you join in-person or online, you’ll walk away with strategies to grow your pet care business with confidence. Tickets are limited, so grab yours today at 👉 http://dogcosummit.com

Do you have software for scaling your pet care business? Check out my friends at Time to Pet - use my affiliate code and receive a free trial: www.timetopet.com/dogco

Check out this resource that I discussed in the episode: Doug Keeling's Pawsitive Hiring Course - https://dougthedogguy.co/hiringcourse/

🎧 Also, Listen to this podcast episode on:
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | YouTube

-M

In this Hot Tip Friday episode of the DogCo Secrets Podcast, I am breaking down the top three things I consistently see in seven-figure pet care companies that set them apart. These are not abstract ideas. They are actionable strategies that can help you scale faster, avoid costly mistakes, and run a business you truly love.

From building rock-solid systems to staying ahead of problems before they happen, to removing fear-based decision making, these are the moves that separate thriving companies from those stuck in survival mode. Whether you are on your way to your first $100K or already approaching the seven-figure mark, you will find practical takeaways to level up your leadership and business growth.

The DogCo Business Summit is right around the corner. Join us in Winston Salem, North Carolina, from September 26th to 28th, or grab your digital ticket. This is where industry leaders, growth-minded pet care business owners, and powerhouse speakers come together to transform the way you work. Secure your spot now: http://dogcosummit.com

Key Takeaways:

• Why the best companies focus heavily on systems and operations
• How proactive problem-solving keeps growth on track
• The importance of replacing fear-based choices with data-driven decisions

Listen, learn, and then put these strategies into action. Your future business self will thank you.

🎯 Feeling pulled in a thousand directions? You are not alone. In this episode, I'll share my personal journey of wrestling with focus, straight from working alongside top entrepreneurs like Alex Hormozi and Evelyn Weiss. This is not just another productivity pep talk. It is a deep dive into 5 powerful questions every pet care business owner should be asking to protect their time, energy, and impact.

With the DogCo Summit just weeks away, now is the time to get laser-focused on what truly moves the needle in your business. Join me for this timely conversation and walk away with strategies you can put into action immediately.

🐾 DogCo Business Summit is happening in Winston-Salem, NC, September 26-28. We have just announced a digital ticket option so you can join from anywhere. Seats are almost gone, so secure your spot now: http://dogcosummit.com

🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS:
🔥 Why “If it is working, do not mess with it” can be the most profitable decision you make this year
🔥 How to identify and protect the single highest-impact activity in your business
🔥 What is draining your time and energy without giving you meaningful returns
🔥 How to decide what can (and should) be deprioritized
🔥 The underrated power of tracking and protecting your time like a high-value asset

TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 – Welcome and episode overview
00:16 – The reality check: focus struggles even for high achievers
01:16 – Lessons from working with Alex Hormozi and Evelyn Weiss
02:10 – Principle #1: If it is working, do not change it
02:25 – Summit announcement and invitation (http://dogcosummit.com)
02:31 – Principle #2: The power of focus in business strategy
03:01 – Question 1: What is driving the most impact in your business?
06:08 – Question 2: What pulls more attention than it returns?
09:23 – Why rest is essential to maintaining focus
10:44 – Question 3: What can you afford to deprioritize?
12:49 – Question 4: What cannot be deprioritized?
14:35 – The role of personal enjoyment in sustainable business growth
15:22 – Question 5: Do you have enough data on where your time goes?
17:36 – Self-auditing for impact and alignment with long-term goals
18:16 – Final thoughts and call to action

If this episode hit home, share it with another business owner who needs to reclaim their focus before the year ends. The countdown is on for the DogCo Business Summit, so do not wait to take action. Reserve your in-person or digital ticket today at http://dogcosummit.com and join a community of pet care professionals who are ready to think bigger, work smarter, and build stronger businesses together.

-M

Are you expecting your team to care as much as you do?

In this Hot Tip Friday episode of DogCo Secrets, I share one of the most important mindset shifts I’ve made as a pet care business owner, realizing that my team’s outside-of-work interests are not a threat to my business, but a key to long-term retention and healthy company culture.

If you’ve ever been frustrated that employees don’t “step up” in the same way you do, this episode will challenge and encourage you. I dive into how unrealistic expectations can hurt your business, what healthy boundaries look like, and why giving your staff space to have a life outside of work makes your company stronger.

What You’ll Learn

• Why expecting employees to care as much as owners can backfire
• How respecting your team’s boundaries leads to higher retention
• Common mistakes that unintentionally create resentment in staff
• The mindset shift every pet care business owner needs to scale sustainably

DogCo Business Summit

Want more strategies to level up your pet care business? Join us at the DogCo Summit in Winston-Salem, NC (September 26–28) or grab a digital ticket to attend online. This event includes Joey Coleman’s exclusive workshop on client and employee retention — perfect if you want a happier team and more loyal clients.

👉 https://my.cheddarup.com/c/dogco-business-summit-tickets/items

In this episode of DogCo Secrets, I’m walking you through 10 money strategies that will keep your pet care business winning. We’re talking about everything from bookkeeping must-haves to daily money habits, mindset shifts, and practical systems you can put in place this week. If you’ve ever felt stressed about cash flow, profit margins, or paying yourself confidently, this episode will give you clarity and actionable next steps.

These are the exact strategies I’ve seen transform struggling businesses into thriving ones. Whether you’re running a dog walking company, pet sitting business, or any service-based pet care brand, this countdown is packed with tools you can use immediately.

🔥 Key Takeaways

• 10 tactical tips to set your pet care business up for financial success
• How to separate business and tax savings to avoid painful surprises
• Why hiring a bookkeeper early is a growth accelerator, not an expense
• The mindset shift that turns money management from stressful to empowering

⏰ Timestamps
0:00 – Welcome and episode overview
0:42 – Why finances are the foundation for scaling your business
3:00 – Tip 1: Hire a bookkeeper and why you can’t afford not to
5:30 – Tip 2: Learn to read key financial reports
8:15 – Tip 3: The three-bank-account system for clarity and control
10:50 – Tip 4: Automating savings transfers to build wealth over time
13:45 – Tip 5: Identify a “free spend” category to prevent burnout
16:30 – Tip 6: Understanding labor costs and employee retention
19:10 – Tip 7: Course-correct quickly when you make financial mistakes
21:30 – Tip 8: Protect “future you” with smart decisions today
24:00 – Tip 9: Check your finances daily to remove fear and shame
26:20 – Tip 10: Make money management fun and rewarding

DogCo Summit

Want to take these strategies further? Join us at the DogCo Business Summit in Winston-Salem, NC (September 26–28) or grab a digital ticket to attend online. This event includes Joey Coleman’s exclusive 4-hour workshop on client and employee retention — a must if you want to scale your pet care business in 2025. 👉 Get your ticket: https://dogcosummit.com

👉 Subscribe for more weekly business insights
🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts & Spotify
📲 Follow @michelleckline on Instagram
💬 Comment below if this resonated with you

This episode is a repost of Episode 11 - one of THE most listened to and implemented episodes to date. Resurfacing because I believe this content is valuable enough to share twice.

💸 Want to make more money on your pet sitting services?

LFG.

In this hot-take mini episode, I share one powerful pricing strategy that helped a pet care company I work with go from $35,000 in net profit to $150,000 in a single year, without increasing staff or adding complexity. (and yes - I said NET PROFIT.)

Whether you’re deep into pet sitting or just dabbling, this shift can dramatically improve your margins on this service line.

Inside this episode:

• The hidden costs within your pet sitting services
• A simple pricing change that adds pure profit to your bottom line
• The truth about after-hours fees (and how to roll them out without backlash)
• Real answers to your biggest FAQs - like whether to pass the fee to staff and if you need to announce it publicly

📊 This model isn’t about nickel-and-diming clients. It’s about protecting your margins and turning a high-effort service into a high-reward revenue line.

💥 Key Takeaways:

✅ Pet sitting often carries hidden operational costs

✅ Charge based on time, not service labels (IMO)

✅ Add $5–$10 after-hours fees for visits outside 9–5

✅ Clients rarely push back - and often shift to easier daytime windows

✅ Keep the fee - don’t pass it to staff

✅ No price increase announcement needed

✅ More money for the same labor = a win

📢 DON’T MISS THIS:

Join us at the DogCo Business Summit, Sept 26–28 in Winston-Salem, NC! Learn how to scale smarter, price better, and grow sustainably.
🎟 Get tickets at www.dogcosummit.com 

🐾 Subscribe for weekly episodes that help you build a more profitable, people-first pet care company.

💬 Was this tip helpful? Let me know - tag @michelleckline on IG and share your takeaway.

🎯 Like + share with a pet sitter or solopreneur who deserves to keep more of their earnings.