May 28, 2025

Ep. 70 – Software That Simplifies Your Dog Daycare Operation: Chatting Pet Biz Big Tech with Goose founders Chris Tilson and Drew Brinkoetter.

46 minutes

Are you still relying on spreadsheets and sticky notes to run your daycare?

What would your business look like if your software actually saved you time (instead of stealing it)?

Could one system really solve your scheduling headaches, pricing problems, and staff miscommunication?

This week, Dom is joined by Chris Tilson and Drew Brinkoetter, co-founders of Goose, a modern operating system for pet care businesses. Chris brings decades of hands-on facility experience, while Drew shares insights gained from his time building multi-location pet service brands.

Together, they explain how the right technology can eliminate operational headaches, boost upsells, and help facility owners take control of their customer experience. They also reveal why bundling, blackout dates, and digital merchandising matter more than you think!

Later in the episode, we head back to the Vegas Expo floor to hear powerful stories from listeners who attended Dom’s seminar the previous year. AJ shares how seasonal packages and price increases helped streamline their sales, while Lynnie reveals how just one stinging comment about “confidence” reshaped her entire approach to business – and sparked a transformative year of growth.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Start with Systems – Why a unified operating platform is critical for managing daycare, boarding, grooming and training.

• Merchandise Your Services – The secret to bundling, presenting, and pricing your offers like a pro.

• Let Clients Upsell Themselves – How online bookings can increase average transaction value without lifting a finger.

• Confidence Leads to Clarity – How a mindset shift helped one owner finally raise prices and get paid her worth.

• Why Seasonal Offers, Big Results – Why limited-time themed menus can improve sales and reduce client overwhelm.

Huge thanks to our incredible show sponsor Canine Lab Testing!

Canine Lab Testing helps pet care businesses like yours screen for parasites quickly and reliably, so you can keep your furry guests safe and your clients reassured. Find out more at CanineLabTesting.com

Many thanks to this week’s awesome guests Drew and Chris from Goose. Find out more about how Goose can help streamline your dog daycare or pet resort by going to Goose.pet

If you would like to get Dom’s personal help to grow your pet business then you should check out his Diamond Business Development program. Click here to join now.

Barkleigh’s next show is the Pet Boarding and Daycare Expo which is happening in Hershey in November 10th to 13th. To be the first to find out when registration opens, click here.

Episode Highlights:

[00:51] – Dom introduces the episode, setting up a deep dive into how smart software is changing the game for pet businesses.
[03:30] – Chris shares his background in pet care, revealing how his family business sparked the idea for more modern booking systems.
[04:36] – Drew explains the multi-location challenges that inspired the creation of Goose, with a focus on improving pet owner experience.
[07:16] – Chris breaks down how his first tech venture helped increase revenue without needing to expand the facility’s footprint.
[14:37] – Drew identifies the two major levers in pet care—pet acquisition and labor optimization—and how software can simplify both.
[18:51] – A closer look at upsell psychology: how bundling and strategic pricing boosts booking values and satisfies pet parents.
[23:02] – Why bundling is better: Drew explains how offering tiered experiences drives upgrades and maximizes profits.
[26:39] – Leveraging blackout dates and peak periods to price smarter, without scaring off clients or needing discount tactics.
[29:32] – Chris and Drew reflect on their partnership, the Goose team culture, and the startup journey from beta to big-time.
[36:11] – Dom wraps up with guest testimonials from AJ and Lynnie, whose businesses were transformed by Dom’s no-nonsense advice on pricing and confidence.

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By Barkleigh Productions

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