In this episode of When Pets Fly, Gretta Russo and Dr. Nelva Bryant welcome Jamie Ruden to discuss the dynamic world of pet businesses. They begin with a recap of the importance of health certificates and vaccination records for pet travel, followed by insights from a recent USDA conference. Jamie shares her journey with Bee Spot It and offers strategies for social media growth and media pitching in the pet industry. The conversation explores finding a niche as a pet influencer and marketing experiences in pet travel. They also cover tips for transporting pets by car and train, and adapting business strategies during COVID. The episode concludes with an introduction to the Be The Go-To Pro program and a preview of future guests.

(0:00) Introduction and greetings

(0:17) Recap of previous episodes and health certificates importance

(2:37) Sponsor: Bee Spot It

(5:12) Keeping pet vaccination records up-to-date

(7:07) USDA conference and DOT reportable events presentation

(11:41) Guest introduction: Jamie Ruden

(13:47) Jamie Ruden's background and Bee Spot It's inception

(17:45) Social media growth strategies for pet businesses

(21:53) Advantages of industry collaboration

(25:36) How to craft media pitches for pet businesses

(27:37) Finding a niche as a pet influencer

(29:38) Niche marketing experiences in pet travel

(30:42) Starting a pet business: Tips and advice

(33:12) Pivoting business strategies during COVID

(35:45) Diversifying pet transportation services

(37:22) Tips for transporting pets by car and preventing motion sickness

(43:33) Preparing pets for train travel

(46:28) Special preparations for various pet transportation modes

(49:40) Introduction to Be The Go-To Pro program and networking events

(52:51) Joining the Be The Go-To Pro program

(54:26) Episode wrap-up and future guests