If you’ve ever felt like staffing your pet care business is an endless headache, you’re not alone — and this episode of the Overdog Podcast is packed with insights you can’t afford to miss. Fern sits down with Joe Latona of Walker Scout, a recruiting pro who’s helped countless dog daycare and boarding businesses find and keep the right people. They dive into the real reasons you’re not attracting great applicants, how your job postings might actually be scaring people away, and what you should really be looking for when you hire.

You’ll hear some fresh, sometimes surprising strategies for finding the best candidates — including why Indeed isn’t the only answer, how to get your staff to help recruit, and when it’s worth bending your own rules to grab someone amazing. Whether you’re overwhelmed by turnover or just want to finally feel confident about your team, this conversation will get you thinking differently about how to build a staff that actually sticks around — and helps your business thrive.

This week on the Overdog Podcast, Fern opens up about his own unconventional journey — one filled with risks, pivots, and a relentless drive to outwork and outsmart the competition. From his early career experiments to finding his way in the dog business, Fern shares how hard work, creativity, and a willingness to fail forward have shaped his success. You’ll hear personal stories that prove you don’t need to be the most talented person in the room if you’re willing to put in the work and take some big swings.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, intimidated by your competition, or unsure about taking that next leap in your dog daycare or boarding business, this episode will give you the perspective and motivation you need. Fern explores why playing to your strengths, owning your outcomes, and doubling down on your passions can set you apart — even when the odds seem stacked against you. Get ready for some real talk that just might light a fire under you.

Ever wondered what it really feels like to work in your own dog daycare or boarding business? This episode flips the script by diving deep into the staff’s perspective — straight from someone who lived it. With stories from both small, tightly-run teams and massive, fast-growing facilities, you’ll get a candid look at what it’s like on the front lines: the good, the frustrating, and the things that truly make a difference to your employees. It’s not just about managing people — it’s about understanding them.

You’ll also hear how onboarding, communication, leadership styles, and even little things like snacks and shout-outs shape the culture and morale in a pet care business. If you want to keep your best people happy, motivated, and sticking around, this conversation is full of honest insights that you can’t afford to miss. Tune in to hear what your team wishes you knew.

Are your phones helping or hurting your business? In this episode of the Overdog Podcast, Fern uncovers a common but overlooked problem in dog daycare and boarding facilities — how phone calls are handled. From missed calls and inconsistent messaging to clunky voicemail systems and outdated automation, he explains how these mistakes can turn hot leads cold fast. You’ll also hear how smart businesses are using technology and AI to create a better, more consistent experience for customers while saving time and money.

This episode is all about helping you take control of your phones and stop letting potential clients slip through the cracks. Fern shares real insights from listening to countless calls from pet care businesses and lays out actionable ideas to improve your customer experience, boost conversions, and free up your staff to focus on what really matters. If you’re ready to rethink your approach to phone calls and make them work for you, this one’s for you.

Ever wonder how you can seriously stand out in the pet care industry? In this episode of the Overdog Podcast, Fern shares a game-changing insight sparked by his recent vacation to Mexico—and it has everything to do with crafting an unforgettable VIP experience. From private butlers to rooftop pools, the trip offered more than just relaxation—it served up inspiration for how pet businesses can create elevated service tiers that keep clients loyal and begging for more.

Tune in to hear why offering premium services isn’t just a luxury—it’s a smart move for boosting retention, revenue, and reputation. Whether you’re running a bustling daycare, grooming service, or training facility, Fern dives into practical, scalable ideas to make your business the “first-class” option in town. If you’ve ever considered adding a high-end package, this episode will show you how to make it irresistible.

You're halfway through the year—are you where you thought you’d be? In this episode of the Overdog Podcast, we hit pause to take stock of the first six months of 2025. It’s the perfect time to assess what’s working, what’s not, and how to pivot for a stronger finish. Whether you're crushing your goals or feeling like you're stuck in neutral, this mid-year check-in might be exactly what your dog business needs to reset and realign.

But the real focus? Delegation. If you're still mopping floors or answering phones, it’s time to level up. Fern dives into why holding on to every task could be stalling your growth—and how shifting your mindset can help you reclaim your time and step into the true CEO role your business needs. You’ll walk away with actionable steps to start offloading responsibilities, build stronger systems, and create a business that thrives without you in the trenches every day.

Ever wonder how mega-brands like Apple, Nike, and Disney build such loyal followings—and how you could channel that same magic into your dog daycare or boarding business? In this episode, Fern dives into what makes these iconic names tick, uncovering the branding strategies behind their cult-like fanbases. From Taylor Swift's superfan engagement to In-N-Out Burger's laser-focused simplicity, you'll hear fresh ideas that could reshape the way you connect with your customers.

Get ready for a fun, idea-packed ride as Fern breaks down six powerhouse brands and explains how their tactics translate to the pet care world. Whether it's about creating a standout customer experience, building a community around your business, or simplifying your services to highlight what you do best—there’s something here for every pet business owner looking to level up. You’ll leave this one with at least one big idea to put into action this month.

Get ready to go behind the curtain of one of the pet care industry’s most influential yet often misunderstood organizations—IBPSA. In this episode, Fern brings on Carmen Rustenbeck and Brian Remo to share the real story of how this trade association came to be, what it actually does for your business, and why now might be the most important time to get involved. It’s not just about standards and certifications—this is about community, advocacy, and giving you a serious edge in an industry that’s evolving fast.

Plus, hear all about IBPSA’s new kind of conference happening this September—hint: it’s not business as usual. Brian spills the details on how this immersive, no-fluff event will shake up the way pet pros gather, learn, and grow. Whether you’re a seasoned operator or just getting your feet wet, you’ll want to hear how this bold new format aims to unify the industry and tackle real, raw issues head-on.

Are you so busy eyeing the competition that you’re missing what’s really stalling your pet business? In this episode of the Overdog Podcast, Fern digs into a surprising truth: it’s not the new dog daycare down the street that’s threatening your success—it’s your own complacency. Tune in to hear why staying stagnant is the real danger and how obsessing over what others are doing might be costing you valuable growth opportunities.

Fern also unveils a game-changing tool that could revolutionize how pet businesses handle customer service—especially after hours. Plus, he shares the subtle signs your business might be stuck in the past and the small shifts that can reignite your momentum. If you’re ready to stop coasting and start evolving, this one’s for you.

In this episode of the Overdog Podcast, we're diving into the often-overlooked blind spots that could be silently sabotaging your pet care business. From failing to follow up with new leads to treating clients like fleeting transactions, Fern lays out seven common mistakes he's seen time and time again in dog daycares and boarding facilities. These aren't just minor issues—they're growth blockers that could be costing you money, loyal customers, and even staff retention. If any of that hits home, this episode is your reality check.

But don't worry, it's not all doom and gloom. Fern also shares actionable steps and proven strategies to patch up these holes and get your business back on the track to long-term success. Plus, you'll hear about the buzz around the 2026 Overdog Business Retreat, a one-of-a-kind experience for industry pros ready to level up in a big way. If you're ready to stop playing small and start making real progress, this episode is your nudge to get moving.