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.

What if growing your pet care business wasn't about guessing your way through it, but following a step-by-step formula that’s already been proven to work? In this episode of the Overdog Podcast, Fern dives into what he calls the “algorithm of success”—a repeatable path built from patterns he’s seen in the most successful entrepreneurs. From vision and mindset to resilience and strategy, this episode walks you through what it really takes to thrive in a competitive market.

Fern pulls back the curtain on the essential traits and actions that drive real growth—like how to spot the opportunities hiding in plain sight, why persistence beats perfection, and how simplifying your offerings might actually boost your bottom line. If you’ve ever felt stuck or unsure about your next move, this episode is a crash course in unlocking your business’s full potential. Tune in and start aligning with the success algorithm that could change everything.

Think you're asking the right questions about your business? Think again. In this episode, Fern and Overdog’s own Director of Operations, Kasey Jervis, dig into the questions dog daycare and boarding businesses should be asking—but usually aren’t. From understanding the lifetime value of your clients to uncovering why customers quietly drift away, this conversation challenges you to take a deeper look at your business operations and mindset.

You’ll also hear real talk about burnout, delegation, and what it really takes to build a brand—not just run a service. Plus, Kasey opens up about her own journey from daycare owner to agility coach and Overdog insider. Whether you’re feeling stuck in the daily grind or just want to run a tighter, more profitable operation, this episode is packed with insights to get you thinking differently. Tune in and level up.

Is your dog business just a set of services, or is it a brand that people feel something about? In this episode of the Overdog Podcast, we're taking a deep dive into the crucial difference between running a business and building a brand. If you've ever thought your logo and color scheme were the extent of your branding, think again. This conversation unpacks how to truly become unforgettable in your community and the industry—by crafting emotional connections, elevating customer experiences, and showing up in powerful, personality-driven ways.

You'll hear why injecting your "why" into every corner of your business, creating talk-worthy moments, and leading with consistent energy matters more than ever. Plus, discover how storytelling, local engagement, and a bold visual identity can make your business stand out in a sea of sameness. If you're ready to level up from being just another pet care provider to a brand that turns heads and wins hearts, you don't want to miss this one.

In this episode of the Overdog Podcast, we're diving into what it really takes to make your pet care business stand out in a crowded market. It’s not just about looking professional — it’s about being unforgettable. You’ll learn why simply having “satisfied customers” isn’t enough, and how creating bold, emotional, and consistent branding can leave a lasting impression on your clients. From logos to taglines to the tone of your messaging, discover how to shape every element of your business to cut through the noise and make people remember you.

But we’re not just talking theory — this episode is packed with real-world ideas to implement right away. Want to know how one business turned its boarding facility into a mini travel adventure for dogs? Or how simple gestures like surprise discounts and welcome kits can transform a customer’s perception? You’ll get examples from big brands that nailed the rebrand game, plus a roadmap for creating memorable experiences at every step of your customer journey. If you’re ready to stop blending in and start standing out, this one’s for you.

Today we're diving into the big debates shaking up the dog daycare and boarding world. From whether you should offer discounts, have seven-day-a-week daycare, or let employee dogs join playgroups, Fern lays out the pros, cons, and his personal takes to help you make the best calls for your business. You’ll get a straight-shooting look at topics where strong opinions fly—and where there's no one-size-fits-all answer.

Plus, Fern shares a clever marketing tactic he picked up from his college tours that could give your facility an instant edge with new customers. It's a jam-packed episode designed to challenge the way you think and give you new ideas to level up your daycare or boarding facility. Tune in to hear it all!

Thinking about starting your own dog daycare or boarding business? In this episode of the Overdog Podcast, Fern brings on two seasoned experts from The Dog Gurus, Shawnte and Amber, to break down what it really takes to set up a pet business for long-term success. From the big essentials like business planning and defining your core values, to the often overlooked (but critical) pieces like building the right team and creating systems that actually work — this is the insider knowledge you didn’t know you needed.

If you’ve ever wondered why some businesses thrive while others fizzle out, this conversation will open your eyes to the subtle but powerful strategies that make all the difference. Whether you're just dreaming about opening your doors or already knee-deep in operations, Shonte and Amber share lessons learned from years in the industry — the kind that can save you time, money, and a whole lot of stress. Tune in to find out the keys to building a business that stands the test of time.

To celebrate the 200th episode of the Overdog Podcast, Fern is joined by Patrick and Dana Lyons for a quick recap of the recent Overdog Business Retreat—an event designed to help pet business owners reset, recharge, and rethink what’s possible. But the real meat of this milestone episode is all about mindset, and specifically, the beliefs that are quietly holding you back.

If you’ve ever caught yourself thinking “I can’t,” “That won’t work,” or “I’m not ready,” this episode is your wake-up call. Fern and his guests dive deep into the sneaky nature of limiting beliefs—how they form, why they’re so convincing, and the steps you can take to break through them. This isn’t fluff. It’s the mindset shift that could change everything for your business.