Feeling overwhelmed in your pet business and wondering how to keep up with all the tech talk flying around? You're not alone. In this episode, Fern pulls back the curtain on one of the biggest shifts hitting the business world today—AI—and what it actually means for dog daycare and boarding businesses like yours. From the messy reality of running a small business to the excitement (and hesitation) around new tools, this is a real-deal conversation about how to stop fearing the future and start using it to your advantage.

Fern shares practical, tested ways AI can lighten your load—from smarter customer interactions to easier marketing—and even gives a sneak peek at some brand-new tools he's cooking up behind the scenes. This isn’t about replacing people; it’s about freeing you up to do the things that actually grow your business. Whether you’re curious, skeptical, or already dabbling with AI, this episode is packed with perspective and actionable ideas to help you stay ahead of the pack.

In this episode of the Overdog Podcast, it’s all about answering your biggest questions. Fern not only dishes out valuable advice for dog daycare and boarding business owners, but also brings on a special guest you probably already know—Kasey Jervis, Overdog’s behind-the-scenes powerhouse. If you’re wondering how to attract more customers, where your marketing dollars should go, or why your Facebook ads are flopping, you’ll want to soak in every minute of this one.

Kasey brings her firsthand experience of owning a boutique dog daycare into the conversation, and together, she and Fern tackle the real-world challenges business owners are facing right now. They get into everything from boosting slow daycare days to getting more reviews and word-of-mouth buzz. Whether you’re just starting out or trying to scale, this episode is packed with insights you didn’t even know you needed.

The pet care industry is evolving fast, and staying ahead means being open to change. In this episode, we sit down with Michelle Sarwas from Bark Avenue Day Camp to talk about how she’s pivoted her business over the years—constantly innovating, adapting, and pushing the industry forward. 

From transitioning to an enrichment-based daycare model to introducing solo play options and a scent room designed for canine mental stimulation, Michelle shares the strategies that have helped her business thrive, even in tough times.

If you’ve been wondering how to stand out in a competitive market, get clients excited about enrichment daycare, or turn challenges into opportunities, this is the episode for you. Michelle’s approach proves that embracing change isn’t just necessary—it’s the key to long-term success. Tune in and get inspired!

Running a pet care business is stressful—there’s no way around it. But what if you could change the way you experience stress instead of letting it wear you down? In this special episode, Fern sits down with someone who knows a thing or two about handling high-pressure situations—his dad, Dr. Fernando Camacho Sr. As an oncologist for over 40 years, he faced some of the toughest emotional and mental challenges imaginable, yet he remains one of the most positive people I know. How does he do it? And more importantly, how can you apply those same lessons to your business and daily life?

We talk about the power of mindset, the importance of self-care, and practical ways to prevent stress from taking over. Plus, we dive into meditation, mindfulness, and the habits that can help you stay grounded—even when everything feels overwhelming. If you’ve ever struggled with burnout or felt like stress was running the show, this episode is a must-listen.

If you don’t have a crystal-clear vision of where you want your business and life to be in the next few years, how do you expect to get there? In this episode, we’re diving into the concept of a vivid vision—a powerful tool that helps you define your future in detail so you can take the right daily actions to make it a reality. If you’ve ever felt stuck, unsure of what’s next, or caught up in the day-to-day grind, this is exactly what you need to get back on track.

You’ll learn how to craft a vivid vision that outlines your business goals, financial targets, team structure, and even personal aspirations. Plus, I’ll share how this process has transformed my own business and given my team a shared mission to work toward. It’s time to stop saying “one day” and start making today day one of building the future you actually want. Let’s get into it!

Raising prices—it’s one of the most dreaded tasks for pet business owners, but it’s also one of the most necessary. How do you do it without scaring off customers? How much is too much? And what’s the best way to communicate the change so clients actually understand the value behind it? In this episode, we’re tackling all of it.

You’ll learn the right and wrong ways to raise prices, how to handle customer pushback, and why pricing strategically is key to keeping your business strong and sustainable. If the thought of a price increase makes you nervous, this is the episode that will change your mindset and give you the confidence to do it right.

What the hell does Bruce Lee have to do with running a pet care business??? More than you might think. In this episode, we dive into some of the legendary martial artist’s most powerful lessons and how they apply directly to business owners like you. From mastering one skill instead of chasing every new trend to breaking through plateaus and embracing adaptability, these principles could be the game-changer your pet business needs.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of your next move, this episode will challenge your mindset and push you to take action.

Are you running your business like a boss or leading it like a true leader? There’s a big difference, and it impacts everything—from your team’s morale to your bottom line. In this episode, we break down the key distinctions between being a boss and being a leader, revealing how even small shifts in your approach can create massive changes in your business. If you’ve ever struggled with staff retention, motivation, or just getting your team to truly buy into your vision, this is the episode you need.

We’ll also take a look at what some of the most successful companies are doing to cultivate strong workplace cultures and engaged teams—and how you can apply these same strategies in your pet care business.

We welcome back industry veteran Joe Zuccarello, who shares his extensive knowledge from over 40 years in the pet care industry. Joe, a leader at Paragon Pet Grooming School and a private consultant, dives into the challenges and opportunities of managing a grooming department. We explore the importance of fostering collaboration, setting clear expectations, and integrating grooming staff into the broader team culture. 

Joe highlights actionable strategies, such as building a skilled team from within and ensuring regular check-ins for accountability and growth. Learn how to create a thriving grooming service as part of a pet care business, including tips on reducing operational headaches and maximizing revenue. 

In this episode we focus is on critical business missteps that serve as powerful lessons for pet business owners looking to stay ahead of the curve. We’ll highlight how resistance to change and an over reliance on outdated business models can lead even the most successful companies to failure. 

Whether it’s failing to embrace emerging technology, ignoring shifts in consumer behavior, or clinging to legacy systems, the key takeaway is clear: businesses must remain adaptable and forward-thinking. You’ll see that success is not just about what has worked in the past, but about staying flexible, embracing change, and always keeping the customer at the center of the business strategy.