Pet Boarding and Daycare Podcast with Dominic Hodgson

Do you want to grow your business…without having to cram more dogs into your facility?

Are you clear on what business you’re actually in — or are you still pricing your services like everyone else?

And what does premium positioning really look like when it’s done properly?

In this week’s episode of the Pet Boarding & Daycare Podcast, host Dom Hodgson records while aboard the Barclay Pet Pro Cruise and shares a powerful, practical interview with Kim Buchanan, owner of Fetch Dog Resort in Indianapolis and one of Dom’s Elite Mastermind members.

Kim has been in the industry for nearly 20 years, and instead of scaling her business simply by admitting as many dogs as she could into her facility, she’s built a deliberately small, premium, hospitality-led business that continues to grow by increasing value, deepening relationships with her ever-satisfied client base, and charging accordingly for her top-of-the-range services.

In this conversation, Kim walks through her journey from working in marketing into opening her own dog daycare, the hard lessons she learned along the way, and how enrichment, memberships, and customer experience have become the backbone of her growth strategy – and why it should be the same for you.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

Value vs Volume – Why Kim chose to build a “high-end steakhouse” instead of a McDonald’s-style daycare.

What Business Are You Really In? – How shifting from “dog daycare” to hospitality changes pricing, perception, and profit.

Enrichment as a Growth Lever – How structured enrichment unlocked new revenue without adding capacity.

Memberships That Aren’t Discounts in Disguise– How Kim rolled out tiered memberships, price increases, and higher-value services at the same time.

Customer Appreciation That Pays Back – Why gifts, gestures, and hospitality drive loyalty far more than discounting your services.

Thanks to Kim Buchanan for sharing her inspirational story. Check out Kim’s facility by going to Fetch Dog Resort.com

Want to work with the World Leading Pet Business Coach?  Discover if you’re a good fit to work with Dom by going to www.petbusinessmarketing.com/diamondnow

Canine Labs Testing are the amazing sponsors of this episode. Go to CanineLabsTesting to find out more about their fabulous service that keeps your facility parasite free!

Remember, the next big Barkleigh event is the PB & D Expo West which this year is in Phoenix, Arizona! You can register for the event and be the first to find out when tickets go on sale by clicking here now

Grab a copy of Dom’s latest book Mission ENRICH by clicking here now

Episode Highlights:

[00:51] – Dom checks in live from the Barclay Pet Pro Cruise and sets the scene for this week’s episode.[04:30] – Why growth in 2026 must start with clarity, if you don’t know where your business is headed you won’t go anywhere.[06:20] – Dog news: the rescue dog story that highlights the power of scent work and giving second chances.[09:24] – Why partnering with local rescues builds goodwill, visibility, and long-term trust with your clients.[10:00] – Meet Kim Buchanan: nearly 20 years in business and a deliberate decision to stay small.[16:08] – “What business are you really in?” — daycare vs hospitality vs wellness and why you need to be clear about your identity.[18:22] – Why premium positioning protects you from competition and price wars, not to mention making things easier around the facility.[23:29] – Customer appreciation strategies that drive loyalty without discounting.[26:38] – How Kim managed to roll out Enrich U, memberships, and price increases all at the same time without giving her clients whiplash.[34:00] – From integral operator to sit-back CEO: the importance of building a team that allows real growth to happen without taking up all of your precious time.

Do you feel fired up in January… then somehow end up repeating the same harmful patterns by March?

Are you working harder every year, but not always seeing that effort translate into momentum and profitability?

And what are the most switched-on pet business owners actually doing differently as they head into 2026?

In this New Year’s Eve episode, host Dom Hodgson reflects on the close of 2025 and opens the door on the Elite Mastermind, sharing real, unfiltered lessons from experienced pet business owners who are actively shaping what their next year looks like rather than blindly hoping it turns out better than the last. You’ll hear directly from Elite members as they talk through the biggest lessons they’re carrying into 2026, the habits and decisions they’re deliberately leaving behind, and the changes they wish they’d made sooner. 

Plus, Dom breaks down his own biggest takeaways from 2025, including why enrichment crossed the line from “add-on” to business model, how delegation finally removed him as the bottleneck, and why recurring revenue and continuity remain non-negotiable for calmer, more profitable businesses.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

Why Annual Goals Fall Apart – And how Elite owners use 90-day planning to keep momentum rolling.

When Enrichment Becomes the Model – How enrichment stopped being a side offering and became the commercial engine.

Who, Not How – Why delegation and bandwidth are the real growth unlock for overwhelmed owners.

The Real Staffing Issue – How unclear standards and soft leadership create most people problems.

The Power of Continuity – Why memberships, retainers, and recurring revenue reduce stress and panic selling.

Huge thanks to my Elite Mastermind members for sharing their big lessons from 2025.Want to work with the World Leading Pet Business Coach?Discover if you’re a good fit to work with Dom by going to www.petbusinessmarketing.com/diamondnowCanine Labs Testing are the amazing sponsors of this episode. Go to CanineLabsTesting to find out more about their fabulous service that keeps your facility parasite free!Remember, the next big Barkleigh event is the inaugural Pet Boarding and Daycare, Barkleigh Pet Pros Cruise in January. Go to BarkleighShows.com to book your cabin!Grab a copy of Dom’s latest book Mission ENRICH by clicking here now

Episode Highlights

[00:51] – Dom introduces the episode on New Year’s Eve and explains why January is really just the start of another quarter.[03:07] – Why Elite owners plan in 90-day sprints instead of relying on bulky annual resolutions.[05:43] – When enrichment crossed the line from “add-on” to a core business model you can’t afford to be left behind on.[07:05] – The “Who Not How” lesson that removed Dom as the bottleneck in his own business.[09:11] – Why most staffing problems are actually leadership system problems.[11:29] – How memberships and continuity stabilise cash flow and reduce daily stress.[13:43] – Why investing in yourself often unlocks the next level of growth.[18:51] – Elite members share the lessons they’re taking into 2026 — and what they’re leaving behind.[24:13] – Confidence, pricing, delegation, and finally doing the hard things sooner rather than later.[42:21] – Dom’s New Year sign-off and setting the tone for a stronger, more intentional 2026.

Huge thanks once again to our fantastic show sponsors Canine Lab Testing. You can learn more about their fast, reliable parasite testing solutions at: www.caninelabtesting.com

Are you sitting on an untapped revenue stream inside your dog daycare… and barely touching it?

Do you understand that enrichment is important, but struggle with structure, consistency, staff buy-in, or selling it confidently?

And what actually happens when enrichment stops being “a nice extra” and becomes a core part of how your business runs?

In this milestone 100th episode, host Dom Hodgson delivers a Christmas special based around the untapped power of enrichment, using three real-world case studies of Enrich University members who are using the tools Dom is supplying to transform their facilities, their teams, and their bottom line. You’ll hear directly from Sarah, Stefani, and Kelli, three dog daycare owners at different stages of their journey, all using the same enrichment framework and and each getting eye-opening, jaw-dropping results.

The three owners we hear from have been able to turn every-day enrichment into a fully marketed, story-driven programme that drives consistent sales, improves dog behaviours and staff morale, provides structure and simplicity instead of complex chaos, and most importantly gives clients a reason to keep coming back, even during the quieter months of the year.

Plus, if your ticket to the first ever Pet Boarding and Daycare Cruise is still languishing in your online basket, Dom includes quick-fire reflections from the kick-ass pet resort owners from across the US who attended a private event back in October who are eyeing up retainers, memberships, prepayment, and premium positioning for their facilities in 2026.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

From Ideas to Execution – Why most enrichment fails at the planning stage, and how structure changes everything

Selling Without the Awkwardness – How story-driven enrichment makes upsells feel natural, not pushy

What Real Growth Looks Like – How facilities are seeing 40%, 200%, and even 3× increases by monetising enrichment correctly.

Staff Buy-In & Better Dogs – Why structured enrichment improves behaviour, morale, and day-to-day calm

Why Enrichment Isn’t “Optional” Anymore – And why 2026 will widen the gap between facilities who do this well… and those who don’t.

Huge thanks to this week’s awesome guests Stefani Cotton, Sarah Stevens and Kelli McEntire.If you want to make enrichment the foundation stone of your progress next year then join Kelli, Stefani and Sarah inside Enrich University now. Click here to enrollCanine Labs Testing are the amazing sponsors of this episode. Go to CanineLabsTesting to find out more about their fabulous service that keeps your facility parasite free!Remember, the next big Barkleigh event is the inaugural Pet Boarding and Daycare, Barkleigh Pet Pros Cruise in January. Go to BarkleighShows.com to book your cabin!Grab a copy of Dom’s latest book Mission ENRICH by clicking here nowWant to work with the World Leading Pet Business Coach?Discover if you’re a good fit to work with Dom by going to www.petbusinessmarketing.com/diamondnow

Episode Highlights

[00:51] – Dom introduces Episode 100 and explains why many owners are still very much “on the tools” this Christmas week.[04:19] – Why enrichment remains the biggest untapped growth opportunity for dog daycares heading into 2026.[08:13] – Sarah Stevens on having plenty of enrichment ideas… but no structure, no plan, and constant catch-up.[13:07] – Stefani Cotton on the shift from passive enrichment to a fully marketed, story-driven programme.[18:57] – Kelli McIntyre on launching Enrich U alongside a brand-new facility — and scaling up from day one.[20:02] – Why around 50% of clients now regularly buy enrichment add-ons — and what that does to cash flow.[24:18] – Sponsor spotlight: Canine Lab Testing and protecting facilities from hidden parasite risk.[29:23] – Live bootcamp reflections: pricing confidence, retainers, and uncovering hidden revenue inside existing clients.[33:49] – Why paper-and-ink newsletters still resonate with clients, and how you’re missing a trick if you’re doing online-only outreach.[45:04] – Dom signs off Episode 100 with a Christmas message –  and sets the tone for a stronger, smarter 2026.

Huge thanks to our fantastic show sponsors Canine Lab Testing. You can learn more about their fast, reliable parasite testing solutions at: www.caninelabtesting.com

What happens when you stop trying to serve everyone and instead build a business around a very specific kind of pet owner?

Do you assume cats are “easy,” independent, or somehow less demanding than dogs — and could that assumption be costing your business a huge opportunity?

And what does it really take to build a profitable, respected, expert-led business in a niche most of the industry still overlooks?

In this week’s episode, host Dom Hodgson sits down with Lynn Paolillo, founder of Catnaps Cattery and one of the most respected voices in feline grooming and care.

Lynn shares her full business journey as well as discussing niching down, becoming the expert, and building a business that attracts the right clients, not just more clients.

Lynn explains why cats are often misunderstood, why cat owners behave differently from dog owners, and how positioning yourself as a specialist transforms everything from pricing to loyalty to referrals.

You’ll also hear how Lynn uses education-led marketing, Google search, content, and social media (including a TikTok account with millions of views) to normalise cat grooming, solve real owner problems, and build a snowballing client base that markets the business for her. Plus, there’s news of both the dog and Dom varieties, covering both the importance of keeping your clients engaged between visits and the latest updates from the coaching trenches.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

Why Niching Wins – How going cat-only helped Lynn stand out, charge properly, and build authority fast.

Expert Positioning in Action – How Lynn became the obvious choice for cat owners looking for real answers to their questions.

The Google Strategy – Why SEO, education-led content, and search intent outperform generic ads.

Client Snowball Effect – How loyal, educated clients become your best sales team.

The Untapped Cat Market – Why feline care is still wildly underserved — and ripe with opportunity.

Huge thanks to this week’s awesome guest. To find out more about Lynn go to CatNapsCattery

Canine Labs Testing are the amazing sponsors of this episode. Go to CanineLabsTesting to find out more about their fabulous service that keeps your facility parasite free!

Remember, the next big Barkleigh event is the inaugural Pet Boarding and Daycare, Barkleigh Pet Pros Cruise in January. Go to BarkleighShows.com to book your cabin!

Grab a copy of Dom’s latest book Mission ENRICH by clicking here now

Want to work with the World Leading Pet Business Coach? Discover if you’re a good fit to work with Dom by going to www.petbusinessmarketing.com/diamondnow

Episode Highlights:

[00:51] – Dom introduces the episode and previews a deep dive into cat care, specialisation, and premium positioning.[03:14] – Dog News: PETA’s proposed dog-walking law — and how to turn stories like this into daycare and enrichment sales.[08:53] – Dom explains why businesses with values, opinions, and a backbone win better clients.[16:59] – Meet Lynn Paolillo: cat-only groomer, boarding business owner, educator, and industry authority.[18:28] – Lynn’s origin story: from dog grooming to discovering the untapped world of professional cat care.[21:36] – Why combining grooming and boarding makes businesses stronger and more profitable.[24:14] – How grooming improves animal welfare — and why groomers are the “eyes in the field” for vets.[27:00] – The biggest difference between dogs and cats: socialization, handling, and hidden stress.[30:32] – How Lynn attracts clients using Google, SEO, and “They Ask, You Answer” content.[47:11] – TikTok, luck, authority, and how one video unlocked millions of views — without chasing trends.

Are you unknowingly sitting on a December sales opportunity that could carry your business into 2026?

Do you have a plan to turn one-time holiday boarders into long-term, multi-service, high-value clients?

Curious as to how gifting your clients can trigger a wave of upsells, future bookings, and repeat spending?

In this week’s episode, Dom breaks down why December is one of the richest selling seasons of the year, and why most pet care businesses barely scratch the surface. You’ll learn how to use the many themed days of December (including Christmas Card day and re-gifting day) as strategic sales levers… and how reciprocity can turn a simple gift into a profitable surge of client spending.

Dom also recaps the most recent UK Elite Mastermind meeting, sharing how owners uncover their biggest business blockers, confront uncomfortable truths, and build 90-day plans that create real momentum. And finally, he previews the upcoming Barkleigh Pet Pro Cruise, the very first of its kind, where he’ll be running hotseats, clarity coaching, and a “mini mastermind at sea.” If you want to kick-off 2026 in style, then now is the time to book your cabin! 

In this episode, you’ll discover:

The December Advantage – Why clients are already in a buying mindset and how to turn festive traffic into future revenue.

The Reciprocity Effect – How gifting creates wow moments, deeper loyalty, and increased spending.

Mastermind Mechanics – How wins, challenges, and hotseats help owners identify the one big thing holding the business back.

The Big Thing Principle – Why facing uncomfortable issues now is the key to accelerating growth in 2026.

Turning Seasonal Bumps into Long-Term Wins – How to convert first-time holiday clients into repeat, multi-service customers.

Canine Labs Testing are the amazing sponsors of this episode. Go to CanineLabsTesting to find out more about their fabulous service that keeps your facility parasite free!

Remember, the next big Barkleigh event is the inaugural Pet Boarding and Daycare, Barkleigh Pet Pros Cruise in January. Go to BarkleighShows.com to book your cabin!

Grab a copy of Dom’s latest book Mission ENRICH by clicking here now

Want to work with the World Leading Pet Business Coach? Discover if you’re a good fit to work with Dom by going to www.petbusinessmarketing.com/diamondnow

Episode Highlights:

[00:51] – Dom previews the episode and explains why December is one of the richest selling windows of the year.[04:00] – Dog News: The top literary-inspired pet names of 2025—and how to turn dog names into easy, client-curated content.[08:08] – Dom recaps the Elite Mastermind: wins, challenges, hotseats, and how members identify their biggest blockers.[12:12] – The uncomfortable truth: growth often requires tackling the problem you’ve been avoiding.[16:59] – Dom’s challenge to listeners: identify the one big issue you’re ignoring and write it down… then fix it, obviously.[20:44] – Pour yourself a cup of tea and find out what you can learn from the England Cricket Team’s disastrous (at the time of recording) Ashes campaign.[26:34] – What to expect from the first-ever Barkleigh Pet Pro Cruise, including onboard hotseats and interactive coaching.[31:10] – Why December is more important than other popular holidays for retailers and dog daycares alike.[34:37] – The importance of giving gifts to your clients not just at Christmas, and not just when you want them to buy stuff from you.[36:39] – How to capitalise on the first-time clients that the holiday season offers up, and turn them into weekly regulars.

Huge thanks to our fantastic show sponsors Canine Lab Testing. You can learn more about their fast, reliable parasite testing solutions at: www.caninelabtesting.com

Ever thought about writing a book to elevate your authority… but convinced yourself you’re “not ready”?

Wondering how a simple paper-and-ink asset can transform your marketing, attract affluent clients, and position your facility miles ahead of the competition?

And did you get a copy of Mission Enrich, Dom’s brand-new business parable that launched at the Hershey Expo and is already pulling in glowing reviews?

In this week’s episode, host Dom Hodgson gives you an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at his tenth book — Mission Enrich — and breaks down why book-writing is one of the smartest strategic moves any dog daycare or pet resort owner can make. 

Dom explains how creating a book becomes a 24/7 salesperson for your business, why affluent dog owners gravitate toward experts with published works, and how a well-written book instantly elevates your perceived expertise in a way social media never will. He also talks openly about the creative challenges of moving from “how-to” books to story-driven content and why stepping outside your comfort zone is the gateway to bigger opportunities.

You’ll also hear Dom read the full preface and opening chapter of Mission Enrich, plus he takes a look at a few Amazon reviews from early readers who’ve already put the book into action.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

Why Write a Book? – The overlooked marketing power of a published book and why it instantly elevates your status.

The Spirit of Canis – A first-ever audio preview of Dom’s new parable Mission Enrich and the ancient bond it explores.

Expert Positioning for Pet Pros – How a book becomes your business card, your authority signal, and your most persuasive sales tool.

Standing Out in a Crowded Market – Why affluent dog owners seek out the experts… and how a book makes you the obvious choice.

Comfort Zones Block Creativity – What Dom learned moving from how-to books to story-driven writing — and why growth feels uncomfortable.

Canine Labs Testing are the amazing sponsors of this episode. Go to CanineLabsTesting to find out more about their fabulous service that keeps your facility parasite free!

Remember, next big Barkleigh event is the inaugural Pet Boarding and Daycare, Barkleigh Pet Pros Cruise in January. Go to BarkleighShows.com to book your cabin!

Grab a copy of Dom’s latest book Mission ENRICH by clicking here now

Want to work with the World Leading Pet Business Coach? Discover if you’re a good fit to work with Dom by going to www.petbusinessmarketing.com/diamondnow

Episode Highlights:

[00:51] – Dom previews upcoming guests and sets the stage for this week’s big topic: his brand-new book Mission Enrich. [05:04] – Why book-writing is one of the most powerful “expert enhancers” a pet business owner can create.[06:30] – Dog News returns: posh dog names, origin stories, and how they inspire user-generated content.[12:20] – Live from Hershey: Alison Stroud on growth, team development, and expo takeaways.[19:37] – Dom introduces Mission Enrich — his first story-based book — and shares the creative challenge of writing it. [22:20] – How books act as a 24/7 salesperson, helping you attract affluent, high-value clients without social media burnout.[28:13] – AUDIO EXCLUSIVE: Dom reads the full Preface and Chapter One of Mission Enrich.[33:05] – Meet Amy, a passionate dog daycare owner who does her very best for the dogs but is still struggling to keep the doors open, sound familiar to anyone?[43:21] – Dom previews his sessions on the January Pet Pro Cruise and invites listeners to join him at sea.[47:24] – Final reminders: where to get the book, where to read the December magazine, and what’s coming up next week.

Are you staring down Black Friday wondering whether you should run a promo… cut a price… add a bonus… or avoid the whole thing entirely?

Ever felt the pressure to “join in” with what other people are doing even when you’re not sure if it will help or harm your business?

And want to know EXACTLY how smart daycare and pet resort owners use Black Friday to generate revenue and lock in long-term clients — without discounting themselves into oblivion?

In this week’s episode, host Dom Hodgson delivers a Black Friday masterclass, sharing how pet care businesses can approach one of the biggest buying weekends of the year without blowing up their margins or creating a January cashflow hangover.

Dom explains the psychology behind Black Friday, the history behind the hype, and the simple maths that proves you shouldn’t blindly slash prices on services you already sell easily. Instead, he shows you how to structure offers that add value, increase long-term spending, and act as cost-effective client acquisition tools.

You’ll also hear from a whole host of Hershey Expo attendees, who share their struggles, breakthroughs, enrichment wins, and their opinion on why expos like this are the spark that keeps owners motivated heading into the busiest season of the year.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

The Real Purpose of Black Friday – Why it exists, how it works psychologically, and why pet services must approach it differently than retail.

How to Avoid Margin Meltdowns – The financial traps most daycare owners fall into — and Dom’s rule for deciding what not to discount.

Value-Add Vs. Price-Cut – Why bundling slow-selling services beats discounting high-demand ones.

Lifetime Value 101 – How to calculate whether a Black Friday offer is worth it based on long-term client spending.

Segmenting Your List for Maximum Profit – Why you should run different offers for new clients and existing clients.

Canine Labs Testing are the amazing sponsors of this episode. Go to CanineLabsTesting to find out more about their fabulous service that keeps your facility parasite free!

Remember, next big Barkleigh event is the inaugural Pet Boarding and Daycare, Barkleigh Pet Pros Cruise in January. Go to BarkleighShows.com to book your cabin!

Want to work with the World Leading Pet Business Coach? Discover if you’re a good fit to work with Dom by going to www.petbusinessmarketing.com/diamondnow

Episode Highlights:

[04:38] – Dom opens his Black Friday Tip Sheet and explains why pet care businesses must approach the weekend differently than retailers. [05:34] – The history of Black Friday and why the “in the black” myth still drives consumer behaviour. [06:39] – The discount dilemma: why selling more at lower margins often leaves owners earning less. [07:49] – A personal story: how Dom once pre-sold services to fix a cashflow gap — and regretted it later. [13:55] – Hershey attendee interviews: what owners are struggling with, what they’re learning, and why enrichment sells.[27:00] – Facility owners share how expos “refresh” them, spark ideas, and wake up stagnant teams.[32:30] – Dom explains the true cost of acquiring a customer — and why Black Friday can be a strategic acquisition tool. [36:37] – Why it’s worth losing money on the first sale if the long-term value outweighs it. [38:30] – How to use Black Friday to surface premium pet parents with a high-end service bundle. [39:06] – The enrichment economy: why selling more to existing clients reduces your need for new ones. [40:30] – Dom’s back-of-a-napkin Black Friday plan — simple, fast, and massively profitable. 

If you want clarity, confidence, and a Black Friday plan that actually strengthens your pet business — this episode is where to start.

Did you miss the Hershey expo and now you’re wondering what game-changing ideas you didn’t hear?

Curious why so many facility owners come back from the Pet Boarding & Daycare Expo fired up, focused, and ready to overhaul their pricing?

And want to know about your first opportunity to make up for missing Hershey? Hint: it’ll have you cruising into 2026…

In this week’s episode, host Dom Hodgson returns from the 2025 Pet Boarding & Daycare Expo in Hershey with a full debrief of his final U.S. event of the year. You’ll hear about the infectious energy, the game-changing lessons, and the biggest takeaways from Dom’s packed sessions, including a live clip from his presentation The Price Is Right, where he breaks down why under-charging is the silent killer in most facilities and how owners across the U.S. are raising rates without losing clients.

Dom also shares what he learned from fellow speakers like long-time friend of the podcast Eve Molzhon, whose leadership session had owners rethinking how they support, develop, and empower their teams. 

After the Hershey recap, Dom sits down with Denise Heroux to reveal details on the upcoming (first ever) Pet Boarding & Daycare Cruise — an intimate, education-first event taking place in January where Dom will spill ALL of his pet biz secrets that have made millions of extra dollars for owners across the world.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

Hershey Highlights – The biggest lessons, themes, and “aha” moments from this year’s Expo.

The Pricing Wake-Up Call – Why the industry must stop apologising for charging properly — and how smart owners are doing it.

Leadership That Works – Insights from Eve Molzhon’s session on accountability, clarity, and team support.

From the Expo Hall to High Seas – How the upcoming cruise offers deeper, slower, more connected learning.

What’s Next – Dom’s upcoming presentations, book launches, and plans for a blockbuster 2026.

To book yourself on the inaugural Pet Boarding and Daycare, Barkleigh Pet Pros Cruise go to BarkleighShows.com

Huge thanks to this week’s special guests Eve Molzhon.To find out more about the Dog Handler Academy go to DHA

Canine Labs Testing are the amazing sponsors of this episode. Go to CanineLabsTesting to find out more about their fabulous service that keeps your facility parasite free!

Want to work with the World Leading Pet Business Coach? Discover if you’re a good fit to work with Dom by going to www.petbusinessmarketing.com/audition

To book yourself on the inaugural Pet Boarding and Daycare, Barkleigh Pet Pros Cruise go to BarkleighShows.com.

Episode Highlights:

[00:51] – Dom lands back from Hershey: the atmosphere, the turnout, and what made this year’s expo so strong.[05:27] – Live audio from The Price Is Right presentation — Dom’s breakdown of premium pricing in today’s market.[07:05] – Real examples of owners who doubled prices, upgraded clients, and carved out premium positions.[12:40] – Dom’s chat with Eve Molzhon on authentic leadership and why accountability creates confidence.[14:25] – How Hershey acts as a reset button for owners — inspiration, clarity, and connection.[20:58] – What Eve has planned for her facility and the amazing Dog Handler Academy in 2026.[26:42] – Why smart daycare owners prioritise continued education — and Dom announces the 2026 Pet Boarding & Daycare Expo West in Phoenix (May 25–28).[28:00] – Secondary segment: Denise Heroux joins Dom to preview the inaugural Pet Boarding & Daycare Cruise.[30:07] – What makes cruise-based learning different from expo-based education.[40:40] – The Western Caribbean itinerary, the speaker lineup, and the first-timer experience.[50:50] – Dom’s final notes on Hershey, the cruise, and the launch of Mission Enrich.

This episode is your full backstage pass to the biggest event in the industry — and a look at what’s coming next as the pet care world sets sail in January.

Huge thanks to our show sponsors Canine Lab Testing, you can find out more about their amazing services here: https://www.caninelabtesting.com

Ever wondered what happens when you stop trying to serve everyone and start building a business around what you love most?

Are you anxious that there aren’t enough clients in your niche to make it profitable?

Then do you want to hear how two home boarders in Lancashire turned their passion for sighthounds into a thriving brand—and soon, a franchise?

In this week’s episode, host Dom Hodgson catches up with Maria and Pete Yarnold of The Sighthound Savoy, two long-time coaching clients who’ve built one of the most unique and fast-growing home boarding businesses in the UK. They reveal how they went from generalist dog walkers to premium, breed-specific boarders, creating a luxury experience designed entirely for sighthounds—and how that clarity has transformed their profits, lifestyle, and impact.

Dom and the Yarnolds break down the entire journey: from raising prices and launching a paper-and-ink newsletter to developing their “Hound Pounds” loyalty system, themed marketing campaigns, and 80+ weeks of consistent email storytelling. You’ll also hear how their next chapter—The Sighthound Savoy Franchise—was born, and how they’re preparing to share their proven model with passionate dog lovers across the UK.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

The Power of Niching – Why narrowing your focus can open up bigger opportunities than you ever imagined.

From Walking to Wowing – How Maria and Pete built a premium experience for sighthounds (and their humans).

Paper & Personality – How newsletters, storytelling, and “Hound Pounds” created lifelong loyalty.

Rhythm & Accountability – How coaching, 90-day sprints, and community helped them scale sustainably.

Franchise Foundations – The behind-the-scenes look at launching a breed-specific boarding brand.

Huge thanks to this week’s special guests Maria and Pete Yanrold. To find out more about the Sighthound Savoy go to SighthoundSavoy

Canine Labs Testing are the amazing sponsors of this episode. Go to CanineLabsTesting to find out more about their fabulous service that keeps your facility parasite free!

Remember, the trade show at the Pet Boarding and Daycare Expo in Hershey PA starts today! (Wenesday 12th November) Attending this show is the best way to set yourself up for success in 2026; Go to PetBoardingExpo.com to register now!

Want to work with the World Leading Pet Business Coach? Discover if you’re a good fit to work with Dom by going to www.petbusinessmarketing.com/audition

To book yourself on the inaugural Pet Boarding and Daycare, Barkleigh Pet Pros Cruise go to BarkleighShows.com

Episode Highlights:

[00:51] – Dom checks in from the Pet Boarding & Daycare Expo in Hershey with Tim Jackson to discuss expo prep, presentations, and the debut of Mission Enrich.[07:00] – Dom previews his speaking sessions and the launch of his new business parable.[12:32] – Sponsor Spotlight: Canine Lab Testing — the fast, reliable parasite testing solution for safe facilities.[13:35] – Meet Maria and Pete Yarnold, owners of The Sighthound Savoy in Accrington, Lancashire.[15:46] – How Maria left teaching at 47 to start walking dogs—and why Pete joined the business during lockdown.[17:46] – Their first steps in Dom’s coaching world and how premium pricing, paper marketing, and niching changed everything.[21:12] – The rebrand story: from Your Fairy Dog Mother to The Sighthound Savoy.[27:41] – How a typo led to their unforgettable new name—and a total brand transformation.[31:18] – Behind the scenes of “Hound Pounds,” themed newsletters, and luxury services.[36:53] – The power of coaching, accountability, and the Elite Mastermind community.[40:05] – What goes into building a franchise system—the legal setup, ops manual, and lead magnet strategy.[47:03] – Maria and Pete’s final thoughts on building a business you love—and helping others do the same.

What happens when you redesign your facility around how dogs actually think, feel, and learn?

Could the answer to your staffing stress and client fatigue be hiding in something as simple as a scented wall or a quiet space?

And how are the smartest daycare owners using enrichment to raise prices, reduce chaos, and create happier dogs and teams?

In this week’s episode, host Dom Hodgson sits down with Diamond coaching client Mikayla Cavaness of Fetching Pet Company—a daycare owner who’s reimagining every inch of her facility around enrichment, sensory design, and calming energy. Mikayla reveals how she built an immersive environment that engages dogs and delights clients, from textured anti-fatigue flooring and adjustable lighting to her now-famous scented wall that both dogs and owners love. 

You’ll also hear from Sean Felty of Next Tree Strategies, who shares how his Labour Lens system helps owners keep staffing costs under control during busy seasons, and from industry leader Teija Heikkilä, who explains why events like the Pet Boarding & Daycare Expo are the ultimate breeding ground for breakthrough moments.

Finally, Dom reflects on the “Sliding Doors” moments that change everything—from an offside call in the play-off final at Wembley to the one decision that could transform your business this year: showing up at Hershey.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

Enrichment Reimagined – How Mikayla Cavaness redesigned her daycare to engage every sense—and charge premium prices.

Smart Staffing Solutions – Sean Felty’s data-driven Labour Lens system that keeps profits protected through every seasonal swing.

The Sliding Doors Effect – Why a single decision—like attending an expo—can completely change your business trajectory.

Calmer Dogs, Happier Teams – How sensory environments and structured enrichment reduce conflict and burnout.

Hershey Expo Highlights – The can’t-miss sessions, speakers, and networking opportunities waiting for you this November.

Huge thanks to this week’s special guests Sean Felty and Mikayla Cavaness.

You can find out more about Seans Labor cost calculator by going to NextTreeStrategies.

You can check out Mikayla’s amazing facility by going to FetchingPet.comSpecial thanks to our amazing show sponsor Canine Labs Testing. To keep your facility clean and parasite free go to CanineLabsTesting.com

Remember, we are less than one week away from Pet Boarding and Daycare Expo in Hershey PA. Attending this show is the best way to set yourself up for success in 2026; Go to PetBoardingExpo.com to register now!

Want to work with the World Leading Pet Business Coach? Discover if you’re a good fit to work with Dom by going to www.petbusinessmarketing.com/audition

To book yourself on the inaugural Pet Boarding and Daycare, Barkleigh Pet Pros Cruise go to BarkleighShows.com

Episode Highlights:

[00:51] – Dom previews the upcoming Hershey Expo and its packed schedule of classes, trade shows, and keynotes.[04:37] – Teija Heikkilä shares why attending expos is essential for growth, networking, and long-term success.[06:50] – Dom’s “Sliding Doors” story: how small decisions create massive business breakthroughs.[10:33] – The Sunderland offside moment that changed everything—and what it teaches about momentum.[15:51] – Sean Felty from Next Tree Strategies reveals how to staff to volume and eliminate profit leaks.[21:40] – The Labour Lens advantage: daily tracking and data-driven decisions that boost profitability.[27:25] – Mikayla Cavaness joins Dom to share how she built a fully enrichment-based facility.[29:29] – The scented-wall story: a sensory feature that wows clients and calms dogs.[32:42] – How enrichment design—from flooring to lighting—creates a safer, more profitable environment.[35:01] – Mikayla’s premium-tier model ($59 and $75 days) that increased revenue and staff satisfaction.[38:00] – Dom’s final rallying cry: why the Hershey Expo could be your sliding-doors moment.[41:41] - Speaker Showcase: Hear from Hershey speakers Claire Cronin, Eve Molzhon, Adia Washington, and Sean Felty, as they preview their upcoming sessions and share what to expect at the industry’s biggest event.

Huge thanks to our show sponsors Canine Lab Testing, you can find out more about their amazing services here: https://www.caninelabtesting.com