Pet Boarding and Daycare Podcast with Dominic Hodgson

Have you ever wanted to combine education, vacation, and real connection with other pet business pros?

Curious as to how a luxury dog airline can inspire your next big upsell idea?

Still wondering why email marketing consistently outperforms social media when it comes to real results?

In this jam-packed episode, host Dom Hodgson spills the beans on a HUGE piece of news, sharing the official announcement about the brand-new Pet Boarding & Daycare Pet Pro Cruise - setting sail for the very first time in January 2026 from Galveston, TX, and heading to the Western Caribbean, taking in Costa Maya and Cozumel (with Dom himself confirmed as the keynote speaker).

To mark the occasion, he sits down with grooming industry powerhouse Denise Heroux to break down exactly what the cruise entails, how it blends learning with leisure, and why this might be the most transformational (and intimate) event Barkleigh has ever hosted.

And as the Hershey expo approaches, you’ll hear from some of the fantastic speakers who chime in to provide a little taste of exactly what they’ll be discussing in their talks this November. Also, Dom teams up again with Josh Hightower of PetBizSuite in this week’s edition of Tech Talk to unpack why email marketing is the highest-leverage move you’re probably underusing in your business. 

In this episode, you’ll discover:

The Pet Pro Cruise – Why Barkleigh’s newest event might be the most intimate, inspiring experience you attend next year.

Email vs. Social – The case for why regular emails are the most reliable way to market and sell your services.

The Bark Air Blueprint – What boutique air travel for dogs teaches us about premium service design.

Behind the Curtain – Dom’s sneak peek at his Profit Pirate Cruise sessions on pricing, automation, and hidden revenue.

The Weekly Roundup – How one simple email can bring in sales and revive cold lists in days.

Huge thanks to this week’s special guest, Denise Heroux, to book yourself on the inaugural Pet Boarding and Daycare, Barkleigh Pet Pros Cruise go to BarkleighShows.com

Remember, tickets are now on sale for the Pet Boarding and Daycare Expo, 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

Thanks to Claire Pickens, Alex Varney and Juls Scores who will all be speaking at the upcoming Pet Boarding and Daycare Expo in Hershey. Grab your ticket now at PetBoardingExpo.com

Episode Highlights:

[00:51] – Dom previews a jam-packed episode: cruise announcements, email marketing wisdom, and boutique airlines for dogs[04:30] – Dog News: Bark Air serves pup-friendly champagne and massage flights (and Dom explains why this matters for your pricing strategy)[08:53] – Denise Heroux reveals the launch of the Pet Boarding and Daycare track on the 2026 Pet Pro Cruise[13:00] – Cruise rundown: how the event works, what to expect, and how the networking really works onboard[19:06] – Why immersive events like this accelerate growth (and how this cruise mimics the mastermind model)[23:55] – Dom previews his “Pet Biz Profit Pirates” sessions on pricing, automation, and hidden revenue[28:01] – Expo teaser! Hear from Hershey speakers Juls Score, Claire Pickens, and Alex Varney on why this year’s expo is a must-attend[29:50] – Tech Talk! Josh Hightower joins Dom to explain why email is still the #1 revenue driver for pet businesses[31:22] – Social vs. email: the risk of relying on platforms you don’t own[35:14] – Quick win tip: the weekly roundup email you can send tomorrow (and why it works)[39:30] – Dom previews next week’s guest: enrichment powerhouses Kim and Bob Karolides from Butter’s House!

Could your team run your business without you - while you’re busy opening another one?

What does “zero staff toxicity” actually look like in a daycare with over 50 employees, and how is it possible?

And how does a founder with three facilities, a gym, and a family still find the energy to chase the next big goal?

In this powerhouse episode, Dom is joined by his Elite Mastermind member Courtney Barnes, who shares the fascinating story of how she built a multi-location daycare empire, a thriving gym, and a zero-drama staff culture, all while still finding time to train, mentor, and scale. You'll hear how Courtney grew from vet tech to daycare visionary, how she built TSA partnerships and rock-solid SOPs, and why weekly 1:1 staff check-ins transformed her team retention and morale.

You’ll also hear a bonus clip from two first-time expo attendees who tripled their rates of return before the weekend was over thanks to fearless action and some pricing guidance from Dom himself. Plus, in this week’s ‘Dog News’ story, hear why you need to be ready for the unexpected in the business world, and how you can overcome unforeseen challenges, no matter the size!

In this episode, you’ll discover:

How to Lead from Afar – The systems, staff structure, and mindset that let Courtney run three (soon to be four!) facilities without burning out.

Fire Fast, Care Deeply – Why a zero-tolerance policy on drama led to better morale, better hires, and no turnover in a year.

The Staff Passport Strategy – How Courtney turned training into a badge of honour (and turned passive employees into driven learners).

The Power of the Expo – A first-time attendee story that includes price raises, upsells, and an instant win before the event even ended.

Growth through Grit – How embracing fear and hard things has become Courtney’s secret weapon in business and in life.

Huge thanks to this week’s special guest Courtney Barnes from Paws at Play. Find out more about Courtneys amazing business by going to PawsatPlay.com

Learn more about Dom’s world famous coaching programs and how to build a premium, expert pet care business, visit: www.petbusinessmarketing.com/diamondnow

The July/August issue of the Pet Boarding and Daycare Magazine is ‘HOT’ off the press. Grab your copy or view the digital version by going to www.petboardinganddaycare.comRemember, the next Pet Boarding and Daycare Expo is happening in Hershey in November and registration is OPEN! Secure your place at the biggest ‘must-attend’ pet boarding and daycare expo of the year by going to www.petboardingexpo.com

Episode Highlights:

[00:51] – Dom previews this week’s guest and plugs the upcoming Hershey Expo — the only place to set your 2026 up for success.[04:24] – On-location interview with Tara & Skylor: how they raised prices by $20/night (and made the sale on the spot) after only one seminar.[06:51] – Why enrichment, training, and community were the game-changers they didn’t know they needed.[11:51] – Dog News: The cockapoo that wasn’t — and what it teaches us about surprises, pivots, and getting help when business grows beyond what you had in mind.[16:13] – Courtney Barnes shares how she scaled Pause at Play from a single-location daycare to a multi-facility operation and a gym empire.[23:16] – The airport client-boost that turned a new location into a TSA-powered revenue stream.[27:12] – From micromanager to empire builder: the turning point that forced Courtney to delegate and document everything.[30:02] – The Staff Passport system and how continuous training changed retention overnight.[36:00] – Building without burnout: how fitness, mindset, and loving “the hard stuff” gave Courtney her entrepreneurial edge.[40:59] – How Enrich U helped non-creative staff become story-loving enrichment specialists.[43:07] – Courtney’s experience in Dom’s Elite Mastermind—and how it’s keeping her sharp, focused, and scaling fast.[45:28] – What’s next? Another facility, a growing team, and a daughter stepping into leadership. The Barnes legacy is just getting started.

Are you struggling to hire – despite having roles posted for weeks and offering  what you think is “competitive” pay?

Did you know there is simple one pricing shift that will instantly fill your hiring pipeline with higher-quality candidates?

And the November speaker line-up is revealed.. could this year’s Hershey Expo be the most practical, profit-driven pet business event ever?

In this jam-packed episode, host Dom Hodgson checks in from his two-stop tour of the USA to give you a behind-the-scenes look at the Elite Mastermind in Chicago - and an in-depth catch-up with Walker Scout’s Joe Latona, this meeting’s special guest, who shares what he learned after sitting in on the hot seats and helping two mastermind members hire standout managers, as well as giving his top hiring tips.

You’ll also hear from Barkleigh superstar editor, Rebecca Shipman, who spills the deets on what’s coming up at this year’s Hershey Expo, including new speakers, fresh formats, and why this could be the most practical, profit-focused event they’ve ever hosted. Be sure to listen right to the end for a post-mastermind debrief with some of Dom’s spectacular Elite members who know why attending meetings like this is what keeps them leaps ahead of the competition.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

Behind Closed Doors – What Dom’s Elite Mastermind really looks like—and why it’s the most powerful thing his clients do all year.

Surf’s Up, Sales Are Up – How one UK daycare turned a viral dog surfing story into an email pitch that sells.

Recruiting in Real Life – Why seeing your new hire sign their offer letter in person is the best kind of testimonial.

The Real Reason You Can’t Hire – Joe Latona on why price and pay are still the biggest hiring bottlenecks.

Hershey Expo Preview – Rebecca Shipman breaks down the 2025 speaker lineup for the Hershey expo.

Huge thanks to this week’s special guest Joe Latona from WalkerScout. Find out more about Joe’s awesome recruitment services by going to WalkerScout.comLearn more about Dom’s coaching programs and how to build a premium pet care business, visit: www.petbusinessmarketing.com/diamondnow

The July/August issue of the Pet Boarding and Daycare Magazine is ‘HOT’ off the press. Grab your copy or view the digital version by going to www.petboardinganddaycare.comRemember, the next Pet Boarding and Daycare Expo is happening in Hershey in November and registration is OPEN! Secure your place at the biggest ‘must-attend’ pet boarding and daycare expo of the year by going to www.petboardingexpo.com

Episode Highlights:

[00:51] – Dom checks in from Chicago at his Elite Mastermind and shares what’s coming up in this eightieth episode.[02:00] – Museum visits, business strategy, and why taking time out of your industry gives you better ideas in it.[05:35] – Dog News: Surfing dogs and how a daycare client turned a news story into a spa upsell.[10:51] – Hershey Expo preview with Barkleigh’s Rebecca Shipman—new sessions, keynote speakers, and who’s coming back this time around.[17:36] – Why this year’s event is cutting surface-level advice and going deeper into real-world staffing, marketing, and growth.[23:06] – Joe Latona joins Dom live from the hotel lobby to share his take on the mastermind experience and how hot seats really work.[34:46] – Dom and Joe unpack why premium pricing is the real secret to attracting the best staff.[43:44] – Where to learn more about Walker Scout—and why recruitment is marketing with a different name.[44:09] – Hear from Allison Jacobs, Sam & Kelly McIntyre, and Kim from Butter’s House reflect on the power of the mastermind.[45:55] – Dom teases next week’s episode with Courtney Barnes: how to build multi-location success that runs without you.

Do you have rock-solid systems and procedures in place so if you step back from the day to day things continue to grow?

Could your team keep things running if you were suddenly out for weeks - or even months?

And how do you deal with an overflow of eager clients you feel you just can’t say no to?

In Part Two of this powerhouse interview, Dom is joined again by Allison Jacobs of Scouts Honor Pet Retreat. Allison opens up about the recent health crisis that forced her out of the business - and shares lessons on firing staff that don’t fit (even the experienced ones), why she ditched the “cool boss” persona, and how her managers now run enrichment, staffing, and ops better than she ever could on her own.

You’ll hear how Allison broke through mental roadblocks, fixed a pricing model that was draining profits, and built a leadership team that didn’t just survive without her, but thrived in her absence.

Plus, in this week’s dog news Dom shares a story about puppies and stingrays, and why socialisation is still one of the most powerful - but overlooked - ways to position your daycare.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

Built for the Storm – How Allison prepared her business to run without her - then watched it grow while she recovered.

The “Cool Boss” Trap – Why trying to be liked can wreck your culture, and how tough conversations saved her leadership team.

From Burnout to Buy-In – How clear systems and weekly meetings changed how her managers lead (and how her staff shows up).

Socialisation Reboot – Why a story about puppies at the aquarium proves your facility can be so much more than playtime.

Fix the Thing You’re Avoiding – Dom’s no-nonsense reminder that the scariest issues usually hold the biggest growth.

Huge thanks to this week’s awesome guest Allison. You can find out more about what Allison, Kristen and Henry are doing at Scouts Honor by going to www.scoutshonorpetretreat.com

Learn more about Dom’s coaching programs and how to build a premium pet care business, visit: www.petbusinessmarketing.com/diamondnow

The July/August issue of the Pet Boarding and Daycare Magazine is ‘HOT’ off the press. Grab your copy or view the digital version by going to www.petboardinganddaycare.com

Remember, the next Pet Boarding and Daycare Expo is happening in Hershey in November and registration is OPEN! Secure your place at the biggest ‘must-attend’ pet boarding and daycare expo of the year by going to www.petboardingexpo.com

Episode Highlights:

[00:51] – Dom checks in from Wisconsin, previews the Hershey Expo, and recaps last week’s Part One with Allison Jacobs.[04:30] – Dog News: Why guide dog puppies meet sharks and stingrays—and what it teaches us about structured socialisation.[09:42] – Allison recalls how she first connected with Dom and what changed after implementing his pricing and marketing strategies.[14:24] – Dealing with demand: how Scouts Honor used pricing and memberships to manage overflow enrichment bookings.[16:11] – Why breaking industry “norms” (like multi-dog discounts) helped them turn the corner on profit.[18:11] – Allison opens up about being hospitalised—and how the business kept growing while she was out of action.[22:12] – How leadership training, accountability, and meeting rhythms helped Allison build a team she could trust.[26:18] – Lessons from letting the wrong staff slide—and what it took to stop being the “cool boss” and become a real leader.[31:56] – Three good things: Allison’s favouite weekly leadership ritual and why it changed everything.[35:13] – What’s next for Scouts Honor—including SOPs, growth goals, and the push to tighten operations for expansion.

Ever wondered what happens when your staff start learning just as much from elephants as they do from industry expos?

Think enrichment only works if you’ve got 10,000 square feet and a scent space that looks like a Hogwarts classroom?

Or maybe you’ve been wondering how to actually build a business that works around your life - not the other way around?

In this inspiring first half of a two-part interview, Dom sits down with Allison Jacobs, co-founder of Scouts Honor in Bloomington, Indiana (and enrichment trailblazer). Allison shares her raw and remarkable journey from struggling with autoimmune disease and pet sitting on Rover… to running a high-profit, high-impact enrichment-focused daycare that’s built across three split levels of an old lumber yard!

You’ll hear how she and business partner Kristen turned their rescue roots into a powerful enrichment model that serves dogs, staff, and clients - without needing fancy equipment or ideal square footage. Plus, learn how Allison enriches her team with zoo visits, themed training days, and culture-building strategies that have fostered a fantastic workplace atmosphere that staff and customers alike simply can’t get enough of.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

“Harry Potter’s Scent Space” – Why you don’t need a posh facility to deliver powerful enrichment sessions.

Why Beagles Get Bored Too – And how understanding breed drives can turn tired routines into energy-burning gold.

Enrichment for Humans – How field trips and one-on-ones lead to happier, longer-lasting staff.

Theme It and They Will Come – How monthly story-driven enrichment campaigns boost engagement and bookings.

Building the Business That Suits YOU – How Alison designed her role as CEO around her life, not the other way around.

Huge thanks to this week’s awesome guest Allison. You can find out more about what Allison, Kristen and Henry are doing at Scouts Honor by going to www.scoutshonorpetretreat.com

learn more about Dom’s coaching programs and how to build a premium pet care business, visit: www.petbusinessmarketing.com/diamondnow 

The July/August issue of the Pet Boarding and Daycare Magazine is ‘HOT’ off the press. Grab your copy or view the digital version by going to www.petboardinganddaycare.com.

Remember, the next Barkleigh show is happening in Hershey in November. Be the first to find out when registration opens by entering your info at www.petboardingexpo.com

Episode Highlights:

[00:51] – Dom previews the summer ahead and introduces Allison Jacobs from Scouts Honor.

[05:53] – Dog News: Hear about both DINKWADs and surge of crypto-powered adoption as Dom shares two trending dog stories.

[09:23] – Allison shares her journey from Best Buy to Rover to CEO of a booming enrichment facility.

[14:06] – Why enrichment was the foundation of Scouts Honor—and how Kristen and Allison divide their time.

[17:41] – The truth about their weird facility layout (and how they made it work anyway).

[21:04] – A real-world enrichment case study: how a bored Beagle needed less physically-draining agility and more stimulating scent work.

[26:33] – Human enrichment 101: zoo trips, enrichment boards, and what elephants can teach your staff.

[33:05] – Why one-on-one enrichment builds confidence in dogs and their skeptical owners.

[36:06] – How Enrich U’s monthly themes helped Allison to market better, train smarter, and get staff and clients fired up.

[39:24] – Dom previews Part 2, where Allison is set to share how she built the systems that helped her business run—even when she couldn’t.

Not ready to host a kennel lock-in or parade through town with costumed dogs just to get press?

Do you wish you could make the news without making a scene (and without losing out on profit)?

Looking for a fool-proof way to grab attention and turn yesterday’s headlines into tomorrow’s bookings?

Then this follow-up to last week’s episode will help, because host Dom reveals how to borrow the news - using trending stories and viral headlines to make your pet care services feel timely, relevant, and newsworthy. He reveals how stories like Prince William’s new puppies, dog attacks on postmen, or the latest zoo enrichment feature, can lead to huge change in your business if you know how to spin the story into engaging content that drives sales and elevates your expert status.

Plus, in this week’s Tech Talk, Josh Hightower breaks down the “lead magnet” - what it is, why you need one, and how PetBizSuite gives you plug-and-play tools to build your email list fast. And finally, Dom is joined by Rebecca Shipman for a behind-the-scenes look at the latest issue of Pet Boarding & Daycare Magazine - including community outreach strategies, AI for pet pros, Universal Studios-inspired sales tactics, and a stellar feature on Skydance Pet Lodge.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

The “Borrow the News” Formula – How to spot trending stories and spin them into expert-enhancing, client-attracting content.

Lead Magnets Made Simple – Josh explains why the right freebie turns browsers into buyers (and how to set one up in minutes).

Media That Multiplies – Why reusing press features on your website, emails, and social is just smart marketing.

From Guinea Pigs to Royal Puppies – Real-world examples of pet pros using newsjacking to get featured and grow.

What’s Inside the Latest Magazine – Rebecca shares the hottest articles from the new issue (plus how to get your hands on a copy).

Thanks for tuning in!

To learn more about Dom’s coaching programs and how to build a premium pet care business, visit: www.petbusinessmarketing.com/diamondnow 

Big thanks to this week’s guest, Josh Hightower from PetBizSuite, you can find out more about how PetBizSuite CRM can help your business grow by going to www.petbizsuite.com

The July/August issue of the Pet Boarding and Daycare Magazine is ‘HOT’ off the press. Grab your copy or view the digital version by going to www.petboardinganddaycare.com

Remember, the next Barkleigh show is happening in Hershey in November. Be the first to find out when registration opens by entering your info at www.petboardingexpo.com

Episode Highlights:

[00:51] – Dom kicks off the show with a quick recap of last week’s “Make the News” strategy—and introduces Part 2: Borrow the News.[02:53] – Tech Talk: Josh Hightower explains what a lead magnet is and why it's the first step in a strong sales funnel.[05:46] – How a lead magnet builds trust, collects contact info, and bridges the gap between curiosity and conversion.[08:35] – Josh explains the 7-11-4 rule of marketing: why prospects need more touchpoints before they’re ready to buy.[11:09] – Dom dives into news-borrowing, with step-by-step tips for turning trending stories into PR and content gold.[14:07] – Real example: How Dom used a national story about puppy resale to land local coverage and boost book sales.[16:52] – Client example: “Little Critter” Lucy Medway gets press by responding to a celebrity guinea pig story.[20:28] – Dom’s borrow the news formula: Current headline + local expert take + practical tips = media coverage.[24:34] – Dom live-spins five current stories into sellable angles—covering obedience, enrichment, and puppy training.[31:18] – Rebecca Shipman joins to preview the latest magazine issue—including Skydance Pet Lodge, doing good in your community, and AI tools that save time.[34:28] – Why enrichment, pricing, and customer experience all take centre stage in this packed bimonthly issue.[38:08] – Next week: Dom teases a powerful double episode with Alison Jacobs of Scouts Honour on systemising leadership and building a business that runs without you.

Are you getting buried in the algorithm - while your competitors somehow keep popping up everywhere?

Still staring at a blank screen, wondering how to create content that isn’t just another cute dog video?

And are you tired of watching other businesses get media coverage… when you’re the one doing all the work worth shouting about?

In this (mostly) solo marketing masterclass, Dom reveals how to use newsjacking - the art of inserting your brand into trending topics - to generate free publicity, social buzz, and client trust. You’ll discover how to ride the coattails of cultural moments (like the Super Bowl, holidays, or even local news) to make your pet business look modern, relevant, and fun. 

Dom also shares how he used this same strategy to launch a cross-country rescue dog cycling tour that earned more than a dozen media features, and how one of his clients scored local coverage (and a radio slot!) just by dressing up as a dog and doing a charity walk.

Plus: a fresh round of Tech Talk with Josh Hightower from PetBizSuite, where they break down why funnels matter now more than ever - and how most pet businesses are letting 90% of their website traffic go to waste.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

The Power of Borrowed Media – Why getting featured in the local news can instantly raise your status.

Funnels That Convert – Why most websites leak leads—and how to fix it in one simple step.

Charity = Celebrity – How stunts and community events can land you coverage (and new clients).

The Email List You Forgot You Needed – Why social followers are a trap—and owned media is the goldmine.

How to Spark Ideas with Cultural Calendars – From Halloween to the Kentucky Derby, Dom shows you how to turn trends into bookings.

Thanks for tuning in!

To learn more about Dom’s coaching programs and how to build a premium pet care business, visit: www.petbusinessmarketing.com/diamondnow 

Big thanks to this week’s guest, Josh Hightower from PetBizSuite, you can find out more about how PetBizSuite CRM can help your business grow by going to www.petbizsuite.com

The July/August issue of the Pet Boarding and Daycare Magazine is ‘HOT’ off the press. Grab your copy or view the digital version by going to www.petboardinganddaycare.com

Remember, the next Barkleigh show is happening in Hershey in November. Be the first to find out when registration opens by entering your info at www.petboardingexpo.com

Episode Highlights:

[00:51] – Dom explains the concept of ‘newsjacking’  - and why pet businesses should be doing it.[05:01] – Tech Talk with Josh Hightower, this week Josh is talking all about funnels and how they can transform your client acquisition.[06:42] – Dom and Josh map out a real-world funnel strategy to capture more leads and boost bookings.[13:22] – Dom dives deep into the importance of owned media, and why a healthy email list is more important than thousands of social media followers.[16:58] – Theme-based enrichment vs trend-based marketing—how to tap into current events for engagement.[26:21] – Dom shares a quote from Dan Kennedy and explains the power of becoming a “local celebrity” in your niche.[38:00] – Behind the scenes of Dom’s Tour de Rescue event: cycling, shelters, and media hits galore.[44:30] – How to offer expert commentary on trending topics—and get quoted by local news outlets.[46:51] – The step-by-step guide: pick a cause, plan a charity event, and watch the press come to you.[50:27] – Sneak peek at what’s coming in the next few weeks: more on newsjacking, and must-listen interviews with top pet care pros.

Still scrambling to fill gaps in your summer schedule—while silently dreading Q4?

Is your inbox overflowing, your to-do list never-ending, and your bookings still unpredictable?

And are you relying on a glorified calendar app instead of a real system to grow your business? 

In this packed episode, Dom shares how a week off in Menorca - with no emails, no Slack, and no distractions - helped him see things more clearly than he has in years. You’ll learn how to use the power of a “digital detox” to spark better thinking, deeper focus, and a healthier way to run your business. Dom also introduces a new regular feature: Tech Talk with PetBizSuite co-founder and tech wiz Josh Hightower. 

In the debut segment of ‘Tech-Talk’, Josh breaks down what a CRM actually is, how it differs from your booking software, and why both systems are essential if you want to grow, re-engage past clients, and automate your follow-up.

Plus, you’ll hear real-time reflections from Dom’s UK Elite Mastermind members as they share what they’ve achieved so far in 2025 - and how the 90-day planning process the meetings provide is helping them crush their next chapter.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Why Boredom Isn’t the Enemy – How stepping back (and putting down your phone) can help you move forward faster.

• CRMs vs Booking Systems – Josh Hightower explains why managing leads, reviews, and reactivations requires more than a calendar.

• Work in 90-Day Sprints – Dom shares his favourite way to get focused, eliminate overwhelm, and make real progress.

• Mastermind Momentum – Hear how Dom’s Elite members are tackling big goals, launching new products, and staying accountable.

• The Power of Events – Why scheduling an open house or appreciation event can energise your team and create serious sales spikes.Thanks for tuning in!

To learn more about Dom’s coaching programs and how to build a premium pet care business, visit: www.petbusinessmarketing.com/diamondnow 

Big thanks to this week’s guest, Josh Hightower from PetBizSuite, you can find out more about how PetBizSuite CRM can help your business grow by going to www.petbizsuite.com

Remember, the next Barkleigh show is happening in Hershey in November. Be the first to find out when the tickets go on sale by registering your info at www.petboardingexpo.com

Episode Highlights:

[00:51] – Dom introduces the episode: a halftime reset for 2025—and why stepping back can help you step up.[03:00] – Dog news: A Liverpool pet store gets a legal letter from Hugo Boss over a cheeky name choice.[05:03] – The launch of Tech Talk! Josh Hightower joins Dom to explain the difference between CRMs and scheduling systems.[08:15] – Why your old customers are your easiest sale—and how to win them back with database reactivation.[11:56] – Dom recaps his week in Menorca and the mental clarity that came from a full digital detox.[18:04] – The 12-Week Year mindset: Dom explains why quarterly planning beats annual goals every time.[21:07] – Live from the UK Elite Mastermind: Members share how they’re staying focused, launching new products, and handling growth challenges.[35:21] – Why now is the perfect time to plan an event—and how it can attract new clients, energise your team, and drive sales.[37:08] – Pricing, promotion, and planning for Q3 and Q4—Dom wraps with a mini action plan for the second half of the year.[39:24] – Heads-up! Hershey Expo registration is opening soon. Visit petboardingexpo.com to get on the list.

What happens when AI picks up the phone at your pet resort - and never misses a call again?

Could the biggest leap in daycare efficiency come from hospital wards and HVAC vans?

And why are the smartest pet care facilities ditching all-inclusive chaos for themed enrichment bundles that sell themselves?

In this tech-centric episode, Dom sits down with Garret Tadlock - CEO of FetchDesk Ai - for a no-fluff conversation about how technology is reshaping the pet care landscape. Garret shares hard-won insights from 16 years in the industry, including why your software should serve as the nerve center of your business, how to know if you’re really ready to sell, and what boarding facilities can learn from gyms, hospitals, and HVAC techs.

Garret also breaks down how the right tools can turn data into dollars—and what your next five years might look like if you embrace innovation now. Plus, you’ll hear a powerful testimonial from Enrich U member Kim Buchanan, who reports a 42% increase in daycare sales after switching to enrichment-based care, talk about the future of the industry!

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Build It to Sell – Why the best-run pet businesses are structured like they’re always for sale (even if they’re not).

• Tech That Pays for Itself – How the right software and AI can make your front desk smarter, faster, and more profitable.

• Enrichment as the New Standard – Why Garret says enrichment isn’t a nice-to-have anymore - it’s essential.

• Theme It and They Will Come – What’s next after Enrichment 2.0? Experience-driven themes and bundles that boost average revenue per dog.

• Know Your Numbers – Why most owners don’t track the right metrics - and how AI is closing the gap.

Thanks for tuning in!

To learn more about Dom’s coaching programs and how to build a premium pet care business, visit: www.petbusinessmarketing.com/diamondnow 

Big thanks to this week’s guest, Garret Tadlock from FetchDesk Ai, you can find out more about Garrets new service by going to www.fetchdeskai.com

Remember, the next Barkleigh show is happening in Hershey in November. Be the first to find out when the tickets go on sale by registering your info at www.petboardingexpo.com

Episode Highlights:

[00:51] – Dom kicks off with a shoutout from sunny Menorca and previews next week’s “halftime report” episode.[04:00] – Dog News! Dom discusses a recent article on pet psychology—and how to use it in your next promo.[08:18] – Garret joins the show and shares his journey from tech sales to pet care software pioneer.[09:32] – Why expos are essential: education, connection, and finding a peer accountability partner.[13:30] – The power of software systems: how tech helps scale and sell a better pet business.[19:49] – Enrichment then vs. now—and the growing importance of themed experiences.[22:18] – Garret puts forward the case for bundled boarding packages and automated upsells.[23:09] – Inside FetchDesk AI: how AI agents are answering phones, handling bookings, and driving revenue.[28:22] – What Garret learned from hospitals, HVAC techs, and his grandfather’s care team.[36:17] – A must-hear voice note from Kim Buchanan on the revenue jump she saw after implementing the lessons learned from Enrich U.

Are you still offering “just enough” to new hires - and then wondering why they ghost you?

Could an increase in prices help you land that five-star staff member who actually sticks around?

And how can enrichment services help you pay better, retain more, and build a dog daycare your team actually loves?

In this episode, Dom is joined by recruitment expert Joe Latona from Walker Scout for a no-nonsense look at what’s really happening in the pet care hiring market. Joe shares why job offers are getting turned down more often, how even a $2/hour wage bump can change your candidate pool - and why premium facilities get more applicants and better retention, without giving you, the owner, an extra headache. 

Dom and Joe discuss the surprising role that enrichment services now play in attracting (and keeping) quality team members. Later in the episode, you'll also hear directly from Enrich U member Sarah Stevens from K9 Adventures on how themed enrichment boosted staff morale, client satisfaction, and brought in an extra £600/month in sales - just from activities that are now the highlight of her team’s workday.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Why Good Staff Say No - The surprising truth behind why top candidates turn down your offer (even if the job looks great).

• The $2 Difference - How a small wage increase can drastically improve both quality and quantity of applicants.

• Pay More, Stress Less – Why higher wages reduce turnover, attract better people, and make hiring feel easy again.

• Enrichment as a Hiring Tool – How activities designed for dogs actually boost staff engagement and candidate interest.

• Price to Afford Greatness – Why your prices must rise before your team can - and how attracting affluent clients make it possible.

Thanks for tuning in!

To learn more about Dom’s coaching programs and how to build a premium pet care business, visit: www.petbusinessmarketing.com/diamondnow

Huge thanks to this week’s amazing show sponsor, Gingr. Gingr provide pet care software that simplifies your day-to-day. Book a free demo today by going to www.gingrapp.com/petpodcast 

Big thanks to this week’s guest, Joe Latona from Walker Scout, you can find out more about Joe by going to www.walkerscout.com

Thanks also Sarah Stevens from K9 Adventures for sharing her Enrich U success story, check out Sarah’s daycare at www.k9adventures.co.uk

Episode Highlights:

[00:51] – Dom introduces the episode and teases the key current hiring trends Joe will unpack.[01:50] – Dom shares some upcoming promotional days that can help daycares generate more revenue – and more client love.[06:07] – Joe Latona joins the show and shares why the hiring market is tougher—and why slower offers are getting punished.[07:20] – Joe explains how candidate quality is tied to wages, and why 5-star hires often walk away.[12:28] – Dom connects premium pricing to better hiring, higher wages, and long-term scalability.[15:37] – Joe shares a few examples of his clients taking the leap to offering competitive packages and seeing serious results off the back of it.[21:40] – Joe reveals how better pay actually widens the talent pool and gives daycare owners more choice.[24:28] – Dom and Joe discuss how enrichment creates job satisfaction for your employees, not just extra revenue.[28:55] – Joe breaks down how you can showcase your enrichment and facility culture within your job listings.[35:44] – Sarah Stevens shares how Enrich U improved staff buy-in, boosted sales, and made her daycare stand out.