Pet Boarding and Daycare Podcast with Dominic Hodgson

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.

Are you attracting the right kind of pet parent - or just anyone with a wallet and a dog?

Ever feel like your marketing is falling flat, no matter how much time and money you spend on it?

What if you could build your business around clients who already want what you offer - and are happy to pay a premium price for it?

In this episode, the world’s leading Pet Business Coach, Dom Hodgson dives deep into a marketing masterclass focused on the most overlooked (and most important) element in your pet care business: your ideal client avatar. If you’ve never heard of this before, your avatar is essentially that one customer you wish every single one was like – they pay on time, they don’t complain, they refer you to their friends and family – here, Dom breaks down how to construct your avatar and attract them to your business.

Plus, you’ll hear Dom's take on a Guardian newspaper article, questioning whether the modern dog owner has gone too far in pampering their pooch - and why that’s exactly the trend you should be leaning into. You'll also hear a testimonial from Enrich U superstar Kelli McEntire, who explains how enrichment has changed her daycare and actually made her daycare easier, her dogs happier, and her business much more profitable.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Design for Your Dream Client – Why “anyone with a dog and a wallet” is a dangerous mindset that leads to the wrong customers.

• Avatar-Led Marketing – How creating a profile like Dom’s “Jessica Martin” helps tailor your messaging, offers, and upsells.

• Think Like Wingstop – How a chicken wing chain nailed its audience—and what pet care can learn from them.

• Enrichment as Differentiator – Why personalized, theme-driven enrichment is the best tool for standing out and charging more.

• Why Structure Sells – How storytelling and specificity help pet parents justify premium prices - and spread the word for you.

Need help defining your ideal client, or do you need to fix a broken marketing system? The Pet Biz Wiz can help! To learn more about Dom’s exclusive coaching programs and how to attract your dream clients, visit: www.petbusinessmarketing.com/audition

Huge thanks to our incredible show sponsor PackPro!

PackPro provide comprehensive, affordable, and efficient daycare staff training for your pet boarding and daycare facility, to find out more about how they can help you empower and support your team by creating playgroups that are safe, productive and fun to manage, go to PackPro

Barkleigh’s next show is the Pet Boarding and Daycare Expo which is happening in Hershey in November 10th to 13th. Register now to be the first to find out when tickets go on sale. Click here to register now

Episode Highlights:

[00:51] – Dom kicks off the episode by introducing today’s topic of the ideal customer avatar.[01:48] – What Dom actually does outside the podcast—and how coaching can help pet pros grow.[07:30] – Dog News: “Does your dog care if its collar is from Burberry?” Dom says… maybe not, but the owner certainly does.[10:21] – Why enrichment isn’t spoiling dogs - it’s good business strategy.[13:42] – Enrich U client Kelli McEntire shares how enrichment saved her time and boosted profits.[15:52] – Avatar Masterclass is in session: why most pet pros are still marketing to “everyone.”[18:09] – Dom breaks down the different avatars he uses across his own coaching services.[21:08] – The danger of generic messaging—and how to fix it by listening to client conversations.[25:35] – The Jessica Martin avatar example for puppy trainers and how to build your own.[36:02] – Dom's assignment: build your avatar, ask better questions, and build a business around the clients you want.

Are you juggling bookings across multiple channels, hoping nothing slips through the cracks?

Wondering how to reduce chaos, reclaim your time, and still grow your revenue?

Curious what smart pet pros are doing to offer next-level upsells and client experiences?

In this episode, Dom sits down with Sarah and Pete Stevens - daycare owners, Elite U.K mastermind members, and creators of the PawPal app. Born from the mess of their own overbooked and under-organised daycare, PawPal started as an internal fix and evolved into a business-changing tool. They share the pivotal moment that made them realise they had to change, and how their homemade app now powers their streamlined, upscale operation (along with many others).

You’ll hear how Sarah sold add-ons without even sending an email, and how their app turned chaotic scheduling into a McDonald’s-style easy order-and-upgrade system. Plus, we go behind the scenes on the second day of Dom’s Elite US mastermind as the members reveal the big takeaways from the previous day that they’ll be implementing as soon as they get back home!

In this episode, you’ll discover:

Building the Tool Your Business Needs – Sarah and Pete’s PawPal app was born from the chaos of managing bookings, messages, and upsells across too many platforms. Now, it keeps everything in one place—and boosts their revenue.

Easy Profits from Effortless Upsells – Sarah shares how she offered enrichment add-ons without needing a sales push or email blast - just a well-timed, in-app nudge.

How a Brilliant Booking Experience Boosts Your Brand – Clients judge your business by how smooth (or clunky) your signup and scheduling is. A streamlined experience builds trust from day one.

Clarity Comes from a Consultation Day – How a full-day strategy session helped Pete and Sarah realise their business was positioned as "busy and messy"—not premium. Now, they're building a brand that reflects their value.

How to Spot Big Opportunity – Dom reveals that national media is catching on to high-end dog services. If you’re not already offering premium experiences, someone else will.

Many thanks to this week’s awesome guests Sarah and Pete from Pawpal. Find out more about how Pawpal can help streamline your dog daycare by going to PawPal.net

Huge thanks to our incredible show sponsor PackPro!

PackPro provide comprehensive, affordable, and efficient daycare staff training for your pet boarding and daycare facility, to find out more about how they can help you empower and support your team by creating playgroups that are safe, productive and fun to manage, go to PackPro

If you would like to get Dom’s personal help to grow your pet business and be part of a powerful inspiring peer coaching group then you should check out my exclusive Elite Mastermind. Click here to apply now.

Barkleigh’s next show is the Pet Boarding and Daycare Expo which is happening in Hershey in November 10th to 13th. Register now to be the first to find out when tickets go on sale. Click here to register now

Episode Highlights:

[00:51] – Dom introduces the episode looking ahead to his UK Elite Mastermind and teases insights from the first U.S. Elite event in Annapolis.[03:14] – Dog news! Dom reveals the enrichment services offered by London’s five star doggy hotel.[06:35] – Meet Sarah and Pete Stevens, longtime Elite members and owners of Canine Adventures, who built their own app—PawPal—to bring order to their business.[08:21] – Pete shares the moment he found cash in the car sun visor, the eye-opener that revealed just how disorganized things had become.[10:04] – “We were in a proper mess.” Sarah and Pete open up about the chaos behind the scenes and why they needed a complete operational overhaul.[11:23] – Discover how the Paw Pal app gave them freedom—letting them manage staff, bookings, and sales even while on the move.[14:26] – Despite forgetting to send out an email, Sarah still makes enrichment upsells thanks to the automations and visibility built into the app.[15:19] –  The trio reflect on the consultation day they’ve spent together which helped refine Sarah and Pete’s marketing strategy and positioning.[18:03] – They have a breakthrough moment as Dom helps them define exactly who the app is for—and how to talk to that audience.[20:49] – Dom shares the reflections of his U.S. Elite mastermind members from their first meeting, including breakthroughs around staffing, structure, and community support.

Are you still relying on spreadsheets and sticky notes to run your daycare?

What would your business look like if your software actually saved you time (instead of stealing it)?

Could one system really solve your scheduling headaches, pricing problems, and staff miscommunication?

This week, Dom is joined by Chris Tilson and Drew Brinkoetter, co-founders of Goose, a modern operating system for pet care businesses. Chris brings decades of hands-on facility experience, while Drew shares insights gained from his time building multi-location pet service brands.

Together, they explain how the right technology can eliminate operational headaches, boost upsells, and help facility owners take control of their customer experience. They also reveal why bundling, blackout dates, and digital merchandising matter more than you think!

Later in the episode, we head back to the Vegas Expo floor to hear powerful stories from listeners who attended Dom’s seminar the previous year. AJ shares how seasonal packages and price increases helped streamline their sales, while Lynnie reveals how just one stinging comment about “confidence” reshaped her entire approach to business - and sparked a transformative year of growth. 

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Start with Systems – Why a unified operating platform is critical for managing daycare, boarding, grooming and training.

• Merchandise Your Services – The secret to bundling, presenting, and pricing your offers like a pro.

• Let Clients Upsell Themselves – How online bookings can increase average transaction value without lifting a finger.

• Confidence Leads to Clarity – How a mindset shift helped one owner finally raise prices and get paid her worth.

• Why Seasonal Offers, Big Results – Why limited-time themed menus can improve sales and reduce client overwhelm.Huge thanks to our incredible show sponsor Canine Lab Testing!

Canine Lab Testing helps pet care businesses like yours screen for parasites quickly and reliably, so you can keep your furry guests safe and your clients reassured. Find out more at CanineLabTesting.com

Many thanks to this week’s awesome guests Drew and Chris from Goose. Find out more about how Goose can help streamline your dog daycare or pet resort by going to Goose.pet

If you would like to get Dom’s personal help to grow your pet business then you should check out his Diamond Business Development program. Click here to join now.

Barkleigh’s next show is the Pet Boarding and Daycare Expo which is happening in Hershey in November 10th to 13th. To be the first to find out when registration opens, click here.

Episode Highlights:

[00:51] – Dom introduces the episode, setting up a deep dive into how smart software is changing the game for pet businesses.[03:30] – Chris shares his background in pet care, revealing how his family business sparked the idea for more modern booking systems.[04:36] – Drew explains the multi-location challenges that inspired the creation of Goose, with a focus on improving pet owner experience.[07:16] – Chris breaks down how his first tech venture helped increase revenue without needing to expand the facility’s footprint.[14:37] – Drew identifies the two major levers in pet care—pet acquisition and labor optimization—and how software can simplify both.[18:51] – A closer look at upsell psychology: how bundling and strategic pricing boosts booking values and satisfies pet parents.[23:02] – Why bundling is better: Drew explains how offering tiered experiences drives upgrades and maximizes profits.[26:39] – Leveraging blackout dates and peak periods to price smarter, without scaring off clients or needing discount tactics.[29:32] – Chris and Drew reflect on their partnership, the Goose team culture, and the startup journey from beta to big-time.[36:11] – Dom wraps up with guest testimonials from AJ and Lynnie, whose businesses were transformed by Dom’s no-nonsense advice on pricing and confidence.

Is attending an Expo really worth it for your business growth?

Can a single event really change how you price, promote, and plan your pet care business?

What are real facility owners saying about their experience at Expo West, and why do they keep coming back?

In this special recap episode, Dom brings you another exclusive behind-the-scenes conversations from the Pet Boarding & Daycare Expo West in Las Vegas. You’ll hear from pet biz newbies like Michelle Macklin - who’s converting a horse property into a full-blown dog daycare - alongside seasoned pros like Alex Varney and Eyal Cohen, who tell us why, even when you feel comfortable in your business, there’s always more to learn.

Michelle shares why she finally took the leap into pet care at 60 and how Dom’s enrichment talk lit a fire under her plans. We also hear from attendees like Peyton and Katie, who are already implementing pricing changes and preparing for second locations before they’ve even left Vegas. Plus, Dom offers his own advice on why pausing to assess after big events is just as crucial as action - and shares a key clip from his standout presentation “The Price Is Right” to highlight how most business undervalue their services.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Fear Can Be Fuel – Michelle’s story shows it’s never too late to launch the business you really want.

• Stop and Assess – After a sprint of activity, smart owners slow down to regroup and realign.

• Raise Your Prices – If clients love your service and demand is high, it’s time to charge what you’re worth.

• Expos Create Momentum – Why getting in a room with other pet professionals is one of the best ways to keep your business growth on track

• Learning Never Ends – Hear why it doesn’t matter if you’re the keynote speaker or a first-timer, there’s always more to learn at an industry event.

Huge thanks to our incredible show sponsor Canine Lab Testing!

Canine Lab Testing helps pet care businesses like yours screen for parasites quickly and reliably, so you can keep your furry guests safe and your clients reassured. Find out more at CanineLabTesting.com

If you would like to get Dom’s personal help to grow your pet business then you should check out his Diamond Business Development program. Click here to join now.

Barkleigh’s next show is the Pet Boarding and Daycare Expo which is happening in Hershey in November 10th to 13th.

Episode Highlights:

[00:51] – Michelle Macklin shares how attending Dom's enrichment seminar left her buzzing with ideas—and led her to enroll in Enrich U on the spot.[02:14] – Michelle talks about being brand new to the industry and how the expo opened her eyes to everything she didn’t know she didn’t know.[04:50] – Dom introduces this special recap episode, featuring attendee insights, vendor perspectives, and an exclusive snippet from his seminar “The Price is Right.”[07:35] – Alex Varney breaks down her presentation on building strong operational foundations and the challenge of cramming too much value into one talk.[09:27] – Eyal Cohen of Pet Resort Hospitality Group explains why his company prioritizes quality over quantity—and how today's sellers are savvier than ever.[13:04] – Dom and Eyal reflect on the long-term benefits of attending expos, sharing how one conversation can shift your whole business trajectory.[18:49] – Peyton Peroni of Dog Days Daycare describes her excitement at attending her first expo and how the pricing seminar was a major lightbulb moment.[21:34] – Emily from Beaver Creek Dog Retreat shares how Dom’s talk gave her the confidence to raise prices and recognise her worth.[23:04] – Katie from The Great Outdoors Pup Camp explains how Dom’s pricing session helped her rethink her value and prepare to open a second location.[25:31] – Dom shares a clip from his “Price Is Right” seminar, urging listeners to stop undercharging and to structure their businesses like elite athletes—with intense sprints and strategic recovery.

If this episode fired you up, don’t wait—start taking action now and we’ll see you at the next expo!

Can attending one industry event really change your business trajectory?

What happens when you step away from your business in order to find out where you’re going wrong with it?

And is it possible to raise your prices, sell more extras, and supercharge your revenue - before breakfast?

In this Expo West recap episode, Dom shares inspiring stories and interviews recorded live in Las Vegas. You’ll hear first from Tara and Skylor of King Style Dog Boarding, who took the brace decision to close down their business for the week, to learn from the expo expert speakers. After leaving Dom’s presentation they immediately raised their prices that very morning by $20 – then they booked a premium client with add-ons to boot. That’s what you call taking action! 

Plus, roving podcast reporter Tim Jackson hits the expo floor to capture conversations with other facility owners, both new and experienced, who share what they’ve gained from the expo - like Colton from Vera’s Posh Paws who’s fresh out of Dom’s ‘gold’ talk (his words, not ours). You'll also hear from keynote speaker Candace D’Agnolo of Pet Boss Nation and catch a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to step into the next level of your business.

Tune in to discover;

Raise Prices with Confidence – Tara and Skylor proved that when you believe in your service, premium pricing follows naturally—sometimes within hours.

Why Enrichment = Client Value – How offering fun, themed activities and structured enrichment can be a major revenue-driving part of your offering.

You Gotta Be in the Room Where it Happens – Hear how the conversations and connections you make at events like the PB & D Expo, can spark bold moves in your business

Plan for Growth Early – Whether you’re about to open or scaling up, building systems and pricing strategies from the start, will set the tone for success.

Push Past the Fear – Growth starts when you stop waiting for permission and start acting on your ambition - Expo attendees tell their personal transformation stories.

Huge thanks to our incredible show sponsor Canine Lab Testing!

Canine Lab Testing helps pet care businesses like yours screen for parasites quickly and reliably, so you can keep your furry guests safe and your clients reassured. Find out more at CanineLabTesting.com

If you would like to get Dom’s personal help to grow your pet business then you should check out his Diamond Business Development program. Click here to join now.

Barkleigh’s next show is the Pet Boarding and Daycare Expo which is happening in Hershey in November 10th to 13th. Register now to be the first to find out when tickets go on sale. Click here to connect now

Episode Highlights:

[00:51] – Tara and Skylor share how Dom’s talk inspired them to increase prices on the spot—and make a sale.[03:36] – How Enrich U became the perfect plug-and-play enrichment solution for their business.[06:48] – Dom reflects on the energy, takeaways (not food), and transformations he witnessed at Expo West.[10:08] – Elaine and Mike reveal how Expo learnings are shaping their soon-to-launch Arizona facility.[16:20] – Ariel and Jamel’s “aha” moment about the hidden power of paid enrichment and themed activities.[21:56] – Francesca shares how she’s using the Expo to build and solidify her systems before taking over her mentor’s training company.[24:08] – Candace D’Agnolo recaps her keynote and why Gen Z pet owners are a major opportunity.[30:47] – Devon and Christie talk about the value of peer-to-peer learning and crucial pricing confidence.[35:11] – Dom explains how fear blocks growth—and how networking events like this help owners push past it.[37:14] – Colton shares how he thought up five (yes, five) new service packages during Dom’s pricing session.

Feeling fired up? Make sure you’re in the room for the next Pet Boarding & Daycare Expo and turn your own lightbulb moments into massive wins.

What’s the real ROI (return on investment) of showing love to your best clients?

Can dinner, drinks and a friendly conversation really drive customer loyalty in your  pet care business?

And how can you build a leadership team that actually frees you up to work on the business instead of in it?

Then stay tuned, because in this episode, Dom chats with Mike McIntyre from Fetch Family Pet Resort about his facility’s journey from launch to expansion. After a whirlwind opening just before COVID hit, Mike and his GM Carolyn built something truly special in Sewell, New Jersey - thanks in part to expert mentorship from Stephanie Shipley and a leadership team that now runs the show. Mike shares the little touches that make Fetch stand out, like sending new clients home with personalised artwork and creating word-of-mouth magic by building a truly “club-like” daycare experience.

Mike also shares the behind-the-scenes story of their first-ever client appreciation dinner: a simple but powerful gesture that turned regulars clients into raving fans. And, as Dom points out, it’s not just making a nice gesture for the sake of it - these are the kind of smart moves that fuel referrals, loyalty, and make high-margin memberships feel like an exclusive club. 

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• From Insurance to Enrichment – Why Mike left the corporate world to build a 10,000 sq ft pet resort (with plans to double it).

• Crates and Leadership – How working with a consultant helped rewire their approach to structure, team building, and dog care.

• Personal Touches Pay Off – Why every evaluation ends with a memento—and what it does for retention.

• Community, Not Just Clients – Inside their client appreciation event and why it worked better than any marketing campaign.

• Memberships Need More Than Discounts – Why emotional value beats price cuts when it comes to loyalty.

Huge thanks to our incredible show sponsor Canine Lab Testing!

Canine Lab Testing are the industries go-to partner if you want to keep your furry guests safe. They provide fast, reliable parasite screening and health testing, ensuring peace of mind for you and your clients! To get started with a stress-free screening process click here CanineLabTesting.com

Huge thanks to special guest Mike McIntyre for sharing his story. To find out more about Mike business go to FetchResort

Also, thanks to Molly Taylor from Mollys’ Mutthouse for sharing her bootcamp business wins. Find out more about Molly by going to Mutthouse

Want to work with Dom’s inside of his exclusive coaching programs? Go to www.petbusinessmarketing.com/audition

Episode Highlights:

[00:51] – Dom introduces the episode and the key talking point: a customer appreciation night that became a word-of-mouth goldmine.[06:03] – Molly Taylor shares how she flipped her model from pay-as-you-go to membership-only—and ended up with a waitlist every day but Monday.[07:30] – The power of peer support: why bootcamp helped Molly take action fast and gain massive clarity.[13:30] – Mike McIntyre shares how a chance meeting and a bold pivot from insurance led to launching Fetch Family Pet Resort.[18:47] – How pet care consultant Stephanie Shipley helped Mike overhaul operations and embrace crate-based enrichment daycare.[22:30] – Mike explains how investing in staff education and certification strengthens client trust and builds reputation.[26:32] – Inside the Customer Appreciation Night: why Mike’s team took 12 loyal clients out to dinner—and how it boosted client buy-in.[29:45] – Real feedback, real results: how honest conversations with clients led to small tweaks and big relationship wins.[31:00] – Turning a pet business into a club: Dom and Mike explore how regular social events can power retention and community.[36:01] – Mike outlines future plans, including facility expansion, new service offerings, and a client membership program done right.

How do you stop your daycare going from calm to chaos in 30 seconds flat?

Can staff training really reduce noise, improve behaviour and boost morale?

And do you ever wonder what ripple effects are ruining your business without you even realising it?

In this episode, Dom is joined by Mallory Poirier from PackPro to discuss their revolutionary approach to staff training. Mallory breaks down the key mistakes dog daycare owners make when it comes to training, and why fixing group management first leads to improvements everywhere else in your business. Mallory reveals how she and cousin Dan did the dirty work to transform their own facility and have now created a stonewall system that’s helping others do the same.

We also get an update from Sean Felty, who shares why spring and summer can make or break your profit margins – and how getting a tighter grip on labour costs can unlock six-figure savings. Sean describes how a data-driven approach stops hidden profits from slipping through the cracks of your business, and how if you’re still going off your gut-feeling when it comes to staffing costs, you’ve got to shape up and get real. Let’s get statistical! 

In this episode, you’ll discover…

• Fix the Noise First – Why a thunderous daycare floor isn't normal…it’s a warning sign.

• Group Management Wins – How the ripple effect leads to calmer dogs, more confident staff, and a smoother-running business.

• Train the Trainers – How PackPro’s proven staff training system turns chaos into control.

• Don’t Skip the Staffing Numbers – Sean Felty explains how to spot payroll leaks before it’s too late.

• You Always Need a Marketing Plan – Why even the busiest facilities must adapt to deal with increased competition.

Huge thanks to our incredible show sponsor Canine Lab Testing!

Canine Lab Testing are the industries go-to partner if you want to keep your furry guests safe. They provide fast, reliable parasite screening and health testing, ensuring peace of mind for you and your clients! To get started with a stress-free screening process click here CanineLabTesting.com

Huge thanks to special guest Mallory Poirier from Pack Pro! To find out more about their amazing staff training, go to PackPro

Also, thanks to Sean Felty for the cool labor costs update. To grab Sean’s FREE pet care labor calculator, go to NextTreeStrategies

Want to work with Dom’s inside of his exclusive coaching programs? Go to www.petbusinessmarketing.com/audition

Remember, you can see Dom and all the other great speakers, and find out more about enrichment, marketing secrets, staffing solutions, and a ton of other topics by attending the next Pet Boarding and Daycare Expo which is happening in Las Vegas from 5th-8th May, 2025, and registration is open NOW, click here to grab your ticket.

Episode highlights:

[00:51] – Dom introduces the show with a reminder of how you can get your tickets for the upcoming Pet Boarding and Daycare expo in Vegas.[02:20] – Dom shares dog news from the Financial Times, exploring how premium enrichment is shaping the future of dog daycare—from scent dens to psychic sessions.[04:52] – Why enrichment-focused services are driving massive growth for daycares—and how one facility boosted daycare revenue by 40%.[07:06] – Dom welcomes Sean Felty back to the podcast to discuss labor cost control and why seasonal planning is critical.[11:11] – Sean breaks down the staggering payroll savings his clients have achieved—up to $150K annually—through smarter scheduling systems.[13:32] – Dom introduces Mallory Poirier from PackPro and kicks off their conversation with the origins of her daycare business. [17:48] – Mallory explains how the pandemic inspired the launch of PackPro and how their group management course quickly became a must-have for daycares.[24:11] – Mallory highlights why word-of-mouth isn’t enough anymore, and how her facility adapted its marketing strategy to stay competitive.[25:50] – How themed enrichment events like dog birthday parties and holiday celebrations are increasing customer loyalty and staff morale.[32:06] – Mallory previews her upcoming Expo talk on the "ripple effect" of better group management and how reducing noise can transform your daycare.[36:56] – Why you need to secure your place at the Vegas expo in order to build a supportive network in an isolating industry…

Could your hiring process be hurting your pet business without you even realizing it?

Are you still relying on platforms like Indeed or LinkedIn to find your next great team member?

How would your business change if you had a system that brought in passionate, qualified candidates, automatically?

In this episode, Dom sits down with marketing automation expert and PetBizSuite co-founder Josh Hightower, for a deep dive into building your own hiring funnel. Josh explains why you need to think about recruitment the same way you think about marketing: as a smooth, fool-proof system. From leveraging automation to speeding up response times, Josh lays out the exact playbook he’s used to help dozens of pet business owners streamline the hiring process - and start attracting the right people faster. 

Plus, Rebecca Shipman from Barkleigh joins the show to provide a sneak peek at what’s coming up at this year’s Pet Boarding and Daycare Expo West. Rebecca reveals how it doesn’t matter if you’re an industry veteran with years of experience or you’re a newbie whose just about to put pen to paper on their first facility; conventions and expos are the networking gamechangers that set the great businesses apart from average ones. Click here to grab your ticket now

Tune in to discover…

Speed to Lead – Responding to job applicants quickly is just as critical as following up with potential clients.

Systemise Your Hiring – Build a repeatable funnel that pre-qualifies great candidates and saves you time.

Double Duty Lead Magnets – Use marketing tools not just for client attraction, but for recruiting too.

Get Reviews That Matter – How automation can help you consistently collect powerful Google reviews and turn them into testimonials that build trust.

Expos Create Impact – How stepping out of your business to attend events - like the PBD expo - pays off in unexpected ways.

Huge thanks to our incredible show sponsors PackPro and Canine Lab Testing!

PackPro provide comprehensive, affordable, and efficient daycare staff training for your pet boarding and daycare facility, to find out more about how they can help you empower and support your team by creating playgroups that are safe, productive and fun to manage, go to PackPro

Canine Lab Testing are the industries go-to partner if you want to keep your furry guests safe. They provide fast, reliable parasite screening and health testing, ensuring peace of mind for you and your clients! To get started with a stress-free screening process click here CanineLabTesting.com

You can find out more about PetBizSuite and even watch a free webinar that lays out the Pet Care Hiring Funnel by clicking here

Remember, you can see Dom and all the other great speakers, and find out more about enrichment, marketing secrets, staffing solutions, and a ton of other topics by attending the next Pet Boarding and Daycare Expo which is happening in Las Vegas from 5th-8th May, 2025, and registration is open NOW, click here to grab your ticket.

Episode Highlights:

[00:51] – Dom introduces the episode and discusses the return of Josh and Rebecca.[03:51] – Rebecca Shipman from Barkleigh previews the upcoming Pet Boarding and Daycare expo at the Horseshoe in Vegas![05:07] – Rebecca reveals why the expo is the perfect place to learn about every stage of the pet business journey, all the way from starting up to selling.[10:17] – Dom and Rebecca pay tribute to friend of the podcast and pet industry legend Phillip Paris.[13:40] – Josh Hightower tunes in and shares the story of how he ended up in the data-driven marketing space[14:00] – Dom and Josh discuss their joint online-marketing venture Pet Biz Suite and what’s holding people back from becoming marketing masters.[17:35] – How the Pet Biz Suite onboarding system eliminates that first-email fear and gives business owners the perfect foundation for success.[26:55] – Why having an automated reviewing process leads to faster growth and serious pet biz street cred.[33:16] – The nuts and bolts of creating a lead-generating hiring funnel that takes the stress out of recruitment.[41:15] – Why time kills good candidates—and how automation keeps you one step ahead.