Pet Boarding and Daycare Podcast with Dominic Hodgson

Is your business built to scale, or is it held together by duct tape and desperation?

How do you maintain high standards as you grow your team and customer base?

What services will your affluent clients gladly pay extra for?

This week, host Dom Hodgson is joined by Alex Varney of Pinnacle Pets, a luxury pet resort in Ohio. Alex shares how her family built their business from scratch - without experience in pet care or entrepreneurship - and turned it into a high-end, high-demand operation. We discuss the early days, scaling pains, and the secret to standing out in an increasingly  competitive market. 

We also dive into how Alex developed a structured service model that appeals to the modern pet parent – this includes some cool innovations enrichment sessions, custom snack upgrades, and even bedtime stories. Alex explains how she systemised her care, empowered her team, and introduced new upsells that drive profits without draining resources. If you want to build something bigger, better, and built to last, this podcast is a must-listen.

In this Episode, you’ll discover:

Personalised care sells: Offering services like enrichment, scent work, and bedtime stories creates real value.

Transparency builds trust: 24/7 webcam access and detailed daily report cards go a long way.

Systemise early: Standardised protocols help you scale without sacrificing quality.

Empowered teams grow the business: Investing in staff development reduces turnover and increases consistency.

Use local partnerships: Collaborating with small businesses for treats and extras adds value and creates community ties.

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

Thanks to Alex for sharing her industry knowledge. You can find out more about Alex and Pinnacle Pets by going to PinnaclePets

Everyone in the Barkleigh family and the wider pet industry are sending our thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of Phillip Paris, who sadly passed away recently. If you would like to donate to a GoFundMe page set up to supports Phil’s family at this difficult time, go to GoFundMe

Remember, you can see me, Alex and a ton of 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.

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 pod with some essential advice on staying on top in this ever-growing industry.[05:32] – Why routines and systems are the backbone of any efficient and profitable business.[08:33] – The importance of setting aside some time to work ON your business rather than IN your business.[11:46] – Alex Varney from Pinnacle Pets shares how her family switched their respective service roles for a luxury pet resort.[13:59] – Alex shares how a coffee shop and a restaurant ended up on the cutting room floor when the family decided to enter the pet industry.[16:08] – The tricky first few months and how the mistakes and decisions you make during them shape the future of your business.[20:16] – Scaling headaches: why some services need to be scrapped in order to make room for business and profit growth.[22:38] – Why constant client communication is the key to creating trust within your community.[26:17] – Alex explains how optimizing and structuring her services more precisely was a gamechanger for productivity and client satisfaction.[32:44] – How networking at local events and creating a web of valuable business buds can help boost your reputation.

Are you leaving money on the table by not answering your phone fast enough?

Wondering what’s the most cost-effective way to generate new leads quickly?

And how can you stand out in an increasingly crowded pet care market?

In this episode, host Dominic Hodgson is joined by Duane Carey, founder of Impact Marketing, a specialist digital agency working with over 70 pet care businesses across the U.S.

Duane explains how his team uses real-time data to improve lead generation, ad performance, and client conversion rates. He shares why Google Ads is still the most effective tool for pet businesses looking for quick wins, and how even a high-ranking SEO strategy can’t save you if you’re not answering the phone or following up with leads properly.

Duane also reveals a range of practical tools and strategies for pet business owners, from using citation scans to fix local listing issues, to creating location-based landing pages that boost search visibility. He explains why some agencies underperform, what red flags to look out for, and why tracking performance data is key to sustainable growth. 

In this episode you’ll discover:

Google Ads = Fast Wins: Google Ads delivers better ROI than social or SEO when properly managed.

Need for Speed: How businesses are missing leads due to slow responses or no follow-up.

Use Data to Fix Gaps: Call tracking and form submissions show where your system is leaking leads.

Beware of Bundled Fees: Agencies that hide ad spend inside monthly fees often underperform.

Gamify Your Offers: Creative partnerships like the “Pooch Passport” can boost engagement and retention.

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

Thanks to Duane for sharing his marketing knowledge. You can find out more about Duane and Impact Marketing by going to ImpactMarketing

Everyone in the Barkleigh family and the wider pet industry are sending our thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of Phillip Paris, who sadly passed away this week. If you would like to donate to a GoFundMe page set up to supports Phil’s family at this difficult time, go to GoFundMe

Remember, you can meet me, Duane 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.

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 with how he met this week’s guest, marketing expert Duane Carey.[03:30] – Dog News: National Trust launches pooch passports for visiting dogs! What can this can teach us about client engagement?[07:20] – Duane introduces himself and his agency, sharing how he went from geology to dog daycare marketing.[11:58] – Duane lays out his mathematical approach to marketing and how he helps business survive in a hostile industry.[16:34] – The process that a new prospect can expect to go through when getting into contact with Duane.[21:00] – Duane shares some little-known marketing secrets that only the top pet business know…[26:34] – How keeping a close eye on your google ad data can reveal hidden profit you’re letting leak out of your business.[30:28] – Why SEO is still important even in the ever-changing world of artificial intelligence tools.[33:54] – Duane and Dom reflect on the tragic passing of industry expert and friend of the podcast, Phillip Paris.

Are you making the most of every square foot in your facility?

Could a simple change in your daycare setup transform dog behavior and boost profits?

How can scent-based enrichment set your business apart from the competition?

In this episode, Dom is joined by Tim Jackson to explore how adding a ‘Scent Space’ can revolutionize your dog daycare. They break down how incorporating structured scent work can calm high-energy dogs, improve playgroup dynamics, and create new revenue streams.

Tim also shares the success story of Beethoven, a hyperactive Lab who struggled with group play - until a few minutes in the scent space helped him relax and integrate smoothly.

Dom also draws a surprising business lesson from Disney World’s revenue strategies, showing how pet care businesses can maximize profitability per square foot. Plus, they discuss how to market these enrichment services so your clients immediately see their value and eagerly sign up.

We keep saying it, but personalized premium pet care is the future, and adding a unique ‘Scent Space’ could be the easiest ways to add it to your service offering.

Want to know how? Tune in to discover; 

Scent Spaces Behavior Benefits  - A structured scent area can help high-energy dogs settle before joining playgroups.

Maximizing Profit per Square Foot  - Discover Disney’s revenue model which proves that every inch of space should generate value.

Premium Experiences Attract Premium Clients  - Find out why dog owners instantly see the benefits and are happy to pay for structured activities.

Why Sniffing = Stress Relief for Dogs – Studies show that engaging a dog’s nose can significantly reduce anxiety, a scent space is the perfect place to do that

The Future is Personalized Pet Care – Dog daycares that offer unique, tailored experiences will attract premium clients.

Plus, in Dog News Dom shares a cool story about how one business is diversifying into dog swimming pools…

Want to move away from generic ‘all day, free play’ daycare and build a truly premium, personalized pet care experience? This scent space special will help you sniff out the hidden money in your pet business!

Huge thanks to our incredible show sponsor Pack Pro! 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

Thanks to Tim for sharing his training knowledge. You can find out more about how to add a Scent Space to your facility by going to ScentSpaceSecrets

Remember, you can find out more about enrichment, 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.

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 reveals why attending expos is so important for business owners[04:15] – Dog News: Dom shares the heart-warming story of Lucky who has finally found a home after over 1,000 days in an animal shelter.[11:33] – Tim tunes in and reveals how he turned a small office room into a thriving scent space the dogs in his facility love.[14:49] – How Tim includes his scent space during the assessment process to calm new dogs on their first time in the daycare.[17:11] – How a scent space sets dogs up for a successful, stress-free day in the facility by stimulating them from the off.[19:46] – The story of Beethoven, a dog every daycare has but doesn’t want… until he’s transformed in the scent space.[23:04] – Dom describes how Disney squeeze profit out of every single square foot in their parks, and how a scent space allows you to do exactly the same.[26:02] – Tim talks enrichment add-ons and how they benefit the dog, your relationship with the owner, and your bottom line.[28:48] – Why running an enrichment-focused facility not only makes your business more profitable, but also makes it more enjoyable for you.[34:47] – Dom reveals where you need to go to find out how you can market your scent space and other enrichment offerings.

If you're ready to take your pet business to the next level with scent-based enrichment, you won’t want to miss this episode!

Is your daycare just a playgroup, or is it a premium, structured experience that pet parents are willing to pay more for?

Are you stuck in the pack mentality, offering the same overcrowded playrooms as everyone else—while clients demand something more personalized?

What if you could charge more, fill your daycare with the right dogs, and create a truly standout pet care business?

In this episode, host Dom Hodgson sits down with Mikayla Cavaness, the owner of Fetching Pet Company, who turned a small, underpriced operation into a high-demand, premium daycare that focuses on enrichment and personalized care.

Mikayla shares how she broke away from the outdated free-roam model, implemented one-on-one tailored experiences for dogs, and priced her services accordingly - all while keeping her business at full capacity.

Dom and Mikayla also tackle common pricing mistakes, like undervaluing expertise and over-discounting, as well as sharing the substantial gains businesses can make by simply switching to a membership pricing model. Plus, in this week’s dog news Dom reflects on the UK’s biggest dog show, Crufts, and why (for once) he wasn’t able to attend.

Tune in to discover:

Why Free-For-All Play is Dying – How personalized enrichment creates happier, better-behaved dogs.

The Premium Daycare Model That Works – Structured activities, mental stimulation, and one-on-one attention.

How to Attract Higher-Paying Clients – Why pet parents will happily pay for a customized daycare experience.

Smart Pricing & Profitability – How to ditch low rates and get paid what your services are worth.

The Future of Pet Care – How small shifts in your daycare model can set you apart in an increasingly competitive market.

Plus, Dom shares his latest business insights, including a deep dive into the Crufts controversy and why now is the time to rethink your business model.

Want to move away from generic daycare and build a truly premium, personalized pet care experience? This episode is packed with strategies to help you stand out!

Huge thanks to Mikayla for sharing her story. You can find out more about Mikayla by going to FetchingPetCompany

Remember, you can find out more about enrichment, 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.

Want to join Mikayla inside of Dom’s exclusive coaching program? Go to www.petbusinessmarketing.com/audition

Episode Highlights:

[00:51] - Dom introduces the episode, previews the Crufts controversy discussion, and welcomes special guest Mikayla Cavaness to share her enrichment-based daycare strategies.[01:40] – Hear about Dom’s recent consulting day with copywriter Mike Samuels and the importance of having fresh eyes on your business.[04:25] - Dom explains the concept of mapping out a client journey to increase lifetime customer value and cross-sell services.[08:24] – Dog News: An Italian dog wins Crufts Best in Show for the first time in 134 years![12:15] - Mikayla jumps on the pod and shares how she grew up working in her mom’s grooming shop, and how that inspired her to start her own pet business at just 22 years old.[16:07] - Mikayla explains how she filled her grooming schedule before even opening by using community yard sale pages and grocery bag flyers.[19:35] - Hear how Mikayla transitioned from aversive-based training to enrichment-based training and how this shaped her business philosophy.[24:10] - Mikayla breaks down her structured, crate-and-rotate daycare system, including 30-minute one-on-one activities and themed enrichment sessions.[32:00] – Fetching Pet Company’s comfort-based grooming model, including private suites and dog-friendly design choices, reduces stress for pets.[38:46] - Mikayla announces plans to introduce a membership model to secure recurring revenue and enhance customer loyalty.

If you want to price smarter and grow faster, this episode is a must-listen!

Is your dog daycare an enriching environment that keeps dogs engaged, or is it just an expensive free-for-all where bad habits take root?

What hidden techniques do zookeepers use to keep animals mentally sharp and stress-free - and how can they give your daycare the edge?

What if a few simple changes to your daycare routine could transform your business, attract higher-paying clients, and create happier, better-behaved dogs?

In this episode, host Dom Hodgson sits down with Tim Jackson, the owner of Pet2Impressdaycareand the Dean of Enrichment University, to explore how principles from zoo animal care can help revitalise (and maybe even revolutionize) how you practise enrichment in your pet care facility.

Tim recently spent the day shadowing Lucy Starbuck, an enrichment specialist at Edinburgh Zoo, where he uncovered powerful insights into how structured activities, mental stimulation, and physical engagement can transform pet boarding and daycare services.

He shares why daycares should consider going beyond free play so you can create a healthier, happier, and more profitable business. Plus, in this week’s dog news, you can hear about how London’s longest-serving fire investigation dog, Sherlock, is finally retiring after a distinguished 12-year career. Dom also talks about his recent break to the Canary Islands, and shares why it’s crucial your take regular business breaks if you want to remain at the top of your game. 

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

Zoo Strategies for Dog Daycares – How enrichment in animal care facilities can apply to dog daycare settings.

Why “Jobs” Matter for Dogs – The importance of structured activities to reduce stress and problem behaviors.

How to Market Enrichment Services – Educating pet parents on the value of a more engaging daycare experience.

The Future of Pet Boarding & Daycare – Why facilities that prioritize mental and physical stimulation will stand out.

Lessons from the Zoo – Funny and insightful moments from Tim’s experience with animal enrichment specialists.

Thanks to Tim for sharing his behind the bars insight into his trip to Edinburgh Zoo. If you want to learn more about how Enrichment University can help you offer more enriching experiences in your facility then click here now

Remember, you can find out more about enrichment, 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.

To find out more about Dominic Hodgson and his exclusive pet business consulting services go to www.petbusinessmarketing.com/audition

Episode Highlights:

[00:51] – Dom introduces the episode while walking along the Sunderland seafront and shares the importance of taking a break. [07:19] – Dog News: London's longest-serving fire dog, Sherlock, retires after 12 years of service. What can you learn from his fantastic career?[09:15] - Dom discusses the importance of giving dogs a job and how enrichment activities can improve their well-being.[12:05] – Tim jumps in and shares his experience shadowing Lucy Starbuck at Edinburgh Zoo.[16:28] – Insights into the research lab at Edinburgh Zoo, where chimps voluntarily participate in cognitive tasks.[20:33] – Tim describes getting the chimps ready for meal time, and discusses how you can enrich doggy dinners in your daycare.[25:29] – The significance of catering to dogs at all life stages, including older dogs, and how pet businesses can offer specialized programs for senior pets.[30:10] – How a staff zoo visit can inspire better daycare practices, ensuring dogs get opportunities to engage in natural behaviors.[33:47] – Why enrichment is not only important but absolutely vital to running a successful daycare with satisfied dogs and clients.[39:14] – Dom signs off with a reminder to book your ticket for the Pet Boarding and Daycare expo coming up in Vegas!

Want to create a next-level daycare experience? This episode is packed with game-changing ideas that can help you stand out in a competitive market.

Tune in now and discover how enrichment can transform your pet care business.

Are you struggling to get daycare clients to commit to enrichment programs?

Did you know selling premium ‘themed’ activities to your existing client base is the easiest way to boost profits?

Could a perks based enrichment membership model be the answer to boosting loyalty and increasing revenue?

In this packed episode, host Dom Hodgson sits down with Nora Rodgers from Wag Days Philly to discuss how she built a successful two-location daycare operation in Philadelphia. Nora reveals how she is crushing it with enrichment, and has even achieved a 60%+ opt-in rate, also why she’s shifting to a members-only model, and how creative marketing campaigns are exciting her clients, engaging staff members and fuelling her success.

Plus, we catch up with Rebecca Shipman from Barkleigh to discuss what’s in store at the Pet Boarding and Daycare Expo West in Las Vegas. Tune in to hear why this is a must-attend event for anyone serious about pet care business growth (and anyone who’s never experienced sin city…). 

In this episode, you’ll discover:

Scaling from Dog Walking to Daycare – What Nora learned while expanding from solo pet care to building a team of dog walkers, before transitioning to daycare. 

The Key to Enrichment Success – How Nora gets over 60% of her clients to opt into enrichment programs.

Why Memberships Work – How switching to a members-only daycare boosts retention and profitability.

Creative Marketing That Sells – How fun, themed events (like Love Island for dogs) are engaging clients and driving sign-ups.

Bootcamp Breakthroughs – Nora shares how attending my bootcamp has her fired up and looking forward to the mastermind.

The Power of Pricing – How small price increases have transformed her bottom line.

Thanks so much to Nora Rodgers for sharing her story. Find out more about what’s going on at Wag Days Philly by clicking here now WagDaysPhilly

Remember, you can find out more about enrichment, 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.

If you want to join Nora and apply to become a founding member of Dom’s new Elite USA mastermind you can click here now EliteUSA

To find out more about Dominic Hodgson and his exclusive pet business consulting services go to www.petbusinessmarketing.com/audition

To enroll in Erich University and get access to a fully customizable enrichment curriculum and ‘done-for-you’ monthly marketing resources click here EnrichUniversity

Episode Highlights:

[00:51] – Dom introduces this week’s guest, Nora Rodgers, and previews key insights from the episode.[02:30] – Nora makes her debut on the podcast and gives the attendee perspective on Dom’s Orlando bootcamp.[05:28] – Nora’s journey from teaching to pet care—how she built a successful dog walking business.[07:30] – The transition to daycare: Why she opened her first location and how she made it profitable.[14:01] – Expanding to two locations—what worked, what didn’t, and what she’d do differently.[19:28] – The 60% enrichment opt-in strategy—how she gets clients excited about premium services.[21:30] – Love Island for dogs? How themed marketing campaigns drive engagement and revenue.[28:32] – Membership models: Why she’s going all-in on a members-only daycare.[32:25] – Dom catches up with Rebecca Shipman and gets the latest news for pet boarding and daycare expo west.[40:35] – How you can book your place at the upcoming expo and why it could be a game-changer for your business.

Thinking about transitioning your daycare to a members-only model?

Visit www.petbusinessmarketing.com/membership to learn how to implement these strategies in your own pet care business.

Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode!

Ever feel like you're stuck on a hamster wheel in your pet business - working harder than ever but not seeing the growth you want?

What if the fix for a more successful future isn’t in another course, certification, or social media hack - but in joining a mastermind?

So, what exactly happens at a mastermind, and is it really possible to achieve years of growth in just a few short months?

In this episode, Dom Hodgson reveals how masterminds work, why they’re the go-to strategy for top-performing pet business owners, and how they can help you achieve more in six months than most manage in six years. He shares his own journey from exhausted, overworked pet professional to running a multi-business, global empire with the help of masterminds. 

But it isn't just Dom that thinks masterminds are key, you’ll also hear from thriving pet professionals who’ve experienced breakthrough success after joining Dom’s Elite Mastermind over in the UK. You'll hear how Harriet Goodall wrote a book in just three months, how Tim Jackson tripled his profits and transformed his daycare into a community hub for enrichment, and how others made bold moves that would’ve seemed impossible if they'd stayed stuck working alone.

Not everyone needs to be in a mastermind, but it might just be the missing piece of your pet business puzzle…

In this episode, you’ll discover:

The Power of the Hot Seat – How one session can deliver game-changing clarity.

The 'Phenomenon' Effect – Dan Kennedy’s secret for achieving years of growth in just months.

Collaboration & Accountability – Why isolation is the silent killer of pet business growth.

Real Results – Hear directly from mastermind members who’ve tripled profits, launched new services, and built systems for long-term success.

Practical Mastermind Insights – Discover how to choose the right mastermind and maximize your ROI.

If you want to apply to become a founding member of Dom’s new Elite USA mastermind you can click here now EliteUSA

Remember, the next Pet Boarding and Daycare Expo is happening in Las Vegas from 5th-8th May, 2025, and registration is open NOW, click here to grab your ticket.

To find out more about Dominic Hodgson and his exclusive pet business consulting services go to www.petbusinessmarketing.com/audition

To enroll in Erich University and get access to a fully customizable enrichment curriculum and ‘done-for-you’ monthly marketing resources click here EnrichUniversity

Episode Highlights:

[00:51] – Dom introduces the mastermind concept and why it’s more than just a buzzword.[07:30] – Dog news: Monty the Giant Schnauzer’s big Westminster win and how it links to your daycare.[15:40] – Dom breaks down the true structure of a mastermind and the history behind it.[18:42] – Why accountability from peers outperforms self-discipline.[22:09] – The role of 'hot seats' and how they deliver breakthrough clarity.[24:55] – How the collective experience and mutual success of the mastermind members can lead to killer contacts and collaborations.[29:51] – The phenomenon: How a mastermind helped Dom double his business in record time.[36:30] – How to apply Dan Kennedy’s 'phenomenon' to your own business.[41:25] – Real stories from Dom’s UK mastermind members who went from overwhelmed to unstoppable.[48:46] – Dom’s final reflections on masterminds and how they can change your business and your life.[53:32] – How you can apply for Dom’s new Elite USA Mastermind before spots run out.

Thinking about joining a mastermind?

Go to www.petbusinessmarketing.com/eliteusa to learn more and apply.

Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode!

And tune in next week when Dom chats with Nora Rogers from Wag Days Philly about the enrichment strategies helping her dog daycare stand out in her local market…

Is your pet business truly attractive to buyers, or are hidden inefficiencies hurting its worth?

What are the key financial and operational factors that determine if your business will sell for top dollar?

And how can you increase profitability today - even if selling isn’t on your radar yet?

In this episode, host Dom Hodgson welcomes back Teija Heikkilä from PetVet Sales and Advisory for part two of their deep dive into successfully selling a pet business. After an overwhelmingly positive listener response to part one, Teija returns to uncover the biggest value drivers that buyers look for and the common mistakes that can slash your sale price (hint: that’s what you *don’t* want).

But before all that, dog news is back! Dom discusses an article that highlights the 13 breeds considered the healthiest, and why these types of articles can sometimes mislead, explaining how pet care businesses can take the lead in educating clients on responsible dog ownership through newsletters and expert content. Oh, and don’t miss Adam Delderfield from Delders Dogs who drops in with a valentines-themed enrichment promotion that’s set to engage clients and boost revenue!

In this episode, you’ll discover:

Why Recurring Revenue Wins – How memberships and prepaid services make your business more attractive to buyers.

Labour Costs and Profitability – The #1 expense that makes or breaks a sale and how to get it under control.

The Role of a Strong Management Team – Why businesses with clear leadership structures sell faster and for more money.

Common Pricing Mistakes – How undercharging or overcomplicating services can hurt your valuation.

Real-Life Success Stories – How pet businesses are using smart pricing, targeted promotions, and better financial tracking to grow faster.

Huge thanks to this week’s awesome guest Teija Heikkilä.

Thinking about selling your pet care business? Head to www.petvetsales.com to learn more from Teija Heikkilä and her team of industry experts.

Thanks also to Adam Delderfied for sharing his awesome Valentines themed enrichment idea. Find out more about Adam by heading to DeldersDogs

Remember, the next Pet Boarding and Daycare Expo is happening in Las Vegas from 5th-8th May, 2025. You can be the first to find out when registration opens by adding your details here.

To find out more about Dominic Hodgson and his exclusive pet business consulting services go to www.petbusinessmarketing.com/audition

To enroll in Erich University and get access to a fully customizable enrichment curriculum and ‘done-for-you’ monthly marketing resources click here EnrichUniversity

Episode Highlights:

[00:51] – Dom introduces this week’s episode, recapping the first part of Teija’s interview and what’s to come in part two![02:52] – Dog news – Dom discusses a recent article about the “healthiest dog breeds” and why these rankings can be misleading.[06:01] – Why positioning yourself as a trusted expert through consistent educational content is essential for pet businesses.[08:10] – Dom shares some more insights from his recent Dog Daycare Business Bootcamp like why membership models are a game-changer.[11:55] – Adam Delderfield chimes in with a deep dive into his upcoming ‘love your dog’ week.[15:10] – Dom introduces part two of the interview with Teija Heikkilä, discussing value drivers for selling a pet business.[19:47] – Teija explains the top financial factors that determine business value, including revenue growth and EBITDA.[22:06] – The importance of labour cost control, why it’s a key value driver, and how it impacts a business’s ability to sell.[33:16] – Why having a strong management team (beyond the owner) makes a business more attractive to buyers, particularly private equity.[42:59] – Teija shares where listeners can go to learn more about selling their pet business and how to get in touch.[44:00] – Dom wraps things up with a preview for next week’s show all about the power of the pet business mastermind…

Don’t miss future insights! Subscribe now to stay ahead with expert advice, real-world strategies, and business growth tips tailored for pet care professionals!

Have you ever thought about selling your pet care business—but don’t know where to start?

Wondering how much your business is really worth or what buyers look for?

Want to avoid the big mistakes that can hurt your chances of a profitable sale?

Then you are in luck because in this episode, host Dominic Hodgson sits down with Teija Heikkilä, a leading expert in pet care business sales, to dive deep into how to prepare your business for a high-value sale.

With private equity firms rapidly entering the pet care space, Teija explains why some businesses sell for millions while others struggle to find buyers. Using real-world examples, Teija reveals the key numbers and strategies that can make - or break - your chances of selling successfully.

Plus, Dom recaps his Dog Daycare Business Bootcamp, where industry leaders came together for two days in Orlando to discuss premium pricing, membership models, and increasing per-dog revenue as well as just about everything else you need to run a successful, profitable pet business that makes a difference. Get ready to hear the attendees sharing their game-changing takeaways! 

In this episode, you’ll discover:

Why Buyers Are Flocking to Pet Care Businesses – How one pet resort’s structured management and financial discipline led to a multi-million-dollar sale.

The Numbers That Matter – Why a business with low payroll costs and predictable revenue sold at 7x earnings, while a similar-sized facility with high staff turnover struggled to get 3x.

How to Make Your Business More Valuable – How a daycare that switched to prepaid memberships doubled its cash flow and made itself an attractive acquisition.

The Power of Membership Models – Why buyers love businesses with predictable, recurring revenue and avoid those still relying on pay-as-you-go services.

Real-Life Success Stories – Bootcamp attendees share how raising prices, restructuring pricing tiers, and adding memberships are already boosting their bottom line.

Huge thanks to this week’s awesome guest Teija Heikkilä. Thinking about selling your pet care business?

Head to www.petvetsales.com to learn more from Teija Heikkilä and her team of industry experts.

Remember, the next Pet Boarding and Daycare Expo is happening in Las Vegas from 5th-8th May, 2025. You can be the first to find out when registration opens by adding your details here.

To find out more about Dominic Hodgson and his exclusive pet business consulting services go to www.petbusinessmarketing.com/audition

To enroll in Erich University and get access to a fully customizable enrichment curriculum and ‘done-for-you’ monthly marketing resources click here EnrichUniversity

Episode Highlights:

[00:51] – Dom kicks off the episode live from Universal Studios Orlando after his Bootcamp event.[03:00] – Dom’s recap of the Dog Daycare Business Bootcamp and the game-changing business and marketing strategies that were covered.[04:46] – Bootcamp attendees share their biggest “aha” moments on pricing and business growth.[09:48] – Dom’s reflections on attending events like bootcamps or expos and how they can transform your business.[14:22] – Interview with Teija Heikkilä begins: How she went from running daycares to selling multi-million-dollar businesses.[19:39] – What Teija and Pet Vet Sales actually do and how they help private business in the selling process.[24:59] – The biggest mistakes business owners make when trying to sell (like failing to have clear financials or over-relying on discount pricing).[28:17] – Teija answers some common questions about revenue levels, EBITDA and labour controls.[36:32] – We discuss different types of buyers and how the buying landscape has changed over time.[42:47] – Dom previews part two of the interview, where Teija shares the ultimate checklist for a profitable sale.

Don’t miss part two of this conversation - coming next week! Hit subscribe now so you don’t miss the secrets to maximizing the value of your pet care business.

Listen now and future-proof your business today!

Did you know relying on social media alone to promote your pet services is a risky strategy?

Could email marketing be the solution that transforms your business and boosts client loyalty?

And what are the secrets to crafting emails that clients actually open, read, and act on?

Tune in because in this weeks episode, host Dom Hodgson delves into the untapped power of email marketing and why it’s an essential – and often underused - tool for pet care businesses. He breaks down how to create entertaining, story-driven emails, build irresistible lead magnets, and use email to stand out in a crowded market. 

If you’ve ever stared at a blank email draft longer than a dog stares at a dropped slice of pizza, this episode has you covered. Dom shares how a simple email campaign helped one pet business owner re-engage their “silent” client list, turning crickets into bookings almost overnight.

He also deep dives on email mistakes tackles common fears, like unsubscribes (hint: they’re not the end of the world) and how to write emails that engage and sell without feeling too salesy or scammy...

Tune in to discover:

Why Social Media is Risky – How email protects your business from algorithm changes and platform disruptions.

Email That Connects – The power of storytelling to strengthen client relationships.

Lead Magnets That Work – Proven strategies to grow your list with engaged clients.

Common Email Myths Busted – Addressing fears about unsubscribes, over-emailing, and content creation.

Real-Life Results – How all kinds of pet businesses have transformed their revenue with simple email strategies.

Dom also catches up with Barkleigh editor Rebecca Shipman about the January/February edition of the Pet Boarding and Daycare Magazine. You can subscribe to the Pet Boarding and Daycare Magazine by going to PetBoardingandDaycare.comRemember, the next Pet Boarding and Daycare Expo is happening in Las Vegas from 5th-8th May, 2025. You can be the first to find out when registration opens by adding your details here.

To find out more about Dominic Hodgson and his exclusive pet business consulting services go to www.petbusinessmarketing.com/audition

To enroll in Erich University and get access to a fully customizable enrichment curriculum and ‘done-for-you’ monthly marketing resources click here EnrichUniversity

Episode Highlights:

[00:51] – Dom introduces the episode and shares why email marketing is essential for pet care businesses.[04:13] – Rebecca Shipman from Barkleigh jumps on the pod to tell us about the preparations for this year’s Vegas expo…[12:51] – The risks of relying on social media alone and how to build a more stable client acquisition strategy.[19:32] – Dom busts myths about email marketing, including the false-belief that clients don’t read emails and why unsubscribes aren’t a bad thing.[28:50] – How you can get started in email marketing and why using lead magnets like enrichment guides is key to growing your email list.[33:08] – The magic of storytelling: Why sharing personal and relatable stories in your emails drives client engagement.[37:04] – Why educational and entertaining content positions you as the local expert in pet care.[39:30] – Final tips on crafting story-driven emails and how email marketing can future-proof your business.[44:32] – Happy birthday to the podcast! Dom blows out the candles and looks ahead to next week’s show…