In this episode we talk about the role we play as pet professionals in helping pet parents understand what safe care really looks like. A lot of people genuinely have no idea what to look for when choosing a sitter or walker and they do not always realise the risks involved when they hire someone with no insurance, no qualifications, and no understanding of behaviour or safety. It is not about scaring people or shaming them. It is about giving them the information they deserve so they can protect their pets from danger and avoid situations that could have been prevented.

I share why this conversation matters so much, especially as the industry continues to grow and attract people who mean well but are not trained, and others who are simply looking for quick cash.

When standards are low, pets pay the price. Educating pet parents helps close that gap. It shows them the difference between someone who is good with animals and someone who is trained, insured, and prepared for emergencies. It helps them understand that these things are not extras. They are the foundations of proper care.

We walk through how to talk to pet parents in a clear and supportive way so they never feel judged. The goal is to give them confidence, not fear. When we explain things like insurance, first aid, behaviour knowledge, and risk management in simple, everyday language, they start to see why these things matter. And once they know better, they choose better. That alone lifts the standard of the entire industry.

This episode also touches on how these conversations build trust. When pet parents feel informed, they feel safer handing us their keys, their homes, and their animals. They know we are professionals, not hobby sitters, and that reassurance is powerful. Leading with transparency and education makes it harder for unsafe or unqualified people to operate, and that’s how we slowly create a safer industry for everyone.

Thank you for listening to this episode. Raising the standard starts with us. It starts with the way we speak up, the way we educate, and the way we advocate for the animals in our care. If this resonated with you, please share it or leave a review so more pet parents and pet professionals can learn how to choose safer, higher quality care.

This episode is heavy, emotional and important. Today I talk about Arnie, the German Shepherd who was reported missing in Queensland, sparking fear, heartbreak and community concern. As more details unfolded, it became clear that Arnie’s disappearance was not what it first seemed. His life was taken by the person closest to him.

Arnie deserved so much better than the end he met. His story is confronting and it forces us to look directly at the uncomfortable truth that not everyone who owns or cares for animals is capable of giving them the standard of care they need. And that is exactly why the pet care industry needs regulation, accountability, auditing and minimum standards.

I talk about why people can do unexpected and unthinkable things, why this isn’t about blaming “one bad owner” but about fixing a broken system, and why unregulated industries breed risk for animals, pet sitters and the public.

This episode also shares the emotional side that many in the industry feel right now. The sadness. The anger. The helplessness. The frustration of knowing this will not be the last time unless something changes.

I also explore the movement for stronger laws, including the push behind Arnie’s Law, and why cases like this should be the catalyst for real reform in how animals are protected.

If you’ve ever worked with animals, loved an animal, or felt the fear of “what if that happened to mine,” this episode will stay with you. It’s raw, honest and eye opening.

Thank you for listening and for caring about animals enough to have these conversations with me.

In this episode, I sit down with Cam Barclay, a highly respected trainer and advocate for dog safety and education.

We break down the subtle signals dogs give long before they bark, growl or snap. This conversation is all about prevention, awareness and building confidence around every dog you work with.

Whether you’re a pet sitter, walker or dog owner, this episode will change the way you see and respond to canine behaviour.

What We Cover

• ​Why body language matters more than obedience cues
• ​Early signs of stress, discomfort and overwhelm that most people miss
• ​How dogs communicate consent and when they’re done with interaction
• ​The difference between polite caution and real fear
• ​Common situations where people misread behaviour
• ​How to prevent conflict by adjusting your approach
• ​Building safer routines when entering homes or meeting dogs for the first time
• ​Why breed, background and environment all play a role
• ​How to teach clients what to look for without scaring them

Key Takeaways

• ​Dogs never “snap out of nowhere”. There are always signs.
• ​Slowing down and observing keeps both you and the dog safe.
• ​Confidence comes from education, not guessing.
• ​Your calm energy sets the tone for every interaction.
• ​

Connect with Cam

https://www.actofdog.com.au

Instagram: @actofdog.com.au

In this episode, I unpack the key parts of Consumer Law that every pet care professional should understand, not just in Australia, but in other regions too.

We talk about how these laws apply to things like deposits, refunds, cancellations, and fair trading, and what that means for the way you run your business.

If you’ve ever had a client cancel last minute, ask for a refund after a completed booking, or question your policies, this episode will help you feel confident in how to respond.

I’ve also included a blanket guide for listeners in the UK, US, and Canada to help you understand the general consumer rights framework where you operate.

In This Episode We Cover:

- What consumer law says about deposits, cancellations, and refunds

- When a refund is required, and when it’s not

- Why clear terms and conditions protect you from disputes

- The difference between poor service, unmet expectations, and a simple change of mind

- How to write policies that stay compliant and protect your business

- Practical wording you can use in your own contracts and client communication

Key Takeaway:

Understanding consumer law doesn’t just protect your income, it gives you peace of mind and helps you handle tricky situations calmly and professionally.

Resources Mentioned:

- Australian Consumer Law (ACCC)

- Fair Trading NSW - Deposits and Refunds

- General consumer law frameworks for the UK, US, and Canada

- Example Cancellation & Refund Policy Template (available inside The Content Collective)

Content Collective: https://www.skool.com/conquest-content-collective/about?ref=77da1b5b02254b41897c1bebd90d6596

Email: [email protected]

TikTok: @chenelleconquest

Instagram: @petindustrymentor

Website: www.petindustrymentor.com

In this episode, I open up about something that’s been on my mind for a long time - the lack of structure, standards, and accountability in the pet care industry.

I’ve seen first hand how much good this industry is capable of, but I’ve also seen what can happen when the wrong people take shortcuts or when basic standards aren’t in place.

This episode isn’t about tearing anyone down. It’s about building something better. I truly believe we can have an industry that’s safe, respected, and sustainable, one that protects not only the animals, but also the professionals who dedicate their lives to caring for them.

I talk about:

Why regulation doesn’t need to be scary, it’s about protecting pets, not limiting businesses.

How raising the bar in professionalism can actually help your business grow.

The steps we can take together to create real change and set a higher standard for everyone.

This episode is part of my Protect Our Pets campaign, a national push to create basic standards across the pet care industry like insurance, pet first aid, and police checks.

It’s something I’m deeply passionate about because I’ve lived this industry from every angle, as a pet sitter, a business owner, and now a mentor.

If you care about animals and the future of our industry, this one’s worth a listen.

In this episode, I’m talking about all the common myths and misconceptions about what it’s really like to work in the pet industry.

People love to say it’s the dream job, all sunshine, dogs, and flexible hours, but the truth is, it’s hard. It’s emotional. It’s unpredictable. And it takes a lot more grit than people realise.

I dive into the comparisons, the judgments, and the things that make this industry both incredibly rewarding and incredibly tough.

This one’s for every sitter, walker, groomer, and trainer who’s ever felt like no one outside the industry truly gets it.

Find me on socials for even more advice and tips from someone who was in the industry for almost a decade and managed to thrive, scale, and sell

Content Collective: https://www.skool.com/conquest-content-collective/about?ref=77da1b5b02254b41897c1bebd90d6596

TikTok: @chenelleconquest

Instagram: @theprofessionalpetsitter

Website: www.petindustrymentor.com

A glimpse into the reality - and perhaps a bit of a reality check - regarding life after your pet care business. The hard truth is that no one can, or will work in this industry forever. At some point the party ends, and what are you going to have to show for it?

This episode I dive into a small portion of what it was like to sell my business, and the gratitude I have for even being able to sell it and not walk away from nine years of hard work blood, sweat, and tears with nothing to show for it.

This episode might hit home for a few of you, if you feel you need to talk after it please feel free to message me. As always the links to my socials are below as well as our new Content Collective or to work with me one on one.

TikTok: @chenelleconquest

Instagram: @theprofessionalpetsitter_

www.petindustrymentor.com

Content Collective: https://www.skool.com/conquest-content-collective/about?ref=77da1b5b02254b41897c1bebd90d6596

In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain and sharing the real, raw mistakes that cost me both money and peace over the years of building my pet care business. These are the lessons I learned the hard way, the ones I wish someone had told me when I started. From hiring too quickly to saying yes when I should’ve said no, every mistake shaped how I do business today. If you’re in the thick of growth or just starting out, this one will save you stress, time, and probably a few thousand dollars too.

What You’ll Learn:

- The biggest financial and emotional mistakes I made early on and how I recovered from them.

- How poor boundaries and overcommitment drain both your profit and your joy.

- The simple mindset shifts that helped me rebuild with structure and confidence.

- Why “learning the hard way” doesn’t make you stronger, fixing the problem does.

Who It’s For:

Pet industry professionals, dog walkers, sitters, groomers, and any business owner who’s growing faster than their systems can keep up.

Listen If You’re:

-Struggling with burnout or second guessing your decisions

- Feeling like you’re working harder but earning less

-Ready to clean up your foundations and stop making the same costly mistakes

Links & Resources:

Work with me 1:1 or join The Content Collective

https://www.skool.com/conquest-content-collective/about?ref=77da1b5b02254b41897c1bebd90d6596

www.petindustrymentor.com

Follow along on Instagram: @theprofessionalpetsitter_

Or TikTok:

@chenelleconquest

Share this episode and tag me if something really hit home!

If I woke up tomorrow with no clients, no systems, and had to start all over again, this is exactly how I’d do it.

After running and selling a multi six-figure pet sitting and dog walking business, I’ve made every mistake you can think of. In this episode, I’m sharing what I’d do differently from day one, the mindset I’d have, the systems I’d set up, and the boundaries I’d never skip again.

We’ll talk about why most pet sitters fail (and how to make sure you’re not one of them), how to treat your business like a real operation from the start, and why the field work, the actual pet care, is only half the job.

The other half? Systems, communication, and consistency. That’s what builds trust, keeps clients loyal, and separates a hobby from a long-term business.

If you’re just starting out or even rebuilding after burnout, this one’s going to give you some real direction.

Want more support or tips?

Work with me! Book a free call at

https://calendar.google.com/calendar/u/0/appointments/schedules/AcZssZ0ptzcaX8iB2qXOBfcMe44j5PP8k3kbgxU0OaFWPuFa61AywXAp6XOYEYz_SNR2D2CjUn9sSYyv?gv=true

Follow me on

TikTok: @chenelleconquest

Instagram: @theprofessionalpetsitter_

Email: [email protected]

Content Collective

https://www.skool.com/conquest-content-collective/about?ref=77da1b5b02254b41897c1bebd90d6596

It’s time to stop doing the same thing over and over and hoping for a different result

Social media is not just a scrapbook - it’s a tool! Use it wisely. Stand out from the crowd, build relationships, connect! THAT is how we are getting booked in 2025 and into 2026

This episode is short and sweet because I really do want the main point to get across that the same stuff you’re positing and getting no engagement from and no leads isn’t one day just going to start working

Feeling uninspired? Join my content collective where I post 7 days a week of done-for-you content to help you create, inspire you, and take the stress of figuring out yourself day after day

https://www.skool.com/conquest-content-collective/about?ref=77da1b5b02254b41897c1bebd90d6596

Join me on socials, or if you’re really ready - book a free discovery call and let’s see where you can benefit from some support

www.petindustrymentor.com/freediscoverycall

TikTok: @chenelleconquest

Instagram: @theprofessionalpetsitter_

Facebook: Chenelle : Professional Pet Sitter Mentor

Content Collective

https://www.skool.com/conquest-content-collective/about?ref=77da1b5b02254b41897c1bebd90d6596