Today we are sharing our top tips for new pet business owners. We are here to share what we've learned so that you don't have to make all the same mistakes we made when we first started our businesses, from online sales, to inventory selection, to sales strategy, e-mail strategy, and more. What is one thing you wish you had known when you first started your business? Connect with us on social media at the link below and let us know!

Connect with the Pet Shop Girls!

Find us everywhere: https://linktr.ee/petshopgirls

Connect with Carly (House of Paws):

https://www.instagram.com/houseofpawsboutique

https://www.tiktok.com/@houseofpawsboutique

https://www.facebook.com/houseofpawsboutique

Connect with Sherry (Odyssey Pets):

https://www.facebook.com/odysseypets

https://www.instagram.com/odysseypets

https://linktr.ee/odysseypetsdallas

Connect with Pet Product News:

https://www.petproductnews.com/

https://www.facebook.com/PetProductNews

Sherry and Carly are taking a much-needed spring break, but before they go, they’re reflecting on the wild ride that’s been The Pet Shop Girls Podcast! 🚀

In this episode, we’re reminiscing about our favorite guests, the lessons we’ve learned, and how this podcast has evolved over the past year and a half. We’re also getting real about the challenges of juggling business and podcasting—because let’s be honest, it’s no walk in the (dog) park! 🐶

Plus, we’re giving you a sneak peek at what’s coming in Season 2, from exciting partnerships to ways you can help shape the future of the show. And don’t worry, we’re not leaving you empty-pawed—listen to the end because we’re wrapping things up with a few laughs.

Hit play, enjoy the ride, and we’ll see you soon! 🎧🐾

Connect with the Pet Shop Girls!

Find us everywhere: https://linktr.ee/petshopgirls

Connect with Carly (House of Paws):

https://www.instagram.com/houseofpawsboutique

https://www.tiktok.com/@houseofpawsboutique

https://www.facebook.com/houseofpawsboutique

Connect with Sherry (Odyssey Pets):

https://www.facebook.com/odysseypets

https://www.instagram.com/odysseypets

https://linktr.ee/odysseypetsdallas

"Where should I get a dog?" If you work in the pet industry, you’ve heard this question more times than you can count. And let’s be honest—it’s not always a simple answer!

In this episode, Sherry and special guest Verjean break it all down:

🐾 Ethical breeders vs. puppy mills – How to spot the difference

🐾 What makes a breeder "responsible"? – Health testing, socialization, and transparency matter!

🐾 Reputable rescues 101 – Not all rescues are created equal

🐾 The doodle debate – What pet pros need to know about designer breeds

🐾 How to guide customers – Helping them make informed, ethical choices without judgment

This episode is all about giving you the knowledge and confidence to steer pet parents in the right direction—whether they’re looking to adopt or buy. Because at the end of the day, the goal is the same: happy, healthy dogs in responsible, loving homes.

Hit play and join the conversation! 🎧🐶✨

Connect with the Pet Shop Girls!

Find us everywhere: https://linktr.ee/petshopgirls

Connect with Carly (House of Paws):

https://www.instagram.com/houseofpawsboutique

https://www.tiktok.com/@houseofpawsboutique

https://www.facebook.com/houseofpawsboutique

Connect with Sherry (Odyssey Pets):

https://www.facebook.com/odysseypets

https://www.instagram.com/odysseypets

https://linktr.ee/odysseypetsdallas

It’s just Carly on the mic for this one, and she’s getting real about what it’s like to run a pet business in the middle of change. If you’ve ever felt the pressure of training new staff, managing a small team, or just trying to keep it all together, this episode is for you.

 How to keep your team (and yourself) sane during transitions

 Why clear communication is the secret sauce to smooth operations

 Tech tools that actually make life easier (not harder!)

 The truth about trade shows—are they really worth it?

 Avoiding burnout when your to-do list never ends

 How to stay positive and keep moving forward, no matter what

If you’re in the trenches of pet entrepreneurship, grab your coffee, hit play, and let’s talk about navigating change without losing your mind. 

Connect with the Pet Shop Girls!

Find us everywhere: https://linktr.ee/petshopgirls

Connect with Carly (House of Paws):

https://www.instagram.com/houseofpawsboutique

https://www.tiktok.com/@houseofpawsboutique

https://www.facebook.com/houseofpawsboutique

Connect with Sherry (Odyssey Pets):

https://www.facebook.com/odysseypets

https://www.instagram.com/odysseypets

https://linktr.ee/odysseypetsdallas

📩 Email is NOT Dead – Why Pet Pros Need to Hit Send!

If you think email marketing is old news, think again! In this episode, we’re proving that email is one of the most powerful tools in your pet biz toolkit. 🐾💻

Sherry and Carly are breaking down exactly how consistent email marketing can drive serious sales—yep, we’ve seen it firsthand! We’re sharing:

📩 How to build an email list that actually works (hint: start at checkout!)

📩 Lead magnets that attract customers & keep them engaged

📩 The 80/20 content rule – How to keep emails fun, valuable, and NOT just another sales pitch

📩 Why segmenting your list = better engagement & more $$$

📩 How to repurpose content like a pro (work smarter, not harder!)

📩 Community building through email – making customers feel like VIPs

📩 ChatGPT & other tools to make email marketing easier than ever

If you’ve been sleeping on email marketing, this is your wake-up call! Hit play and get ready to level up your email game! 🎧🐶💡

Connect with the Pet Shop Girls!

Find us everywhere: https://linktr.ee/petshopgirls

Connect with Carly (House of Paws):

https://www.instagram.com/houseofpawsboutique

https://www.tiktok.com/@houseofpawsboutique

https://www.facebook.com/houseofpawsboutique

Connect with Sherry (Odyssey Pets):

https://www.facebook.com/odysseypets

https://www.instagram.com/odysseypets

https://linktr.ee/odysseypetsdallas

🐾 The Dirty Secrets of Pet Food – What They Don’t Want You to Know! 🛑🍖

Think the pet food industry has your pet’s best interest at heart? Think again. Susan Thixton, founder of Truth About Pet Food, is here to pull back the curtain on the shocking truths hiding in your pet’s bowl. From misleading labels and sneaky marketing tricks to regulatory loopholes that protect big pet food over your pet’s health, we’re exposing it all.

🚨 Why You NEED to Hear This Episode:

🔹 Pet food recalls—what brands don’t want you to know (hint: kibble is the real problem!).

🔹 The truth about "human-grade" ingredients—are you feeding your pet junk?

🔹 Who actually regulates pet food (and why they aren’t protecting your pet).

🔹 How to decode labels & spot red flags in seconds.

🔹 Raw food myths—why it's under attack and who benefits from the fear-mongering.

🔹 How to take back control & make the best choices for your pet’s health!

This episode is packed with eye-opening insights, real talk, and practical tips to help you navigate the chaos that is the pet food industry. If you love your pet, you NEED to hear this.

🎧 Hit play now, because knowledge is power—and your pet deserves the best! 🐶🐾

👉 Learn more at https://truthaboutpetfood.com/

Connect with the Pet Shop Girls!

Find us everywhere: https://linktr.ee/petshopgirls

Connect with Carly (House of Paws):

https://www.instagram.com/houseofpawsboutique

https://www.tiktok.com/@houseofpawsboutique

https://www.facebook.com/houseofpawsboutique

Connect with Sherry (Odyssey Pets):

https://www.facebook.com/odysseypets

https://www.instagram.com/odysseypets

https://linktr.ee/odysseypetsdallas

🎙️ Trade Show Success – A Must-Listen Replay! 🎙️

Global Pet Expo 2025 is almost here—March 26-28 in Orlando, Florida—and we’re bringing back one of our most valuable episodes to help you prep like a pro!

This episode is packed with must-know tips to maximize your trade show experience, including:

✔️ How to prep & navigate the show floor

✔️ Essential items to bring

✔️ Networking & making meaningful connections

✔️ Smart product inquiries & show specials

✔️ Using social media to boost your experience

✔️ Time management strategies

✔️ Staying energized & avoiding trade show burnout

Whether it’s your first time or you’re a seasoned pro, these tips will help you make the most of Global Pet Expo 2025! 🎧🐾

Connect with the Pet Shop Girls!

Find us everywhere: https://linktr.ee/petshopgirls

Connect with Carly (House of Paws):

https://www.instagram.com/houseofpawsboutique

https://www.tiktok.com/@houseofpawsboutique

https://www.facebook.com/houseofpawsboutique

Connect with Sherry (Odyssey Pets):

https://www.facebook.com/odysseypets

https://www.instagram.com/odysseypets

https://linktr.ee/odysseypetsdallas

In this episode of Pet Shop Girls, Carly and Sherry dive into smart strategies to keep customers coming back for more! They chat about the power of unforgettable in-store experiences, understanding shopper behavior, and how your most loyal customers can be the key to boosting profitability.

Most importantly, Carly and Sherry reveal how going the extra mile to surprise and delight your customers can turn one-time shoppers into lifelong fans. Tune in for actionable tips that will help your pet business thrive! 🎧🐾

Connect with the Pet Shop Girls!

Find us everywhere: https://linktr.ee/petshopgirls

Connect with Carly (House of Paws):

https://www.instagram.com/houseofpawsboutique

https://www.tiktok.com/@houseofpawsboutique

https://www.facebook.com/houseofpawsboutique

Connect with Sherry (Odyssey Pets):

https://www.facebook.com/odysseypets

https://www.instagram.com/odysseypets

https://linktr.ee/odysseypetsdallas

We're back with all the furry details on how to make your pet store the paw-fect destination for Valentine's Day! From chew-tiful bouquets to a "gamble on puppy love" event, we've got the scoop on irresistible promotions that are sure to have your customers falling head over paws. This episode is packed with so many sweet ideas, you'll be saying "I chew-se you!" all the way to the bank.

Connect with the Pet Shop Girls!

Find us everywhere: https://linktr.ee/petshopgirls

Connect with Carly (House of Paws):

https://www.instagram.com/houseofpawsboutique

https://www.tiktok.com/@houseofpawsboutique

https://www.facebook.com/houseofpawsboutique

Connect with Sherry (Odyssey Pets):

https://www.facebook.com/odysseypets

https://www.instagram.com/odysseypets

https://linktr.ee/odysseypetsdallas

We're so excited to have Art Nakagawa on the show today. As a 44-year industry veteran, Art's passion for supporting independent pet retailers is truly inspiring. We dive deep into the power of private labeling - how it can boost your brand, improve margins, and keep those customers coming back. Art shares his expertise on simplifying the process, getting creative with packaging, and why private label is a must-try for any indie pet biz.

Connect with Artvark Pet products:

https://www.artvarkpet.com/

Connect with the Pet Shop Girls!

Find us everywhere: https://linktr.ee/petshopgirls

Connect with Carly (House of Paws):

https://www.instagram.com/houseofpawsboutique

https://www.tiktok.com/@houseofpawsboutique

https://www.facebook.com/houseofpawsboutique

Connect with Sherry (Odyssey Pets):

https://www.facebook.com/odysseypets

https://www.instagram.com/odysseypets

https://linktr.ee/odysseypetsdallas