By Pet Sitter Confessional, LLC
4.9
9595 ratings
The podcast currently has 546 episodes available.
Ever wondered how focusing on a niche can transform your pet care business? Michelle McLean, owner of Michelle’s Caring Cat Services, shares her journey of building a thriving, cat-exclusive pet care brand in Ottawa, Ontario. Michelle dives into her transition from marketing to cat sitting, her efforts to re-establish her business after a major move, and how specializing in feline care has set her apart in a competitive market. We discuss her strategies for connecting with clients on a personal level, building trust through certifications, and creating community around cats through events and education. Michelle also highlights the importance of going beyond traditional pet care to become a resource and advocate for cat owners. This conversation is an inspiring look at how passion, expertise, and connection can drive business success.
Main topics:
Main takeaway: Connecting with people on a personal level about their cats builds trust and makes the relationship stronger.
As pet sitters, we know that caring for someone’s beloved furry family member isn’t just a job—it’s a relationship built on trust.
💡 When we take the time to listen to pet parents’ stories, understand their routines, and even chat about the quirks that make their cats unique, we’re doing more than preparing to care for their pets. We’re creating a bond that reassures them their feline friend is in the best hands.
🎯 Whether it’s asking thoughtful questions during a meet-and-greet, following up with updates about their cat’s day, or simply showing genuine enthusiasm for their pet, every little interaction matters.
💬 Tell us: How do you build trust and connect with your clients?
About our guest:
Michelle McLean is the founder and owner of Michelle's Caring Cat Services, a cat-exclusive pet care business based in Ottawa, Ontario. With over six years of experience in professional cat sitting, Michelle has built a reputation as a trusted and passionate caregiver in the local cat community. Her journey began in the Niagara region, where her lifelong love for cats inspired her to transition from a career in marketing and graphic design to pet care. Michelle holds multiple certifications, including Fear Free certification, Pet First Aid, and she is a Certified Professional Pet Sitter, underscoring her commitment to providing stress-free, high-quality care for feline companions.
Michelle is deeply involved in the Ottawa cat community, frequently volunteering with organizations such as the Ottawa Stray Cat Rescue and participating in local cat-focused events. She is dedicated to connecting cat lovers and sharing her extensive knowledge through community events, educational resources, and her growing online presence. Michelle’s mission is to support cat owners by offering personalized, expert care that prioritizes the physical and emotional well-being of their pets.
In addition to running her business, Michelle actively seeks to elevate the profile of professional cat care, offering advice on cat behavior, products, and health to her clients and the broader community. When she’s not caring for cats or hosting events, Michelle can be found designing creative resources to support cat parents or engaging in cat-related volunteer work.
Links:
caringcatsitting.com
instagram.com/caringcatsitting
facebook.com/caringcatsitting
Cat Behavior Solutions: https://www.catbehaviorsolutions.org/podcast
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See all of our discounts!
Check out ProTrainings Code: CPR-petsitterconfessional for 10% off
Give us a call! (636) 364-8260
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Email us at: [email protected]
Full show notes and transcript
Sponsored by:
❤️ Our AMAZING Patreon Supporters
Time to Pet Visit: https://timetopet.com/confessional Code: 50% off first 3 months
Pet Perennials Visit: https://petperennials.com/pages/register-for-a-business-account Code: 'PSC' when registering for a $2 off coupon on any purchases in the 1st 90 days
Have you prioritized your personal life over your business? We recently took a spontaneous long road trip to preserve a piece of our family's history.
On this podcast episode, we discuss how having clear priorities simplifies decision-making and enables decisive action when time is limited. The importance of follow-through and finishing what you start, even when motivation wanes, should be a central theme in our lives and business.
Finally, we highlight how self-care is essential for sustaining personal and professional success, ensuring you can show up as your best self for your business and clients.
Main Topics:
- Setting Clear Priorities - Acting Quickly - Following Through - Practicing Self-Care
Main Takeaway: Sometimes, action taken right now is better than waiting for those perfect conditions that may honestly never come.
Links:
Check out our Starter Packs
See all of our discounts!
Check out ProTrainings Code: CPR-petsitterconfessional for 10% off
Give us a call! (636) 364-8260
Follow us on: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter
Email us at: [email protected]
Full show notes and transcript
Sponsored by:
❤️ Our AMAZING Patreon Supporters
Pet Sitters Associates Visit: https://www.petsitllc.com Code: Confessional
Ever wondered what it takes to build unwavering trust with clients in the pet care industry? 🤝On this episode, Dan Reitman, owner of Dan’s Pet Care, discusses his journey of building a trusted pet care brand.
Dan shares his evolution from a solo dog walker to managing a large-scale business that includes daycare and kennel-free boarding, emphasizing the importance of maintaining client trust throughout.
We explore his challenges in deciding when to keep things in-house versus partnering, as well as his commitment to ensuring high standards of care in an increasingly competitive industry.
Dan also opens up about overcoming personal and business-related fears, pushing himself to learn and grow continuously. This conversation is a deep dive into why trust remains the ultimate asset in pet services and how it can drive sustainable success.
Main topics:
Transition to daycare facilities
Control and partnership challenges
Building trust with clients
Industry competition and standards
Overcoming business-related fears
Main takeaway: The only asset that can be kept safe from every threat and made to appreciate in value year after year is the relationship you have with your customers.
About our guest:
Daniel Reitman is the founder and CEO of Dan’s Pet Care, a top pet care service provider in New York. His entrepreneurial journey began early, eventually leading him to launch his pet care company in 2009 after recognizing a need for quality pet services while working as a veterinary technician. Today, Dan’s Pet Care serves over 4,000 clients across multiple regions, with plans for national expansion.
A graduate of Hofstra University with a degree in entrepreneurship and biology, Daniel’s business acumen has helped him grow Dan’s Pet Care into a multi-million-dollar company. His commitment to excellent pet care earned him the 2021 Pet Sitter of the Year™ Award from Pet Sitters International.
Beyond pet care, Daniel has founded multiple ventures, including SmartLine, a waitlist management platform sold to PaidEasy, and Hope for Hope, a non-profit aiding children in need worldwide. He also mentors other pet businesses and advocates for animal welfare as an ambassador for Paway.
Daniel’s mission is to ensure pets are treated as family members, and his passion for animals and business continues to drive his success in both the pet care industry and beyond.
Links:
danspetcare.com
Check out our Starter Packs
See all of our discounts!
Check out ProTrainings Code: CPR-petsitterconfessional for 10% off
Give us a call! (636) 364-8260
Follow us on: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter
Email us at: [email protected]
Full show notes and transcript
Sponsored by:
❤️ Our AMAZING Patreon Supporters
Time to Pet Visit: https://timetopet.com/confessional Code: 50% off first 3 months
National Association of Professional Pet Sitters: www.petsitters.org
Are you making the most of your time and resources in your business? Being efficient allows you to reduce headaches, free up time, and lead a more focused life. Although finding efficiencies is an ongoing process that takes effort, it’s ultimately worth it once everything is streamlined. Route planning might be one of the biggest challenges, but there are many other areas to optimize for running the business you truly envision. By addressing these aspects, you’ll build a business that works for you, not the other way around.
Main topics:
Route Optimization
Client Communication
Inventory Management
Scheduling and Onboarding
Task Automation
Main takeaway: Efficiency isn’t just about saving time; it’s about creating space to focus on what matters most—providing excellent care and building meaningful connections.
Links:
Check out our Starter Packs
See all of our discounts!
Check out ProTrainings Code: CPR-petsitterconfessional for 10% off
Give us a call! (636) 364-8260
Follow us on: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter
Email us at: [email protected]
Full show notes and transcript
Sponsored by:
❤️ Our AMAZING Patreon Supporters
Pet Sitters Associates Visit: https://www.petsitllc.com Code: Confessional
Are you creating a brand that truly connects with your ideal clients? Cagney Collins, of Pet Marketing Unleashed, explores what it takes to build a brand that goes beyond colors and fonts. Cagney shares how consistency, quality visuals, and a clear brand voice work together to attract the right audience. She discusses why understanding your clients’ lifestyle and preferences is essential in crafting a brand vibe that resonates. Plus, Cagney offers tips on balancing personal preferences with the needs of your target market for a cohesive, memorable brand experience.
Main topics:
Branding consistency for connection
Identifying target audience traits
Importance of quality photography
Using color psychology effectively
Developing brand voice
Main takeaway: Branding is essentially about conveying a feeling. It’s about curating a vibe that resonates with your target audience, beyond just colors and fonts.
About our guest:
Cagney Collins is as passionate about her two beloved cats as she is about designing unforgettable brands for pet businesses! With over six years in the graphic design world, she started out creating illustrations for friends and family, transforming her hobby into a thriving career. Today, Cagney specializes in crafting unique, cohesive brands that help small businesses stand out. She works with Pet Marketing Unleashed to create stunning brand identities and websites tailored for businesses in the pet industry. From logo design to brand strategy, Cagney brings a deep understanding of what makes a brand memorable and impactful.
Links:
www.petmarketingunleashed.com
Use code PSC10 for 10% off with Pet Marketing Unleashed
Check out our Starter Packs
See all of our discounts!
Check out ProTrainings Code: CPR-petsitterconfessional for 10% off
Give us a call! (636) 364-8260
Follow us on: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter
Email us at: [email protected]
Full show notes and transcript
Sponsored by:
❤️ Our AMAZING Patreon Supporters
Time to Pet Visit: https://timetopet.com/confessional Code: 50% off first 3 months
Pet Perennials Visit: https://petperennials.com/pages/register-for-a-business-account Code: 'PSC' when registering for a $2 off coupon on any purchases in the 1st 90 days
What does it take to manage a business remotely across different areas? In this episode, we share the lessons we’ve learned from managing operations in two distinct regions. We discuss the importance of time-blocked hiring for consistency, a team-based approach to ensure continuity, and the crucial role of backup plans. Branding consistency across locations also proves essential, helping clients recognize and trust our services. Finally, we dive into how market-specific strategies can drive growth while maintaining a unified company identity.
Main topics:
Team-based Approach Benefits
Consistent Branding Across Locations
Time Blocked Hiring Strategy
Essential Backup Plans
Market-Specific Service Adjustments
Main takeaway: Separate service areas allow us to test different strategies, but consistency in branding is key.
Links:
Check out our Starter Packs
See all of our discounts!
Check out ProTrainings Code: CPR-petsitterconfessional for 10% off
Give us a call! (636) 364-8260
Follow us on: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter
Email us at: [email protected]
Full show notes and transcript
Sponsored by:
❤️ Our AMAZING Patreon Supporters
Pet Sitters Associates Visit: https://www.petsitllc.com Code: Confessional
Are you truly making the most of your local presence? In this episode, Fernando Vargas, owner of Florida Digital Center, shares how small businesses can achieve “neighborhood fame” by focusing on community engagement and strategic marketing. We explore the importance of optimizing your customer journey, setting up a Google Business Listing, and building strong local partnerships. Fernando emphasizes that branding and advertising require different approaches but work best together to create lasting impact. If you want to grow your local reputation and connect more effectively with your community, this episode is packed with practical tips.
Main topics:
Main takeaway: When you’re around good people, good people will help promote you.
About our guest:
Fernando Vargas, 39, is a self-made entrepreneur and the proud owner of Florida Digital Center, established in 2020 at the height of the pandemic. His career journey is marked by a dynamic blend of travel, marketing, and event management. Fernando's previous roles include Regional Marketing Manager for a construction company, Global Event Manager for a gaming company, and a nationwide role promoting major sporting events for a telecom company. This diverse experience has been instrumental in shaping his entrepreneurial vision.
Links:
$50 digital audit! Go to 9546056338.com
https://www.facebook.com/floridadigitalcenter/
https://www.instagram.com/floridadigitalcenter
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsj9afV_zJExdP5jH83hPhQ
Check out our Starter Packs
See all of our discounts!
Check out ProTrainings Code: CPR-petsitterconfessional for 10% off
Give us a call! (636) 364-8260
Follow us on: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter
Email us at: [email protected]
Full show notes and transcript
Sponsored by:
❤️ Our AMAZING Patreon Supporters
Time to Pet Visit: https://timetopet.com/confessional Code: 50% off first 3 months
National Association of Professional Pet Sitters: www.petsitters.org
What are you working on in your business? In this episode, we dive into why refining the little things can make a big difference. From updating information to strengthening communication, it’s about creating a seamless experience for clients. Consistent improvements lead to better trust, smoother operations, and a stronger reputation. Focusing on these details helps your business not just keep up, but truly stand out.
Main topics:
Online/Offline Presence Updates
Improved Client Communication
Google Profile Optimization
Updated Safety Protocols
Client Testimonials & Feedback
Main takeaway: The little details really do add up—they can help you run a smoother business and stand out from the crowd.
Links:
Episode 336: https://www.petsitterconfessional.com/episodes/336
Check out our Starter Packs
See all of our discounts!
Check out ProTrainings Code: CPR-petsitterconfessional for 10% off
Give us a call! (636) 364-8260
Follow us on: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter
Email us at: [email protected]
Full show notes and transcript
Sponsored by:
❤️ Our AMAZING Patreon Supporters
Pet Sitters Associates Visit: https://www.petsitllc.com Code: Confessional
Is your business helping you achieve your personal goals, or just financial ones? Doug Keeling, owner of Bad to the Bone Pet care, shares about hiring administrative help and defining team roles. We discuss how to delegate effectively, build trust with your team, and promote from within. Doug emphasizes the importance of aligning your business with your personal values for long-term success. If you want to grow your business while maintaining balance, this episode is a must-listen!
Main topics:
Main takeaway: “Build a business that fits around your personal goals, not just your financial ones.”
It’s easy to get caught up in the grind, pushing for revenue growth and higher profit margins. But what if we flipped the script? 🤔
As you continue to grow your business, ask yourself: Am I moving closer to a life I love, or just a higher bank balance?Too often, we build businesses that demand all of our time, energy, and focus—often at the expense of personal fulfillment. But true success isn’t just about the numbers. It’s about creating a business that gives you freedom, fulfillment, and the ability to pursue your passions outside of work. What does that look like in practice? 1) Creating a schedule that allows for family time and self-care. 2) Delegating or automating tasks that drain you, so you can focus on what you truly enjoy. 3) Saying 'no' to opportunities that don’t align with your personal values, even if they promise financial gain.
About our guest:
Doug Keeling, AKA Doug the Dog Guy, is the owner and founder of Bad to the Bone Pet Care in Jacksonville, FL. Over the past ten years, Doug's team of pet sitters and dog walkers have completed over 100,000 pet care services for over 1,000 families. Doug and his team have won multiple awards, most recently being chosen as the 2023 Pet Sitter of the Year by Pet Sitter's International. Doug is passionate about uplifting and inspiring the pet care industry, and he shares his knowledge and experience on his Doug the Dog Guy YouTube channel. Doug also provides one-on-one coaching for pet business owners, and has the Pawsitive Hiring Course where he teaches solo pet sitters and dog walkers how to hire and grow their team!
Links:
Doug’s Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/dougthedogguy
Doug’s hiring course: https://dougthedogguy.co
www.badtothebonepetcare.com
https://www.instagram.com/dougthedogguyofficial
https://www.facebook.com/DougtheDogGuy/
Facebook group for VAs: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/devci3Lxc4d2Mqcj/
Check out our Starter Packs
See all of our discounts!
Check out ProTrainings Code: CPR-petsitterconfessional for 10% off
Give us a call! (636) 364-8260
Follow us on: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter
Email us at: [email protected]
Full show notes and transcript
Sponsored by:
❤️ Our AMAZING Patreon Supporters
Time to Pet Visit: https://timetopet.com/confessional Code: 50% off first 3 months
Pet Perennials Visit: https://petperennials.com/pages/register-for-a-business-account Code: 'PSC' when registering for a $2 off coupon on any purchases in the 1st 90 days
Are you ready to finish 2024 strong and set yourself up for success in 2025? In this episode, we explore seven key strategies for ending the year well, including reflecting on surprises, analyzing client feedback, and adjusting your pricing to better align with your goals. We also emphasize the importance of refining your marketing efforts and streamlining operations to enhance efficiency. Planning for time off in advance is crucial for maintaining your mental health, as discussed in detail. Listen in to learn how to make 2025 your best year yet, starting right now!
Main topics:
Reflect on 2024 surprises
Evaluate client feedback received
Analyze pricing and services
Review marketing efforts' impact
Plan days off early
Main takeaway: Set up your days off now for next year and make it a fact of how you operate—your mental health matters.
Links:
Check out our Starter Packs
See all of our discounts!
Check out ProTrainings Code: CPR-petsitterconfessional for 10% off
Give us a call! (636) 364-8260
Follow us on: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter
Email us at: [email protected]
Full show notes and transcript
Sponsored by:
❤️ Our AMAZING Patreon Supporters
Pet Sitters Associates Visit: https://www.petsitllc.com Code: Confessional
The podcast currently has 546 episodes available.
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