How do we better serve aging pets and their senior owners? Angela Dinsmoor, gerontologist and founder of Grey Whiskers, joins the show to share how her background in human aging informs her unique approach to senior dog care. From adapting grooming practices to handling emotionally complex client conversations, Angela outlines the deep overlap between pet and human aging. She discusses the importance of mental enrichment, emotional sensitivity, and communication with senior clients. This episode sheds light on a growing, underserved part of the pet care industry—and how we can all do better.

Main topics:

• Communicating with senior pet owners
• Grooming adaptations for aging dogs
• Emotional needs of elderly clients
• Quality of life assessments
• Pet care industry gaps for senior pets

Main takeaway: Senior dogs, and their owners, are falling through the cracks in the pet care industry, and we need to have a solution for them.

Senior pets have unique needs—physically, emotionally, and behaviorally—but most grooming, pet sitting, and even veterinary services aren't designed with them in mind. Angela Dinsmoor saw this gap firsthand after adopting her first older dog and realized the system wasn't built to support their aging bodies or their people. From dementia to arthritis to simple anxiety around being handled, these pets deserve specialized care.

About our guest: I'm Angela Dinsmoor, and I've spent over 20 years in the pet industry-teaching, grooming, and supporting families and professionals alike. But over time, one truth became impossible to ignore: we don't talk enough about senior dogs. They're aging. Their needs are changing. And yet even the most experienced groomers and pet pros often aren't trained to care for them properly. That's why I created Grey Whiskers, a purpose-driven platform built around education, empathy, and specialized care for our oldest companions.

Grey Whiskers stands on four senior paws:

🐾 In-home grooming is designed specifically for senior dogs

🐾 The Senior Dog Digest, a trusted newsletter for pet parents and pet professionals

🐾 The first Senior Dog Grooming Certification in the industry

🐾 And a growing community built to celebrate and support pet professionals, aging pets and their owners, not sideline them

This is a conversation about care, dignity, and the deep bond we share with our animals, especially as they grow older. If your audience loves dogs, works in pet care, or simply wants to better support their aging best friend, I'd be honored to share what I've learned. It's not a sad story; it's a hopeful one. And it's time we start telling it.

Links:

[email protected] - Email

https://www.greywhiskers.dog/ - Website

https://www.greywhiskersdigest.dog/ - Newsletter

https://www.linkedin.com/company/greywhiskersseniordogs - LinkedIn

808-457-2169 - Phone

https://www.instagram.com/greywhiskerspet/#

https://www.linkedin.com/in/angeladinsmoor/

https://www.facebook.com/greywhiskerspet

Check out our Starter Packs

See all of our discounts!

Check out ProTrainings Code: CPR-petsitterconfessional for 10% off

📞 Call us: (636) 364-8260

Follow us on: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter

Email us at: [email protected]

Full show notes and transcript

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Pet Sitter Confessional, its hosts, or sponsors. We interview individuals based on their experience and expertise within the pet care industry. Any statements made outside of this platform, or unrelated to the topic discussed, are solely the responsibility of the guest.

Sponsored by:

❤️ Our AMAZING Patreon Supporters

Time to Pet Visit: https://timetopet.com/confessional Code: 50% off first 3 months

Visit petsit.com/join and use code 'confessional15' at checkout to save $15 off your first year!

What would actually happen to your pet sitting or dog walking business if you couldn't show up tomorrow? In this episode, we share how a scary experience during COVID forced us to confront just how much our business depended on us personally. We walk through the first four ways to build a more resilient business: having a backup as a solo sitter, creating a team-based system with employee backups, handing off admin tasks, and getting your "in-your-head" knowledge documented. We talk about the mental load of being the only one who knows how to run payroll, schedule, and respond to emergencies—and what it looks like to slowly share that responsibility. We want you to start building a business that can keep caring for clients and supporting your family, even when life forces you to step back.

Main topics:

• Facing "What If I Can't?"

• Solo Sitters and True Backups

• Team-Based, Cross-Trained Staff

• Handing Off Admin Tasks

• Systematizing In-Your-Head Knowledge

Main takeaway: "Being without a backup is just one emergency away from losing everything and having a real catastrophe on their hands"

It sounds dramatic, but it's the reality so many pet sitters and dog walkers quietly live with. One illness, one family emergency, or one injury could leave clients stranded and your business hanging by a thread. In this episode, we talk about how to build real backups, not just in theory, but in practical, everyday ways—from connecting with another sitter to cross-training a team to documenting what only lives in your head. You don't have to build a massive company, but you do deserve a business that won't collapse the second you need to step away.

Links:

Loom (Suggested for Screen-Recording SOPs): https://www.loom.com/

ChatGPT / AI Tools (Implied for Turning Transcripts into SOPs): https://www.openai.com/chatgpt/

Check out our Starter Packs

See all of our discounts!

Check out ProTrainings Code: CPR-petsitterconfessional for 10% off

📞 Call us: (636) 364-8260

Follow us on: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter

Email us at: [email protected]

Full show notes and transcript

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Pet Sitter Confessional, its hosts, or sponsors. We interview individuals based on their experience and expertise within the pet care industry. Any statements made outside of this platform, or unrelated to the topic discussed, are solely the responsibility of the guest.

Sponsored by:

❤️ Our AMAZING Patreon Supporters

Pet Sitters Associates Visit: https://www.petsitllc.com Code: Confessional

In every industry, true leadership isn't about recognition—it's about service. In pet care, that spirit shows up in those who give their time, share their experience, and create space for others to grow. Few embody that better than Deanna Schaar and Cathy Vaughan of the Texas Pet Sitters Association. What began as a small meet-up in a boarding facility has become one of the most beloved conferences in pet care—an annual, volunteer-led non-profit event that draws attendees from across the country. They share how early chaos and tech mishaps shaped their approach, how they find and support speakers, and why community—not competition—is their secret sauce. From health and wellness sessions to industry-wide collaboration, this conversation celebrates the heart and humility behind real leadership.

Main topics:

• Starting a grassroots conference

• Building a non-profit association

• Learning from early mistakes

• Finding and supporting speakers

• Creating community and belonging

Main takeaway: "We don't have egos—this isn't about getting on stage. It's about doing whatever needs to be done to help others."

That line sums up the heart of the Texas Pet Sitters Association. Deanna Schaar and Cathy Vaughan didn't set out to build a conference for recognition—they built it for connection. Over 11 years, they've created a place where pet sitters learn, laugh, and lean on each other. Their story is a reminder that the best leaders lift others first. Because in both business and life, anything worth building takes time, energy, and people. Setting aside your ego and letting others shine is what truly propels whatever you're trying to grow.

About our guests:

Deanna Schaar is the owner of Deanna's Dog House, offering in-home dog boarding in Texas. A founding member and current Vice President of the Texas Pet Sitters Association, she is passionate about community education and support for fellow pet sitters.

Cathy Vaughan owns Cathy's Critter Care in San Antonio and serves as President of the Association. Together, they lead a volunteer non-profit that hosts an annual conference fostering professional development, networking, and friendship for pet care providers nationwide.

Links:

🌐 Website: https://txpetsitters.com

📘 Facebook: Texas Pet Sitters Association

🐾 Cathy's Critter Care: https://cathyscrittercare.com

🐶 Deanna's Dog House: https://deannasdoghouse.com

Check out our Starter Packs

See all of our discounts!

Check out ProTrainings Code: CPR-petsitterconfessional for 10% off

📞 Call us: (636) 364-8260

Follow us on: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter

Email us at: [email protected]

Full show notes and transcript

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Pet Sitter Confessional, its hosts, or sponsors. We interview individuals based on their experience and expertise within the pet care industry. Any statements made outside of this platform, or unrelated to the topic discussed, are solely the responsibility of the guest.

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 covered for what you actually do today—not what you did last year? We walk through our annual insurance review. We cover the "must-haves", when bonding makes sense, and why non-owned auto and business property matter once you add staff or an office. We also explain what petsitting business insurance does not cover—and how workers' comp and personal health insurance fit in. Finally, we share practical risk-management habits and the customer-service "intangibles" we expect from any insurer.

Main topics:

• Core coverage essentials

• Care, custody & control

• Non-owned auto protection

• Workers' comp vs. health

• Risk management habits

Main takeaway: "Insurance is not about fear. It's about good stewardship of the pets, of the homes, and the trust that the clients place in us."

We build our business on trust, which means planning for real-world moments—not pretending they won't happen. The right coverage protects pets, homes, neighbors, employees, and yes, you. It also lets us say to clients with confidence: if something goes wrong, we have a plan and a policy. That's professional care, not hobby care—and it's why our annual insurance checkup matters.

Links:

Check out our Starter Packs

See all of our discounts!

Check out ProTrainings Code: CPR-petsitterconfessional for 10% off

📞 Call us: (636) 364-8260

Follow us on: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter

Email us at: [email protected]

Full show notes and transcript

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Pet Sitter Confessional, its hosts, or sponsors. We interview individuals based on their experience and expertise within the pet care industry. Any statements made outside of this platform, or unrelated to the topic discussed, are solely the responsibility of the guest.

Sponsored by:

❤️ Our AMAZING Patreon Supporters

Pet Sitters Associates Visit: https://www.petsitllc.com Code: Confessional

What does it take to build a successful, heart-centered pet sitting business? Lindsey Perriello shares her path from surgical tech to pet care professional, highlighting the emotional toll of past jobs and how her values shaped the company she leads today. She discusses the challenges of setting boundaries, training staff, and keeping a personal touch with 300+ clients. Lindsey's approach is rooted in education, empathy, and honesty—qualities she believes all pet sitters should bring to their work. This conversation is full of practical insights and vulnerable moments that reflect the realities of small business ownership.

Main topics:

• Career change to pet care

• Ethical client relationships

• Continuing education & certifications

• Managing staff and quality control

• Boundaries and pricing challenges

Main takeaway: "Families are putting their trust in us, and in return, I want to do the best that I can."

When someone hands you their keys and their pets, they're not just hiring a service—they're extending trust. Our job isn't simply to meet expectations; it's to honor that trust through professionalism, communication, and care that never cuts corners.

Training, insurance, certifications, systems—these aren't boxes to check. They're how we prove we take that trust seriously.

Whether you're solo or leading a team, remember: your clients don't see your behind-the-scenes effort, but they feel it in every visit report, every thoughtful update, every safe return home.

💬 What's one way you show clients they can trust you?

About our guest: Lindsey Perriello is the owner of Lindsey's Dog Walking, based in Lower Burrell, Pennsylvania. After over a decade as a surgical tech and a stint in memorial sales, Lindsey turned to pet care in 2018. She built her business on principles of continuing education, staff reliability, and personal relationships with clients. Lindsey is certified through Pet Sitters International, Fear Free Pets, and Karen Pryor Academy. Her team of five serves a small, local area with high standards and big heart. Known for her attention to detail and compassionate care, Lindsey has grown her client base to over 300 through word-of-mouth and social media, all while prioritizing work-life balance and client trust.

Links:

• Website: https://lindseysdogwalking.com

• Facebook: Ladies with Leashes

• Instagram: @ladieswithleashes

• TikTok: @ladieswithleashes

• Email: [email protected]

• Organizations Mentioned:

  • Pet Sitters International (PSI)

  • Fear Free Pets

  • Karen Pryor Academy

Check out our Starter Packs

See all of our discounts!

Check out ProTrainings Code: CPR-petsitterconfessional for 10% off

📞 Call us: (636) 364-8260

Follow us on: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter

Email us at: [email protected]

Full show notes and transcript

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Pet Sitter Confessional, its hosts, or sponsors. We interview individuals based on their experience and expertise within the pet care industry. Any statements made outside of this platform, or unrelated to the topic discussed, are solely the responsibility of the guest.

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 do you do when competitors copy your ideas, wording, or services? In this episode, we share a practical mindset shift: ideas are cheap—execution is everything. We explore how delivery, team training, client experience, and reliability become the differentiators copycats can't replicate. We talk through stability as a strategy, resisting reactive changes, and doubling down on strengths. We close with concrete ways to serve deeper, not louder, so you lead for years—not minutes.

Main topics:

• Copying vs. true execution

• Delivery as differentiation

• Stability as a strategy

• Serve deeper, not louder

• Training and systems moat

Main takeaway: "Because people can copy what you offer. They can't copy who you are."

People can copy your prices, your services, even your words—but not you. Your standards, training, reliability, and care are built day after day through consistent delivery. That's the moat no one sees on a webpage. When imitation shows up, don't get reactive—get excellent. Keep serving deeper, refining your systems, and showing up for clients. Consistency beats mimicry every time.

Links:

Check out our Starter Packs

See all of our discounts!

Check out ProTrainings Code: CPR-petsitterconfessional for 10% off

📞 Call us: (636) 364-8260

Follow us on: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter

Email us at: [email protected]

Full show notes and transcript

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Pet Sitter Confessional, its hosts, or sponsors. We interview individuals based on their experience and expertise within the pet care industry. Any statements made outside of this platform, or unrelated to the topic discussed, are solely the responsibility of the guest.

Sponsored by:

❤️ Our AMAZING Patreon Supporters

Pet Sitters Associates Visit: https://www.petsitllc.com Code: Confessional

What does it really mean to educate your community while running a thriving pet care business? Miguel Rodriguez of City Dog Pack returns to share how he balances content creation, training, boarding, and walking services—while staying grounded in his values. He opens up about recognizing the value of his time, setting clear policies, and learning to say "no" without guilt. Miguel also explains his shift toward video and course-based learning, and how gratitude reshaped his approach after COVID-19. This conversation is a powerful reminder that being an educator starts with empathy, boundaries, and knowing your worth.

• Educating clients through social media

• Balancing business with personal life

• Setting and enforcing client policies

• Creating content with real-world value

• Recognizing and managing burnout

That mindset shift changed everything for Miguel Rodriguez of City Dog Pack. Burnout used to feel like failure—until he reframed it as a sign of demand, trust, and impact. Now, when exhaustion creeps in, he remembers the days he waited by the phone, hoping for one client call. If you're tired from helping others, it might just mean you're doing something right. Just don't forget to take care of yourself too—gratitude and boundaries can go a long way.

Miguel Rodriguez is the founder of City Dog Pack, a dog training, walking, and boarding business based in New York City. With over 15 years of experience, Miguel blends practical dog behavior knowledge with a deep commitment to client education and community support. He publishes the "Everything Dog" newsletter on Substack and is expanding into YouTube and TikTok to share even more free and accessible content. A former Marine and lifelong educator, Miguel is passionate about helping people build better lives with their pets. His work emphasizes empathy, gratitude, and practical advice for real-world dog challenges.

Links:

City Dog Pack on Instagram

Email: [email protected]

Check out our Starter Packs

See all of our discounts!

Check out ProTrainings Code: CPR-petsitterconfessional for 10% off

📞 Call us: (636) 364-8260

Follow us on: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter

Email us at: [email protected]

Full show notes and transcript

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Pet Sitter Confessional, its hosts, or sponsors. We interview individuals based on their experience and expertise within the pet care industry. Any statements made outside of this platform, or unrelated to the topic discussed, are solely the responsibility of the guest.

Sponsored by:

❤️ Our AMAZING Patreon Supporters

Time to Pet Visit: https://timetopet.com/confessional Code: 50% off first 3 months

Peaceful Pet Music - Calm Music for Pets

🎶💜 From peaceful melodies to soothing nature sounds, this channel is your go-to spot when your pet is anxious and you don't know where to turn.💜🐾

Subscribe now at https://www.youtube.com/@peacefulpetmusic

In this episode, we unpack how the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) used its magazine to point cat owners toward insured, trained, professional sitters—despite being sponsored by a gig-app. We explore why that subtle editorial stance signals a cultural shift and how it aligns with PSI's new global standards. We share what owners are now encouraged to ask: insurance, medical competence, meet-and-greets, backups, and referrals. We also name the gaps (team-based models and continuing education) while celebrating a rising floor for industry expectations.

• CFA's pro-sitter stance

• PSI global standards synergy

• Hobbyist vs. professional framing

• Outcome-based feline care

• Owner questions that matter

Main Takeaway Quote: "This is how cultural change happens—not through laws first, but through language."

When the Cat Fanciers' Association tells cat owners to hire insured, trained, professional sitters, it changes everything. It raises the public expectation for what 'good care' really means and validates the professionals who've been setting those standards for years. On this week's Pet Sitter Confessional, we talk about why that shift matters, how it connects with PSI's new global standards, and why professionalism—not convenience—is winning the long game in pet care.

Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA): https://cfa.org

Cat Talk magazine (CFA publication) — article referenced: "Choosing the Right Cat Sitter": https://cfa.org/cat-talk/choosing-the-right-cat-sitter/

Pet Sitters International (PSI) — Global Standards: https://www.petsit.com (see Global Standards)

Meowtel: https://www.meowtel.com

Check out our Starter Packs

See all of our discounts!

Check out ProTrainings Code: CPR-petsitterconfessional for 10% off

📞 Call us: (636) 364-8260

Follow us on: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter

Email us at: [email protected]

Full show notes and transcript

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Pet Sitter Confessional, its hosts, or sponsors. We interview individuals based on their experience and expertise within the pet care industry. Any statements made outside of this platform, or unrelated to the topic discussed, are solely the responsibility of the guest.

Sponsored by:

❤️ Our AMAZING Patreon Supporters

Pet Sitters Associates Visit: https://www.petsitllc.com Code: Confessional

What does it really mean to be a kind and ethical pet care provider? In this episode, Helen Motteram of The Pet Professional Network shares her personal story of burnout, bullying, and the powerful impact of kindness in an industry that often lacks support. She explains how ethical pet care involves both the animals and the humans who love them, and why setting clear boundaries is crucial to sustainable compassion. Helen also unpacks common ethical dilemmas pet sitters face and how we can stay grounded in our values through them. Whether you're new or experienced, her message encourages you to cultivate personal touch and protect your own wellbeing as part of professional kindness

• Burnout and industry bullying

• Defining kindness in business

• Setting boundaries with clients

• Ethical dilemmas in pet care

• Maintaining personal touch while scaling

"You can't be friends with everyone. But having a small group of cheerleaders you trust makes all the difference."

In the pet care industry, it's easy to feel isolated—especially when you face difficult client relationships or judgment from peers. That's why it's essential to find your people. The ones who get it. The ones you can ask the hard questions and be vulnerable with. Not everyone will be your supporter, but when you find your cheerleaders, hold them close—they're the ones who remind you why you started and help you keep going.

I'm Helen - a Behaviourist, Coach and International Speaker and have loved and worked with animals all of my life. From rescue work, travelling overseas to work with hundreds of dogs, to helping my own dog, Sally, overcome her own fear of other dogs. But it's not only animals that I'm passionate about. I help kind, ambitious, hardworking pet professionals to have more fun, more time and greater confidence in their business. With a focus on how to create a niche that fits to your personality or branding! I feel we all offer something truly Distinctive and we should embrace our individuality. So that's where I come in. To offer a soundboard and someone who can walk in your shoes. I'm the proud founder of the Pet Professional Network, a community that offers business support and networking for ethical pet professionals all across the globe. When I'm not working I'm running crazy marathons to raise money for bird rescue and spending time with my husband and Mum who've always been an inspiration.

Links:

[email protected]

https://www.helenmotteram.com

https://www.petpronetwork.com

https://www.facebook.com/petpronetwork

Check out our Starter Packs

See all of our discounts!

Check out ProTrainings Code: CPR-petsitterconfessional for 10% off

📞 Call us: (636) 364-8260

Follow us on: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter

Email us at: [email protected]

Full show notes and transcript

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Pet Sitter Confessional, its hosts, or sponsors. We interview individuals based on their experience and expertise within the pet care industry. Any statements made outside of this platform, or unrelated to the topic discussed, are solely the responsibility of the guest.

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 happens when an "unregulated" industry finally publishes standards? We unpack PSI's new Global Standards for professional pet sitting and dog walking, explaining why standards are the floor—not the ceiling—for ethical care and business practices. We discuss how courts, insurers, and regulators use industry standards to define "reasonable care," and what that means for documentation, insurance, and client data security. We also outline practical next steps to self-audit your policies, train your team, and communicate compliance to clients. Finally, we share how clearer standards could shift market dynamics—especially for app-based platforms—and elevate the profession's reputation.

Main topic:

• Standards as baseline professionalism

• Insurance scope and adequacy

• Client data security practices

• Documentation and due diligence

• Market impact on gig platforms

Main takeaway: "Standards are the floor, not the ceiling"

In pet care, published standards aren't limits—they're launchpads. They set the baseline for safety, documentation, insurance, and client data protection so professionals can build higher. When you exceed the floor, you create trust, reduce risk, and stand out in a crowded market. Audit your policies, train your team, and share your alignment—your clients (and their pets) deserve it.

Links:

PSI Global Standards for Professional Pet Sitting & Dog Walking (full document): https://www.petsit.com/standards

Episode 630 (laws impacting pet care): https://www.petsitterconfessional.com/episodes/630

Check out our Starter Packs

See all of our discounts!

Check out ProTrainings Code: CPR-petsitterconfessional for 10% off

📞 Call us: (636) 364-8260

Follow us on: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter

Email us at: [email protected]

Full show notes and transcript

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Pet Sitter Confessional, its hosts, or sponsors. We interview individuals based on their experience and expertise within the pet care industry. Any statements made outside of this platform, or unrelated to the topic discussed, are solely the responsibility of the guest.

Sponsored by:

❤️ Our AMAZING Patreon Supporters

Pet Sitters Associates Visit: https://www.petsitllc.com Code: Confessional