Have you ever wondered what it takes to turn a thriving pet sitting business into a full-fledged dog daycare and boarding facility? Josie Noriega, owner of Super Paws Pet Care, shares her journey of navigating zoning regulations, building a superhero-themed dog resort, and balancing her original pet sitting business. From battling unexpected obstacles like dryer vent cleanouts to finding the right team members, Josie reveals the immense effort and creativity required to make her vision a reality. She highlights the power of networking and mentorship, crediting her business coach, real estate agent, and community for her success. Josie’s energy and passion for pets and her community shine through as she discusses creating services like “Bark After Dark” and low-cost events to serve both clients and their furry companions.

Main topics:

• Transitioning from pet sitting to a brick-and-mortar daycare.

• The importance of networking and mentorship in business growth.

• Developing policies and procedures for daycare operations.

• Managing employee crossover between pet sitting and daycare.

• Creative services like "Bark After Dark" and community events.

Main takeaway: “You can’t do it on your own—you need a network of people to support you, from mentors to business coaches, real estate agents, and even your team members.”

Building a business isn’t about doing it all alone—it’s about leaning on the right people to help you grow. Josie Noriega shares how networking with mentors, real estate agents, and even her employees gave her the tools and confidence to open her superhero-themed dog resort. By embracing collaboration and staying open to advice, she turned a massive challenge into an exciting opportunity to serve her clients in a whole new way. Josie’s story is proof that a strong network isn’t just helpful—it’s essential.

This week on the podcast, Josie reveals how community and creativity fueled her journey into brick-and-mortar success.

🌟 Who’s in your corner helping you grow? Tag them and share below! 🎧🐾

About our guest:

Josie Noriega is the owner of Super Paws Pet Care, a superhero-themed dog daycare and boarding facility located on the outskirts of Dallas, Texas. With over 30 years of experience in the pet care industry, Josie transitioned from running a pet sitting business to creating a brick-and-mortar facility that offers crate-free boarding, daycare, grooming, and more. Her passion for pets and her community drives her to offer creative services like “Bark After Dark” and low-cost community events. A native of Canada, Josie’s dedication to building a supportive network and implementing innovative ideas has made her a trusted name in pet care. Follow her journey on Facebook or Instagram at @SuperPawsDogResort.

Links:

• Website: Super Paws Pet Care

• Facebook: Super Paws Dog Resort

• Instagram: Super Paws Dog Resort

• Master Networks (Mentioned in Interview): Master Networks Website

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How do you ensure the right employees are available at the right times while keeping your business running smoothly? In this episode, we break down three popular scheduling models: Shift Scheduling, Employee Availability-Based Scheduling, and Route-Based Scheduling with Core & Flex Employees. We explore the pros and cons of each, from predictability and efficiency to flexibility and legal considerations. Choosing the right model can impact employee satisfaction, client experience, and overall business success. Tune in to learn how to find the best fit for your pet care business!

Main topics:

• Shift Scheduling Model – Set work shifts, predictable but inconsistent hours.

• Employee Availability Scheduling – Flexible but harder to ensure coverage.

• Route-Based Scheduling – Assigned areas, efficient but limiting.

• Legal Considerations – Compliance with labor laws.

• Choosing the Right Model – Aligning with business needs.

Main takeaway: “Choosing the right scheduling model impacts your efficiency, your employee satisfaction, and your client experience.”

As pet business owners, how we schedule our team affects everything—from how smoothly visits run to how happy our employees and clients are. A structured shift model keeps things predictable, an availability-based model offers flexibility, and a route-based approach can maximize efficiency. But the best model depends on your business needs!

In our latest episode, we break down the pros and cons of each model and help you decide which one fits your pet care business best. 🐶🐱

Which scheduling model do you use? Drop a comment below! ⬇️

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

Is your pet business running you instead of the other way around? Jo Moorecroft and Vicky Davies from Canine Business Academy join us to share their expertise on building intentional, sustainable, and fulfilling pet care businesses. We discuss the power of defining your business purpose, creating win-win client relationships, and avoiding common pitfalls like burnout and disorganization. Learn actionable steps to shift from survival mode to thriving mode while maintaining exceptional care standards.

Main topics:

• Defining Your Business Purpose

• Becoming the Bouncer of Your Business

• Balancing Client Needs and Business Efficiency

• Moving from Operator to Owner Mindset

• The Role of Mentorship and Community

Main takeaway: “Detach yourself from your business and act like the CEO it needs. Build intentionally, say no when it doesn’t serve you, and create a business that supports your life—not the other way around.”

Running a business often feels like an endless cycle of tasks, client demands, and “just one more thing.” But here’s a truth that changed everything for us: You are not your business. When you detach yourself from the daily grind and start thinking like the CEO, you give your business room to thrive—and yourself space to breathe. 🌟

Act intentionally. Build with purpose. Say “no” to what doesn’t align with your goals. When you prioritize creating a business that supports your life, not the other way around, you step into a role of leadership that fuels growth and sustainability. 💼✨

It’s time to stop being the operator and start being the visionary. What’s one thing you can let go of today to make space for a better tomorrow? Let us know! 

About our guests:

Jo Moorcroft

Jo is a seasoned business strategist and co-founder of the Canine Business Academy. With a background in corporate advertising and years of experience running a successful dog training business, she is passionate about empowering pet professionals to design businesses that align with their values and lifestyle. Jo blends her expertise in business development with her deep understanding of client psychology to help dog professionals create sustainable and thriving careers. As a mentor, speaker, and advocate for intentional growth, Jo is dedicated to fostering innovation and excellence in the pet care industry.

Vicky Davies

Vicky, co-founder of the Canine Business Academy, brings over a decade of hands-on experience as a dog trainer, behaviorist, and pet care professional. Starting her journey in the rescue sector, Vicky has always been driven by her passion for animal welfare and her commitment to helping dog owners foster better relationships with their pets. Known for her creative approach to business strategy, Vicky encourages pet professionals to think outside the box and embrace their unique strengths. She is a champion for collaboration and innovation, helping others build businesses that support both their personal and professional aspirations.

Links:

Their new book: https://amzn.to/3PWM8Gp

https://caninebusinessacademy.com

https://www.facebook.com/caninebusinessacademy

https://www.instagram.com/canine.business.academy/

https://www.youtube.com/@LetsTalkDogBusiness

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Give us a call! (636) 364-8260 

Follow us on: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter

Email us at: [email protected]

Full show notes and transcript

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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

Running a pet care business is getting more expensive, and simply raising prices isn’t always an easy option. In this episode, we break down the factors driving up costs—rising labor wages, increased overhead, and shrinking profit margins—and explore what pet sitters can do to maintain profitability. From improving operational efficiency to refining service offerings, we discuss strategies to stay ahead without sacrificing quality or burning out. If you’ve been feeling the financial squeeze, this episode will give you actionable steps to take control of your costs and future-proof your business.

Main Topics:

• The impact of rising labor costs on pet care businesses

• How to optimize pricing while staying competitive

• Streamlining operations to improve profit margins

• Smart marketing strategies to attract premium clients

• Reducing inefficiencies in scheduling and service areas

Main Takeaway: “It’s not just about raising prices, it’s about optimizing everything else in our business to make sure we can do that with our actual revenue-generating services.”

Business costs are increasing, but that doesn’t mean your profit margins have to shrink. Instead of simply raising rates and hoping for the best, we need to focus on efficiency. Are you optimizing your schedule to reduce drive time? Are your employees as productive as they can be? Are you offering premium services that justify higher pricing?

If you’re not actively adjusting your operations, you may be losing money without realizing it. Every inefficient process, every underpriced service, and every unnecessary expense eats away at your bottom line.

By focusing on profitability through efficiency, you can take control of your expenses, maintain competitive pricing, and continue offering high-quality services.

🚀 What’s one area of your business you could optimize today?

Executive Producers: Adriana Barbie Beck Erica Jan Janie Jenny Julie Kathryn Keith Liz Lori Lucy Sarah Savanna Scott Theresea Yvonne

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

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

How do you create raving fans and deliver premium client experiences? In this episode, Candace D’Agnolo, of Pet Boss Nation dives, into the art of fostering genuine connections that go beyond surface-level interactions. She explores how personalized touches—like understanding client preferences and small acts of care—create lasting loyalty. Candace also discusses the benefits of using AI to enhance efficiency, the value of local collaborations, and actionable ways to surprise and delight clients without breaking the bank. If you're looking to elevate your business and stand out in a competitive market, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration!

Main topics:

• Creating premium client experiences.
• Leveraging local networking for business growth.
• The role of AI in personalization.
• Building trust through authentic connections.
• Time-saving techniques for small businesses.

Main takeaway: "The human side of business is irreplaceable. Real connection builds loyalty and defines a premium experience.”

“What makes a premium experience? It’s not just fancy tools or gifts—it’s genuine human connection. From quieting a home during nap time to ensuring a late-night light is on, small touches of care make all the difference. Candace D’Agnolo*. shares why understanding client needs and creating authentic relationships are the keys to success. 🌟 How do you personalize your business relationships? Let us know!”*

About our guest:

Candace D’Agnolo is a seasoned entrepreneur and business coach with over 20 years of experience in the pet industry. As the founder of Pet Boss Nation, she has dedicated herself to empowering pet business owners through innovative strategies in sales, marketing, and leadership. Candace’s career began with her own successful ventures, including a thriving brick-and-mortar pet boutique, a doggie daycare, and a dog walking service in Chicago.

Her passion for helping others led her to create Pet Boss Nation, a professional development community that has supported hundreds of pet businesses across the United States, Canada, and Europe. Through her group coaching programs, podcast, and speaking engagements, Candace provides actionable advice and fosters a supportive network for entrepreneurs. Known for her authenticity and deep understanding of the challenges small business owners face, Candace inspires others to transform their passion into profitable and fulfilling careers.

Links:

Previously on: https://www.petsitterconfessional.com/episodes/401

Pet Boss University: https://petboss.com/university/

Pet Boss Podcast: https://petboss.com/podcast/

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’s holding you back from making the changes your business needs? Fear of the unknown can keep us stuck in outdated pricing, ineffective policies, and stale marketing strategies. In this episode we tackle the fears that prevent pet sitters from evolving, from raising rates to implementing new policies. We discuss how to test small changes, embrace iterative improvements, and reframe failure as a learning opportunity. If you’ve been hesitant to make a big decision in your business, this episode will help you push past the fear and take action.

Main topics:

• Fear of change in business

• Raising prices with confidence

• Updating policies for efficiency

• Evolving marketing for better clients

• Opportunity costs of inaction

Main takeaway: “The biggest risk isn’t trying something new—it’s staying stuck in something that isn’t working.”

As business owners, we tend to overanalyze decisions, fearing the worst. What if clients leave? What if a new policy upsets employees? What if a marketing change flops? But here’s the reality: inaction is its own risk.

If your prices are too low, you’ll burn out trying to make ends meet. If your policies are too flexible, clients may take advantage of them. If your marketing isn’t attracting the right clients, you’ll struggle to grow. Every choice has a cost—including the choice to do nothing.

Instead of fearing failure, reframe it as an experiment. Test a small change and track the results. If it doesn’t work, tweak it. Your business is a living thing, meant to evolve. The worst thing you can do is stay in place while the world moves forward.

💡 What’s one change you’ve been avoiding in your business? Let’s talk about it in the comments!

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

Sponsored by:

❤️ Our AMAZING Patreon Supporters

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

How do you transform your business into one that works for you? In this episode, Corinne Moore, owner of Paws and Claws Pet Service and founder of Pawsome Metrics, shares how data-driven decisions helped her streamline services and reclaim balance. From navigating the challenges of purchasing a family business to making tough choices like cutting underperforming services, Corinne opens up about the power of metrics in creating a sustainable and fulfilling company. She emphasizes the importance of aligning business operations with personal and professional goals while empowering her team to thrive. Whether you’re looking to refine your services or improve work-life balance, Corinne’s story is a reminder that change starts with knowing your numbers.

Main topics:

• Using Metrics for Business Decisions
• Balancing Work and Family Life
• Streamlining Services for Efficiency
• Empowering Staff Through Delegation
• Overcoming Burnout as a Business Owner

Main takeaway: "You own your business so you can make it your own. It took me a long time to realize that I could make changes for myself and my staff to make us all happier.”

Running a business isn’t about following someone else’s formula—it’s about creating something that works for you, your team, and your clients. Corinne Moore shares how she used metrics to make bold decisions that aligned with her values, simplified her services, and prioritized her mental health. By taking control and shaping her business to fit her life, Corinne created a company that’s happier, more efficient, and truly her own. Her story is a reminder that real transformation starts with knowing your numbers and staying true to your vision.

This week on the podcast, Corinne reveals how metrics empowered her to reclaim balance and build a business she loves.

🌟 How do you make your business uniquely yours? Let us know in the comments! 🎧🐾

About our guest:

Corinne Moore is the owner of Paws and Claws Pet Service in Madison, Wisconsin, a company specializing in dog walking and cat sitting. With a passion for both animals and numbers, she also founded Pawsome Metrics, a tool designed to help pet care professionals harness the power of data to make informed, confident business decisions. Corinne’s journey in the pet care industry began at a young age and evolved as she took over her sister’s business in 2019. Through resilience, adaptability, and a data-driven mindset, Corinne has transformed her business while prioritizing work-life balance and creating a supportive environment for her team. When she’s not running her businesses, Corinne enjoys spending time with her family, including her daughter and two cats, Bella and Lucille.

Links:

Paws and Claws : https://www.pawsandclawswi.com/

Pawesome Metrics : https://pawsomemetrics.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

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

How can we navigate the changing expectations of modern pet parents while also providing exceptional care? We dive into the mindset of today’s pet owners, exploring the growing trends of treating pets as family, prioritizing health and wellness, and valuing convenience and personalization. We discuss how emotional spending drives client decisions and the importance of showcasing the transformative impact of pet care services. Whether you’re refining your marketing, building trust, or enhancing your offerings, this episode provides actionable insights to help you connect with clients and elevate your business.

Main topics:

• Pets as family members

• Humanization challenges for professionals

• Health, wellness, and enrichment

• Convenience and social proof

• Emotional spending and personalization

Main takeaway: "Your messaging should focus on creating peace of mind, enriching experiences, and making the pet owner’s life easier while addressing their emotional connection to their pets."

As pet care professionals, we often focus on what we do: walking dogs, cleaning litter boxes, or giving medications. But what we’re really offering is so much more than the task itself.

We provide peace of mind to pet parents, so they can focus on their day without worrying about their furry family member. We enrich pets’ lives, giving them the mental and physical stimulation they need to thrive. We strengthen the human-animal bond by helping pets stay healthy, happy, and loved, even when their owners can’t be there.

Your services don’t just care for pets—they make life better for both the pet and the owner. But here’s the catch: you have to tell people that! Talk about the emotional and practical value of what you offer. Share stories of how you’ve made a difference. Highlight the tail wags, the zoomies, the contented naps after a visit, and the relief in a pet parent’s voice when they know their pets are in good hands.

Because it’s not just about the visit—it’s about how that visit transforms their day and their pet’s life.

💡 What’s one way your services go beyond the basics? Share it in the comments!

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

How do you grow a pet care business while staying true to your values? Ruby Ballesteros, owner of Ruby Red’s Pet Care, shares how she maintained her standards during tough times, leading to a surge of new clients and stronger relationships with her community. She leveraged local TV segments to educate the public about professional pet care and collaborated with small businesses to promote their services through her newsletters. By embracing opportunities and pushing herself out of her comfort zone, Ruby grew personally and professionally, while elevating her business. Her story is an inspiring example of how staying authentic and community-focused can lead to sustainable success.

Main topics:

• Navigating Business Challenges with Integrity

• Building Strong Community Relationships

• Professionalism in Pet Care Industry

• Leveraging Media for Business Growth

• Maintaining Consistency in Client Services

Main takeaway: “Maintaining the integrity of my business meant refusing to lower my standards—even during tough times.”

Success in business starts with maintaining your standards, even when times are tough. Ruby Ballesteros shares how staying true to her values and refusing to devalue her services allowed her to not only weather challenges but also redefine professionalism in her community. Through her journey, she demonstrates the power of persistence and the rewards of aligning actions with a clear mission.

This week on Pet Sitter Confessional, Ruby reminds us why integrity matters in business—and in life. Her inspiring story is a must-listen for anyone looking to build a lasting legacy in pet care.

🌟 How do you stay true to your business values?

About our guest:

Ruby Ballesteros is the owner of Ruby Red’s Pet Care, providing exceptional pet sitting services in Irmo, Ballantine, and Chapin, South Carolina. With a background in corporate training and a passion for animals, Ruby has built a trusted brand known for professionalism and integrity. She’s also a fierce advocate for networking and community support, sharing her knowledge through TV segments and partnerships with local businesses. Ruby’s mission is to set the gold standard in pet care while empowering others to prioritize quality and trust.

Links:

Previously on: https://www.petsitterconfessional.com/episodes/457

https://www.rubyredspetcare.com/

https://www.facebook.com/rubyredspetcare

https://www.instagram.com/rubyredspetcare

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

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

Are you constantly juggling tasks and struggling to get everything done? In this episode, Collin and Meghan discuss the power of setting deadlines and working in focused time blocks to tackle endless to-do lists. They share how short, intentional intervals can improve decision-making, preserve energy, and increase productivity. Whether you’re managing hires, tackling admin tasks, or balancing work-life demands, this episode offers practical tools to help you get more done without burning out.

Main topics:

• Setting time limits

• Prioritizing tasks effectively

• Managing decision fatigue

• Balancing flexibility and focus

• Practicing trial and error

Maint takeaway: "Not every decision deserves the same amount of time in your day."

In this episode, we share how setting deadlines and using short, focused time blocks can transform your productivity and decision-making. By breaking tasks into manageable chunks, you can preserve your energy, reduce decision fatigue, and stay focused on what matters most. We also discuss the importance of triaging tasks, making intentional progress on big projects, and why not every decision deserves the same amount of your time. Tune in to learn practical strategies for reclaiming control of your day without sacrificing quality.

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