Are you working hard in your pet sitting or dog walking business but still wondering where all the money goes?

In this episode of The Professional Pet Sitter Podcast, I’m unpacking five hidden money leaks that silently drain your profits, and most owners don’t even realize they’re happening.

I’ll walk you through:

-The everyday habits that cost you thousands without you noticing

-Why undercharging and “being nice” is keeping you stuck

-How small inefficiencies in your systems eat into your bottom line

-The hidden costs of time management and what to do about it

-Practical steps you can take today to plug the leaks and finally see your hard work reflected in your bank account

If you’ve ever looked at your revenue and thought, “Where is it all going?” this episode is for you.

Resources & Next Steps

- Like & follow the podcast so you don’t miss an episode.

Come hang out with me on socials:

Instagram @theprofessionalpetsitter_

TikTok @chenelleconquest

Join my Content Collective: a supportive community where I share weekly done-for-you content specifically for the pet care industry. Inside you’ll get a 7-day content line-up every week, so you can save time and focus on growing your business. https://www.skool.com/conquest-content-collective/about?ref=77da1b5b02254b41897c1bebd90d6596

So many people wonder if pet sitting or dog walking can actually provide a real income, or if it’s just pocket money on the side. In this episode, I’m getting brutally honest about what it really takes to build a business that not only survives, but thrives.

I’ll share:

-Why hard work and persistence are the backbone of making real money in this industry

-The importance of boundaries and valuing your time from day one

-How strong willpower and resilience separate hobby sitters from business owners

-The truth about revenue potential (and why you can make a living doing this)

-My own experience of starting small and growing into a multiple-six-figure business

Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been walking dogs for years, this conversation will remind you that yes, you can build a professional business, but it won’t happen overnight. It’s consistency, commitment, and refusing to give up when it feels tough.

If you’ve ever doubted whether this path can support you, let this episode be your push to keep going.

Follow The Professional Pet Sitter podcast so you never miss an episode, and if this resonated with you, please leave a review.

Want more support? Join me in my mentoring community where I share resources, strategies, and behind-the-scenes lessons from my own business journey.

Instagram: @theprofessionalpetsitter_

TikTok: @chenelleconquest

In this episode, I’m diving into the essential policies and procedures every pet business owner needs to put in place to create strong foundations and protect both your clients and your team.

Having clear systems isn’t just about covering yourself legally, it also builds trust, professionalism, and consistency, which are the backbone of a successful business.

I’ll walk you through the non-negotiables, from contracts and cancellation policies, to staff handbooks and emergency procedures. If you’ve been running your business on the fly, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to get your house in order and set yourself up for growth.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

-Why policies are a non-negotiable for sustainable growth

-The top procedures to have in place for client management and staff training

-How strong systems protect your reputation and reduce stress

-Simple steps to start implementing these policies today

If you’re ready to put these strategies into action and want extra support, make sure you’re following the podcast and leave a review to let me know what you think. You can also connect with me on socials for more behind the scenes tips and resources.

Connect with Me

Instagram: @theprofessionalpetsitter_

TikTok: @chenelleconquest

Website: www.petindustrymentor.com

In this episode, I’m breaking down the top five strategies you can use to turn casual inquiries into committed leads for your pet care business. It’s one thing to get attention, but it’s another to actually convert that interest into paying clients and that’s where the real growth happens.

You’ll learn:

-How to respond quickly and effectively so inquiries don’t go cold

-The importance of having a clear process and structured communication

-How to add personal touches that make potential clients feel valued

-Why storytelling and showcasing social proof builds instant trust

Simple systems you can set up to track and follow up on every inquiry

Whether you’re just starting out or you’re already established and looking to grow, these practical tips will help you increase your conversion rate and book more of the right clients.

If you found today’s episode helpful, make sure to follow the podcast and leave a review, it helps more pet business owners find this resource. And stay tuned for some exciting updates I’ll be sharing soon about the future of my own business journey.

Oh, so you expected there to come a time where business just became easy all the time and nothing ever went wrong? … well let me tell you, that’s just not how it works

It doesn’t matter how successful someone is or how long they have been in business - there will never be a time where things don’t fall apart, need fixing, need reassessing, make you want to tear your hair out and question your life choices haha

It does matter however the way you choose to handle this. Pity party or self-reassurance? Live in regret or live and learn?

Having failures or making poor decisions doesn’t mean you’re not cut out for business, it’s how you handle those situations that determine that.

Feeling lost or stuck? Why not reach out for a free discovery call to see how I can help you

W: www.petindustrymentor.com

E: [email protected]

TikTok: @chenelleconquest

Instagram: @theprofessionalpetsitter_

Join me this week while I give you the total low-down on swapping from working as a “contractor” on certain platforms - for legal reasons all names have been redacted and hilariously dubbed over haha..

I got asked on TikTok the best way to transition to working for yourself independently and I will ALWAYS support and push for this.

I will always push for professionalism and fair pay and treatment of the dedicated workers in this industry and moving away from bigger platforms with bad reps is only going to do you good!

I give you real actionable steps and advice to give you the best chance at becoming the biggest and best version of yourself you can be within your business, stepping out of the shadows and taking true control of your income and freedom!

As always, DM me any time on socials for more advice, explanations, and to even work with me to help you move and scale to hit your goals

TikTok: @chenelleconquest

Instagram: @theprofessionalpetsitter_

Website: www.petindustrymentor.com

Email: [email protected]

This week I searched through several pet industry forums to find the most commonly asked questions or scenarios you all look for advice or guidance on and gave my take on each

From charging for holiday rates, discounts, and what to do if you’re fully booked and something happens to you that means you can’t carry out your work for weeks (or worse - yikes)

I have insight into the things I can see you’re having the most trouble with deciding on the most appropriate course of action and have plenty of real life examples of my own as well as offering different perspectives to help better illustrate my points

As always please follow us if you aren’t already to keep up to date with episodes and you can access even more free info by signing up to our website or following my socials

W: www.petindustrymentor.com

E: [email protected]

TikTok: @chenelleconquest

Instagram: @theprofessionalpetsitter_

In this episode, we’re clearing up one of the most misunderstood areas in the pet care industry, the difference between a contractor and an employee. I’ve seen so many business owners hire “contractors” when what they’ve really created is an employment situation… and trust me, the ATO won’t look the other way.

We’ll break down what defines a contractor vs. an employee (it’s not just about an ABN!), the pros and cons of each, and when it’s appropriate to hire one over the other. I’m also sharing the legal and operational risks of misclassifying your team, plus how to future proof your hiring decisions as your business grows.

Whether you’re scaling up, hiring your first team member, or wondering if you’ve got it right, this episode is your go to guide.

What I cover:

- The core differences between employees and contractors (hint: it’s not just about paperwork)

- Why misclassifying can cost you more than you think

- The situations where contractors can work well in pet care

- When you absolutely need employees instead

- Real world examples from the pet sitting and dog walking industry

If this episode gave you clarity, confidence, or even a little nudge to audit your current setup, don’t keep it to yourself. Share it with a fellow business owner who needs to hear this! And if you’re still not sure what structure suits your business best, head to www.petindustrymentor.com to book a clarity session or check out my mentorship options.

E: [email protected]

TikTok: @chenelleconquest

Instagram: @theprofessionalpetsitter_

This episode is for the solo entrepreneurs. I had some amazing questions come in from one listener so this episode is pretty much dedicated to them haha.

It features some common questions and scenarios you would all be facing and how to handle them.

I explain how I’ve handled these situations myself, or exactly how I would manage it

Enjoyed this episode? Please feel leave us a rating and review as it helps reach more pet business owners who would love to be receiving all this free value we put out week after week

Want to learn more?

You can work with me! Or follow my socials where I give away even more tips & tricks

www.petindustrymentor.com

TikTok: @chenelleconquest

Instagram: @theprofessionalpetsitter_

In this episode, we’re talking about how to protect your time and energy by getting really clear on who your ideal client actually is, and how to spot a mismatch early.

I walk you through why it’s so important to vet new enquiries properly before you commit to a meet and greet. That means getting honest about your own deal breakers and asking the right questions up front, on the phone or via email, to figure out if this client is even worth meeting.

You’ll hear real examples of red flags and how to trust your gut when something feels off. I also share how to handle it if you’ve already taken on a client and later realise they’re not aligned with your values or boundaries. Because yes, there is a professional way to step away from the wrong fit and I’ll show you how to do it without burning bridges.

Whether you’re brand new or years into business, learning to be more intentional with who you work with is a game changer.

Listen now to learn:

• How to spot alignment (or misalignment) early

• Communication examples

• Why saying “yes” to the wrong fit costs more than time

• What to say if you need to remove yourself from a booking

Please follow our show to stay up to date with our episodes and check us out on social media

TikTok: @chenelleconquest

Instagram: @theprofessionalpetsitter_

Want to work with me and level both you AND your business up?

Website: www.petindustrymentor.com

Email: [email protected]