You’re working hard, but are you doing the right things to grow your pet resort? In this episode, Fern is joined by Overdog team members Kasey and Ashley to reveal the most consistent habits and strategies they’ve seen in successful pet care businesses. After working with dozens of pet resorts, they’ve identified key patterns that separate those that thrive from those that struggle—and they’re sharing them all with you.

From lead follow-up timing to how you present your pricing, this episode dives into the overlooked details that make or break your client experience. You’ll hear real examples, honest mistakes, and easy-to-miss opportunities that could seriously move the needle for your business. Whether you’re a seasoned operator or just getting started, this conversation will challenge how you think about growth—and give you a few lightbulb moments along the way.

It's a new year, and with 2026 officially underway, this episode is all about gearing up for what's next in the pet care industry. Fern breaks down what he's seeing across the board—from tighter numbers and shifting client behaviors to the growing demand for premium experiences. Whether your daycare or boarding numbers dipped last year or you're just wondering where to focus your energy next, this episode has a lot to reflect on and act upon.

You'll hear insights on how the most successful pet resorts are adapting their services, pricing strategies, and messaging to stay ahead. Plus, a look into where the industry is headed—including the rise of enrichment-based care, smarter marketing, and how AI might play a bigger role in your daily operations than you think. If you're aiming to level up your business in 2026, this episode is your blueprint to start strong.

Want to add luxury boarding options but think your space just isn’t built for it? In this episode, Fern sits down with Fred Silber of Pet Therapeutics, who’s created something that could completely change how you think about “luxury” in your facility. You’ll hear how the right kind of bedding—designed with both science and dog behavior in mind—can elevate the entire experience for both dogs and their humans without the need for a massive renovation or a big budget.

Fred breaks down why comfort isn't just about plush pillows—it’s about understanding a dog’s senses, especially one that’s often overlooked. Learn how something as simple as touch can drastically improve a dog’s stay, reduce anxiety, and increase client satisfaction. If you’ve been looking for a low-labor, high-impact way to boost your brand and your profits, this conversation is one you’ll want to hear.

This week’s episode is all about the one area of your business you really don’t want to mess up—your finances. Fern sits down with Jerry Joshva and Ally Howard from Granite Peak, two experts who are on a mission to clean up the accounting chaos in pet resorts. If the words “bookkeeping” and “tax planning” make your eyes glaze over, this convo is going to change the way you see your numbers—and why knowing them could mean the difference between thriving or barely surviving.

They break down what makes the pet care industry so unique from a financial perspective, why most generic accountants don’t cut it, and how avoiding some common money mistakes could save you thousands (yes, literally). If you’ve ever been surprised by your tax bill or felt unsure about how profitable your services really are, you need to hear what these two have to say. It’s the episode that could finally give you the clarity and control your business has been missing.

Running a pet resort is never a smooth ride, and in this episode, Fern dives into the art of staying resilient through the rollercoaster. From shifting pet parent expectations to staff struggles and financial curveballs, this one’s all about preparing your business—not just to survive the tough times, but to bounce back even stronger. Whether you’ve been riding out the recent economic dip or just trying to stay ahead of industry changes, this episode offers some solid advice to help you stabilize, adapt, and grow.

Fern also gets into how your own leadership mindset and staff culture play huge roles in weathering any storm. He shares actionable strategies to diversify your revenue, streamline operations, and keep both you and your team grounded when everything else feels shaky. If you’ve been feeling the weight of running your pet business lately, this episode might be exactly what you need to refocus, regroup, and recharge.

Thinking about opening another location or leveling up your current facility? In this episode Fern brings on two longtime friends—and industry insiders—from Live Oak Bank to unpack everything you need to know before expanding your pet care business. From financial indicators and loan options to the crucial operational groundwork, they break down what it really takes to grow the right way. Whether you’re dreaming of a second location or just trying to boost capacity, this is the kind of expert advice you can’t afford to skip.

But this isn’t just a numbers game. You’ll hear why cash flow, staff strength, and even your processes can make or break your expansion dreams. They also drop some real-world examples and smart tips to help you avoid common pitfalls—especially the big one: expanding too fast without the right prep. If growth is on your radar for the new year, this conversation will help you decide if you’re truly ready—and what steps to take next.

If you think automation is just for tech giants, think again. In this episode, Fern sits down with Irem Metin, Chief Product Officer at Goose, to talk about how smart systems and AI are transforming dog daycare and boarding businesses. From streamlining operations to personalizing customer experiences, they explore how tools that used to be out of reach are now leveling the playing field for smaller pet care businesses—and making life way easier in the process.

You’ll hear real examples of how automation is being used to handle tasks like email marketing, report cards, client communication, and even labor planning—all while freeing up your team to focus on what actually matters: taking care of dogs and people. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the daily grind or worried about keeping up with tech-savvy competitors, this episode might just change the way you think about running your business.

Your staff might be showing up—but are they showing up with energy? In this episode, Fern dives into a powerful but often overlooked force in your pet resort: the energy your team brings into the building every day. It’s not about how many hands you have on deck—it’s about how those hands feel, act, and interact. From emotional labor to burnout red flags, this episode explores why the vibes behind the scenes might be the secret weapon (or hidden saboteur) of your business success.

You’ll get real insight into how to spot low-energy slumps, why timing tasks with staff energy peaks matters, and simple adjustments that can shift the whole tone of your business. Plus, Fern shares tips for creating a culture that fuels your team, boosts morale, and keeps clients coming back—without burning anyone out. If you’re ready to stop managing people like schedules and start leading them like a true Overdog, this one’s for you.