Episodios

  • 591: From Lions to Labradors with Leanne Burger

    591: From Lions to Labradors with Leanne Burger
    Apr 30 2025
    What happens when you treat pet sitting not just as a job, but as a serious and deeply rewarding responsibility? Leanne Burger, owner of Going Away Pet and House Sitting in South Africa, shares her journey from raising lion cubs to building a thriving team of pet sitters and groomers. Leanne shares how her passion for animals, commitment to trust, and attention to detail helped her business flourish across multiple cities. She explores the deep responsibility that comes with caring for both pets and homes and the balance needed to maintain quality as you grow. It’s an inspiring look at how love, professionalism, and hard work can create a business that changes lives — both for people and their pets. Main topics: Building trust with clients and staffImportance of attention to detailManaging business expansionEducating clients on pet careBalancing passion with boundaries Main takeaway: “Pet sitting is a serious business, but it’s an awesome responsibility at the same time.” Taking care of someone's beloved pets -- and their home -- isn't something we ever take lightly. Every visit, every walk, every overnight stay carries the weight of trust placed in us. It's a serious responsibility, requiring professionalism, attention to detail, and genuine care. But it's also one of the most rewarding jobs in the world. We get to build relationships, make a difference in pets' lives, and be a source of peace for their families. That's why we show up every day with both dedication and gratitude -- because caring for pets is not just a service, it's a calling. About our guest: Leanne Burger is the owner of Going Away Pet and House Sitting and Mobile Pet Grooming based in East London, South Africa. Her passion for animals began early and expanded during her time raising lions and working in wildlife care. Since 2005, Leanne has grown her business to a team of over 24 pet sitters and groomers across multiple cities, focusing on trust, professionalism, and personalized care. With professional certification in dog grooming and a strong heart for helping others, Leanne’s work enriches both her clients’ and employees’ lives. Links Website: https://goingawayel.co.za Email: admin@goingawayel.co.za Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoingAwayEL Instagram: leannejburger.goingawayel Kevin Richardson: https://www.lionwhisperer.co.za 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: petsitterconfessional@gmail.com 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
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    1 h y 1 m
  • 590: Finding Repeatable Success

    590: Finding Repeatable Success
    Apr 28 2025

    Have you ever wondered why something worked so well in your business, but struggled to replicate it? In this episode, we discuss the critical importance of building repeatable success by tracking your actions and outcomes. We share how documenting your systems, analyzing client feedback, and maintaining consistency lead to sustainable growth. We explore the connection between daily habits, professional development, and long-term business stability. By making intentional, data-driven decisions, pet sitters can create a reliable, thriving business and personal life.

    Main Topics:

    • Tracking and refining business processes

    • Building standard operating procedures

    • Client feedback and journey mapping

    • Consistency across services and employees

    • Setting personal and business SMART goals

    Main Takeaway: Success leaves clues.

    Every win in your business isn't just luck--it's built on specific actions and decisions you made, even if you don't realize it yet. When you slow down, track what you did, and pay attention to the clues success leaves behind, you can intentionally recreate those wins. It's not about guessing or hoping; it's about learning from yourself. Follow the clues, build systems, and create a business that keeps winning year after year.

    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: petsitterconfessional@gmail.com

    Full show notes and transcript

    Sponsored by:

    ❤️ Our AMAZING Patreon Supporters

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

    Get your Florida Pet Services 2025 Summit tickets TODAY!
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    32 m
  • 589: It’s All About the Heart with Janet Buchwald

    589: It’s All About the Heart with Janet Buchwald
    Apr 23 2025

    What does it take to create a business that truly stands out? Janet Buchwald, owner of Kisses Happen, shares her journey from a corporate career to running a thriving pet sitting company. She discusses the deep emotional connections between pet sitters, clients, and their pets, and how understanding both animal and human behavior has helped her business grow. Janet emphasizes the importance of clear communication, maintaining professional boundaries, and marketing with authenticity. She also provides valuable insights into branding, SEO, and client retention strategies. This episode is a must-listen for any pet sitter looking to build a business with passion and purpose.

    Main Topics Covered:

    1. The Emotional Side of Pet Care – Understanding client and pet relationships

    2. Business Growth & Branding – How Kisses Happen became a trusted name

    3. Marketing & SEO – Why online presence matters for pet sitters

    4. Setting Boundaries with Clients – Pricing, policies, and communication strategies

    5. Client Advocacy & Professionalism – The role of pet sitters in pet health and well-being

    Main Takeaway: “If your heart is in the right place, the money will come. It’s automatic.” – Janet Buchwald

    About our guest:

    Janet Buchwald is the founder of Kisses Happen, a Nashville-based pet sitting and dog walking business known for its personalized approach to pet care. With a background in marketing and business, Janet built her company with a strong focus on branding, client relationships, and quality service. She believes in advocating for pets, educating pet parents, and maintaining professional integrity. Through her years of experience, she has helped countless clients navigate pet care challenges while growing a thriving, heart-centered business.

    Links:

    (615) 981-3858

    www.kisseshappen.com

    info@kisseshappen.com

    facebook.com/kisseshappen

    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: petsitterconfessional@gmail.com

    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
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    1 h y 6 m
  • 588: Success on Your Terms: Escaping the Comparison Trap

    588: Success on Your Terms: Escaping the Comparison Trap
    Apr 21 2025

    What does success really look like in today’s pet care industry? In this episode, we dig into the shifting landscape of 2025 and explore how external pressures—from social media comparison to AI tools and rising costs—can distort our definitions of success. We challenge you to define success on your own terms rather than chasing someone else’s goals. From financial milestones to personal freedom and mental well-being, we highlight both tangible and intangible markers of a fulfilling business. We also share practical steps to help you gain confidence, clarity, and control over your pet business path.

    Main Topics

    1. External Pressures in 2025

    2. False Narratives About Success

    3. Tangible vs. Intangible Success

    4. Confidence, Clarity & Control

    5. Personal Fulfillment Beyond Business

    Main Takeaway: “You don’t need permission to redefine success”

    In fact, in 2025, it’s more essential than ever. The rules are changing—AI is everywhere, costs are rising, and the pressure to “keep up” is constant. But here’s the truth: success isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s not how many visits you do, how big your team is, or how flashy your social media looks. If you’re building a business that aligns with your life, values, and goals—that’s success. Don’t wait for someone else to validate your choices. Define your path, walk it boldly, and remember: it’s your business, not theirs.

    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: petsitterconfessional@gmail.com

    Full show notes and transcript

    Sponsored by:

    ❤️ Our AMAZING Patreon Supporters

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

    DogCo 2025 Business Summit
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    26 m
  • 587: The Changing Landscape of Pet Services with Carmen Rustenbeck

    587: The Changing Landscape of Pet Services with Carmen Rustenbeck
    Apr 16 2025
    How are mergers and acquisitions reshaping the pet care industry? In this episode, we welcome back Carmen Rustenbeck of IBPSA to discuss the rise of corporate buyouts, the impact on small pet businesses, and the challenges of maintaining a personal touch in an evolving market. They explore industry regulations, including Ollie’s Law in Massachusetts and the new Veterinary Professional Associate role in Colorado, and what they mean for pet professionals. Carmen also highlights the growing influence of Gen Z pet owners and their unique preferences, from pet insurance to reptile Main topics: Mergers and acquisitions in pet care – How big corporations are buying out independent businesses. Impact of industry regulations – Discussing Ollie’s Law and the Veterinary Professional Associate role. Trends among Gen Z pet owners – Increased interest in pet insurance, fresh food, and exotic pets. Collaboration between pet businesses – Why pet sitters, boarding facilities, and veterinarians should work together. Technology advancements in pet care – AI, software, and new pet care innovations shaping the industry. Main Takeaway: “If we want to stay small business and keep the personal touch, we need to be proactive in collaborating and defining best practices before regulations force our hand.” – Carmen Rustenbeck Mergers and acquisitions are reshaping pet sitting, dog walking, and boarding facilities as big corporations enter the space. What does this mean for small business owners? How can pet sitters stay competitive while maintaining a personal touch? 📢 Don’t wait for regulations to dictate your business—define best practices now! Listen today and future-proof your pet care company. 🎧🐾 About our guest: Carmen Rustenbeck has been involved in non-profit work for over 20 years and active in the pet care industry since 2004. By creating and implementing a development plan that details how the organization gains members to create a powerful voice for the industry, and identifying areas of service never before provided to our industry, as Founder & Executive Director of IBPSA Carmen is committed to building a member-centered organization that promotes the best practices and strategies for helping our industry reach its full potential. Links: Previously on: https://www.petsitterconfessional.com/episodes/089-carmen-rustenbeck-with-ibpsa IBSPA 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: petsitterconfessional@gmail.com 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 Visit petsit.com/join and use code ‘confessional15’ at checkout to save $15 off your first year!
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    1 h y 9 m
  • 586: Stop Running Someone Else’s Business

    586: Stop Running Someone Else’s Business
    Apr 14 2025

    Are you building the business you actually want—or just the one you think you should have? In this episode, we get honest about the constant pressure to scale, grow, and do more in the pet care industry. We share how chasing someone else’s definition of success can lead to burnout, resentment, and misalignment with your personal goals. Instead, we encourage you to use data, not emotion, when making decisions and to define what sustainable success means for you. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone looking to grow intentionally and build a business that supports their life—not the other way around.

    Main Topics

    • Growth vs. sustainable success

    • Data-driven business decisions

    • Defining personal success

    • Market demands vs. personal boundaries

    • Reclaiming joy in business

    Main takeaway: “We all need to stop building businesses that we think we should have and start building ones that we actually want.”

    It’s easy to get caught in the noise of comparison and industry pressure—everyone says you have to grow, scale, and offer more. But what if your ideal business doesn’t look like that? What if it’s smaller, simpler, and actually supports the life you want to live? That’s not failure—that’s freedom. Give yourself permission to build something that you love.

    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: petsitterconfessional@gmail.com

    Full show notes and transcript

    Sponsored by:

    ❤️ Our AMAZING Patreon Supporters

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

    DogCo 2025 Business Summit
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    23 m
  • 585: Building Client Trust Through Niche Services with Niki Lepine & Steph

    585: Building Client Trust Through Niche Services with Niki Lepine & Steph
    Apr 9 2025
    How do you build trust with clients while offering specialized pet care services? Niki Lepine and Steph Law of Dog Jogs share how they carved out a niche in pet care by focusing on reactive dogs, shift workers, and personalized dog jogging services. They discuss how they built a loyal client base by addressing unique pet care needs, the importance of clear communication, and why community engagement matters. From offering pet first aid courses to hosting monthly dog walk meetups, Niki and Steph break down the strategies that have helped them stand out in a crowded market. If you’re looking for ways to specialize your services and build stronger client relationships, this episode is packed with inspiration! Main topics: Creating niche pet care services.The benefits of dog jogging for high-energy dogs.Setting client expectations with clear communication.Supporting shift workers with flexible pet care.Building a pet care community through engagement. Main takeaway: “We try to build those relationships and be close to our clients. It’s not just a job.” — Niki Lepine Understanding your clients’ specific needs helps build trust and loyalty. By offering specialized services—like jogging for high-energy dogs or tailored care for reactive pets—you create solutions that make life easier for pet parents. Niki and Steph share how they’ve turned their passion into a thriving business by focusing on clear communication, strong client relationships, and creative community engagement. 🐾 ✨ What’s one way you personalize your pet care services? Share in the comments! About our guests: Nikki Lepine: is the co-founder of Dog Jogs, a premier dog running and walking service in Edmonton, Alberta, created from her personal experience with her beloved rescue dog, Koda. After adopting Koda—a senior dog with a history of separation anxiety—Nikki discovered that exercise was key to keeping him calm and happy. However, balancing shift work and ensuring Koda received enough activity was a challenge, leading her to recognize a need for reliable pet care for busy pet parents. This inspired her to team up with Steph Law to launch Dog Jogs, helping pet owners provide the same peace of mind she sought for Koda. Today, Nikki is passionate about enriching dogs’ lives through movement, adventure, and companionship, ensuring every pup in their care stays happy, healthy, and well-loved. Steph Law: is the co-founder of Dog Jogs, where she channels her love for dogs and passion for supporting pet parents into a thriving pet care service. She and Nikki started Dog Jogs after seeing firsthand the challenges of balancing work and pet care, especially for dogs with high energy or anxiety needs. Understanding how important regular exercise is for a dog’s well-being, Stephanie is dedicated to ensuring every client—both two- and four-legged—feels supported and cared for. With a strong background in client relations and team leadership, she helps guide the Dog Jogs team in providing reliable, high-quality exercise and companionship for dogs across Edmonton. Whether it’s a brisk jog or a leisurely walk, Stephanie is committed to making a positive impact in the lives of both pets and their people. Links: https://dog-jogs.ca https://www.facebook.com/yegdogjogs/ https://x.com/yegdogjogs https://www.instagram.com/dog_jogs/ 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: petsitterconfessional@gmail.com 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
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    58 m
  • 584: Show Up and Stand Out: Visibility and Value for Pet Businesses

    584: Show Up and Stand Out: Visibility and Value for Pet Businesses
    Apr 7 2025

    Can showing up at local events truly set our pet businesses apart? We discuss our experiences speaking at a Home and Garden show, highlighting how community visibility builds trust and credibility among pet parents. We also reflect on powerful lessons learned from our son’s entrepreneurship bake sale, emphasizing the importance of confidently pricing premium services. Practical insights are shared about identifying speaking opportunities to boost our brand’s visibility. Ultimately, this episode explores why delivering value first can transform our pet businesses into trusted community leaders.

    Main Topics:

    • Importance of Community Visibility

    • Confident Premium Pricing

    • Public Speaking Opportunities

    • Delivering Unique Service Value

    • Navigating Economic Uncertainty

    Main takeaway: “Being visible in the community makes you a known entity—and people trust who they know.”

    Visibility isn’t just about marketing your services; it’s about building real relationships with the people around you. When you’re present at local events, speak to groups, or offer genuine help and advice, your community gets to know the person behind the brand. And when pet parents know and trust you, they’re confident in choosing you for their pet’s care. How are you showing up in your community this month?

    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: petsitterconfessional@gmail.com

    Full show notes and transcript

    Sponsored by:

    ❤️ Our AMAZING Patreon Supporters

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

    DogCo 2025 Business Summit
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    24 m
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