Pet Sitter Confessional

What does it mean to create a client-centered pet care service? Hannah Alsup, from Three Dog Pet, explores how to incorporate a wide range of services to meet the unique needs of each client. From pet sitting and personal assistance to dog training, Hannah explains how personalized communication and flexible services can empower clients to make informed decisions about their pets. She also touches on the importance of setting boundaries for both clients and staff, while offering tips on integrating mental stimulation and training into pet care routines. Main topics: Client-centered approach Personalized services Communication and boundaries Mental stimulation Main takeaway: It's all about how you frame it. If you set small, successful steps, you can make the journey much easier for both the dog and the client. About our guest: Links: Website: 3dogpet.com instagram: 3dogpet tiktok: Notyouraveragepetz https://trello.com Buy PSC Merch Give us a call! (636) 364-8260 Follow us on: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter Email us at: feedback@petsitterconfessional.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

Ever faced a business roadblock that made you question everything? Here's a deep dive into how we handled an unexpected hurdle and the strategies we used to keep afloat. From employee turnover to shifting business goals, we share the ups and downs you could potentially encounter, and the mindset you need to overcome. Balancing personal life and company demands is a constant challenge, requiring flexibility and a clear vision. That balance is critical to navigate obstacles while keeping your business and personal values intact. Main topics: Hitting roadblocks Self sacrifice for a time Moving on Finding your business identity Main takeaway: Find your business identity and persona to help build and maintain boundaries between your personal and business life. Links: Check out our Starter Packs Buy PSC Merch Give us a call! (636) 364-8260 Follow us on: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter Email us at: feedback@petsitterconfessional.com Full show notes and transcript Sponsored by: ❤️ Our AMAZING Patreon Supporters Pet Sitters Associates Visit: https://www.petsitllc.com Code: Confessional

How can you make your business more than pet care? Sarah Schloerb, owner of Sit Stay NJ, discusses the importance of professionalism and how she leverages her experience in the veterinary field to offer specialized services. She emphasizes the significance of building a robust network with local pet care professionals to enhance service offerings and prepare for possible industry legislative changes. Sarah's also shares her efforts in community education through pet first aid and CPR classes, and her role in founding a league of pet care professionals aimed at advocacy and education. Sarah's passion for providing tailored and compassionate care to pets shines in all she does, making it clear that her work is both a personal calling and a professional endeavor. Main topics: Building out a network Learning from vets and groomers Dealing with rejection Honesty and teamwork Main takeaway: Don’t force your services on clients, instead ask, “What are you looking for in a pet care provider? And how can I be that for you?” About our guest Sarah Schloerb, the heart and soul behind Sit Stay NJ, has carved a niche in the pet care industry with her exceptional dedication to pet wellness and owner peace of mind. As a lifelong animal lover, Sarah's journey into professional pet care began as a part-time endeavor that blossomed into a full-fledged passion after she transitioned from her job at a veterinary clinic. Today, she leads a team of compassionate pet care professionals in Northern Bergen County, New Jersey, specializing in services for reactive, anxious, and fearful pets—a testament to her expertise and certification in Fear Free practices. At Sit Stay NJ, Sarah and her team offer a comprehensive range of personalized pet care services, including daily dog walks, in-home overnight sitting, pet taxi, and even wedding attendance services for your furry companions. What sets Sarah apart is her commitment to not just meeting, but exceeding the standards of pet care. She actively contributes to the community by providing pet first aid and CPR classes, and plays a pivotal role in a local pet care professionals league that focuses on advocacy, education, and collaboration within the industry. With a mission to ensure every pet feels safe and loved, Sarah's approach is deeply rooted in understanding individual pet needs and fostering trust with both the animals and their owners. Whether it's navigating the challenges of pet behavior or offering a reassuring hand to pet owners, Sarah's leadership at Sit Stay NJ embodies professionalism, empathy, and a relentless pursuit of excellence in pet care. Links: Website: https://sitstaynj.com/ https://www.instagram.com/sitstaynj https://www.facebook.com/SitStayNJ/ hello@sitstaynj.com sarah@sitstaynj.com liquid smoke: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liquid_smoke 10% off the Fear Free Pet Sitter Certification Program with promo code PSC10 Fear Free: https://fearfreepets.com Fear Free Happy Homes: https://www.fearfreehappyhomes.com Links: Buy PSC Merch Give us a call! (636) 364-8260 Follow us on: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter Email us at: feedback@petsitterconfessional.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 National Association of Professional Pet Sitters www.petsitters.org

How do you manage when a client's home is more than just messy? We dive into the challenging world of hoarding and its impact on our business as pet sitters and dog walkers. We explore what hoarding really entails and how it creates unsafe and unhealthy working conditions. From navigating privacy issues to ensuring the safety of the pets and maintaining professional boundaries, we cover the essential strategies for approaching these sensitive situations with gentleness and genuine concern. Join us as we provide practical advice to help you handle even the most difficult environments effectively. Main topics What is hoarding? When do you say something? What are your moral and ethical obligations? When do you report? Main takeaway: Out of love and concern for the client and their pet, speak up and let them know you’re not ok with the conditions of the home. Links: Check out our Starter Packs Buy PSC Merch Give us a call! (636) 364-8260 Follow us on: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter Email us at: feedback@petsitterconfessional.com Full show notes and transcript Sponsored by: ❤️ Our AMAZING Patreon Supporters Pet Sitters Associates Visit: https://www.petsitllc.com Code: Confessional

What does it take to transform challenges into a thriving business? Reilly Kahat, owner and founder of Pet Fit, shares his transition from a dog walker to the owner of a flourishing pet care service. Following an unforeseen business closure that left him questioning his next steps, Reilly leverages his deep affection for animals to build a community rooted business from the ground up. He explores the importance of adaptive branding, the move towards a membership-based model for consistent service, and the cultivation of a supportive team dynamic. Reflecting on the hurdles faced, including navigating through the COVID-19 pandemic, Reilly illustrates how setbacks were not just obstacles but opportunities for growth and deeper community engagement. Main topics: Business Journey Membership Model Shift Branding and Engagement Leadership and Team Management Main takeaway: Every challenge in our journey is a lesson in disguise, teaching us to be more adaptable, empathetic, and focused on the true essence of pet care. About our guest: Reilly Kahat is the Founder and Lead Adventurer at Pet Fit, a pioneering pet care service rooted in the lush landscapes of Ellicott City, Maryland, where he spent his formative years. From an early age, Reilly's life on a family farmette instilled in him a profound respect for animals and an understanding of the care they require. His childhood dreams of canine companionship became a reality with the adoption of Fender, a Maltese, marking the beginning of his lifelong journey with pets. Reilly's educational pursuits took him to Colorado, where he sought an Eco/Bio degree with aspirations of contributing positively to society. However, it was the mountainous adventures with Patches, a dog that accompanied him during his college years, that illuminated his true passion for pet care and the great outdoors. Returning to Ellicott City without Patches but not without ambition, Reilly adopted Murphy from a local rescue, Small Miracles, and embraced his role as a devoted Dog Dad. His experiences as a client of pet care services and later as a dog walker unveiled a significant gap in the market: the need for a professional, reliable, and adventure-centric pet care company. This realization spurred Reilly to establish Pet Fit, a testament to his commitment to offering exceptional care and customer service. Pet Fit isn't just a business; it's a reflection of Reilly's dedication to the health, well-being, and adventurous spirit of pets, providing Ellicott City's pet parents with a trusted partner in their pets' care journey. Links: petfit.us https://www.facebook.com/petfit.us https://www.instagram.com/petfit.us Buy PSC Merch Give us a call! (636) 364-8260 Follow us on: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter Email us at: feedback@petsitterconfessional.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

How do you become a master in something? Inspired by Bruce Lee's philosophy that emphasizes focused practice over quantity, we share how repetitive actions, from the simple task of unlocking a door to the complexities of route planning, not only build familiarity but also pave the way to competency and mastery. We also talk about how deliberate practice, coupled with feedback, fosters a deeper understanding and efficient execution of tasks. We highlight the journey from initial exposure to achieving mastery, emphasizing the importance of patience and continuous improvement. Join us as we discuss transforming routine repetition into profound proficiency and the impact this has on both our personal and professional growth. Main topics Learning through repetition Being intentional Iterating and challenges Main takeaway: Mastery comes with intentionality and patience! Links: Buy PSC Merch Give us a call! (636) 364-8260 Follow us on: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter Email us at: feedback@petsitterconfessional.com Full show notes and transcript Sponsored by: ❤️ Our AMAZING Patreon Supporters Pet Sitters Associates Visit: https://www.petsitllc.com Code: Confessional

What does it take to navigate the path from personal adversity to entrepreneurial success? Mary Reid, owner of North Dallas Pet Care, dives into her journey from being a homeschooling mother to spearheading a thriving pet care business. Following a significant health scare that altered her mobility, Mary reveals how she leveraged her passion for pets into a successful enterprise. She reflects on the critical role of work-life balance, the strategic shift from working solo to managing a team, and the integration of technology to enhance her business. Main topics: Main takeaway: Running a business is about more than just caring for pets; it was about creating a community where pets and their owners feel understood, supported, and valued. Links: info@northdallaspetcare.com northdallaspetcare.com https://www.instagram.com/north_dallas_pet_care/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100081859539854 Buy PSC Merch Give us a call! (636) 364-8260 Follow us on: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter Email us at: feedback@petsitterconfessional.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 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

Where does mental fatigue come from, and how does it impact us? While a large portion of the fatigue is brought on through external influences, a not insignificant amount stems from our own actions. From failing to adhere to policies to taking on too much, we often burden ourselves more than others do. Today, we will break down why pet sitters deal with so much mental fatigue, its sources, and some simple steps to start taking to combat it. Main topics Where it comes from When it gets the worst Ways to lessen Main takeaway: Do what you need to reduce your worry. Find where your brain spends its time worrying, or thinking, and find ways to get a process in place, set boundaries, and fight for your personal life. Links: Buy PSC Merch Give us a call! (636) 364-8260 Follow us on: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter Email us at: feedback@petsitterconfessional.com Full show notes and transcript Sponsored by: ❤️ Our AMAZING Patreon Supporters Pet Sitters Associates Visit: https://www.petsitllc.com Code: Confessional

What does it mean to reinvent yourself? Kirsten Kruska, co-owner of Pet and Plant Pal, explores the journey of career reinvention after a pivotal health challenge forced her out of dog grooming. Kirsten shares how she transformed her expertise in pet care and horticulture into a flourishing business. Emphasizing health & wellness, Kirsten shares how her commitment to physical fitness and overcoming injury shaped her approach to business and life. She also discusses ethical entrepreneurship, highlighting her dedication to ethical practices rooted in Buddhist principles, and how these values distinguish her services. Lastly, Kirsten discusses the importance of knowledge sharing, from grooming advice to plant care tips, illustrating her belief in education as a cornerstone of her business model. Main topics: Main takeaway: What is meant for me, is meant for me. About our guest: Meet Pet & Plant Pal's founder - me! With over 25 years of professional experience in plant and animal care, I have always been passionate about nurturing and caring for all living things. Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to work in various farm care jobs, including teaching students with disabilities how to ride horses and appreciate farm life. I have also spent many years as a professional dog groomer, enjoying agility, conformation, and other dog sports. My love for animals extends beyond dogs, as I have grown up with every kind of animal imaginable, from parrots to horses, cats, rabbits, and reptiles. I started Pet & Plant Pal because I wanted to share my knowledge and expertise with people in their own homes. My goal is to provide the best possible care for both plants and animals, bringing my years of experience and love for these living things to every job. At Pet & Plant Pal, we believe that every living thing deserves to be treated with respect and care, and we strive to provide that care to all of our clients. Links: info@petandplantpal.net https://www.petandplantpal.net https://www.petandplantpal.net/what-makes-us-different Buy PSC Merch Give us a call! (636) 364-8260 Follow us on: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter Email us at: feedback@petsitterconfessional.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

Why does anger management feel like an uphill battle? In an industry fueled by passion and love for animals, emotions run high, and anger can emerge from the least expected corners. To get it under control, we have to understand its roots and its multifaceted impact on both our personal well-being and business operations. From dealing with unruly pets to navigating the demands of particular clients, we talk about understanding anger as a natural response, recognizing triggers, and developing strategies for constructive management. Ultimately, it's about transforming anger into positive change, emphasizing the power of self-care, and enhancing communication skills. Main topics Understanding anger Managing Transforming Main takeaway: View anger not just as an obstacle, but as an opportunity for growth and improvement in your businesses. Links: Buy PSC Merch Give us a call! (636) 364-8260 Follow us on: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter Email us at: feedback@petsitterconfessional.com Full show notes and transcript Sponsored by: ❤️ Our AMAZING Patreon Supporters Pet Sitters Associates Visit: https://www.petsitllc.com Code: Confessional

How can you navigate the twists and turns of life through fostering community? Shannon Hendon, founder of Ocala Pet Sitting, takes us through her 18-year saga of transforming challenges into opportunities. From altering her career path away from vet school to implementing cool new services like kitty cam rentals, Shannon's story is a masterclass in adaptability and passion. She also discusses the power of community, the evolution of her business model as she adapted to personal challenges, and her dedication to setting new standards in the pet care industry. Main topics: Getting to create things Making serious changes Building relationships Luxury services Main takeaway: You really have to draw a line for yourself and teach people how to treat you, especially when going through a crisis. Meet our guest: Growing up in rural South Florida (Homestead), Shannon always had a mix of pets, including dogs, cats, birds, bunnies, lizards, snakes, mice, hermit crabs, ferrets, stray turtles that wandered into the yard, and a paint horse named Kona. She gives special thanks to her Mom for nourishing her Snow White-inspired upbringing. In 1995, Shannon and her husband Jamie moved to beautiful Ocala to raise their four children. Ocala quickly became their hometown, and they now have seven grandchildren! Shannon, the owner and founder of Ocala Pet Sitting, had a strong desire to work with animals. In late 2005, a friend suggested she start a pet sitting business, and Ocala Pet Sitting was born. In her extensive tenure in the pet care industry, Shannon has diligently pursued continuous education to elevate her expertise. She feels honored to serve as North Central Florida's Regional Director on the board of directors for the Florida Pet Services Association, actively contributing as a volunteer on both the education and philanthropy committees. Shannon's commitment to excellence is reflected in her many certifications, including Fear Free Certification, Certified Professional Pet Sitter (CPPS) Certification through PSI, and the vital Pet CPR & First Aid Certification. Fast forward 17 years, hundreds of clients, and thousands of visits later, Shannon is more passionate than ever about providing the best pet care possible for Ocala residents and has become a mentor to other professional pet sitters. Her expertise, coupled with her love for all creatures, ensures that your beloved pets receive top-notch care and attention while you're away. Links: https://www.ocalapetsitting.com https://www.instagram.com/ocalapetsitting/ https://www.facebook.com/ocalapetsitting Buy PSC Merch Give us a call! (636) 364-8260 Follow us on: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter Email us at: feedback@petsitterconfessional.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

Why is it so challenging to implement productivity tips into our lives? Amazon has over 10,000 books on the subject of ‘productivity’, so there certainly isn’t a universal solution for everyone. One of the major stumbling blocks to actually being more productive is a lack of understanding of how we work, and the nature of the work we need to get done. We break down common misconceptions to being more productive, along with several things to take into consideration when assessing a new productivity method, tool, or technique. Main topics Misconceptions of quick fixes Challenges to implementing Taking a holistic approach Knowing yourself Main takeaway: Knowing your priorities, work style, and the realistic demands on your life is crucial for finding genuine productivity improvements. Links: Check out our Starter Packs Buy PSC Merch Give us a call! (636) 364-8260 Follow us on: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter Email us at: feedback@petsitterconfessional.com Full show notes and transcript Sponsored by: ❤️ Our AMAZING Patreon Supporters Pet Sitters Associates Visit: https://www.petsitllc.com Code: Confessional

How does a passion for pet care transform into a thriving business? Amy Garrison, owner of Oh My Dog Sitters, shares both her evolution as a business owner and her business. She takes us through the challenges she faced when she started, pivotal moments of growth, and how changes in business tactics propelled her company forward. Amy is actively working on shifting to be forward-thinking as she shares the importance of strategic planning. Main topics: Main takeaway: It's not about the numbers. It's about making sure every pet we care for feels loved and every client feels understood. About our guest: I’ve had pets my whole life. Growing up we had several dogs, cats, rabbits & ducks, and a couple of lambs for a time. My grandparents even had a pair of pet skunks and a woodchuck! I loved horseback riding at the local stable and visiting the calves at the dairy farm. As an adult, being a military family (now retired) we were more limited, but our dogs and cats have always been a part of our family. I have experience with the young and old ones, the well and not-so-well. In our house, we’ve dealt with allergies, auto-immune disorders, Addison’s disease, Cushings, arthritis, hip dysplasia, cancer(s), kidney disease, UTIs, surgeries, physical therapy, alternative therapies, the list goes on. I understand the level of care and gentle handling they require. Links: ohmydogsitters@gmail.com https://ohmydogsitters.com https://www.facebook.com/ohmydogsitters/ Buy PSC Merch Give us a call! (636) 364-8260 Follow us on: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter Email us at: feedback@petsitterconfessional.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 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

Who are you allowing to speak into your life and business? As a business owner, there are a lot of people who have opinions about what you do and how you do them. There is a lot of advice out there that clutters up our brain space and processing abilities, which can lead to decision fatigue and an incoherent approach. Instead of following the whims of other people, we have to tune out the noise by quieting our own life to better recognize the irrelevant advice from others. Main topics: Where noise comes from How do I know what the noise is? Discerning what to listen to Main takeaway: Be you and let your uniqueness define your business, because nobody else will do things the way that you do. Links: Episode 470 Buy PSC Merch Give us a call! (636) 364-8260 Follow us on: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter Email us at: feedback@petsitterconfessional.com Full show notes and transcript Sponsored by: ❤️ Our AMAZING Patreon Supporters Pet Sitters Associates Visit: https://www.petsitllc.com Code: Confessional

What is anticipatory grief and how can we help our client through it? In the complex landscape of pet care, we face the delicate issue of anticipatory grief among pet owners—a pre-loss mourning filled with anxiety and sorrow. Erica Messer, founder of Wolfie's Wish, discusses the critical need for pet care providers to offer support and practical resources to our clients. She advocates for early conversations about end-of-life decisions, emphasizing the importance of self-care for both owners and ourselves. She reminds us that in addressing anticipatory grief, our actions resonate more profoundly than words, fostering a supportive community for both pets and their owners. Main topics: Main takeaway: Start conversations early and have resources ready for your clients. About our guest After the sudden passing of her beloved cat, Wolfgang, Erica embarked on a heartfelt quest to find a simple way to cope with her grief. Frustrated by the lack of suitable products, and encouraged by her mother, Bonnie, she created the perfect solution: Pet Loss Grieving Cards. Thus, Wolfie’s Wish was born. These cards garnered worldwide attention after receiving a prestigious “Best New Product” award at the esteemed Superzoo trade show in 2022. Erica is a board certified pet bereavement specialist and coach and leads a free monthly virtual support group and is also an in-demand international speaker and (fanfare) is releasing her first full-length book in the Summer of 2024. In February 2024, she is releasing Wolfie’s Wish Pet Loss Podcast with celebrity interviews on coping strategies on pet loss. With clinical musical training, she helps people navigate their grief through the healing power of music. Erica’s artistic talents also shine through her hand-painted pet portraits, showcasing her love for animals and dedication to capturing their spirits on canvas. She both wrote and illustrated the captivating story “Tails Of Spirit Pets” and Tails of Spirit Cats Books. Erica’s profound love for music, animals, and her unwavering desire to support others in their healing journeys make her an exceptional and inspiring individual, touching the lives of many with her unique blend of creativity, compassion, and entrepreneurial spirit. Links: https://www.petsitterconfessional.com/episodes/341 Use code PETSITTER for 15% off orders https://wolfieswish.com Erica@wolfieswish.com https://www.instagram.com/wolfies_wish/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/243053351275157 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPkpa_ynS8Im1YlFNAvzZBA Buy PSC Merch Give us a call! (636) 364-8260 Follow us on: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter Email us at: feedback@petsitterconfessional.com Full show notes and transcript Sponsored by: ❤️ Our AMAZING Patreon SupportersTime to Pet (50% off first 3 months)National Association of Professional Pet Sitters

What are you learning right now? Are you doing anything with it? We’re reflecting on the overwhelming abundance of information available to us, especially in running a pet care business. There is a crucial difference between endlessly acquiring knowledge and actually applying it to make tangible progress in our business. Something that is a hard balance to walk. We want to encourage you to prioritize action over consumption of new information! Main topics: Stop taking in new information Information overload Making time to do stuff Learning from doing Main takeaway: We should never learn at the expense of doing. Links: Episode 255: https://www.petsitterconfessional.com/episodes/255 Episode 390: https://www.petsitterconfessional.com/episodes/390 Buy PSC Merch Give us a call! (636) 364-8260 Follow us on: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter Email us at: feedback@petsitterconfessional.com Full show notes and transcript Sponsored by: ❤️ Our AMAZING Patreon Supporters Pet Sitters Associates Visit: https://www.petsitllc.com Code: Confessional

In the ever-evolving landscape of pet care, how do you carve a niche that not only serves your clients but also gives back to the community? Carla McClellan, the founder and owner of Tallahassee Lassie Pet Care, shares her journey from a modest beginning to leading a thriving business that puts community at its heart. With a rich background in social work and public health, Carla infuses her business with a unique blend of care, compassion, and community service. From establishing partnerships with local nonprofits to launching mobile pet food pantries, she's on a mission to ensure no pet or pet owner in Tallahassee goes unsupported. Carla's approach goes beyond pet sitting; it's about building a community network that uplifts every member. Join us as Carla shares her insights on growing a business that not only looks after pets but fosters a sense of belonging and support within the community. Main topics Client Relationships Pet Pantries Initiative Community Partnerships Employee Engagement Main takeaway: Embrace the power of integrating community service into your business model, to not only enhance your brand but also to make a tangible difference in your community. About our guest: Carla returned to the Tallahassee area in 2014 where she was working in social work. After some soul searching, she made the decision to use her social work skills in the pet world as well as continue with the human side, their owners. Carla has over 20 years experience caring for animals and has owned a pet most of her life. She is currently mom to two pugs and one cat. Along with a few outdoor cats she feeds every evening. Carla is certified in pet CPR and First Aid by the Pet Health Academy and is a member of Pet Sitters International and National Association of Professional Pet Sitters. She takes this knowledge and receives Continuing Education Units, along with providing training to her team. She also utilizes Pet Pro Hero and Fetch Find in teaching her team. One of the most important aspects of this work is community - for her to hire within the community, spend local dollars, and participate in local non-profits within the community. She uses her business as a vehicle of good, always. Links: https://www.tallahasseelassiepetcare.com https://www.facebook.com/tallylassiepets https://www.instagram.com/tallylassiepets/ Buy PSC Merch Give us a call! (636) 364-8260 Follow us on: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter Email us at: feedback@petsitterconfessional.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

Have you been to a conference? In a first for us, we were LIVE all weekend at the 2024 Texas Pet Sitters Association Conference! It was a jammed packed weekend filled with amazing people and great information. We sat down with some of the amazing speakers, vendors, and attendees from the conference to share a little of our experience. We were so thrilled to get reconnected with friends from previous years, and make new friends as well. We firmly believe educational conferences help grow you, your business, and the pet sitting community. Listen in to get a little taste of what it's like to attend a conference, and check out our resource pages to see which one you can attend! Main topics: Things we were learning People we connected with Why you should attend Main takeaway: If you can, plan to attend at least one in-person conference! Links: Texas Pet Sitters: https://txpetsitters.com https://www.petsitterconfessional.com/conferences https://theaquariumkeepers.com https://memoryflame.co https://www.dogcolaunch.com https://tinypawsbookkeeping.com https://www.coveredinpethair.net Buy PSC Merch Give us a call! (636) 364-8260 Follow us on: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter Email us at: feedback@petsitterconfessional.com Full show notes and transcript Sponsored by: ❤️ Our AMAZING Patreon Supporters Pet Sitters Associates Visit: https://www.petsitllc.com Code: Confessional

What are you saying ‘No’ to? For many, saying ‘No’ is almost unthinkable; we have to service the client, right? Liz Raitman, owner of Dogs Next Best Friend, joins the show to share how a love of hiking and running turned into a full-time dog walking company. By learning to say ‘No’ more, Liz talks about how she’s learned from past mistakes to run a company that fits her better. Liz also gives her perspective on why we should hold customer appreciation in such high regard. Main topics: Making mistakes Making hikes work Be generous with your clients Favorite gear and resources Main takeaway: You’ll get ahead of competition by learning from the mistakes you make. About our guest: Liz Raitman is the owner of Dog's Next Best Friend, a dog walking and pet sitting company in Summit County, Colorado. Her love for the outdoors and dogs led her to this wonderful career. She has a team of around 30 dog walkers as well as a manager to help meet the needs of locals and vacationers with pets. Her husband of 7 years is one of the biggest dog lovers she knows. She started walking dogs in her home state of Michigan in 2006 and continued when she moved to Colorado is 2007. She caters to all breeds and ages as well as cats and other pets. She loves to xc ski and hike with a pack!! Links: https://www.replacements.com dogsnextbestfriend@gmail.com https://www.instagram.com/dogsnextbestfriend https://www.facebook.com/dogsnextbestfriend https://www.dogsnextbestfriend.com/#home-about Buy PSC Merch Give us a call! (636) 364-8260 Follow us on: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter Email us at: feedback@petsitterconfessional.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 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

Do you consider yourself a multitasker? Contrary to popular belief, multitasking does not make us more productive. In fact, what we are capable of doing is not even considered true multitasking. Task switching, as it is known, is the process where our brain switches from one thing to another in rapid succession. While it may feel like we are getting more done, there are several drawbacks to this method of working. We walk through common misconceptions and the modern research on what multitasking actually does to us. We give several tactics you can use to break the habit of attempting to multitask to keep you productive and focused on the things that really matter. Main topics: What is multitasking? What is task switching? Common misconceptions Current research What do we do about it? Main takeaway: Focusing on a single task saves time, improves accuracy, and reduces stress. Links: https://www.petsitterconfessional.com/episodes/402 https://www.jstor.org/stable/pdf/43152412.pdf?casa_token=S-1ui_eUhqgAAAAA:XaRrqeXqErPQYx9qJTk4MwjSMjXEVYvWIX-J2cJYgPMrmO1d4pFHpCyxTR4CRbOAMlL-pSD7eY-JsIftLs_rdV4HSrTD8LLBFN4iL3HGZ4tF_zViLl4 https://original.newsbreak.com/@dr-donna-l-roberts-561947/3230240556565-the-myth-of-multitasking-understanding-the-limits-of-human-attention https://www.thenewatlantis.com/publications/the-myth-of-multitasking https://www.npr.org/2013/05/10/182861382/the-myth-of-multitasking https://neuroleadership.com/your-brain-at-work/the-myth-of-multitasking Buy PSC Merch Give us a call! (636) 364-8260 Follow us on: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter Email us at: feedback@petsitterconfessional.com Full show notes and transcript Sponsored by: ❤️ Our AMAZING Patreon Supporters Pet Sitters Associates Visit: https://www.petsitllc.com Code: Confessional