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PODCAST

Pet Sitter Confessional

Pet Sitter Confessional, LLC

Pet Sitter Confessional is the go-to podcast for pet sitters who want to grow, learn, and feel seen. With over a decade of experience, Meghan and Collin share the real, behind-the-scenes life of professional pet sitting—from funny mishaps and tough lessons to business insights and personal stories. Each week, they interview fellow sitters and industry pros to explore what it really takes to thrive in pet care. Whether you"re just starting out or a seasoned pro, you"ll find support, inspiration, and

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All Episodes

01:05:40

607: Sustainability, Stress, and Success with Wendy...

Pet Sitter Confessional ·

2025/06/25

What does building a sustainable pet care business look like? Wendy Mackay, founder and owner of Pet Sitters Nelson, shares her 20-year journey from backpacking traveler to thriving business owner, offering a fresh look at how community involvement and flexibility can drive success. She dives into how she developed her signature services like “doggy day outs,” and the power of group walks in rented paddocks. Wendy also opens up about facing burnout, overcoming serious health challenges, and

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27:00

606: The Power of Both/And Thinking

Pet Sitter Confessional ·

2025/06/23

In today’s pet care world, it’s easy to fall into false choices — between daycare and in-home care, solo sitters and teams, enrichment and exercise, and more. But these false dichotomies often lead to confused clients, bad service matches, and needless infighting between pet professionals. In this episode, we explore the most common false dichotomies in pet care, how they show up in client conversations and marketing, and how we as pet sitters and dog walkers can communicate more clearly and provide

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57:25

605: Innovate & Elevate: Pet Care Synergy with Ines...

Pet Sitter Confessional ·

2025/06/18

What happens when dog training meets pet sitting? Ines McNeil, APDT Chair, dives into how the pet care industry can benefit from cross-disciplinary collaboration. She explores innovative training methods, shared challenges, and evolving client expectations. Her conversation also highlights the impact of emerging regulations on pet care practices. Ultimately, she showcases how working together can transform care for both pets and their owners. Main Topics: Bridging Pet Training and Sitting

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26:32

604: Marketing Pet Sitting in a Modern Experience...

Pet Sitter Confessional ·

2025/06/16

How should pet sitters adapt as client expectations shift? Camp Bow Wow is celebrating 25 years as a market leader in daycare and boarding. Their recent brand refresh and national pet parent survey offer valuable clues about where the pet care consumer mindset is heading — and what we, as dog walkers and pet sitters, can learn to better serve clients and compete in an increasingly emotional and experience-driven marketplace. In this episode, we explore insights from the survey, including the rise of

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52:26

603: The Mission of Midwest Pet Sitter Affiliates...

Pet Sitter Confessional ·

2025/06/11

What does local collaboration mean in 2025 and beyond? Why should pet sitters care about it? Kristin Holzapfel, founder of Midwest Pet Sitter Affiliates, joins us to share her journey of building a thriving community of pet sitters across the Midwest. She talks about the importance of educating both pet sitters and clients, how to move beyond third-party platforms, and why fostering an open-minded, collaborative culture matters for the future of the pet care industry. We cover how local

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32:02

602: From Pastels to Pet Care: Crafting a Lasting Legacy

Pet Sitter Confessional ·

2025/06/09

How can a centuries-old art supply company teach us about running a pet care business? This episode draws lessons from La Maison du Pastel in Paris, a 300-year-old handcrafted pastel maker, to explore what it means to build a business rooted in quality and culture. It highlights the importance of prioritizing craft over scale, using thoughtful service offerings to meet specific client needs, and collaborating with clients to create personalized care. The conversation also emphasizes the power of

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50:59

601: Not One More Vet with Gigi Tsontos

Pet Sitter Confessional ·

2025/06/04

What is life really like behind the scenes at your vet’s office? Collin sits down with Gigi Tsontos, Executive Director of Not One More Vet, Inc. (NOMV), to discuss the hidden mental health crisis facing veterinary professionals. Gigi shares the mission of NOMV, the complex stressors vets face, and the resources NOMV provides—from peer support to emergency grants. They also explore how pet sitters and pet parents can shift the culture through empathy, gratitude, and everyday check-ins. It’s a call

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24:21

600: Knowing When to Take Action

Pet Sitter Confessional ·

2025/06/02

Have you ever found yourself endlessly planning but never actually launching? This episode explores the common trap of over-planning and perfectionism that keeps business owners stuck. Drawing lessons from Thomas Edison’s relentless experimentation, it contrasts “dwelling” with “doing” and emphasizes the power of messy, iterative action. It unpacks how fear of failure and the sunk cost fallacy often prevent entrepreneurs from testing ideas, and why feedback—not perfection—should guide the next move

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01:00:17

599: Standing Out in a Saturated Market with Natalie...

Pet Sitter Confessional ·

2025/05/28

How do you take a pet sitting business from one city to two, grow a team of 30+, and develop a thriving brand? In this episode, Natalie Durack of Happy Hounds Pet Services shares how she expanded from the Gold Coast to Brisbane, navigating market differences and competition. She discusses the importance of client communication, onboarding team members, and building a recognizable brand. Natalie also explains how she introduced wedding pet attendance and proposal services, creating new ways for pet

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26:39

598: Selling What Has to Be Experienced

Pet Sitter Confessional ·

2025/05/26

How do you market something that has to be experienced to be believed? In this episode, we dig into the challenge of selling emotional value—like peace of mind, trust, and joy—when your service can’t be fully understood until after it’s delivered. We explore why emotional storytelling matters more than bullet points and how to connect with both logical and emotional buyers. From showcasing transformations to using guided testimonials, we share practical strategies for building trust and standing

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40:54

597: Building Community, One Pet Store at a Time with...

Pet Sitter Confessional ·

2025/05/21

How important are independent pet stores to our community? In this episode, Teresa Miller, president of IndiePet and owner of Treats Unleashed, discusses the vital role of local pet retailers in building community connections. She shares insights into the challenges these stores face, including e-commerce competition and inflation, while highlighting how they can remain competitive through innovation and customer service. Teresa explains how IndiePet acts as a bridge between retailers and

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34:48

596: Being Price Proud

Pet Sitter Confessional ·

2025/05/19

How confident are you when sharing your rates? In this episode, we explore the mindset of being price proud—what it means to stand behind your pricing without apology. We discuss how pricing is a reflection of your values, structure, and the quality of your service. From overcoming imposter syndrome to handling client pushback, we share practical tips to strengthen confidence and communication. Whether you’re a solo sitter or leading a team, this episode will inspire you to sell with pride, not

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40:36

595: Pet Aftercare and Ethical Standards with Donna...

Pet Sitter Confessional ·

2025/05/14

What happens after a pet passes away, and how can pet professionals support owners through this difficult time? Donna Shugart-Bethune, Executive Director of the International Association of Pet Cemeteries and Crematories (IAOPCC), shares the importance of ethical pet aftercare. She discusses the industry’s lack of federal regulation, the role of IAOPCC in setting standards, and why transparency and trust are essential. Donna shares insights on the evolution of pet cremation, the impact of grief, and

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29:24

594: Crafting Personalized Pet Care

Pet Sitter Confessional ·

2025/05/12

How do you offer truly personalized pet care? From daily routines to unique quirks, pets need more than just a one-size-fits-all approach. As professional pet sitters, we’re responsible for tailoring our care to each pet’s needs—and clearly communicating that value to clients and team members. We break down how to gather the right information, implement scalable personalization, and build client trust through intentional care. We share practical ways to make visits more meaningful without

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54:02

593: Building and Letting Go with Nicole Packin

Pet Sitter Confessional ·

2025/05/07

How do you know when it’s time to transition your business—or even your life? In this episode, Nicole Packin shares her incredible journey through selling two successful pet care businesses, moving across the country, and preparing for her next adventure. She opens up about the emotional and practical challenges of letting go, creating healthy boundaries, and finding new passions after nearly two decades in the industry. She discusses the evolving pet care landscape, the pressure entrepreneurs put

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35:34

592: Bridging the Trust Gap

Pet Sitter Confessional ·

2025/05/05

Trust is essential in every part of a pet sitting business. It begins before a client ever reaches out and is built through clear communication, consistency, and transparency. Clients look for reassurance at every step, and trust can grow when expectations are met and mistakes are owned. Building trust with pets requires patience, routine, and positive reinforcement to create a sense of safety. Internally, trust within a team—and with yourself as a business owner—comes from accountability, honest

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01:00:31

591: From Lions to Labradors with Leanne Burger

Pet Sitter Confessional ·

2025/04/30

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

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31:48

590: Finding Repeatable Success

Pet Sitter Confessional ·

2025/04/28

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

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01:06:20

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

Pet Sitter Confessional ·

2025/04/23

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

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25:34

588: Success on Your Terms: Escaping the Comparison Trap

Pet Sitter Confessional ·

2025/04/21

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

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647 results

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