Episodes

What if you could look back at your business mistakes with the wisdom you have now? What do you want your business to be like one, five, ten years in the future? How can storytelling like Dickens transform your marketing into something unforgettable? In this special Christmas themed episode, host Dom Hodgson reflects on lessons from his own journey while channelling the spirit of A Christmas Carol to see the past, present, and future of his business. But don’t worry, you’re coming along too a...

Curious how you can make dogs feel at home from the moment they step into your facility? What’s the science behind reducing fear and anxiety for pets—and how can you use it to elevate your daycare experience? Could “comfort-driven enrichment” could be the next enriching experience you add to you facility? In this episode, Dom Hodgson sits down with Fred Silber of Pet Therapeutics to explore how comfort-driven enrichment is transforming pet lodging. Fred shares the fascinating science behind w...

How do you measure a successful year in your pet care business? What numbers truly matter when it comes to growth and fulfilment? Ready to discover why it’s never too late – or too early – to create impactful promotions? In this special episode, host Dom Hodgson takes a creative spin on reflection with his 2024 “Pet Biz Wrapped,” inspired by Spotify’s famous annual recap. Dom peels back the curtain on his year, sharing not just the financial wins but also the personal and professional milesto...

What’s the secret to creating calmer dogs, happier owners, and a thriving daycare? Could blending behavioral science with heart be the key to your next big breakthrough? How can zoo-inspired enrichment ideas revolutionize your daycare’s approach to play and learning? In this episode, Dom Hodgson takes you from the buzz of the Hershey Expo to an enlightening chat with Annie Grossman, author of How to Train Your Dog with Love and Science. Annie dives into the heart of behavioral science, revea...

Are you unintentionally blending in when you should be standing out? Did you know that simple tweaks to your messaging can make your pet care business irresistible? Want to know the secret keys to creating endless marketing content without starting from scratch? In this episode, Dom Hodgson sits down with the brilliant Colin Theriot to explore the art of crafting copy that grabs attention and drives action. Colin shares his DUST framework—a system for making your business Different, Unique, S...

Curious about how enrichment can revolutionize your daycare? Wondering how leading facilities are tackling challenges like staff turnover, client loyalty and ever increasing competition? In this episode, Dom Hodgson takes us back to the Hershey Lodge for the second part in a deep dive into what went down at the biggest pet boarding and daycare event on the planet. This time, Dom and Tim bring you more insightful conversations with attendees, vendors, and speakers who are redefining success in...

Have you ever wondered what really goes down at the biggest pet boarding and daycare expo in the world? Curious about what latest industry insights and trends get shared at these events? Are the in-person networking opportunities worth the travel time? This jam-packed episode comes to you LIVE from the 2024 Hershey Expo, where host Dom Hodgson gives you an all-access backstage pass to hear from movers and shakers in attendance. You’ll get all the juicy details as Dom chats with the rebels, ru...

Are you looking to transform your pet care facility into a true community hub? Curious about creating memorable experiences that keep clients coming back for more? Wondering how to turn your pet care facility into the kind of place clients can’t stop talking about? In this episode, host Dom Hodgson sits down with Michelle Sarwas, owner of Bark Avenue Day Camp. Michelle shares her incredible journey from financial analyst to pet care entrepreneur, revealing the keys to building lasting bonds w...

Is your website attracting the right clients for your pet care business? Do you feel overwhelmed by the technical aspects of SEO and online marketing? Curious about how a strategic online presence can elevate your pet business? In this episode, Dom Hodgson sits down with his good buddy – and digital marketing expert – Fernando Camacho from Overdog Digital. Together they break down the essentials of creating an impactful online presence. Fern, a seasoned marketer and former dog trainer, dives ...

Worried your insurance policy won’t hold up when disaster strikes? Concerned about unexpected expenses that could wipe out your hard-earned profits? Not sure if your current coverage is enough to protect your business from potential lawsuits, property damage, or employee claims? In this episode, Dom sits down with David Pearsall from Business Insurers of the Carolinas to uncover the often-overlooked world of insurance for pet businesses. With over 30 years of experience, David breaks down the co...

Wondering how to turn hesitant dog owners into loyal customers? Curious about how a strong onboarding process can work magic for your business? Did you know, if you don’t have a five-star onboarding experience that makes new clients feel valued and special, you could be missing out on countless upsell opportunities, glowing testimonials, and valuable referrals… In this early Halloween special, Dom Hodgson is here to sprinkle some wow-factor on your welcome mat. He shares hauntingly-helpful in...

Are you looking for new ways to diversify your pet care offering? Curious about how to add premium services that cater to a growing trend of dog owners wanting their pets involved in every aspect of their lives? Is it a struggle to continually grow your business while maintaining a healthy work-life balance? In this episode, host Dom Hodgson speaks with Tamsin Rogers, owner of Ambleside Dog Walkers and Dapper Dog Weddings (AND the Pet Business Inner Circle marketer of the year!). Tamsin share...

Struggling to lead your team effectively as your pet care business grows? Feeling overwhelmed by the challenges of scaling and managing multiple locations? Unsure how to inspire your team and create a culture that drives business success? If you are curious about how to grow from a single location to a multi-resort operation, then this episode has you covered. Host Dom Hodgson sits down with Phil Miller, owner of Pawville, which operates nine pet resorts, two veterinary hospitals, and a varie...

Are you ready to take your doggy daycare to the next level? Want to stand out as the go-to canine enrichment expert in your community? Are you frustrated by unruly dogs, unmotivated staff, and clients who don’t see the value of your services? Well, you are in luck because in this episode, host Dom Hodgson dives deep into the world of enrichment and introduces Enrich University, a comprehensive program designed to help pet care businesses enhance not only their enrichment services, but also dr...

Is your pet care business struggling to manage rapid growth? Are your pooch playgroups feeling cripplingly chaotic? Looking for expert advice on balancing business success with team satisfaction? Well, you’re in luck! In this episode, Dom Hodgson chats with cousins and business partners Dan and Mallory Poirier, owners of Buffalo’s largest pet care facility and founders of Pack Pro. They share their inspiring journey from humble beginnings when as kids they ran local lemonade stands and dog wa...

Is your pet care business struggling with team management and leadership? Do you feel overwhelmed by communication challenges within your facility? Are you looking for ways to improve your leadership skills and grow your business with confidence? Then you’re in the right place! In this episode, Dom Hodgson sits down with leadership consultant Phillip Paris, who shares expert, actionable advice on how to tackle the common leadership challenges faced by pet care business owners. From effective ...

Is your doggy daycare ready to maintain momentum as the busy summer months wind down? Are you looking for some new and exciting sales tactics to keep your facility thriving in the fourth quarter? Then listen up! Because in this weeks episode, Dom Hodgson dives deep into the rest of his 10 fool-proof ways to keep that summer momentum going, and boost your pet business in the run up to the holiday season. From revamping your marketing message to creating a stellar client onboarding experience, t...

Is your facility feeling that post-summer sales slump? Are you wondering how to keep your doggy daycare thriving in the fourth quarter? Looking for fresh ideas to boost client engagement and profits this fall? In this episode, Dom Hodgson shares the first five essential strategies to help your doggy daycare transition smoothly from the busy summer months into a similarly successful fall season. Whether it’s reinvigorating your marketing efforts, launching specialized training packages, or sho...

Do you worry about the health and safety of the dogs in your care? Concerned about maintaining a clean, parasite-free environment? Looking for strategies that communicate your commitment to dog health, set your facility apart, and increase revenue? Then get ready with a pen and paper because in this episode, Dom Hodgson sits down with John Beres from Canine Lab Testing to discuss the often-overlooked but crucial role that fecal testing for intestinal parasites can play in doggy daycares and b...

Introduction Are you looking to elevate your doggy daycare business beyond the competition? Do you want to charge higher prices but don’t know how to attract affluent clients? Do you want to learn how to keep both dogs and staff engaged while also boosting profits? In this episode of the Pet Boarding and Daycare podcast, host Dom Hodgson chats with Tim Jackson, a veterinary nurse and canine behaviorist, who has successfully integrated enrichment activities into his daycare. You’ll discover h...

Do you run a family-owned pet care business you want to grow into a multi-location success story? Are you struggling to balance family life with business growth? Want to learn the secrets behind scaling up while maintaining a close-knit community feel? Join us in this episode of the Pet Boarding and Daycare podcast, where host Dom Hodgson chats with Sean and Jenn Felty from Greenlin Pet Resorts. Discover how they went from middle school sweethearts to a husband-and-wife team, who have expande...

Are you ready to transform your doggy daycare into a membership-based powerhouse? Curious about how to add a recurring revenue stream to your pet care facility? Do you want to move to a subscription model, but don’t know what to offer, what to charge, or how to structure your new membership? Then you need to tune in to this edition of the Pet Boarding and Daycare Podcast, because host Dom Hodgson is sharing the proven blueprint for rolling out a highly profitable membership in your Doggy Dayc...

Did you know that sharing your origin story can transform your pet care business? Would you like to know how sharing your story can be the secret weapon that helps you stand out from the ever growing competition? When you share how your business journey was birthed, and where your passion for pets was born, it creates strong client connections with local pet parents who only want to their dog looked after by your business. In this episode of the Pet Boarding and Daycare Podcast, host Dom Hodg...

Are you planning to start or purchase a pet care facility but unsure about the legal steps involved? Want expert advice on building a solid foundation for your business? In this episode of the Pet Boarding and Daycare Podcast, host Dom Hodgson chats with Peter Tanella, an attorney specializing in pet care businesses. Peter shares essential legal insights on creating a robust business plan, selecting the right business entity, and conducting due diligence. He emphasizes the importance of build...