Practical Pet Business

On this episode of Practical Pet Business, Lorin and Rob take pet business owners through a comprehensive and practical year-end review designed to turn reflection into forward momentum. As the year comes to a close, they break down what to look at across your business—from timelines and key events to sales performance, seasonal trends, and the initiatives that delivered results (or didn’t). They...

In this episode of Practical Pet Business, Lorin and Rob tackle one of the most important—and often overlooked—topics for pet professionals as we head into a new year: budgeting and planning for the 2026 pet industry landscape, with a special focus on local events, expos, shows, and community gatherings. As the pet industry continues to grow and evolve, so do the expectations placed on business ow...

On this thought-provoking episode of Practical Pet Business, Lorin and Rob take a candid look at the evolving world of pet industry organizations, associations, and trade groups — and what their shifts mean for today’s pet professionals. As the industry continues to grow, so do the expectations placed on business owners. Associations revise their missions, events change formats, leadership shifts...

On this edition of Practical Pet Business, Lorin and Rob take a deep dive into one of the most common — and complicated — topics for pet business owners: discounts, incentives, expectations, and frustrations. Pet parents love a good deal, and in today’s competitive market, it can feel like you have to offer discounts just to stay in the game. But when every sale, service, or product comes with a m...

On this episode of Practical Pet Business, Lorin and Rob tackle an all-too-common challenge in the pet industry: handling moody, frustrated, or emotionally overwhelmed customers. In pet care, emotions run high—people deeply love their animals, and that love can show up as anxiety, fear, guilt, or stress. Sometimes, the tension has nothing to do with your business at all. A customer may already be...

On this episode of Practical Pet Business, Lorin and Rob dive into one of the biggest challenges in the pet industry today—educating pet parents and customers in a way that informs, engages, and empowers without overwhelming or sounding like a lecture. With so much information (and misinformation) available online, today’s pet parents often come to the table with strong opinions, half-truths, or p...

On this episode of Practical Pet Business, Lorin and Rob take on one of the most important — and often controversial — topics in the pet industry: should you sell live animals, insects, fish, or other living beings in your store? What may seem like a natural way to enhance your store’s appeal or diversify your offerings can actually open a complex web of ethical, operational, financial, and emotio...

On this episode of Practical Pet Business, Lorin and Rob dive deep into a topic every pet business owner has wrestled with — in-store events and promotions. Are they really worth it? Do they bring lasting value, or do they just drain your time, your team, and your bottom line? From small, simple in-store happenings to big, buzz-worthy community events, Lorin and Rob explore the full spectrum of wh...

On this episode of Practical Pet Business, Lorin and Rob explore one of the most underrated growth and loyalty strategies in the pet industry — becoming your customers’ most trusted resource for all things pet-related, even beyond what your business directly offers. Pet parents today are navigating a world full of choices, challenges, and information overload. They need guidance they can trust. Wh...

On this edition of Practical Pet Business, Lorin and Rob take on a topic that is impossible to ignore: technology. It’s everywhere—inside and outside the pet world—and it’s transforming the way pet businesses operate and how pet parents experience the products and services they love. From point-of-sale systems and online booking tools to wearable pet tech, smart feeders, and AI-driven customer ser...

On this episode of Practical Pet Business, Lorin and Rob explore the ins and outs of Pet Business Loyalty and Rewards Programs—a powerful tool when done right, but a potential pitfall when handled poorly. They break down where and when these programs are having the greatest impact in today’s pet marketplace, and the different approaches businesses are using to strengthen customer connections. From...

On this episode of Practical Pet Business, Lorin and Rob take a closer look at the state of the pet industry and uncover an important truth: while overall industry numbers show steady and even impressive growth, many individual pet businesses aren’t sharing in that success. The question is, why? They dig into the factors behind the disconnect—more competition than ever before, broader product avai...

On this episode of Practical Pet Business, Lorin and Rob open up about some of the most challenging aspects of being a business owner—making tough calls, having uncomfortable discussions, and managing the inevitable waves of burnout. These are not just abstract business concepts; they’re real issues that almost every entrepreneur faces, especially in the pet industry where passion runs high and em...

On this episode of Practical Pet Business, Lorin and Rob revisit the often misunderstood world of white labeling. At first glance, it might seem like a quick way to expand your product line or increase profits, but as they remind us, it’s your name, your reputation, and your relationship with customers on the line. They break down the key questions every pet business owner should ask: When does wh...

On this episode of Practical Pet Business, Lorin and Rob dive deep into their experiences and observations from the SuperZoo 2025 National Trade Show in Las Vegas—one of the pet industry’s most anticipated events of the year. With thousands of retailers, vendors, groomers, innovators, and pet enthusiasts under one roof, SuperZoo once again delivered a whirlwind of energy, excitement, and discovery...

On this episode of Practical Pet Chat, Lorin and Rob take a deep dive into the strategies and insights behind identifying the pet products that truly drive traffic and build excitement for your store. They discuss how small shifts—like moving the location of key products, refreshing displays, and keeping a close eye on consumer trends—can make a big impact on engagement and sales. Beyond the logis...

On this episode of Practical Pet Business, Lorin and Rob dive into a pressing question for many pet business owners: physical store vs. virtual presence. They explore the key factors in weighing the value and return on a brick-and-mortar location versus running an online shop, from cost considerations to customer experience. Learn how to spot the signs and interpret customer trends so you can plan...

On this episode of Practical Pet Business, Lorin and Rob dive into the importance of having a clear purpose and plan when attending pet industry conferences and events. With the significant investment of time, money, and resources involved, simply showing up and winging it won’t deliver the results your business needs. From strategically mapping out booth visits to prioritizing educational session...

On this episode of Practical Pet Business, Lorin and Rob dive into the delicate art of balancing customer relationships in the pet industry. As clients become regulars—and often, friends—it’s natural for personal stories to be shared. But how much is too much? Pet business owners aren’t just professionals; they’re pet parents and people with real lives, emotions, and boundaries. Lorin and Rob expl...

Join Lorin and Rob—your go-to duo in the pet world—as they get excited about all things pet-friendly events! Think puppy photo ops with ridiculous props, costume contests that’ll make tails wag, hands-on workshops that teach pet parents new tricks, and demo sessions showcasing the coolest pet products. Whether you’re dreaming up a “Bark-tastic” photo booth or a pup-approved training clinic, these...

In this episode of Practical Pet Business, Lorin and Rob unpack one of the most misunderstood aspects of the pet industry: product labeling. From bold marketing claims to fine print regulations, they explore what labels actually communicate—and what they often leave out. Learn how subtle changes in wording, regulation loopholes, and shifting standards can dramatically alter the meaning of a label,...

On this episode of Practical Pet Business, Lorin and Rob dive into the ever-shifting world of calendar planning for your pet business. While some dates are obvious—hello, National Dog Day—there are more hidden opportunities than ever before to engage pet parents and grow your business. From the fast-moving retail landscape to the way big box stores and online giants have reshaped holiday timelines...

In this episode of Practical Pet Business, Lorin and Rob tackle a topic every business owner dreads: the "bad apple" employee. From subtle toxicity to outright disruption, one problematic team member can quietly (or loudly) erode your company culture, rattle your staff, and drive away loyal customers. Tune in as they break down how to spot the signs early, what actions to take (and when), and how...

In this episode of Practical Pet Business, Lorin and Rob tackle the age-old adage: Is the customer always right? Once considered a golden rule, this idea has evolved—especially in the pet industry—into something much more nuanced. Lorin shares personal stories and professional insights that challenge the outdated mindset, while Rob (who fully admits Lorin is always right!) offers his perspective a...

In this insightful episode of Practical Pet Business, Lorin and Rob dive deep into the world of independent contractors—what they are, how they function within your pet business, and the critical legal and operational differences from traditional employees. Whether services are being performed at your facility or on your behalf elsewhere, understanding the ins and outs of contractor relationships...