OverDog: Dog Daycare & Boarding Business Tips

In this episode we focus is on critical business missteps that serve as powerful lessons for pet business owners looking to stay ahead of the curve. We’ll highlight how resistance to change and an over reliance on outdated business models can lead even the most successful companies to failure.  Whether it’s failing to embrace emerging technology, ignoring shifts in consumer behavior, or clinging t...

Today we’re talking about how you can create a more structured and enjoyable environment for dogs and staff alike. With insights from the team at PackPro, listeners will learn how effective training, group management, and employee empowerment can transform daily operations and elevate the overall daycare experience.  Whether it’s refining processes or setting clear expectations, this discussion is...

As the pet care industry evolves, staying ahead requires more than just growth—it’s about adapting to change and building a strong foundation. In this episode, we explore the trends shaping the industry, the challenges businesses face, and the opportunities to stand out in a competitive market. Whether it’s refining your goals or focusing on what truly matters, this discussion sets the stage for s...

In this episode of the Overdog Podcast, Fern welcomes Candace D’Agnolo, founder of Pet Boss Nation, for an engaging discussion about how pet business owners can evaluate and optimize their operations. Candace shares her journey from running multiple brick-and-mortar pet businesses to becoming a dedicated business coach. Together, they explore strategies for auditing business practices, addressing...

In this episode of the Overdog Podcast, Fern invites Krista Lofquist, owner of Wagging Tails in Connecticut, to discuss her unique journey and the exciting addition of dock diving as a service at her facilities. Krista shares her evolution from starting as a solo dog walker to managing three thriving pet resort locations. This service not only enhances the experience for boarding and daycare clien...

In this episode of the Overdog Podcast, we dive into how pet businesses can make 2025 their best year yet. We’ll talk about how to evaluate the past year—assessing everything from key performance indicators to customer and staff feedback—to identify strengths and opportunities for growth. From setting SMART goals to creating a motivating vision for your business, this episode is all about giving p...

No matter what stage your business is in, it’s always a good idea to begin with the end in mind—which, in the pet industry, often means the eventual sale of your business. Even if you don’t plan on selling anytime soon, it’s important to understand what you need to do to maintain an appealing business that someone would want to buy—because you never know. Eyal Cohen from the Pet Resort Hospitality...

Running a dog daycare or boarding business can be incredibly rewarding, but it also comes with unique stresses—long hours, emotional demands, and the constant pressure to grow and succeed. In this episode, we’re diving into why taking care of your mental health isn’t just good for you—it’s essential for your business. From the impact of stress on decision-making and relationships to the physical t...

Today we’re diving into the impact of employee morale on pet resorts and how creating a positive work environment can lead to a better company culture, higher retention rates, and an overall thriving business. Our special guest, Laurie Yost from Playful Pups Retreat, shares her personal journey to boosting team morale by adding simple but heartfelt touches of appreciation that transformed her staf...

In this episode of the Overdog Podcast, we’re joined by Jeff Adney from TWC, a leading expert in designing and building pet care facilities. We dive deep into the essential best practices for creating a functional and attractive space that meets the unique needs of dog daycare and boarding businesses. Whether you’re launching a new facility or expanding an existing one, Jeff shares insights on zon...

Discover how to organize your pet care facility for maximum effectiveness. Alex Varney, VP of Operations at Pinnacle Pets walks you through how to identify and resolve the inefficiencies in your daily operations that hinder your team's performance and those that lead to chaos and customer dissatisfaction. In addition, you’ll gain insights into creative problem-solving techniques to streamline...

In this episode, we dive into the ins and outs of adding a transportation service to your pet resort or daycare. Joined by Katrin “Kay” Green from The Dog Patch, we explore how a simple idea—using a minivan to shuttle dogs during COVID—grew into a full-scale operation with multiple buses. Kay shares her journey from that initial minivan setup to running three shuttles daily, discussing the costs,...

In this episode we dive into the world of luxury branding and explore how positioning your pet care business as a premium service can set you apart in a competitive market. From fostering unmatched customer loyalty to enabling higher profit margins, creating a high-end brand experience offers significant benefits for businesses willing to go the extra mile. Whether you’re just starting out or look...

In this episode, we’ll explore the potential pitfalls that pet business owners face after reaching success. Achieving your business goals is an incredible milestone, but what happens next? We’ll dive into the dangers that can arise from complacency, missed opportunities, or simply not knowing how to leverage success to reach even greater heights. Plus, we’ll offer actionable strategies for staying...

The big buzz in the dog daycare industry is enrichment. Everyone seems to be talking about it, and many businesses have been rolling out different enrichment programs with great success. It’s exciting but also a bit overwhelming. Today, I’ve brought Dominic Hodgson back on the show to tell us all about his recent Enrichment Summit, share some of the key takeaways from the event, and help us unders...

You and your business will always be limited by the knowledge you don’t have. The good news is that there’s no shortage of places to learn and expand your skills. To truly reach your full potential, you need a lifelong commitment to continued learning and education. The more information you have, the better equipped you’ll be, and the fewer mistakes you’ll make. In this episode, Fern shares his fi...

In this episode, we’re diving into why employee wellness is not just a corporate buzzword but something that can make a huge difference in your dog daycare or boarding facility. We’ll talk about simple, practical ways to keep your team happy, healthy, and energized (because let’s face it, taking care of dogs can get hectic!). Imagine fewer sick days, more productive shifts, and a team that actuall...

Dog parks are great in theory but often flawed in reality. Wouldn’t it be amazing if you could start your own private indoor dog park, creating a safe, fun environment for dogs while adding a new revenue stream to your business? If you’re thinking “yes,” but feeling overwhelmed by everything that needs to be considered and set up, this episode is for you. We’ve invited Raechel MacQueen from The Pa...

It may seem that offering services to cater to every dog and person is the best way to grow your business and maximize revenue. However, this approach can sometimes dilute the value you provide and create a business that doesn’t truly resonate with anyone. By choosing to specialize in one particular area, you can flip that around and take care of your customers in a way that other businesses can’t...

Building and running a pet business involves managing many different aspects to ensure success. One area that I often see neglected is the legal considerations that need attention to set up your business for smooth operation and to avoid future issues. Today, I’m joined by Peter Tanella, an attorney specializing in the pet care industry, who will shed light on key legal matters and offer guidance...

There are a few key positions in your pet business that are critical to the amount of revenue you bring in. Not having the right people in these positions and neglecting to properly equip them to do their jobs can result in significant financial losses. Lori Davis from Paramount Success Group joins us today to explain the importance of a good reservation specialist, how they should be trained, and...

How would you like it if your summer daycare numbers didn’t decrease, but actually increased? And what if that increase caused a ripple effect, leading to additional service purchases and a flood of social media exposure, making your next summer your best ever? That’s exactly what happened at Perfect Pooch. On today’s show, Kelli Dodds, the general manager, shares how their new summer camp program...

When times get tough and money gets tight, you still need to bring in new customers and try to increase your revenue. To accomplish that and get yourself in better shape, you’re going to need to do some marketing. Even when you’re on a tight budget, you still need to get out there and continue to generate business. On today’s show, we’ll discuss some ways you can market your business for free or w...

One thing is certain: nothing stays the same—in life or in business. When the economy takes a dip, business owners may panic and overreact, leading to long-term negative effects on the business. However, there are ways to navigate these challenges with grace and take actions that will help your business emerge more successful. In today’s episode, Fern explains how you can take specific actions to...

If you really want your pet business to show up in online searches, you need to focus on search engine optimization (SEO). What stops most people from tackling this important business task is that it can be incredibly complex. We want to help you with bite-sized SEO tasks that can positively impact your business’s visibility in online searches. In today’s episode, Fern explains exactly how to crea...