Pet Shop Girls with Sherry (Odyssey Pets) and Carly (House of Paws) - A Podcast for Independent Pet Pros

Running a business can feel overwhelming. Too many ideas, too many tools, and not enough time to make it all work. This summer, we’re breaking down the tools that actually help us run and grow our business without burning out. Welcome to the Smart Tech Summer Mini Series. Each short episode focuses on one tool we use in our day-to-day—from email and organization to content creation, AI, and market...

Running a business can feel overwhelming. Too many ideas, too many tools, and not enough time to make it all work. This summer, we’re breaking down the tools that actually help us run and grow our business without burning out. Welcome to the Smart Tech Summer Mini Series. Each short episode focuses on one tool we use in our day-to-day—from email and organization to content creation, AI, and market...

Running a business can feel overwhelming. Too many ideas, too many tools, and not enough time to make it all work. This summer, we’re breaking down the tools that actually help us run and grow our business without burning out. Welcome to the Smart Tech Summer Mini Series. Each short episode focuses on one tool we use in our day-to-day—from email and organization to content creation, AI, and market...

Running a business can feel overwhelming. Too many ideas, too many tools, and not enough time to make it all work. This summer, we’re breaking down the tools that actually help us run and grow our business without burning out. Welcome to the Smart Tech Summer Mini Series. Each short episode focuses on one tool we use in our day-to-day—from email and organization to content creation, AI, and market...

Running a business can feel overwhelming. Too many ideas, too many tools, and not enough time to make it all work. This summer, we’re breaking down the tools that actually help us run and grow our business without burning out. Welcome to the Smart Tech Summer Mini Series. Each short episode focuses on one tool we use in our day-to-day—from email and organization to content creation, AI, and market...

Running a business can feel overwhelming. Too many ideas, too many tools, and not enough time to make it all work. This summer, we’re breaking down the tools that actually help us run and grow our business without burning out. Welcome to the Smart Tech Summer Mini Series. Each short episode focuses on one tool we use in our day-to-day—from email and organization to content creation, AI, and market...

In this episode, Carly and Sherry dive into the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence—breaking down what it actually means for small business owners, creative industries, and everyday life. From efficiency and innovation to ethical concerns and misinformation, this conversation explores both sides of the AI debate in a way that’s practical, grounded, and relevant—even if you’re not “te...

In this episode of Pet Shop Girls, we sit down with Mike Karsting, Senior Vice President of the World Pet Association (WPA), to talk about how independent pet retailers can make the most of their time at SUPERZOO. Mike shares insight into how the show has evolved, what current trends retailers should be paying attention to, and how to approach SUPERZOO with a strategy so you can get the most value...

In this episode, Carly and Sherry break down how to handle employee discipline the right way—without emotion, without avoidance, and without damaging your culture. This isn’t about punishment. It’s about coaching, clarity, and protecting the standards of your business. If you’ve ever struggled with difficult conversations, inconsistent accountability, or letting issues go on too long… this episode...

You found your diamond—now how do you keep them? In this episode, we’re talking about the real cost of turnover and what actually makes great retail employees stay. Spoiler: it’s not just money. We cover how to build loyalty from day one, why the first 90 days matter, how to make your team feel seen, and why education, recognition, and honest communication are key to keeping your rockstars engaged...

Hiring the right people can make or break your pet business. In this episode, Carly and Sherry dive into what it really takes to recruit and retain rock star employees in the pet industry. From writing better job posts to spotting red flags early, they share the systems and strategies that help take the guesswork out of hiring. They walk through why standards matter more than urgency, how to struc...

In this episode, Carly and Sherry sit down with Samm Albright of Whisker and Bone for a real, funny, and refreshingly honest conversation about what it takes to build a pet business with personality, conviction, and community at the center. Samm shares her journey from working in a pet store to owning one of her own, and how she built a strong online presence by leaning into authenticity, humor, a...

The mobile grooming industry is booming. Vans are multiplying, waitlists are growing, and premium pricing seems to be sticking — even in a shifting economy. But as more mobile units hit the road, an important question emerges: Is mobile grooming a smart long-term expansion strategy… or are we heading toward saturation? In this episode of Pet Shop Girls, we sit down with Anthony Pastrick, Vice Pres...

In this episode, Carly and Sherry talk about what branding really means — and why it goes so much deeper than your logo. Your brand is not just a graphic or a color palette. It is the feeling people get when they walk into your store, visit your website, see your social media, or interact with your team. Carly and Sherry break down the difference between a logo and a true brand identity, and why c...

Sherry survived the hotel chaos, walked approximately one million steps, and lived to tell the tale. Carly participated from the comfort of home in what we are calling a very strategic division of labor. Together they unpack everything from the slower-than-expected show floor (spoiler: the best conversations happened anyway) to the packaging trends making people stop mid-aisle and actually pick th...

Senior pets represent one of the biggest opportunities in independent pet retail — but only if you understand how to support them properly. In this episode of Pet Shop Girls, Carly and Sherry sit down with Carter Easler of MycoDog to discuss cognitive decline in aging dogs and the groundbreaking Senior Dog Study examining how medicinal mushrooms impact brain health. For retailers and pet professio...

Buying isn’t shopping — it’s strategy. In this episode of Pet Shop Girls, Carly and Sherry sit down with Dan Jablons, President of Retail Smart Guys, to break down what separates average buyers from highly profitable ones. With decades of experience advising independent retailers, Dan shares practical, no-fluff insights that help pet store owners optimize inventory, increase cash flow, and strengt...

Mastering the Art of Grooming Intake & Check-In Most grooming problems don’t start on the table. They start at check-in. In this episode of Pet Shop Girls, we break down the structured intake and check-in script that protects your time, your revenue, and your reputation. Whether you operate a brick-and-mortar salon or a mobile grooming van, the way you greet, confirm, and disclose sets the tone fo...

Global Pet Expo is almost here — and in this episode, Sherry and Carly are breaking down exactly how to prepare, what to prioritize, and how to avoid common trade show mistakes. From strategic planning to self-care, this episode is your behind-the-scenes guide to making the most of one of the biggest events in the pet industry. Whether you're a seasoned buyer or attending your first major trade sh...

In this episode, the Pet Shop Girls dive into email marketing as a powerful tool for revenue generation and customer engagement. From busting myths about unsubscribes to sharing real-world strategies, this conversation is packed with practical tips to help indie retailers turn their email list into one of their most valuable business assets. 💡 What You’ll Learn: How to create a consistent, value-...

If you work in the pet industry and have ever thought "there has to be a better way," here's your sign. Sherry Redwine and Carly Patryluk are two independent pet shop owners who have spent decades behind the counter, and they built Pet Shop Girls for every retailer, groomer, and brand founder who needs smarter ideas and real talk from people who actually get it. Part education, part community, par...

In this episode of The Pet Shop Girls, we sit down with Maria Ringo—holistic nutrition expert, pet food pioneer, and longtime advocate for independent pet retailers. Maria shares how pet pros can become trusted guides for their customers by focusing on education, empathy, and mission-driven service. From tackling nutrition myths to turning tough conversations into trust-building moments, this epis...

In this episode of The Pet Shop Girls, Sherry and Carly break down the biggest trends shaping the pet care industry in 2026—and what they actually mean for your business. From shifting consumer values and the rise of natural nutrition to AI tools, nostalgia toys, and loyalty programs that work, this episode is packed with real-world insights for pet professionals. You'll learn how to stay ahead of...

In this episode, Sherry and Carly unpack the real challenges behind promoting young team members into management roles — and why so many struggle without the right support. They explore actionable strategies to define roles, correct behavior in real time, and build confidence through feedback and clarity. Whether you're an owner, district manager, or trainer, this episode gives you the tools to co...

In this eye-opening episode, the Pet Shop Girls pull back the digital curtain to reveal how pet businesses can thrive on Google — not by luck, but with strategy. 🐾 📍 What We Cover: Why a Google Business Profile is your shop's digital storefront The power of SEO strategies tailored for pet brands Hacks for improving visibility: Adding geo-tagged photos Engaging authentically with customer reviews...