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

In this episode of Pet Shop Girls, Carly and Sherry welcome integrative veterinarian Dr. Katie Kangas to explore one of the most overlooked — yet crucial — aspects of pet wellness: dental health. Dr. Katie breaks down how oral health is deeply connected to the whole body, and why inflammation in the mouth can lead to bigger issues in the heart, kidneys, liver, and beyond. You’ll learn how to spot...

Valentine’s Day isn’t just for couples—it’s for customers who love their pets like family. In this episode, Carly and Sherry share fresh, creative ways to celebrate Valentine’s in your store, build community, and boost sales. From reverse valentining and Valentine’s Sniffaris, to Love at First Woof photo ops and curated treat bags, this episode is full of promo ideas you can run with right now. No...

In this episode, Carly and Sherry unpack the hidden “LIMITS” that often hold back independent pet retailers and brands. They introduce a powerful acronym—L.I.M.I.T.S.—that identifies the six common barriers to growth in the pet industry: 🧠 L.I.M.I.T.S. Stands For: Lack of education Ignoring community Misaligned partnerships Inconsistency Transactional mindset Stagnation Whether you're a store own...

As the year closes, Sherry and Carly sit down for a real, reflective (and slightly sassy) look back at 2025—sharing what they’re leaving behind and what they’re proudly carrying into 2026. From team growth to pricing shifts, and vendor challenges to leadership lessons, this episode is part confession, part celebration, and full of energy for the year ahead. If you’ve ever wondered how to balance b...

In this feel-good episode, Sherry and Carly unwrap a list of their favorite things — from personal go-to’s to business and industry highlights. Expect laughter, heartfelt moments, and a few surprises along the way! Connect with the Pet Shop Girls! Find us anywhere you like to connect! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://linktr.ee/petshopgirls⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Join us in the Indie Insider Pet Professional Faceboo...

In this episode, we sit down with Erin Caleval to explore what it really means to be financially resilient—especially in the face of adversity. Erin shares practical insights on how financial health is tested during tough times, and why being prepared can make all the difference. Whether you're navigating cash flow concerns or long-term planning, this conversation offers grounded advice for buildi...

In this special Pawfee Talk episode, Carly and Sherry sit down over coffee with Nancy Guinn, the passionate powerhouse behind Dog Krazy, an 8-location indie pet retail chain known for its community roots and no-nonsense leadership. Nancy shares her powerful journey from running multiple pet stores to transitioning into franchise support, all while staying fiercely loyal to her values and people. W...

Are your events starting to feel more like a chore than a celebration? You might be facing event fatigue—and you’re not alone. In this episode, we dive into what event fatigue looks like in the pet retail world and how it impacts both customers and your team. We explore: What event fatigue is and why it occurs Signs like declining customer engagement, staff burnout, and underperforming promotions...

Training doesn’t have to be boring — and it definitely shouldn’t be optional. In this episode of Pet Shop Girls, Carly and Sherry dive into the art (and science) of team training for pet business owners. From micro-learning to mentoring, they explore how to keep your staff educated, empowered, and engaged — all while improving customer service and fueling long-term success. Whether you’re training...

In this episode of the Pet Shop Girls podcast, Carly and Sherry break down essential year-end financial strategies for pet business owners. From managing inventory and understanding tax deductions to planning promotions and protecting your margins, this episode is your survival guide for closing out the year strong and stepping into the new one with clarity. Whether you're a seasoned store owner o...

In this episode of the Pet Shop Girls Podcast, we sit down with Clayton Payne — the Pet Business Disruptor himself — to dig into the side of the industry that doesn’t always get enough airtime: distribution. With nearly 20 years of experience, Clayton brings a no-fluff perspective on what it really takes for retailers, brands, and distributors to succeed together. We get real about the challenges...

The holidays are here, and let’s be honest—it’s a lot. In this episode, Sherry and Carly get real about the holiday hustle: the juggling act of running a business, being present for family, and not losing your mind in the process. We’re talking boundaries (yes, you can say no), burnout (it’s real), and why you shouldn’t feel guilty for taking care of you. Plus, how movement, good food, and strong...

In this episode of the Pet Shop Girls Podcast, we’re joined by Rodney Habib — two-time New York Times bestselling author and one of the most trusted voices in pet nutrition today. We dive into the benefits of minimally processed foods, the challenges of being an indie retailer, and why community support is so essential for success in the pet industry. Rodney also shares how storytelling can be a p...

In this episode, Carly and Sherry celebrate 99 episodes by unpacking retail psychology and how small pricing details make a big difference. They break down the power of the 99 effect, charm pricing, and bundling, plus how ambiance — lighting, scent, and music — can instantly influence how customers feel and buy. Takeaways: Prices ending in 9 can boost sales by up to 20%. Bundling increases perceiv...

In this episode of the Pet Shop Girls Podcast, Carly and Sherry sit down with retail expert Bob Negen to talk holiday season strategies that actually work. From training seasonal staff to creating signage and bundles that move product, this conversation is all about making the busiest time of year your most profitable. Bob shares insights on leveraging nostalgia, building emotional connections wit...

In this episode of the Pet Shop Girls Podcast, Sherry and Carly sit down with Dan Jablons, founder of Retail Smart Guys, to uncover practical ways pet retailers can take control of their cash flow and inventory. Dan shares how a solid purchasing plan, smart forecasting, and better customer engagement can transform your bottom line. He breaks down the common mistakes retailers make—and how to avoid...

In this episode of Pet Shop Girls, Sherry and Carly chat with the 2 Crazy Cat Ladies about the changing face of pet retail. Together, they dive into the unique challenges of the cat food industry and why cats are taking center stage in today’s marketplace. From customer engagement strategies to innovative products that keep pet parents coming back, this conversation is full of practical tips for r...

Sherry and Carly are busting some of the biggest myths in pet nutrition—the ones that not only confuse pet parents but can actually hurt your sales as an independent pet retailer. From the grain-free debate to raw food “scaries,” kibble misconceptions, supplements, and even prescription diets, the girls break it all down with honesty, humor, and plenty of real-world stories from behind the counter...

This week, Sherry and Carly spin a whimsical fairy tale to unpack the very real relationship between pet store owners and sales reps. 🐾✨ From miscommunications to magical partnerships, they dive into what makes this dynamic sometimes tricky—but oh-so-important—for success in the pet industry. You’ll hear tips for reps on how to better serve their stores, advice for shop owners on how to collabor...

In this special episode of the Pet Shop Girls Podcast, Sherry and Carly take you straight to the buzzing show floor of SuperZoo, the pet industry’s biggest trade show. 🎤🐾 They sit down with a variety of brands and pet professionals to uncover fresh insights into where the industry is headed, how to position and sell unique products, and the biggest lessons learned from years of experience. From...

In this episode of The Pet Shop Girls podcast, Carly and Sherry dive into Neighborhood Pet Store Day — a growing nationwide event that gives independent retailers the spotlight. While big box stores chase Black Friday discounts, indie shops are proving they can win with community, creativity, and customer connection. The Pet Shop Girls share real-world strategies to make the most of this special d...

In this episode, Carly and Sherry unpack what’s really shifting in the pet industry as we move through 2025. They cover: How Gen Z is changing the way we sell (and what they expect in return) The latest trends in pet nutrition—and what’s actually moving off shelves Why supplements aren’t a bonus anymore—they’re becoming a baseline The luxury pet space is booming—are you cashing in? The cat is out...

Season 2 is here...and we’re kicking it off live from the Artvark Pet Products booth at SUPERZOO! Join us as we spill on the hottest launches from the New Product Showcase, the coolest finds on the show floor, and the game-changing ideas you need to know. We’re also sharing our top travel hacks and insider tips for making the most out of any trade show. Buckle up....Season 2 starts with a bang! Co...

What happens when good promos go bad? In this episode, we're sharing our biggest tips for running smooth and profitable sales and promotions at your store. We have learned some hard lessons and we hope by sharing them here, you can learn from us without having to make those same mistakes yourself! Connect with the Pet Shop Girls! Find us anywhere you like to connect! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://linktr....

Ready to level up your advertising and promotions? This week, the Pet Shop Girls are sharing their real-world experiences - both successes and failures - when it comes to advertising tactics (including TV commercials, social media, SEO, and more). Listen in for actionable advice on affordable, effective ways to attract new customers and keep your business top-of-mind, even during slow periods. Con...