Practical Pet Chat

On this edition of Practical Pet Chat, Lorin and Rob unpack one of the most misunderstood topics in the pet food world: the difference between Feed Grade, Food Grade, and Human Grade. What do these terms really mean? Why do they exist? And—most importantly—how do they impact the quality of food we give our pets? Join us as we dive into the definitions, the regulations (or lack thereof), and the be...

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...

As workplaces welcome teams back on-site, more pet-owning employees are requesting hybrid schedules, pet-wellness perks, and even pets at work. In this episode, hosts Lorin and Rob tackle this modern workplace dilemma from an employer’s perspective: Where should organizations draw the line—and where might pet-friendly policies unlock real business value? Acknowledging it's not for everyone—space l...

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...

On this episode of Practical Pet Chat, Lorin and Rob dive into the fascinating world of enrichment toys — and why they’re essential for pets of all shapes, sizes, and species. Whether you have a high-energy pup, a curious cat, or even a small animal with big instincts, enrichment toys offer mental stimulation, physical exercise, and a healthy outlet for natural behaviors. But things heat up when t...

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 Chat, Lorin and Rob dive into every pet parent’s nightmare—losing a pet—and what you can do to increase the chances of a safe reunion. They break down the essentials of microchipping—what it is, how it works, and what it can’t do—plus explore the growing world of GPS tracking for pets. From smart collars to real-time location tags, you’ll learn how combining tools...

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...

Summer’s here—and with it comes pool parties, beach days, fireworks, and plenty of potential pet chaos. In this episode of Practical Pet Chat, Lorin and Rob dive into the fun (and not-so-fun) side of summer adventures with your pets. From loud music and fireworks to pool parties and family BBQs, they cover everything pet parents need to consider to keep both pets and guests safe, happy, and stress...

On this episode of Practical Pet Chat, Rob and Lorin dive into a common question for pet parents: Is it okay to leave your pet at home—and for how long? They explore the factors you need to consider, why some alone time can actually be healthy for your pet, and how to make the experience as stress-free as possible for both you and your furry friend. From setting up a comforting home environment to...

Welcome to another episode of Practical Pet Chat with Lorin Grow and Robert Semrow! This week, we’re diving into the joys—and precautions—of summer exercise and adventures with your pets. From safe hiking tips and water play ideas to attending pet-friendly summer events, Lorin and Robert share practical advice to help you keep your pets active, happy, and safe all season long. Tune in for expert i...

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...

In this inspiring episode of Practical Pet Chat, Rob and Lorin explore the many ways you can make a meaningful impact in the pet world—no matter your budget or schedule. From volunteering with rescues and donating new or gently used pet items, to the simple act of sharing an adoptable animal on social media, every action counts. They dive into creative ways to support animal welfare, like wearing...

In this episode of Practical Pet Business, Lorin and Rob dive into one of the toughest realities of running a pet business: navigating the unknown and unavoidable. From unexpected disruptions to shifting customer expectations, they explore how pet professionals can stay agile by pivoting with purpose, identifying alternatives before they’re needed, and tapping into the insights of their staff. The...

In this episode of Practical Pet Chat, Lorin and Rob dive into the complex world of social media and pet communication. With an endless stream of information — and misinformation — swirling online, it can be tough to know what’s truly helpful for your furry friend. They break down how to share responsibly, listen critically, and filter out the noise to find what really works for your pet. From dec...

On this edition of Practical Pet Chat, we're diving into a topic that every pet parent can relate to—the rising cost of caring for our beloved animal companions. From the skyrocketing prices of premium nutrition and essential veterinary care to the growing expenses of grooming, training, pet insurance, and even daily supplies, it’s clear that the financial responsibilities of pet ownership are inc...

In this episode, Lorin and Robert dive into the complex world of pet allergies and food sensitivities, helping pet owners understand how to identify and manage common triggers. Lorin clarifies the difference between allergies and sensitivities, highlighting the importance of simplifying diets and removing environmental irritants to uncover the root causes. From cleaning products to routine househo...

Understanding Pet Allergies – Why Your Pet Won’t Stop Scratching In this episode of Practical Pet Chat, Lorin and Rob dive into the complex world of pet allergies—a topic that affects countless pet parents but often goes misunderstood. Why is your dog or cat constantly itching, licking, or scratching? It might not be as simple as it seems. From food sensitivities to environmental triggers and even...

On this edition of Practical Pet Chat, Lorin and Rob get real about recent dental procedures their pups went through—and why dental health is more than just fresh breath. From unexpected findings to post-op care, they share their personal experiences, what prompted the visits, what they learned along the way, and how their dogs are doing now. Whether you're wondering if your pet needs a cleaning o...

On this episode of Practical Pet Business, Rob and Lorin dive into the big topic of business growth—what it really takes to expand your pet business thoughtfully and sustainably. From knowing when you're ready to grow, to understanding the financial and operational considerations involved, they share key insights, personal experiences, and what to expect along the way. Expansion is a major milesto...

In this episode of Practical Pet Chat, Lorin and Rob dive into the often-unspoken expectations between pet parents and veterinarians—and how those expectations can clash or align. They explore what pet parents should consider when choosing (or changing) their vet, how to effectively vet your veterinarian, and why it's crucial to remember that you are your pet’s best advocate. From building mutual...

In this episode of Practical Pet Business, Lorin and Rob dive into the realities of navigating uncertain times in the pet industry. From rising ingredient costs and sudden pricing shifts to the ripple effects of tariffs and supply chain disruptions, today’s challenges can hit fast—and last a long time. Learn how to proactively prepare your business, make informed decisions, and stay resilient for...

On this episode of Practical Pet Chat, Lorin and Rob tackle one of the most talked-about topics in the pet world today—extending your pet's life. From pharmaceutical breakthroughs to holistic health hacks, the headlines are buzzing with possibilities. But what’s real, what’s risky, and what’s just hype? They break down the latest trends, weigh the risks and rewards, and explore what’s truly practi...

In this episode of Practical Pet Chat, Lorin and Rob dive into the world of branding—what your company image says about you, why it matters, and how to make sure it sticks. Whether you're launching a pet product line or expanding your services, your brand is more than just a logo—it's your voice, your reputation, and your promise. They break down how costly and confusing rebranding can be, especia...

Practical Pet Chat | Episode: The Spay & Neuter Debate This week, Lorin and Rob dive into a topic that sparks passionate opinions in the pet world—spaying and neutering. Should you do it early? Delay it? Skip it altogether? They break down what you need to know before making this important decision. From the requirements often set by adoption agencies, to the short- and long-term health impacts, t...