In this episode, I sit down with one of the most progressive and inspiring leaders in the doggy daycare space, the owner of an incredible farm-style dog care facility that is truly changing what is possible in our industry.
We talk about what it really means to run a high-standard daycare, not just in terms of space and facilities, but in training, staff education, dog selection, safety protocols, and ethical decision making.
This is the kind of operation that does not chase volume. It prioritises wellbeing, structure, enrichment, and the long-term mental health of the dogs in its care.
We discuss why the old model of “pack them in and hope for the best” is failing dogs, staff, and business owners alike, and how forward-thinking facilities are proving that you can be profitable without compromising welfare.
This conversation is for pet parents who want to understand what truly good daycare looks like, and for industry professionals who want to raise their own standards and build something they can be proud of.
In this episode we cover:
• What makes a truly high-standard doggy daycare
• Why space, structure, and dog selection matter
• How a farm environment changes dog behaviour and stress levels
• The reality of running a welfare-first dog business
• Why the industry needs to move away from overcrowding and chaos
• What pet parents should be looking for when choosing daycare
• What the future of professional dog care should look like
This episode is part of my mission to push our industry forward, protect dogs, and support the professionals who are doing things properly.
If you are a pet business owner who wants to build something that is both profitable and ethical, or a pet parent who wants to understand what quality care really looks like, this is an episode you do not want to miss.
Listen now and join the movement to raise the bar in pet care.
You can find Dylan on social media by searching up
@farmtastic.doggy on TikTok
@farmtasticdoggydaycare on Instagram
In this episode, I sit down with Aubrey from Bluebell First Aid to talk about one of the most overlooked but most critical parts of pet care: knowing what to do when something goes wrong.
We unpack why pet first aid is not just for emergencies but a core responsibility for anyone who owns, works with, or cares for animals. From pet parents to professional walkers, sitters, groomers, trainers, and boarding facilities, this is a life saving skill that should never be treated as optional.
Aubrey shares real world scenarios she has seen firsthand, including situations where the right knowledge saved a life and others where a lack of training had devastating consequences. We talk about how fast emergencies unfold, how panic can take over, and why having practical, hands on education makes all the difference in those moments.
We also dive into our own experiences in the industry, the risks we have witnessed, and the growing need for higher standards in pet care. From choking and heat stroke to poisoning and injuries, these are not rare events. They are happening every day, and being unprepared is not just risky, it is dangerous.
This conversation is a powerful reminder that loving animals is not enough. You need the skills to protect them when it matters most.
If you work with animals or have pets in your life, this episode will change the way you think about responsibility, professionalism, and what it truly means to care.
In this episode, we cover
• Why pet first aid is a non negotiable skill
• Real emergencies Aubrey has responded to
• What actually happens when a dog collapses, chokes, or is injured
• How fast situations escalate and why preparation matters
• The difference between panic and trained response
• Why the pet industry needs higher safety standards
• How pet parents can protect their animals better
• What every professional should know before they take on clients
Guest
Aubrey from Bluebell First Aid
Providing practical, real world pet first aid education for pet owners and animal professionals
You can find her on Instagram or TikTok using @bluebellpetcarefirstaid
If this episode hit home for you, I want you to take it seriously.
If you are a pet professional, getting trained in pet first aid is part of your duty of care.
If you are a pet parent, knowing what to do in an emergency could save your dog’s life.
Share this episode with someone who works with animals or loves their pet like family, and help raise the standard of care in this industry.
And if you want to be part of a community that takes professionalism, safety, and animal welfare seriously, come and work with me inside Pet Business Mastery. We do not cut corners when it comes to the animals.
This episode is deeply personal.
I share the full story of how partner support has directly shaped my confidence, my decisions and the success of my business. From being with a partner who believed in me so deeply that it made everything feel possible, to being in a relationship where that support disappeared, and then finding my way back to the kind of partnership that allows me to thrive.
I talk openly about my husband being my biggest supporter from the beginning. The way he backed my vision, my work ethic and my dreams, even when the path was uncertain. I also share what happened when we broke up, and I found myself in a new relationship where that same belief, encouragement and emotional safety was not there.
You will hear how being with someone who does not support you quietly changes the way you show up in your business. How it affects your confidence, your energy, your risk taking and your ability to grow. And how it can make even the strongest people start to shrink.
Then I share what it was like reuniting with my husband and being back in a relationship where I am supported, encouraged and genuinely believed in. How that ongoing support still shows up in my work today and why it matters more than people realise.
This is not a relationship episode. It is a business episode about how the person you build your life with directly impacts the business you are able to build.
If this episode hit home, and you are ready to build your business in an environment that actually supports your growth, this is your invitation to work with me.
I mentor pet business owners who are serious about building something sustainable, profitable and emotionally healthy. We focus on pricing, boundaries, systems, confidence and leadership so you can stop surviving and start running a real business.
You do not have to do this alone, and you do not have to keep guessing.
If you are ready to be supported the way a business owner should be, you can explore my mentoring programs, resources and coaching through my website or socials
www.petindustrymentor.com
Instagram: @petindustrymentor
I would love to work with you.
In this episode, I sat down with a fellow dog walker, Abbie - from Abbie’s Dog Walking from the UK for a very honest conversation about online professionalism and the habits that quietly hurt pet care businesses.
We talk about the blurred lines between personal sharing and professional presence, and why social media should never be treated like a diary or a therapy outlet when you’re running a business.
This episode isn’t about being fake or losing your personality, it’s about understanding how clients perceive you and how trust is built or broken online.
If you’ve ever wondered whether your posts, captions, comments, or stories could be costing you bookings without you realising, this conversation will open your eyes.
We cover:
This episode is a must listen for dog walkers, pet sitters, trainers, and anyone building a service based business who wants to be taken seriously, charge confidently, and attract the right clients.
Want to learn more about Abbie? You can find her on instagram
@abbiesdogwalkinguk
And of course you can follow me on
Instagram: @petindustrymentor
TikTok: @chenelleconquest
Or work with me
www.petindustrymentor.com
Today I dish out some tough love to you all because I know you need it.
Let me just say this - when you DONT make a decision, that IS making a decision. It’s deciding to let your business run its course on its own and call the shots. You can avoid the tough conversations or calls, they always find you.
It’s better to be in control of a boat during a storm, rather than being scared and hiding below deck.
Business can be hard, it can be uncomfortable, it can be downright scary. If you’re not facing it head on - you’re going to take it from behind. Crude? Maybe. True? Yes.
Let’s get a grip and get ourselves back in control to tackle 2026 head on
Want to work with me for guidance, planning, and someone to support you and hold you accountable?
Email me on
chenelle@theprofessionalpetsitter.com
@petindustrymentor
TikTok
@chenelleconquest
Website
www.petindustrymentor.com
In this episode, I’m joined by Rebecca from Skyline Pet Care, who strongly believes in the power of building connections within the pet industry, and together we unpack where networking genuinely helps and where it can quietly work against business owners.
This conversation is intentionally balanced. My guest shares why industry connections, community, and collaboration have played a positive role in her journey, opening doors, creating support, and helping businesses grow together.
I bring the opposing perspective.
Drawing from my own experience building a multi-six-figure pet business, I speak openly about the downsides that often don’t get talked about. The pressure to be visible in industry spaces.
Comparison that erodes confidence. Relationships that blur boundaries, drain energy, or subtly influence pricing and decision-making.
Rather than trying to convince one another, we explore both sides honestly, allowing listeners to decide what kind of connections actually serve their business.
In this episode, we discuss:
- Why industry connections can be powerful when values and intentions align
- How collaboration and community support can accelerate growth
- The hidden risks of networking, including comparison, obligation, and burnout
- When connections become social noise instead of strategic support
- How over-connecting can dilute focus, boundaries, and authority
- Why success doesn’t require being deeply embedded in industry circles
We also talk about discernment. How to connect without overcommitting. How to stay professional without being overly accessible. And why opting out of certain industry spaces isn’t a failure, it’s often a strategic choice.
This episode is ideal for pet professionals who feel torn between wanting community and protecting their focus, energy, and business direction.
There’s no right or wrong approach here, just honest perspectives that challenge the idea that more connections automatically mean more success.
In this episode I sit down with Blake, the founder of an online breeding platform, Doggo AU, that is changing the way people search for puppies. We talk about how he built the idea from the ground up, the gaps he saw within the pet market, and why he believes technology can actually help protect animals rather than make it easier for unethical breeders to hide.
Blake shares how his platform screens breeders through health testing, documentation, welfare checks and transparency, and why this matters so much when it comes to long-term health outcomes for dogs. We break down what sets an ethical breeder apart from a backyard breeder, from communication and contracts through to the way dogs are raised and socialised before they ever go home.
We also dive deeper into the red flags buyers should look for when browsing online puppy listings. Blake explains some of the common tactics used in low-standard breeding operations, including vague wording, low pricing, no vet records, rushed sales and a lack of transparency about parent dogs.
We explore how DNA testing, verified paperwork and structured communication protect both the puppy and the buyer, and how a good breeder should stay in touch from the first message right up to handover day.
Blake talks honestly about how his team handles complaints, what happens when breeders fail to meet the expected standard, and why the platform isn’t afraid to remove someone if animal welfare is compromised.
Throughout the conversation we reflect on the need for stronger regulation, national verification systems and better education for the average pet parent who simply wants a healthy, well-bred puppy without unknowingly supporting poor practice. Blake offers guidance for people entering the breeding world in 2025, along with advice for pet professionals who often find themselves guiding clients through the buying process.
If you work in the pet industry, or you’re considering welcoming a dog into your home, this episode will give you a clear picture of what responsible breeding looks like and how to navigate online puppy listings with confidence.
To learn more about Blake’s work you can visit his online platform or find him on social media. If you took away something useful today, share the episode with someone who is thinking about buying a puppy so we can expand the reach of this message and help lift the standard of breeding across Australia and beyond.
In this episode we talk about the role we play as pet professionals in helping pet parents understand what safe care really looks like. A lot of people genuinely have no idea what to look for when choosing a sitter or walker and they do not always realise the risks involved when they hire someone with no insurance, no qualifications, and no understanding of behaviour or safety. It is not about scaring people or shaming them. It is about giving them the information they deserve so they can protect their pets from danger and avoid situations that could have been prevented.
I share why this conversation matters so much, especially as the industry continues to grow and attract people who mean well but are not trained, and others who are simply looking for quick cash.
When standards are low, pets pay the price. Educating pet parents helps close that gap. It shows them the difference between someone who is good with animals and someone who is trained, insured, and prepared for emergencies. It helps them understand that these things are not extras. They are the foundations of proper care.
We walk through how to talk to pet parents in a clear and supportive way so they never feel judged. The goal is to give them confidence, not fear. When we explain things like insurance, first aid, behaviour knowledge, and risk management in simple, everyday language, they start to see why these things matter. And once they know better, they choose better. That alone lifts the standard of the entire industry.
This episode also touches on how these conversations build trust. When pet parents feel informed, they feel safer handing us their keys, their homes, and their animals. They know we are professionals, not hobby sitters, and that reassurance is powerful. Leading with transparency and education makes it harder for unsafe or unqualified people to operate, and that’s how we slowly create a safer industry for everyone.
Thank you for listening to this episode. Raising the standard starts with us. It starts with the way we speak up, the way we educate, and the way we advocate for the animals in our care. If this resonated with you, please share it or leave a review so more pet parents and pet professionals can learn how to choose safer, higher quality care.
This episode is heavy, emotional and important. Today I talk about Arnie, the German Shepherd who was reported missing in Queensland, sparking fear, heartbreak and community concern. As more details unfolded, it became clear that Arnie’s disappearance was not what it first seemed. His life was taken by the person closest to him.
Arnie deserved so much better than the end he met. His story is confronting and it forces us to look directly at the uncomfortable truth that not everyone who owns or cares for animals is capable of giving them the standard of care they need. And that is exactly why the pet care industry needs regulation, accountability, auditing and minimum standards.
I talk about why people can do unexpected and unthinkable things, why this isn’t about blaming “one bad owner” but about fixing a broken system, and why unregulated industries breed risk for animals, pet sitters and the public.
This episode also shares the emotional side that many in the industry feel right now. The sadness. The anger. The helplessness. The frustration of knowing this will not be the last time unless something changes.
I also explore the movement for stronger laws, including the push behind Arnie’s Law, and why cases like this should be the catalyst for real reform in how animals are protected.
If you’ve ever worked with animals, loved an animal, or felt the fear of “what if that happened to mine,” this episode will stay with you. It’s raw, honest and eye opening.
Thank you for listening and for caring about animals enough to have these conversations with me.
In this episode, I sit down with Cam Barclay, a highly respected trainer and advocate for dog safety and education.
We break down the subtle signals dogs give long before they bark, growl or snap. This conversation is all about prevention, awareness and building confidence around every dog you work with.
Whether you’re a pet sitter, walker or dog owner, this episode will change the way you see and respond to canine behaviour.
What We Cover
Key Takeaways
Connect with Cam
https://www.actofdog.com.au
Instagram: @actofdog.com.au
In this episode, I unpack the key parts of Consumer Law that every pet care professional should understand, not just in Australia, but in other regions too.
We talk about how these laws apply to things like deposits, refunds, cancellations, and fair trading, and what that means for the way you run your business.
If you’ve ever had a client cancel last minute, ask for a refund after a completed booking, or question your policies, this episode will help you feel confident in how to respond.
I’ve also included a blanket guide for listeners in the UK, US, and Canada to help you understand the general consumer rights framework where you operate.
In This Episode We Cover:
- What consumer law says about deposits, cancellations, and refunds
- When a refund is required, and when it’s not
- Why clear terms and conditions protect you from disputes
- The difference between poor service, unmet expectations, and a simple change of mind
- How to write policies that stay compliant and protect your business
- Practical wording you can use in your own contracts and client communication
Key Takeaway:
Understanding consumer law doesn’t just protect your income, it gives you peace of mind and helps you handle tricky situations calmly and professionally.
Resources Mentioned:
- Australian Consumer Law (ACCC)
- Fair Trading NSW - Deposits and Refunds
- General consumer law frameworks for the UK, US, and Canada
- Example Cancellation & Refund Policy Template (available inside The Content Collective)
Content Collective: https://www.skool.com/conquest-content-collective/about?ref=77da1b5b02254b41897c1bebd90d6596
Email: chenelle@theprofessionalpetsitter.com
TikTok: @chenelleconquest
Instagram: @petindustrymentor
Website: www.petindustrymentor.com
In this episode, I open up about something that’s been on my mind for a long time - the lack of structure, standards, and accountability in the pet care industry.
I’ve seen first hand how much good this industry is capable of, but I’ve also seen what can happen when the wrong people take shortcuts or when basic standards aren’t in place.
This episode isn’t about tearing anyone down. It’s about building something better. I truly believe we can have an industry that’s safe, respected, and sustainable, one that protects not only the animals, but also the professionals who dedicate their lives to caring for them.
I talk about:
Why regulation doesn’t need to be scary, it’s about protecting pets, not limiting businesses.
How raising the bar in professionalism can actually help your business grow.
The steps we can take together to create real change and set a higher standard for everyone.
This episode is part of my Protect Our Pets campaign, a national push to create basic standards across the pet care industry like insurance, pet first aid, and police checks.
It’s something I’m deeply passionate about because I’ve lived this industry from every angle, as a pet sitter, a business owner, and now a mentor.
If you care about animals and the future of our industry, this one’s worth a listen.
In this episode, I’m talking about all the common myths and misconceptions about what it’s really like to work in the pet industry.
People love to say it’s the dream job, all sunshine, dogs, and flexible hours, but the truth is, it’s hard. It’s emotional. It’s unpredictable. And it takes a lot more grit than people realise.
I dive into the comparisons, the judgments, and the things that make this industry both incredibly rewarding and incredibly tough.
This one’s for every sitter, walker, groomer, and trainer who’s ever felt like no one outside the industry truly gets it.
Find me on socials for even more advice and tips from someone who was in the industry for almost a decade and managed to thrive, scale, and sell
Content Collective: https://www.skool.com/conquest-content-collective/about?ref=77da1b5b02254b41897c1bebd90d6596
TikTok: @chenelleconquest
Instagram: @theprofessionalpetsitter
Website: www.petindustrymentor.com
A glimpse into the reality - and perhaps a bit of a reality check - regarding life after your pet care business. The hard truth is that no one can, or will work in this industry forever. At some point the party ends, and what are you going to have to show for it?
This episode I dive into a small portion of what it was like to sell my business, and the gratitude I have for even being able to sell it and not walk away from nine years of hard work blood, sweat, and tears with nothing to show for it.
This episode might hit home for a few of you, if you feel you need to talk after it please feel free to message me. As always the links to my socials are below as well as our new Content Collective or to work with me one on one.
TikTok: @chenelleconquest
Instagram: @theprofessionalpetsitter_
www.petindustrymentor.com
Content Collective: https://www.skool.com/conquest-content-collective/about?ref=77da1b5b02254b41897c1bebd90d6596
In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain and sharing the real, raw mistakes that cost me both money and peace over the years of building my pet care business. These are the lessons I learned the hard way, the ones I wish someone had told me when I started. From hiring too quickly to saying yes when I should’ve said no, every mistake shaped how I do business today. If you’re in the thick of growth or just starting out, this one will save you stress, time, and probably a few thousand dollars too.
What You’ll Learn:
- The biggest financial and emotional mistakes I made early on and how I recovered from them.
- How poor boundaries and overcommitment drain both your profit and your joy.
- The simple mindset shifts that helped me rebuild with structure and confidence.
- Why “learning the hard way” doesn’t make you stronger, fixing the problem does.
Who It’s For:
Pet industry professionals, dog walkers, sitters, groomers, and any business owner who’s growing faster than their systems can keep up.
Listen If You’re:
-Struggling with burnout or second guessing your decisions
- Feeling like you’re working harder but earning less
-Ready to clean up your foundations and stop making the same costly mistakes
Links & Resources:
Work with me 1:1 or join The Content Collective
www.petindustrymentor.com
Follow along on Instagram: @theprofessionalpetsitter_
Or TikTok:
@chenelleconquest
Share this episode and tag me if something really hit home!
If I woke up tomorrow with no clients, no systems, and had to start all over again, this is exactly how I’d do it.
After running and selling a multi six-figure pet sitting and dog walking business, I’ve made every mistake you can think of. In this episode, I’m sharing what I’d do differently from day one, the mindset I’d have, the systems I’d set up, and the boundaries I’d never skip again.
We’ll talk about why most pet sitters fail (and how to make sure you’re not one of them), how to treat your business like a real operation from the start, and why the field work, the actual pet care, is only half the job.
The other half? Systems, communication, and consistency. That’s what builds trust, keeps clients loyal, and separates a hobby from a long-term business.
If you’re just starting out or even rebuilding after burnout, this one’s going to give you some real direction.
Want more support or tips?
Work with me! Book a free call at
https://calendar.google.com/calendar/u/0/appointments/schedules/AcZssZ0ptzcaX8iB2qXOBfcMe44j5PP8k3kbgxU0OaFWPuFa61AywXAp6XOYEYz_SNR2D2CjUn9sSYyv?gv=true
Follow me on
TikTok: @chenelleconquest
Instagram: @theprofessionalpetsitter_
Email: chenelle@theprofessionalpetsitter.com
It’s time to stop doing the same thing over and over and hoping for a different result
Social media is not just a scrapbook - it’s a tool! Use it wisely. Stand out from the crowd, build relationships, connect! THAT is how we are getting booked in 2025 and into 2026
This episode is short and sweet because I really do want the main point to get across that the same stuff you’re positing and getting no engagement from and no leads isn’t one day just going to start working
Feeling uninspired? Join my content collective where I post 7 days a week of done-for-you content to help you create, inspire you, and take the stress of figuring out yourself day after day
https://www.skool.com/conquest-content-collective/about?ref=77da1b5b02254b41897c1bebd90d6596
Join me on socials, or if you’re really ready - book a free discovery call and let’s see where you can benefit from some support
www.petindustrymentor.com/freediscoverycall
TikTok: @chenelleconquest
Instagram: @theprofessionalpetsitter_
Facebook: Chenelle : Professional Pet Sitter Mentor
Are you working hard in your pet sitting or dog walking business but still wondering where all the money goes?
In this episode of The Professional Pet Sitter Podcast, I’m unpacking five hidden money leaks that silently drain your profits, and most owners don’t even realize they’re happening.
I’ll walk you through:
-The everyday habits that cost you thousands without you noticing
-Why undercharging and “being nice” is keeping you stuck
-How small inefficiencies in your systems eat into your bottom line
-The hidden costs of time management and what to do about it
-Practical steps you can take today to plug the leaks and finally see your hard work reflected in your bank account
If you’ve ever looked at your revenue and thought, “Where is it all going?” this episode is for you.
Resources & Next Steps
- Like & follow the podcast so you don’t miss an episode.
Come hang out with me on socials:
Instagram @theprofessionalpetsitter_
TikTok @chenelleconquest
Join my Content Collective: a supportive community where I share weekly done-for-you content specifically for the pet care industry. Inside you’ll get a 7-day content line-up every week, so you can save time and focus on growing your business. https://www.skool.com/conquest-content-collective/about?ref=77da1b5b02254b41897c1bebd90d6596
So many people wonder if pet sitting or dog walking can actually provide a real income, or if it’s just pocket money on the side. In this episode, I’m getting brutally honest about what it really takes to build a business that not only survives, but thrives.
I’ll share:
-Why hard work and persistence are the backbone of making real money in this industry
-The importance of boundaries and valuing your time from day one
-How strong willpower and resilience separate hobby sitters from business owners
-The truth about revenue potential (and why you can make a living doing this)
-My own experience of starting small and growing into a multiple-six-figure business
Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been walking dogs for years, this conversation will remind you that yes, you can build a professional business, but it won’t happen overnight. It’s consistency, commitment, and refusing to give up when it feels tough.
If you’ve ever doubted whether this path can support you, let this episode be your push to keep going.
Follow The Professional Pet Sitter podcast so you never miss an episode, and if this resonated with you, please leave a review.
Want more support? Join me in my mentoring community where I share resources, strategies, and behind-the-scenes lessons from my own business journey.
Instagram: @theprofessionalpetsitter_
TikTok: @chenelleconquest
In this episode, I’m diving into the essential policies and procedures every pet business owner needs to put in place to create strong foundations and protect both your clients and your team.
Having clear systems isn’t just about covering yourself legally, it also builds trust, professionalism, and consistency, which are the backbone of a successful business.
I’ll walk you through the non-negotiables, from contracts and cancellation policies, to staff handbooks and emergency procedures. If you’ve been running your business on the fly, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to get your house in order and set yourself up for growth.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
-Why policies are a non-negotiable for sustainable growth
-The top procedures to have in place for client management and staff training
-How strong systems protect your reputation and reduce stress
-Simple steps to start implementing these policies today
If you’re ready to put these strategies into action and want extra support, make sure you’re following the podcast and leave a review to let me know what you think. You can also connect with me on socials for more behind the scenes tips and resources.
Connect with Me
Instagram: @theprofessionalpetsitter_
TikTok: @chenelleconquest
Website: www.petindustrymentor.com