OverDog: Dog Daycare & Boarding Business Tips

Get ready to go behind the curtain of one of the pet care industry's most influential yet often misunderstood organizations—IBPSA. In this episode, Fern brings on Carmen Rustenbeck and Brian Remo to share the real story of how this trade association came to be, what it actually does for your business, and why now might be the most important time to get involved. It's not just about standards and certifications—this is about community, advocacy, and giving you a serious edge in an industry that's evolving fast.Plus, hear all about IBPSA's new kind of conference happening this September—hint: it's not business as usual. Brian spills the details on how this immersive, no-fluff event will shake up the way pet pros gather, learn, and grow. Whether you're a seasoned operator or just getting your feet wet, you'll want to hear how this bold new format aims to unify the industry and tackle real, raw issues head-on.

Are you so busy eyeing the competition that you're missing what's really stalling your pet business? In this episode of the Overdog Podcast, Fern digs into a surprising truth: it's not the new dog daycare down the street that's threatening your success—it's your own complacency. Tune in to hear why staying stagnant is the real danger and how obsessing over what others are doing might be costing you valuable growth opportunities.Fern also unveils a game-changing tool that could revolutionize how pet businesses handle customer service—especially after hours. Plus, he shares the subtle signs your business might be stuck in the past and the small shifts that can reignite your momentum. If you're ready to stop coasting and start evolving, this one's for you.

In this episode of the Overdog Podcast, we're diving into the often-overlooked blind spots that could be silently sabotaging your pet care business. From failing to follow up with new leads to treating clients like fleeting transactions, Fern lays out seven common mistakes he's seen time and time again in dog daycares and boarding facilities. These aren't just minor issues—they're growth blockers that could be costing you money, loyal customers, and even staff retention. If any of that hits home, this episode is your reality check.But don't worry, it's not all doom and gloom. Fern also shares actionable steps and proven strategies to patch up these holes and get your business back on the track to long-term success. Plus, you'll hear about the buzz around the 2026 Overdog Business Retreat, a one-of-a-kind experience for industry pros ready to level up in a big way. If you're ready to stop playing small and start making real progress, this episode is your nudge to get moving.

What if growing your pet care business wasn't about guessing your way through it, but following a step-by-step formula that's already been proven to work? In this episode of the Overdog Podcast, Fern dives into what he calls the “algorithm of success”—a repeatable path built from patterns he's seen in the most successful entrepreneurs. From vision and mindset to resilience and strategy, this episode walks you through what it really takes to thrive in a competitive market.Fern pulls back the curtain on the essential traits and actions that drive real growth—like how to spot the opportunities hiding in plain sight, why persistence beats perfection, and how simplifying your offerings might actually boost your bottom line. If you've ever felt stuck or unsure about your next move, this episode is a crash course in unlocking your business's full potential. Tune in and start aligning with the success algorithm that could change everything.

Think you're asking the right questions about your business? Think again. In this episode, Fern and Overdog's own Director of Operations, Kasey Jervis, dig into the questions dog daycare and boarding businesses should be asking—but usually aren't. From understanding the lifetime value of your clients to uncovering why customers quietly drift away, this conversation challenges you to take a deeper look at your business operations and mindset.You'll also hear real talk about burnout, delegation, and what it really takes to build a brand—not just run a service. Plus, Kasey opens up about her own journey from daycare owner to agility coach and Overdog insider. Whether you're feeling stuck in the daily grind or just want to run a tighter, more profitable operation, this episode is packed with insights to get you thinking differently. Tune in and level up.

Is your dog business just a set of services, or is it a brand that people feel something about? In this episode of the Overdog Podcast, we're taking a deep dive into the crucial difference between running a business and building a brand. If you've ever thought your logo and color scheme were the extent of your branding, think again. This conversation unpacks how to truly become unforgettable in your community and the industry—by crafting emotional connections, elevating customer experiences, and showing up in powerful, personality-driven ways.You'll hear why injecting your "why" into every corner of your business, creating talk-worthy moments, and leading with consistent energy matters more than ever. Plus, discover how storytelling, local engagement, and a bold visual identity can make your business stand out in a sea of sameness. If you're ready to level up from being just another pet care provider to a brand that turns heads and wins hearts, you don't want to miss this one.

In this episode of the Overdog Podcast, we're diving into what it really takes to make your pet care business stand out in a crowded market. It's not just about looking professional — it's about being unforgettable. You'll learn why simply having “satisfied customers” isn't enough, and how creating bold, emotional, and consistent branding can leave a lasting impression on your clients. From logos to taglines to the tone of your messaging, discover how to shape every element of your business to cut through the noise and make people remember you.But we're not just talking theory — this episode is packed with real-world ideas to implement right away. Want to know how one business turned its boarding facility into a mini travel adventure for dogs? Or how simple gestures like surprise discounts and welcome kits can transform a customer's perception? You'll get examples from big brands that nailed the rebrand game, plus a roadmap for creating memorable experiences at every step of your customer journey. If you're ready to stop blending in and start standing out, this one's for you.

Today we're diving into the big debates shaking up the dog daycare and boarding world. From whether you should offer discounts, have seven-day-a-week daycare, or let employee dogs join playgroups, Fern lays out the pros, cons, and his personal takes to help you make the best calls for your business. You'll get a straight-shooting look at topics where strong opinions fly—and where there's no one-size-fits-all answer.Plus, Fern shares a clever marketing tactic he picked up from his college tours that could give your facility an instant edge with new customers. It's a jam-packed episode designed to challenge the way you think and give you new ideas to level up your daycare or boarding facility. Tune in to hear it all!

Thinking about starting your own dog daycare or boarding business? In this episode of the Overdog Podcast, Fern brings on two seasoned experts from The Dog Gurus, Shawnte and Amber, to break down what it really takes to set up a pet business for long-term success. From the big essentials like business planning and defining your core values, to the often overlooked (but critical) pieces like building the right team and creating systems that actually work — this is the insider knowledge you didn't know you needed.If you've ever wondered why some businesses thrive while others fizzle out, this conversation will open your eyes to the subtle but powerful strategies that make all the difference. Whether you're just dreaming about opening your doors or already knee-deep in operations, Shonte and Amber share lessons learned from years in the industry — the kind that can save you time, money, and a whole lot of stress. Tune in to find out the keys to building a business that stands the test of time.

To celebrate the 200th episode of the Overdog Podcast, Fern is joined by Patrick and Dana Lyons for a quick recap of the recent Overdog Business Retreat—an event designed to help pet business owners reset, recharge, and rethink what's possible. But the real meat of this milestone episode is all about mindset, and specifically, the beliefs that are quietly holding you back.If you've ever caught yourself thinking “I can't,” “That won't work,” or “I'm not ready,” this episode is your wake-up call. Fern and his guests dive deep into the sneaky nature of limiting beliefs—how they form, why they're so convincing, and the steps you can take to break through them. This isn't fluff. It's the mindset shift that could change everything for your business.

If you think enrichment is just about tossing a few toys into the play area, think again. In this episode, Fern sits down with Kim Buchanan of Fetch Dog Resort to dig into the creative and wildly effective world of sense-based enrichment. Kim shares how she transformed her traditional daycare setup into a fully immersive experience that's as rewarding for the dogs as it is for her staff—and yes, it's been a game-changer for her bottom line too. From themed sensory rooms to pricing strategies that actually work, she's reinventing the daycare model in the coolest ways.You'll hear how Fetch Dog Resort went from "just another daycare" to a place dogs literally line up to get into. Kim breaks down exactly how she built this program, got staff and clients on board, and turned enrichment into a major revenue stream. Whether you're just curious or ready to overhaul your entire business, this episode is packed with inspiration and real-world takeaways. Trust us—you'll want to hear what these dogs are doing every morning before daycare even starts.

In this episode of the Overdog Podcast, we're diving into one of the most frustrating challenges pet care businesses face—keeping up with client vet records. If you're tired of chasing down vaccination updates and wrestling with outdated systems, you're not alone. But what if there was a seamless, automated way to handle it all? That's exactly what today's guest, David Servodidio from VetVerifi, is offering. He shares the behind-the-scenes journey of creating a powerful tech solution that could totally transform how your business manages compliance and communication with vet clinics.From real-time vaccine verifications to integrating effortlessly with your current CRM, this system doesn't just simplify things—it could completely remove a major bottleneck in your customer onboarding process. Whether you're running a high-volume pet resort or a small grooming salon, David breaks down how this works, why it matters, and how it's already making life easier for pet business owners across the country.

Feeling overwhelmed in your pet business and wondering how to keep up with all the tech talk flying around? You're not alone. In this episode, Fern pulls back the curtain on one of the biggest shifts hitting the business world today—AI—and what it actually means for dog daycare and boarding businesses like yours. From the messy reality of running a small business to the excitement (and hesitation) around new tools, this is a real-deal conversation about how to stop fearing the future and start using it to your advantage.Fern shares practical, tested ways AI can lighten your load—from smarter customer interactions to easier marketing—and even gives a sneak peek at some brand-new tools he's cooking up behind the scenes. This isn't about replacing people; it's about freeing you up to do the things that actually grow your business. Whether you're curious, skeptical, or already dabbling with AI, this episode is packed with perspective and actionable ideas to help you stay ahead of the pack.

In this episode of the Overdog Podcast, it's all about answering your biggest questions. Fern not only dishes out valuable advice for dog daycare and boarding business owners, but also brings on a special guest you probably already know—Kasey Jervis, Overdog's behind-the-scenes powerhouse. If you're wondering how to attract more customers, where your marketing dollars should go, or why your Facebook ads are flopping, you'll want to soak in every minute of this one.Kasey brings her firsthand experience of owning a boutique dog daycare into the conversation, and together, she and Fern tackle the real-world challenges business owners are facing right now. They get into everything from boosting slow daycare days to getting more reviews and word-of-mouth buzz. Whether you're just starting out or trying to scale, this episode is packed with insights you didn't even know you needed.

The pet care industry is evolving fast, and staying ahead means being open to change. In this episode, we sit down with Michelle Sarwas from Bark Avenue Day Camp to talk about how she's pivoted her business over the years—constantly innovating, adapting, and pushing the industry forward. From transitioning to an enrichment-based daycare model to introducing solo play options and a scent room designed for canine mental stimulation, Michelle shares the strategies that have helped her business thrive, even in tough times.If you've been wondering how to stand out in a competitive market, get clients excited about enrichment daycare, or turn challenges into opportunities, this is the episode for you. Michelle's approach proves that embracing change isn't just necessary—it's the key to long-term success. Tune in and get inspired!

Running a pet care business is stressful—there's no way around it. But what if you could change the way you experience stress instead of letting it wear you down? In this special episode, Fern sits down with someone who knows a thing or two about handling high-pressure situations—his dad, Dr. Fernando Camacho Sr. As an oncologist for over 40 years, he faced some of the toughest emotional and mental challenges imaginable, yet he remains one of the most positive people I know. How does he do it? And more importantly, how can you apply those same lessons to your business and daily life?We talk about the power of mindset, the importance of self-care, and practical ways to prevent stress from taking over. Plus, we dive into meditation, mindfulness, and the habits that can help you stay grounded—even when everything feels overwhelming. If you've ever struggled with burnout or felt like stress was running the show, this episode is a must-listen.

If you don't have a crystal-clear vision of where you want your business and life to be in the next few years, how do you expect to get there? In this episode, we're diving into the concept of a vivid vision—a powerful tool that helps you define your future in detail so you can take the right daily actions to make it a reality. If you've ever felt stuck, unsure of what's next, or caught up in the day-to-day grind, this is exactly what you need to get back on track.You'll learn how to craft a vivid vision that outlines your business goals, financial targets, team structure, and even personal aspirations. Plus, I'll share how this process has transformed my own business and given my team a shared mission to work toward. It's time to stop saying “one day” and start making today day one of building the future you actually want. Let's get into it!

Raising prices—it's one of the most dreaded tasks for pet business owners, but it's also one of the most necessary. How do you do it without scaring off customers? How much is too much? And what's the best way to communicate the change so clients actually understand the value behind it? In this episode, we're tackling all of it.You'll learn the right and wrong ways to raise prices, how to handle customer pushback, and why pricing strategically is key to keeping your business strong and sustainable. If the thought of a price increase makes you nervous, this is the episode that will change your mindset and give you the confidence to do it right.

What the hell does Bruce Lee have to do with running a pet care business??? More than you might think. In this episode, we dive into some of the legendary martial artist's most powerful lessons and how they apply directly to business owners like you. From mastering one skill instead of chasing every new trend to breaking through plateaus and embracing adaptability, these principles could be the game-changer your pet business needs.If you've ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of your next move, this episode will challenge your mindset and push you to take action.

Are you running your business like a boss or leading it like a true leader? There's a big difference, and it impacts everything—from your team's morale to your bottom line. In this episode, we break down the key distinctions between being a boss and being a leader, revealing how even small shifts in your approach can create massive changes in your business. If you've ever struggled with staff retention, motivation, or just getting your team to truly buy into your vision, this is the episode you need.We'll also take a look at what some of the most successful companies are doing to cultivate strong workplace cultures and engaged teams—and how you can apply these same strategies in your pet care business.

We welcome back industry veteran Joe Zuccarello, who shares his extensive knowledge from over 40 years in the pet care industry. Joe, a leader at Paragon Pet Grooming School and a private consultant, dives into the challenges and opportunities of managing a grooming department. We explore the importance of fostering collaboration, setting clear expectations, and integrating grooming staff into the broader team culture. Joe highlights actionable strategies, such as building a skilled team from within and ensuring regular check-ins for accountability and growth. Learn how to create a thriving grooming service as part of a pet care business, including tips on reducing operational headaches and maximizing revenue. 

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 to legacy systems, the key takeaway is clear: businesses must remain adaptable and forward-thinking. You'll see that success is not just about what has worked in the past, but about staying flexible, embracing change, and always keeping the customer at the center of the business strategy.

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 packed with actionable strategies for success. You'll also gain a deeper understanding of how to build cohesive teams, reduce stress for staff, and tackle common challenges like noise and overstimulation. 

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 success in 2025.We also dive into strategies for navigating the shifting landscape, from improving internal operations to embracing new tools and technologies. With insights on how to differentiate your services and create lasting value for clients, this episode is packed with ideas to help your business thrive in the new year.

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 pain points, and streamlining operations to build sustainable growth. From employee drama to financial challenges, Candace offers actionable insights drawn from her real-world experience.Gain valuable takeaways on the importance of systems, employee handbooks, and core values in creating a thriving business culture. Candace also highlights the benefits of tackling the personal growth of business owners, emphasizing self-reflection and leadership development. 

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 clients but also draws competitive dock diving enthusiasts from across the region.Krista delves into the logistics and challenges of establishing and maintaining dock diving pools, including indoor and outdoor setups, while highlighting the joy and enrichment it brings to dogs and their owners. The conversation touches on the sport's growing popularity, its potential as a revenue stream, and the gratifying transformation of hesitant swimmers into confident jumpers. 

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 pet care providers the tools and mindset needed to thrive.We also touch on the importance of consistent marketing and exploring new revenue streams, like premium services or enrichment programs, while sharing tips for fostering a motivated and skilled team. You'll also get a free gift to help you map out your goals and stay on track throughout the year. 

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 Group joins us today to explain how to set up your business so you'll be able to sell it one day. You'll learn what steps you should take now to prepare for an eventual sale, as well as what the process will look like when the time comes.

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 toll it can take, we'll explore why self-care should be at the top of your priority list.You'll also walk away with actionable strategies to manage stress, set boundaries, and build resilience to handle future challenges. Learn how to incorporate daily habits that foster mental well-being, delegate tasks effectively, and tap into the power of community and support. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed or just looking for ways to fortify yourself for the road ahead, this episode is packed with tips to help you thrive—not just survive—in the pet business world.

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 staff's experience. Laurie's approach began with handwritten notes to her team, acknowledging their efforts and the unique strengths they bring to the table. What started as an experiment quickly turned into a core element of her management style, helping her build a workplace where employees feel valued and motivated to give their best.Laurie's success with these personal notes inspired her to create her own pet industry-specific cards, making the practice of showing appreciation a regular and meaningful part of her company's culture. Now, handwritten cards are a celebrated tradition at Playful Pups Retreat, where each card serves as a tangible reminder of gratitude and respect for each team member's hard work. This thoughtful approach has not only helped Laurie retain great staff but also attracted like-minded individuals who appreciate the supportive and uplifting environment she's fostered.

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 zoning requirements, architectural planning, and securing the right funding to bring your vision to life.Tune in as we discuss everything from the foundational steps of construction to the finer details of a successful build-out, designed to enhance efficiency and enrich the experience for pets and staff alike. With Jeff's wealth of knowledge and practical advice, you'll get a clear roadmap to create a top-tier facility that sets your business up for long-term success.

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 processes, enhance efficiency, and improve clarity for your team.

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, logistics, and unexpected perks of providing transportation for clients. She also offers practical tips on safety, organization, and handling challenges like finding qualified drivers and dealing with inevitable messes on the road.From building relationships with clients to creating a community icon, Kay's story illustrates how adding transportation can be a game-changer for pet care businesses. Whether you're considering a single van or a fleet of buses, this episode provides valuable insights for anyone looking to expand their services and deliver extra convenience for their customers.

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 looking to elevate your existing services, this episode offers actionable insights for creating a premium client experience that resonates with pet owners who prioritize quality. You'll gain tips for enhancing service standards, overcoming challenges, and refining your brand message to attract a selective, loyal clientele.

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 on top and continuously growing your pet business.

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 understand how we can make enrichment work.

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 five favorite books that will not only help you take your business to exciting new heights, but also enable you to grow and improve as a person.

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 actually looks forward to coming to work. Wellness isn't just a perk, it's a game changer for both your staff and your business!

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 Pack Dog Park to share how she's built a thriving business around her private dog park.

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.In today's show, we'll dive into the idea of creating a specialist business that makes your brand truly unique, allowing you to serve both people and dogs in a deep and meaningful way, ultimately leading to greater business success and growth.

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 on handling common situations to prevent problems and unnecessary stress.

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 you can find the right person to fill this crucial role.

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 greatly exceeded all expectations and significantly boosted their summer revenue.

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 with minimal investment. By implementing these marketing strategies, you'll be able to improve your situation and set your business up for greater prosperity.

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 strengthen your brand image in the public eye, improve your business operations, and create a foundation for explosive future growth.

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 create location pages for your website that will help you rank in search results for your specific service area. He'll cover how to set things up so that Google can easily find your page, as well as how to optimize your page to provide a great experience for visitors.

Too many pet businesses are only focusing on one or two marketing angles as they are promoting their business. This limited approach will only give you very short lived results. However, if you have a comprehensive marketing strategy that hits all levels of customer awareness and helps people know, like and trust your business, you will enjoy much greater and long lasting success. In this episode Fern goes over the top five marketing goals you need to be utilizing in your organic and paid marketing channels. You'll also learn how you can implement campaigns other hit each one and how they work together to really maximize your efforts. 

One of the ways to create a positive relationship with your clients is using gift giving in your marketing plan. Surprising your clients with something special from time to time will increase their loyalty, encourage them to talk about your business and make them smile. Today we'll go over some ways that you can give gifts to super charge your relationship with your customers. We'll talk about when you should give gifts, how to do it and give you a lot of great ideas to get your gift-giving juices flowing. 

To build a business and brand that your staff, your customers, and everyone who comes in contact with your business understands and can get excited about, you need to start by creating your core values. Think of your core values as the DNA of your business. They will guide all your decisions and attract the people who are the perfect fit for you.We'll go over how you can create your core values and show you how they should be injected into your daily business operations to be effective. Once you understand how to put them into play, they can help every area of your business.

Whether you're just beginning your journey on building your pet business or have an existing facility that you're looking to expand upon, you're going to need some money. For most, that will mean getting financing from a bank. To make that a pain-free and successful process you need to understand how it all works and what you need to do. To help with all that, I invited Claire and Jacqueline from Live Oak Bank back on the show to give you the honest truth on the options available to you and how to make your lending experience as smooth as can be. 

Running a pet business can be very overwhelming at times. With all the different things you need to do in your business and competition always on the rise, you can often feel like the odds are stacked against you - like you're the underdog. The good news is that there's never been more information and resources available to you. On today's podcast episode Fern will go over 10 things you can focus on in your business that, if properly implemented, can transform you from the underdog to the Overdog in your market.