Pet Boarding and Daycare Podcast with Dominic Hodgson

Are you running a dog daycare that feels busy all the time… but still not making the kind of money you know you should be? Have you ever looked at another pet business in your town and wondered why they seem to attract better clients, charge higher prices, and make it all look easier? And what if the real key to making more money in your business wasn’t doing more… but positioning what you already do in a much smarter way? In this week’s episode of the Pet Boarding & Daycare Podcast, Dom goes back to his business coaching roots and lays out five simple but powerful ways to make your dog daycare or pet resort appear more premium, more exclusive, and more desirable to the kind of clients you actually want. Broadcasting from Town Farm before heading off to Boston, Dom also shares a handful of timely promotional ideas around National Hug Your Dog Day, unpacks a couple of useful dog news stories, and explains why “new” remains one of the most powerful forces in marketing — especially when it comes to keeping your existing clients excited and spending. Along the way, he breaks down why premium pricing is often easier to sell than mid-market services, why niching and expertise matter more than ever in a crowded market, and why scarcity and exclusivity can transform the way your business is perceived almost overnight. Tune in to discover: Premium Pricing That Pulls People In – Why charging more can actually make your business easier to sell, not harder. The Power of Being Specialised – How niching down makes you more memorable, more desirable, and easier to market. Why Expertise Changes Everything – How becoming the obvious expert in your town helps you command higher prices. Personality, Polarisation, and Trust – Why putting more of yourself into your marketing attracts better-fit clients. Scarcity and Exclusivity – How making your business feel harder to access can instantly make it more attractive. Remember, the next big Barkleigh event is the PB & D Expo West which this year is taking place in Phoenix, Arizona, and…registration is now open. To secure your place click here now Want to work with the World Leading Pet Business Coach?  Join Dom’s Exclusive coaching program The Dog Daycare Success Academy now by clicking here Grab a copy of Dom’s latest book Mission ENRICH by clicking here now Episode Highlights [00:52] – Dom opens the show, sets up the premium positioning theme, and explains why this matters if you want to make more money without adding more dogs.[01:30] – National Hug Your Dog Day: two ways to use it in your marketing, from staff photos to dog safety education.[03:59] – Why “common sense” content builds trust, cuts through the noise, and positions you as the sensible expert in town.[04:55] – Why clients always want something new — and how fresh promotions and experiences keep them engaged and spending.[06:00] – Dog News: a Wall Street Journal story on inflation, rising daycare prices, and why higher prices often don’t reduce demand.[09:03] – A luxury dog hotel goes viral with a recruitment ad — and why hiring should be treated like a marketing event.[17:07] – Dom introduces five premium positioning strategies that can help your business appear more affluent, desirable, and profitable.[19:23] – Why premium pricing works: the Rolls-Royce vs Ford analogy and what it means for your daycare.[24:57] – The power of being specialised: how niching down makes your business easier to market and easier to grow.[31:10] – Expertise, personality, and exclusivity: how to become the obvious premium choice in your town.

Are you making the kind of mistakes in your business that feel harmless now… but could quietly cost you a fortune later? Have you ever looked back at a decision you made and thought, “What the hell was I thinking?” And what if some of the biggest wins in business only come after you’ve made — and learned from — a few expensive mistakes first? In this week’s episode of the Pet Boarding & Daycare Podcast, Dom marks April Fools’ Day with a slightly different kind of show — a brutally honest look at the mistakes that pet business owners make over and over again, and how to avoid them before they cost you time, money, profit, and peace of mind. Recording with Derek snoring in the background, Dom shares a mix of cautionary tales from the wider business world — from Coca-Cola and Blockbuster to Disney and Dyson — before bringing it all back to the pet care industry and the very real errors he sees dog daycare owners making every single day. Along the way, he also confesses to some of his own more painful business mistakes, explains why Q1 is a good time to get your head back into “business owner mode,” and shares a handful of creative April promotional angles you can use to generate more revenue this month. In this episode, you’ll discover: The Pricing Mistake That Breaks Everything – Why undercharging doesn’t just hurt profit… it damages the whole business model. Positioning Problems – How trying to serve everyone leaves you blending in, competing on price, and attracting the wrong clients. Why Pretty Websites Don’t Sell – The big difference between a brochure website and a website that actually converts. The Cost of Going It Alone – Why some of the most expensive mistakes happen when owners try to figure everything out themselves. Systems, Strategy, and Smart Decisions – How to stop repeating the same painful errors and start building a stronger business. Remember, the next big Barkleigh event is the PB & D Expo West which this year is taking place in Phoenix, Arizona, and…registration is now open. To secure your place click here now Want to work with the World Leading Pet Business Coach?  Join Dom’s Exclusive coaching program The Dog Daycare Success Academy now by clicking here Grab a copy of Dom’s latest book Mission ENRICH by clicking here now Episode Highlights [00:52] – Dom opens the show, sets up the April Fools theme, and asks the big question: how did Q1 really go for your business?[03:57] – April promotional ideas: Easter, National Pet Month, Songkran, Honesty Day, and how to use them to generate fresh sales.[10:10] – Why selling more to existing clients is easier, faster, and far more profitable than chasing new ones.[14:15] – April Fools in the wider world: from spaghetti trees to the left-handed Whopper.[15:29] – Big business mistakes: Coca-Cola, Nokia, and Blockbuster — and what pet business owners can learn from them.[19:30] – Why stepping outside your business helps you spot opportunities and avoid expensive blind spots.[21:26] – Mistake #1: pricing your business too low and slowly strangling profit, growth, and freedom.[27:00] – Mistake #2 and #3: poor positioning and brochure-style websites that fail to convert browsers into buyers.[31:30] – Mistake #4 and #5: trying to do everything yourself and throwing money at the wrong problem.[35:00] – Mistake #6 to #10: weak copy, playing it too safe, lack of systems, bad partnerships, and building the wrong kind of business.

Ever feel like something’s off in your business…but you can’t quite put your finger on it? You’re busy. Dogs everywhere. Calendar full. And yet… the money doesn’t match the effort. Maybe your pet business isn’t actually sick… or are you just treating the wrong symptoms? Well, before you spend a ton of money on ads, SEO, a new website, or another shiny new fix…is it worth identifying what’s really broken? See, the fastest way to grow your dog daycare, isn’t trying to improve everything at once… but diagnosing the right problems first! In this week’s episode of the Pet Boarding & Daycare Podcast, Dom records from the beach in the North East of England and dives into one of the most important questions any pet business owner can ask: What is actually holding my business back right now? Using insights from a recent conversation with Teija Heikkilä from Pet Vet M&A, Dom breaks down the value of doing a proper top-to-bottom 360 business evaluation — not just to find out what your business might be worth one day, but to understand what needs fixing today. There’s important lesson on profit and pricing, as well as how to tune up your wider marketing engine. This episode walks through the five key areas every daycare owner should be auditing before they spend another penny trying to “fix” the wrong thing. Along the way, Dom also shares why time away from the business sharpens your thinking, why busy does not equal profitable, and how the wrong kind of help can sometimes send you even further in the wrong direction. In this episode, you’ll discover: The Dog Daycare Diagnosis – Why you should never prescribe a fix before you know what’s actually wrong. Profit Before Panic – How to assess whether your services are really making money or just keeping you busy. Pricing, People, and Pipeline – The three big areas where hidden growth opportunities often sit. Playbook Power – Why a business that only lives in your head will always be harder to grow and sell. Marketing Assets That Matter – How systems like memberships, lead magnets, onboarding, and automations multiply business value. Huge thanks to Teija Heikkilä from Pet Vet M&A for sharing her wisdom. Click here to find out more about Pet Vet M & A. Remember, the next big Barkleigh event is the PB & D Expo West which this year is taking place in Phoenix, Arizona, and…registration is now open. To secure your place click here now Want to work with the World Leading Pet Business Coach?  Join Dom’s Exclusive coaching program The Dog Daycare Success Academy now by clicking here Grab a copy of Dom’s latest book Mission ENRICH by clicking here now Episode Highlights: [00:51] – Dom records from the beach and explains why this episode is one worth listening to right until the end.[03:08] – Fresh off the plane from Spain: why time away from the business helps you think better and lead better.[07:51] – The vet analogy: why diagnosing a problem properly matters before you spend money trying to fix it.[11:00] – Why throwing money at SEO, social media, or ads can backfire if you haven’t identified the real bottleneck.[13:21] – Teija Heikkilä explains Pet Vet M&A’s 360 Business Evaluation and how it reveals what’s really driving value.[18:34] – Why most owners are surprised by how interconnected labour, pricing, and revenue really are.[24:30] – The first area to audit: profit — and why being busy tells you almost nothing useful.[28:48] – Pricing as a growth lever: why most owners ask the wrong question when it comes to what they should charge.[31:30] – People, pipeline, and playbook: the systems and structure your business needs to stop depending entirely on you.[38:34] – The forgotten marketing system: how memberships, lead magnets, newsletters, and automations make your business far more valuable.

Are you trying to compete in the crowded middle of the market… when the real opportunity might be sitting at the very top? If you doubled your prices tomorrow, would your business collapse… or would you simply make more money and start attracting a different kind of client? And what if the secret to making significantly more money wasn’t squeezing in more dogs… but deliberately designing a business for affluent dog owners who happily pay for a better experience? In this week’s episode of the Pet Boarding & Daycare Podcast, Dom continues the deep dive into the Affluent Attraction Strategy, explaining why the most profitable pet businesses intentionally position themselves at the top end of the market. Fresh off a relaxing trip to Spain, Dom also talks about the importance of protecting your time and energy as a business owner — why taking proper breaks actually makes you a better leader, and how creating space away from the business allows better ideas and strategies to develop. Dom delivers a masterclass on pricing psychology and premium positioning, as well as touching on why most daycare owners accidentally trap themselves in the crowded middle of the market. This episode breaks down exactly how affluent-focused businesses attract better clients, create stronger margins, and build calmer, more profitable operations. In this episode, you’ll discover: The Affluent Attraction Strategy – Why targeting wealthier dog owners transforms the economics of your daycare. Escaping the Crowded Middle – How most pet businesses drift into price wars and tight margins without realising it. Premium Pricing as a Signal – Why higher prices act like a filter that attracts the right clients and repels the wrong ones. Experience Over Convenience – How affluent owners buy enrichment, adventure, and lifestyle upgrades for their dogs. Designing a Premium Business – Why fewer dogs, higher margins, and happier staff create the strongest long-term model. Want to work with the World Leading Pet Business Coach?  Discover if you’re a good fit to work with Dom by going to www.petbusinessmarketing.com/audition or click here  Remember, the next big Barkleigh event is the PB & D Expo West which this year is taking place in Phoenix, Arizona, and…registration is now open. To secure your place click here now Grab a copy of Dom’s latest book Mission ENRICH by clicking here now Episode Highlights [00:51] – Dom opens the episode and introduces part two of the Affluent Attraction Strategy.[02:00] – Broadcasting from Spain: why intentional downtime makes you a better entrepreneur and leader.[03:54] – Why business owners must delete, delegate, or redesign tasks that drain their energy.[06:30] – The lies entrepreneurs tell themselves about being “too busy” to prioritise their own wellbeing.[10:14] – Dom begins part two of the affluent attraction deep dive and explains why premium positioning works everywhere.[12:30] – Why most dog daycares drift toward the crowded middle of the market — and why that hurts margins.[15:00] – Pricing as a signal: how higher prices attract more affluent dog owners.[18:48] – Fewer dogs, better economics: how premium facilities create stronger margins with lower capacity.[22:30] – Understanding affluent buyers: how values, identity, and experience influence their purchasing decisions.[26:00] – The mindset barrier that stops most owners from raising prices and moving upmarket.[29:23] – Turning your daycare into a premium experience business rather than a busy warehouse of dogs.[32:46] – Dom previews his upcoming training session at the Pet Boarding & Daycare Expo West in Phoenix.

Are you building a dog daycare that attracts the right clients… or just more clients? If your facility was completely full tomorrow, would that actually make you richer — or just more stressed? And what if the real path to profitability wasn’t squeezing in more dogs… but attracting better clients who happily pay more for a better experience? In this week’s episode of the Pet Boarding & Daycare Podcast, Dom dives deep into a concept that could radically change the way you think about pricing, marketing, and the clients you serve.  Fresh off a trip to Dublin (where even the Guinness Storehouse has been thoroughly “Disnified”), Dom shares lessons on long-game thinking in business, why most owners focus on short-term marketing tactics instead of building lasting assets, and how premium experiences command premium prices. With new luxury travel offerings including cruise ships offering gourmet meals for dogs, the world of pet care is undoubtedly shifting toward personalised, high-value experiences. The question is — are you positioning your business to attract the affluent dog owners who want them?  Dom explains why the traditional “warehouse model” daycare — packed with dogs but struggling to turn a real profit — is becoming outdated, and how smart operators are moving toward a premium experience model that creates happier staff, calmer dogs, and significantly better margins.  In this episode, you’ll discover: The Affluent Attraction Strategy – Why targeting wealthier dog owners can dramatically improve profit without increasing capacity. Busy vs Profitable – How the “warehouse model” daycare keeps owners exhausted while margins stay painfully thin. Premium Positioning – Why businesses like Disney and Emirates charge more by designing experiences affluent clients want. Building Long-Game Marketing Assets – Why books, lead magnets, and testimonials create lasting growth while social media posts disappear overnight. Better Clients, Better Business – How charging higher prices attracts clients who buy more, complain less, and refer their equally affluent friends. Want to work with the World Leading Pet Business Coach?  Discover if you’re a good fit to work with Dom by going to www.petbusinessmarketing.com/audition Remember, the next big Barkleigh event is the PB & D Expo West which this year is taking place in Phoenix, Arizona, and…registration is now open. To secure your place click here now Grab a copy of Dom’s latest book Mission ENRICH by clicking here now Episode Highlights [00:51] – Dom opens the episode and previews a deep dive into the Affluent Attraction Strategy.[02:02] – Dom shares highlights from a recent trip to Dublin and why the Guinness Storehouse is a perfect example of “Disnifying” an experience.[05:50] – The 9,000-year Guinness lease and what it teaches about long-term thinking in business.[07:38] – Marketing assets vs social media noise — why lead magnets, books, and testimonials create lasting growth.[13:00] – Dog News: travelling across the Atlantic with your dog aboard the Queen Mary 2.[18:37] – Why being known for something specific makes marketing dramatically easier.[20:00] – The “warehouse daycare” problem: busy facilities that still struggle to turn a real profit.[22:31] – Why attracting better clients is far more powerful than simply attracting more dogs.[28:23] – Why affluent clients are more stable, more loyal, and more likely to buy additional services.[34:10] – Why higher prices improve staff morale, client experience, and dog wellbeing.

Are you focusing on the small stuff in your business… while ignoring the two things that actually determine your profit? When was the last time you seriously reviewed your pricing — not just for a once-a-year increase — but as an ongoing strategy? And if labour and pricing are the only two levers that truly move cashflow, valuation, and long-term freedom… why do so many owners hesitate to pull them? In this week’s episode of the Pet Boarding & Daycare Podcast, Dom builds on a powerful conversation with Teija Heikkilä from Pet Vet M&A and breaks down what really drives profitability in pet care businesses. According to Teija, there are only two big levers that materially move business value: payroll and pricing. Dom unpacks what that means in practical terms — from understanding labour ratios and eliminating inefficiencies, to getting comfortable charging what your services are actually worth. Along the way, he shares lessons from Disney’s premium pricing evolution, the psychology of fear around rate increases, and why underpricing doesn’t make you an ethical owner, but instead limits your ability to build a better facility, hire better staff, and create better outcomes for dogs. In this episode, you’ll discover: The Two Levers That Matter – Why payroll and pricing are the only numbers that truly shift profit and valuation. Fear vs Reality – How emotional attachment and guilt keep owners stuck undercharging. Disney-Level Pricing Confidence – Why premium positioning attracts better clients and builds stronger businesses. Enrichment as a Revenue Multiplier – How selling structured add-ons dramatically increases margin without adding dogs. Fresh Eyes, Faster Growth – Why investing in coaching and external perspective removes blind spots and accelerates progress. Episode Highlights [00:51] – Dom opens the episode, reflects on travel, masterminds, and why getting out of your town sharpens your thinking.[04:30] – Dog News: “Genius dogs” learn by eavesdropping — and how to turn word association into a powerful marketing campaign.[07:13] – Using emotional triggers and brand conditioning to create stronger client loyalty.[13:01] – Teija Heikkilä explains the two big financial levers that determine business value: payroll and pricing.[17:18] – Labour ratios, inefficiencies, and why anything over 50% payroll demands immediate attention.[18:53] – The psychology of pricing fear — and why caring owners often become their own bottleneck.[28:24] – What Disney teaches us about premium pricing, positioning, and becoming comfortable not being for everyone.[31:29] – Why underpricing limits your ability to improve facilities, staff training, and long-term sustainability.[34:00] – Enrichment as low-hanging fruit: how selling more to existing clients instantly boosts revenue.[38:22] – Why fresh perspective, coaching, and live events remove emotional bias and unlock growth. Huge thanks to our fantastic show sponsors Canine Lab Testing. You can learn more about their fast, reliable parasite testing solutions at: www.caninelabtesting.com

Are you, like most, treating your onboarding process as a formality rather than a serious sales opportunity? When was the last time you stepped outside your facility — not to escape the chaos— but to study how other businesses engineer spending, loyalty, and experience? And if even billion-dollar theme parks leave money on the table… what might you be missing? In this week’s episode of the Pet Boarding & Daycare Podcast, Dom shares insights fresh off the plane from Orlando, where he attended a mastermind, held an event, visited both Disney and Universal, and spent a small fortune as a result (purely for research purposes, obviously). It’s a lesson in finding the hidden money in your business (something Disney are absolute masters at doing), engineering unforgettable and gossip-worthy experiences for your clients, and why growth-minded owners must deliberately expose themselves to better ideas.  Dom breaks down the key difference he noticed between Disney and Universal when it comes to monetising their attractions and how that directly mirrors what most pet care facilities are (and aren’t) doing with meet-and-greets, inductions, add-ons, and upsells. Alongside that, you’ll hear the first snippet in a new mini-series with Teija Heikkilä from Pet Vet M&A on building a business that’s ready to sell — and why running your business as if you could sell tomorrow actually makes it calmer, more profitable, and more enjoyable today. Plus, there’s details on the newly opened registration for Pet Boarding & Daycare Expo West in Phoenix with Rebecca Shipman. In this episode, you’ll discover: Money Hidden in Plain Sight – Why every business, even Disney, leaves revenue opportunities untapped. Engineered Spending – How great operators design environments that make buying feel natural and valuable. The Meet & Greet Goldmine – Why new client onboarding should never rely on “they’ll just buy if they love us.” Mastermind Momentum – How proximity to smarter operators accelerates breakthroughs and speeds up growth. Build to Sell Thinking – Why running your business like it’s always sale-ready improves margins, systems, and sanity. Huge thanks to Teija Heikkilä from Pet Vet M&A for sharing her wisdom. Click here to find out more about Pet Vet M & A. Want to work with the World Leading Pet Business Coach?  Discover if you’re a good fit to work with Dom by going to www.petbusinessmarketing.com/audition Remember, the next big Barkleigh event is the PB & D Expo West which this year is taking place in Phoenix, Arizona, and…registration is now open. To secure your place click here now Grab a copy of Dom’s latest book Mission ENRICH by clicking here now Episode Highlights [00:51] – Dom opens the episode, reflects on 90-day goals, and previews a packed show.[03:02] – Fresh off the plane from Orlando: why investing in masterminds speeds up growth and reduces business loneliness.[05:39] – Meeting Barry Jacobson (Club 33, Golden Oaks) and marketing legend Brian Kurtz — and the confidence of true experts.[08:43] – Hidden money in your business: the question every operator should be asking.[11:20] – Disney vs Universal — and the glaring monetisation difference most businesses ignore.[15:32] – Backend sales, engineered experiences, and why spending can feel like part of the magic.[18:25] – Why exposing yourself to better businesses sparks smarter decisions at home.[21:03] – Teija Heikkilä on building a business you can sell tomorrow — and why that mindset changes everything.[27:10] – Burnout vs optimisation: how small financial tweaks can dramatically increase business value.[35:33] – Pet Boarding & Daycare Expo West preview: Phoenix location, keynote highlights, and why live events matter. Huge thanks to our fantastic show sponsors Canine Lab Testing. You can learn more about their fast, reliable parasite testing solutions at: www.caninelabtesting.com

Are you trying to be everything to every dog owner…and finding your marketing feels noisy, crowded, and hard to differentiate? Have you ever worried that specialising or niching your services would shrink your audience…when it might actually do the exact opposite? And what if focusing on a specific type of client, dog, or service could make your marketing easier, your pricing stronger, and your business more profitable? In this week’s episode of the Pet Boarding & Daycare Podcast, host Dom Hodgson dives into the powerful, and often misunderstood, concept of niching and specialisation in pet care businesses. Sparked by another catch-up with Rebecca Shipman from Pet Boarding & Daycare Magazine, Dom explores how the magazine’s special cat-focused issue highlights a major opportunity inside the industry: becoming known as a specialist instead of just another general provider. Alongside insights from the latest magazine edition, Dom shares real-world examples from his own business journey from his niche adventure dog walking and targeted training services, to specialised coaching programmes and enrichment-based daycare positioning. The episode also includes practical promotional strategies designed to help owners reset momentum, generate revenue quickly, and position themselves as community leaders and trusted experts. In this episode, you’ll discover: The Specialist Advantage – Why niching helps you charge higher prices and attract more committed clients. Becoming Easy to Find – How focusing your services makes marketing, SEO, and referrals dramatically easier. The White Hot Centre Strategy – How positioning yourself as a connected community leader strengthens trust and influence. Momentum Marketing – Fast promotional ideas to generate revenue when business slows down. Educational Marketing That Sells – Why communication, storytelling, and value-driven content create loyal, long-term clients. Want to work with the World Leading Pet Business Coach?  Discover if you’re a good fit to work with Dom by going to www.petbusinessmarketing.com/audition Remember, the next big Barkleigh event is the PB & D Expo West which this year is in Phoenix, Arizona! You can register for the event and be the first to find out when tickets go on sale by clicking here now Grab a copy of Dom’s latest book Mission ENRICH by clicking here now Episode Highlights [00:51] – Dom previews the episode, introduces the magazine’s niche-focused issue, and explains why specialisation is becoming a major growth strategy in pet care.[03:49] – Dog News: Amazon Ring’s AI-powered lost dog tracking feature and how technology is creating new community-based service opportunities.[05:45] – How building strong local relationships can position your facility as the central hub for pet owners in your town.[10:05] – Dom sits down with Rebecca Shipman to explore the latest Pet Boarding & Daycare Magazine and its cat-specialised industry insights.[12:22] – Why cat boarding and other specialised services are growing rapidly — and the untapped revenue opportunities they create.[20:18] – Dom shares his personal business journey and how niching helped him attract affluent clients and build stronger brand positioning.[23:27] – The biggest fear owners have about specialising — and why narrowing your focus often expands your opportunities.[26:06] – How niching simplifies marketing, improves content creation, and strengthens search visibility.[28:2] – Promotional reset strategies: creative event marketing ideas tied to holidays, seasonal promotions, and themed enrichment weeks.[31:15] – Educational marketing in action: using storytelling, entertainment, and dog behaviour education to increase client loyalty and sales. Huge thanks to our fantastic show sponsors Canine Lab Testing.You can learn more about their fast, reliable parasite testing solutions at: www.caninelabtesting.com

Should your daycare or boarding facility offer one simple all-inclusive price… or a menu of optional add-ons clients can choose from? Is charging for enrichment, upgrades, or premium services genuinely unethical… or is it actually better for dogs, staff, and your long-term business health? And could sticking to an all-inclusive model quietly limit your profit, your service quality, and your ability to stand out in a more competitive pet care market? In this week’s episode of the Pet Boarding & Daycare Podcast, host Dom Hodgson dives into one of the most debated topics in the pet care industry: all-inclusive pricing versus add-on service models, and why many owners are unknowingly leaving money, opportunies, and client satisfaction on the table. Drawing on years of consulting with dog daycares and pet resorts across the world, Dom breaks down the emotional, ethical, and strategic arguments owners use to justify all-inclusive pricing before unpacking the real business, behavioural, and customer-experience reasons why structured service ladders often produce better outcomes for all. Along the way, Dom shares lessons from Disney storytelling, cruise ship revenue models, airline seating structures, and real-world enrichment programme implementation to show why offering choice isn’t about charging more but rather about delivering better. In this episode, you’ll discover: The All-Inclusive Pricing Myth – Why offering everything for one price often limits profitability and service quality. Care vs Commercial Reality – How charging for premium enrichment doesn’t reduce care… it improves outcomes. Volume vs Margin Thinking – Why the most successful pet businesses shift from more dogs to higher-value services. Client Psychology and Choice – Why dog owners actively want upgrade options (and often feel disappointed without them). The Hidden Power of Backend Sales – How add-ons, upgrades, and experience enhancements quietly drive sustainable growth. Want to work with the World Leading Pet Business Coach?  Discover if you’re a good fit to work with Dom by going to www.petbusinessmarketing.com/audition Remember, the next big Barkleigh event is the PB & D Expo West which this year is in Phoenix, Arizona! You can register for the event and be the first to find out when tickets go on sale by clicking here now Grab a copy of Dom’s latest book Mission ENRICH by clicking here now Episode Highlights: [00:51] – Dom opens the episode and introduces the all-inclusive vs add-on pricing debate dominating the pet care industry.[03:00] – Lessons from masterminds and Disney’s Animal Kingdom: why storytelling and experience design create standout businesses.[11:54] – Dog News: debunking common dog training myths and how simple, localised content builds marketing authority.[17:30] – The emotional argument behind all-inclusive pricing and why many owners link charging more with caring less.[21:00] – Why enrichment consistency often fails inside volume-based business models.[23:30] – Good, Better, Best pricing ladders and how service tiers increase profit without adding new clients.[26:53] – The fear of upselling and why most sales resistance is actually a communication problem.[29:00] – Cruise ships, airlines, and luxury hospitality: how premium upgrades drive massive backend revenue.[31:30] – Front-end sales vs backend sales and where long-term business profitability is really built.[33:30] – Why choice, personalisation, and optional upgrades lead to better dog experiences and stronger client loyalty. Huge thanks to our fantastic show sponsors Canine Lab Testing. You can learn more about their fast, reliable parasite testing solutions at: www.caninelabtesting.com

Are you focusing heavily on scent, activity, and social play…but overlooking one of the dog’s most powerful senses? Have you ever considered that the bedding, cushioning, and physical comfort inside your facility could be one of the biggest opportunities to improve behaviour, client confidence, and revenue? And what if enrichment didn’t always require more labour…but instead could quietly increase value while using the space you already have? In this week’s episode of the Pet Boarding & Daycare Podcast, host Dom Hodgson sits down with Fred Silber from Pet Therapeutics to explore one of the fastest-growing areas of enrichment: comfort-driven enrichment — and why the sense of touch is becoming a major differentiator for premium dog daycares and pet resorts. Fred has spent decades working in pet product design and behavioural comfort solutions, helping facilities move beyond basic raised cots and into structured, science-backed comfort environments that reduce fear, anxiety, and stress in boarding dogs. Together, Dom and Fred unpack how luxury-style bedding, pressure-based comfort, and smart enrichment bundling are helping facilities improve dog wellbeing, increase customer retention, and unlock new revenue streams — often with minimal additional labour. In this episode, you’ll discover: Comfort as the Missing Enrichment Pillar – Why touch and pressure-based comfort plays a major role in reducing stress and anxiety. Design for Luxury, Proven for Profit – How premium bedding and comfort upgrades create powerful upsell opportunities. Bundling for Bigger Returns – Why using comfort items as anchor upgrades dramatically increases package value. Near-Zero Labour Enrichment – How comfort-driven upgrades increase perceived value without increasing staffing pressure. Retention Through Experience – Why facilities using luxury comfort environments are holding onto clients longer and defending against competition. Huge hanks to my awesome guest Fred Silber for sharing his knowledge. Find out more about Pet Theraputics by going to PetTheraputics.net Want to work with the World Leading Pet Business Coach?  Discover if you’re a good fit to work with Dom by going to www.petbusinessmarketing.com/audition Canine Labs Testing are the amazing sponsors of this episode. Go to CanineLabsTesting to find out more about their fabulous service that keeps your facility parasite free! Remember, the next big Barkleigh event is the PB & D Expo West which this year is in Phoenix, Arizona! You can register for the event and be the first to find out when tickets go on sale by clicking here now Grab a copy of Dom’s latest book Mission ENRICH by clicking here now Episode Highlights [00:51] – Dom opens the episode with a lesson from The Apprentice, and why business owners must stop confusing activity with achievement.[07:16] – Dom challenges listeners to focus on the high-impact activities that truly move their business forward.[10:21] – Dog News: Westminster Best in Show inspires creative marketing and user-generated content ideas for daycare owners.[12:28] – Meet Fred Silber and the growing concept of comfort-driven enrichment in pet care.[13:12] – Why the sense of touch is often overlooked, and how pressure-based comfort helps reduce fear and anxiety.[14:17] – Luxury bedding bundles, upgrade packages, and the real-world profitability operators are seeing.[17:25] – The science behind leaning, compression, and why dogs naturally seek supported resting environments.[21:17] – Senior dogs, anxious dogs, and creating comfort solutions for different behavioural and physical needs.[25:39] – Near-zero labour enrichment and how comfort upgrades improve guest experience without adding staff workload.[30:30] – Selfie stations, front-desk sales opportunities, and using comfort products to drive client engagement and retention. Huge thanks to our fantastic show sponsors Canine Lab Testing. You can learn more about their fast, reliable parasite testing solutions at: www.caninelabtesting.com

Do you have a business idea sitting in your head, half-built in notebooks, daydreams, and late-night conversations? Have you ever wondered what actually separates a pet business that gets funded, built, and launched from one that stays stuck in planning limbo? And what if a business plan wasn’t just a box-ticking exercise for the bank… but a tool to clarify your vision, your values, and the business you really want to build? In this week’s episode of the Pet Boarding & Daycare Podcast, host Dom Hodgson sits down with Claire Pickens, founder of Clarity Group, to unpack the surprisingly personal, practical, and often misunderstood world of business planning for pet care businesses. Claire has spent three decades inside the animal industry — as an employee, owner, executive, and now as the go-to specialist helping pet resort and veterinary entrepreneurs turn ideas into fully-formed, fundable, future-proof business plans. Together, Dom and Claire break down what actually goes into a strong plan, why most owners rush this stage, and how writing things down now can save years of expensive mistakes later. In this episode, you’ll discover: Business Plans That Keep You Honest – Why writing your vision down matters long after the bank has said yes. From Passion to Paper – How to turn scattered ideas into a clear, logical plan investors can trust. Small Business at Heart – Why even large-scale operators succeed by thinking in small-business detail. Eight Steps to Clarity – The simple framework Claire uses to structure every successful plan. De-risking the Dream – How market research, staffing, operations, and projections protect you from costly surprises. Thanks to my awesome guest Claire Pickens for sharing her wisdom. Find out more about Claires services by going to SmallBusinessDreams.com Want to work with the World Leading Pet Business Coach?  Discover if you’re a good fit to work with Dom by going to www.petbusinessmarketing.com/diamondnow Canine Labs Testing are the amazing sponsors of this episode. Go to CanineLabsTesting to find out more about their fabulous service that keeps your facility parasite free! Remember, the next big Barkleigh event is the PB & D Expo West which this year is in Phoenix, Arizona! You can register for the event and be the first to find out when tickets go on sale by clicking here now Grab a copy of Dom’s latest book Mission ENRICH by clicking here now Episode Highlights: [00:51] – Dom sets the scene and introduces why business planning is the missing step for many pet entrepreneurs.[02:30] – A Town Farm renovation story — and the powerful business analogy of clearing space before you can build something new.[09:30] – Why chasing too many projects at once leads to overwhelm, and how deleting before adding creates momentum.[14:40] – Meet Claire Pickens: three decades in animal care, from barn work to executive leadership to business planning.[17:30] – Why experienced executives are now entering pet care — and the fresh thinking they’re bringing with them.[25:05] – The real purpose of a business plan — and why the numbers aren’t the most important part.[30:12] – Claire’s eight-step planning process, from elevator pitch to market analysis to financial projections.[33:39] – The question most owners never ask: how many people do you actually want to manage?[38:00] – Hidden surprises in insurance, utilities, staffing, and emotional client management — and why planning exposes them early.[41:00] – How Claire turns years of scattered ideas into a bank-ready, 20–30 page plan in under 60 days. Huge thanks to our amazing show sponsors Canine Lab Testing. You can learn more about their fast, reliable parasite testing solutions at: www.caninelabtesting.com

Does your pet facility smell similar to most others… like nothing in particular? Or worse, have you become nose-blind to something your clients notice the second they walk in? Did you know scenting wasn’t just about odour control…but one of the simplest ways to create a high-value, premium brand experience? In this week’s episode of the Pet Boarding & Daycare Podcast, host Dom Hodgson sits down with Kevin Rhodes from Air Essentials to explore one of the most overlooked elements of experiential marketing in pet care: scent. And we don’t mean scent work, we mean how your facility actually smells. Kevin has spent nearly a decade working with luxury hotels, resorts, and now pet boarding facilities, helping those businesses eliminate odours, create instant positive first impressions, and build memorable brand environments through professional scenting systems. In this conversation, Dom and Kevin unpack why pet facilities often become nose-blind to their own environment, how scent links directly to memory and emotional recall, and why top hospitality brands treat smell as part of their brand identity, not an afterthought. They dive into odour mitigation, branded signature scents, seasonal scenting, anxiety-reducing pet-safe fragrances, and how facilities are quietly using scent to increase perceived value, client trust, and repeat bookings. In this episode, you’ll discover: Odour vs Experience – Why scent solves hygiene and brand perception at the same time. First Impressions That Last – How smell links to memory, emotion, and instant trust. Blind Spots in Your Facility – Why facility owners miss what clients notice the moment they walk in. Signature & Seasonal Scents – How luxury brands use scent to build identity and keep experiences fresh. Premium Perception – Why a clean, consistent scent quietly signals care, quality, and value. Thanks to my awesome guest Kevin Rhodes for sharing his wisdom. Find out more about AirEssentials by going to AirEssentials.com Want to work with the World Leading Pet Business Coach?  Discover if you’re a good fit to work with Dom by going to www.petbusinessmarketing.com/diamondnow Canine Labs Testing are the amazing sponsors of this episode. Go to CanineLabsTesting to find out more about their fabulous service that keeps your facility parasite free! Remember, the next big Barkleigh event is the PB & D Expo West which this year is in Phoenix, Arizona! You can register for the event and be the first to find out when tickets go on sale by clicking here now Grab a copy of Dom’s latest book Mission ENRICH by clicking here now Episode Highlights: [00:51] – Dom introduces the episode and explains why scent is one of the most overlooked opportunities in pet care.[02:07] – A personal update from Dom on why focus and clarity matter when building a business that stands out.[07:30] – Dog news: the rise of wellness in pet care, and what modern pet parents are willing to pay more for.[11:30] – Meet Kevin Rhodes from Air Essentials — the man helping luxury hotels and now pet boarding facilities that want to smell as good as they look.[13:30] – Why even clean facilities can suffer from hidden odour problems, and how nose-blindness catches most owners out.[14:53] – How scent links directly to memory and emotional recall, and why first impressions are formed in seconds.[17:43] – Why plug-ins, sprays, and candles don’t solve the real issue, and what professional scenting systems do differently.[19:49] – Signature scents, seasonal aromas, and how luxury brands use smell to build identity and recognition.[28:30] – The study showing dogs prefer certain scents, and how specific fragrances can reduce anxiety in pet environments.[38:00] – Disnifying, “five-sensing” environments, and why scent is the heavyweight champion of premium experience design. Huge thanks to our amazing show sponsors Canine Lab Testing. You can learn more about their fast, reliable parasite testing solutions at: www.caninelabtesting.com

Are you still running a “play all day” daycare and wondering why some dogs struggle, staff burn out, and profit stays tight? Do you want to add enrichment… but feel like it will be complicated, expensive, or hard to execute? And what does good enrichment actually look like when it’s done properly — for the dogs, the staff, and the business? In this week’s episode of the Pet Boarding & Daycare Podcast, host Dom Hodgson  sits down with Jess Okon from Blue Nine Pet Products for a wide-ranging, packed conversation on where pet care enrichment is heading, and why it’s fast becoming the defining factor between average daycares and premium facilities. Jess shares real-world experience from managing high-volume daycares, building boarding and training departments, and working with facilities across the country. Together, Dom and Jess unpack how enrichment has evolved from simply “letting dogs play” into structured brain work, smaller groups, calmer environments, and personalised dog experiences — and why clients are increasingly willing to pay for exactly that. They dive in to understanding every individual pet’s preferences, simple enrichment ideas that cost almost nothing to pull off, and why mental stimulation beats endless physical exercise every time. In this episode, you’ll discover: Play-All-Day vs Structured Enrichment – Why the old daycare model fails many dogs, and what replaces it. Brain Work Beats Burnout – How thinking, problem-solving, and calm activities create happier, easier dogs. Interviewing the Dog in Front of You – Why understanding individual preferences unlocks better enrichment. Simple Enrichment That Works – How to improve dog experiences without expensive equipment or complex plans. The Future of Daycare – Why enrichment-led facilities are becoming the new industry standard. Thanks to my awesome guest Jess Okon for sharing her wisdom. Find out more about Blue9’s amazing products by going to Blue9.com Want to work with the World Leading Pet Business Coach?  Discover if you’re a good fit to work with Dom by going to www.petbusinessmarketing.com/diamondnow Canine Labs Testing are the amazing sponsors of this episode. Go to CanineLabsTesting to find out more about their fabulous service that keeps your facility parasite free! Remember, the next big Barkleigh event is the PB&D Expo West which this year is in Phoenix, Arizona! You can register for the event and be the first to find out when tickets go on sale by clicking here now Grab a copy of Dom’s latest book Mission ENRICH by clicking here now Episode Highlights [00:51] – Dom checks in from Austin and reflects on his time aboard the Barclay Pet Pro Cruise.[09:28] – Live from the Barclay Pet Pro Cruise: attendees share their takeaways on marketing systems, pricing confidence, and introducing good-better-best packages to drive profit. [13:51] – Meet Jess Okon: from grooming and high-volume daycare management to shaping enrichment thinking at Blue Nine.[21:16] – The shift from “play all day” daycare to structured brain-first enrichment, and why thinking beats exhausting.[22:30] – How enrichment improves behaviour, staff engagement, and client trust — all at the same time.[25:39] – Teaching dogs to problem-solve and communicate, and how simple brain work creates calmer facilities.[28:30] – Simple enrichment ideas that cost very little, but dramatically improve the dog’s day.[33:30] – Why smaller groups, rest cycles, and rotation matter more than adding new equipment.[36:30] – Interviewing the dog in front of you, and tailoring enrichment to individual needs rather than breed stereotypes.[40:30] – Using enrichment products and add-ons to increase profits, without adding more dogs or more stress. Huge thanks to our fantastic show sponsors Canine Lab Testing.You can learn more about their fast, reliable parasite testing solutions at:www.caninelabtesting.com

Do you want to grow your business…without having to cram more dogs into your facility? Are you clear on what business you’re actually in — or are you still pricing your services like everyone else? And what does premium positioning really look like when it’s done properly? In this week’s episode of the Pet Boarding & Daycare Podcast, host Dom Hodgson records while aboard the Barclay Pet Pro Cruise and shares a powerful, practical interview with Kim Buchanan, owner of Fetch Dog Resort in Indianapolis and one of Dom’s Elite Mastermind members. Kim has been in the industry for nearly 20 years, and instead of scaling her business simply by admitting as many dogs as she could into her facility, she’s built a deliberately small, premium, hospitality-led business that continues to grow by increasing value, deepening relationships with her ever-satisfied client base, and charging accordingly for her top-of-the-range services. In this conversation, Kim walks through her journey from working in marketing into opening her own dog daycare, the hard lessons she learned along the way, and how enrichment, memberships, and customer experience have become the backbone of her growth strategy – and why it should be the same for you. In this episode, you’ll discover: Value vs Volume – Why Kim chose to build a “high-end steakhouse” instead of a McDonald’s-style daycare. What Business Are You Really In? – How shifting from “dog daycare” to hospitality changes pricing, perception, and profit. Enrichment as a Growth Lever – How structured enrichment unlocked new revenue without adding capacity. Memberships That Aren’t Discounts in Disguise– How Kim rolled out tiered memberships, price increases, and higher-value services at the same time. Customer Appreciation That Pays Back – Why gifts, gestures, and hospitality drive loyalty far more than discounting your services. Thanks to Kim Buchanan for sharing her inspirational story. Check out Kim’s facility by going to Fetch Dog Resort.com Want to work with the World Leading Pet Business Coach?  Discover if you’re a good fit to work with Dom by going to www.petbusinessmarketing.com/diamondnow Canine Labs Testing are the amazing sponsors of this episode. Go to CanineLabsTesting to find out more about their fabulous service that keeps your facility parasite free! Remember, the next big Barkleigh event is the PB & D Expo West which this year is in Phoenix, Arizona! You can register for the event and be the first to find out when tickets go on sale by clicking here now Grab a copy of Dom’s latest book Mission ENRICH by clicking here now Episode Highlights: [00:51] – Dom checks in live from the Barclay Pet Pro Cruise and sets the scene for this week’s episode.[04:30] – Why growth in 2026 must start with clarity, if you don’t know where your business is headed you won’t go anywhere.[06:20] – Dog news: the rescue dog story that highlights the power of scent work and giving second chances.[09:24] – Why partnering with local rescues builds goodwill, visibility, and long-term trust with your clients.[10:00] – Meet Kim Buchanan: nearly 20 years in business and a deliberate decision to stay small.[16:08] – “What business are you really in?” — daycare vs hospitality vs wellness and why you need to be clear about your identity.[18:22] – Why premium positioning protects you from competition and price wars, not to mention making things easier around the facility.[23:29] – Customer appreciation strategies that drive loyalty without discounting.[26:38] – How Kim managed to roll out Enrich U, memberships, and price increases all at the same time without giving her clients whiplash.[34:00] – From integral operator to sit-back CEO: the importance of building a team that allows real growth to happen without taking up all of your precious time.

Do you feel fired up in January… then somehow end up repeating the same harmful patterns by March? Are you working harder every year, but not always seeing that effort translate into momentum and profitability? And what are the most switched-on pet business owners actually doing differently as they head into 2026? In this New Year’s Eve episode, host Dom Hodgson reflects on the close of 2025 and opens the door on the Elite Mastermind, sharing real, unfiltered lessons from experienced pet business owners who are actively shaping what their next year looks like rather than blindly hoping it turns out better than the last. You’ll hear directly from Elite members as they talk through the biggest lessons they’re carrying into 2026, the habits and decisions they’re deliberately leaving behind, and the changes they wish they’d made sooner.  Plus, Dom breaks down his own biggest takeaways from 2025, including why enrichment crossed the line from “add-on” to business model, how delegation finally removed him as the bottleneck, and why recurring revenue and continuity remain non-negotiable for calmer, more profitable businesses. In this episode, you’ll discover: Why Annual Goals Fall Apart – And how Elite owners use 90-day planning to keep momentum rolling. When Enrichment Becomes the Model – How enrichment stopped being a side offering and became the commercial engine. Who, Not How – Why delegation and bandwidth are the real growth unlock for overwhelmed owners. The Real Staffing Issue – How unclear standards and soft leadership create most people problems. The Power of Continuity – Why memberships, retainers, and recurring revenue reduce stress and panic selling. Huge thanks to my Elite Mastermind members for sharing their big lessons from 2025. Want to work with the World Leading Pet Business Coach? Discover if you’re a good fit to work with Dom by going to www.petbusinessmarketing.com/diamondnow Canine Labs Testing are the amazing sponsors of this episode. Go to CanineLabsTesting to find out more about their fabulous service that keeps your facility parasite free! Remember, the next big Barkleigh event is the inaugural Pet Boarding and Daycare, Barkleigh Pet Pros Cruise in January. Go to BarkleighShows.com to book your cabin! Grab a copy of Dom’s latest book Mission ENRICH by clicking here now Episode Highlights [00:51] – Dom introduces the episode on New Year’s Eve and explains why January is really just the start of another quarter.[03:07] – Why Elite owners plan in 90-day sprints instead of relying on bulky annual resolutions.[05:43] – When enrichment crossed the line from “add-on” to a core business model you can’t afford to be left behind on.[07:05] – The “Who Not How” lesson that removed Dom as the bottleneck in his own business.[09:11] – Why most staffing problems are actually leadership system problems.[11:29] – How memberships and continuity stabilise cash flow and reduce daily stress.[13:43] – Why investing in yourself often unlocks the next level of growth.[18:51] – Elite members share the lessons they’re taking into 2026 — and what they’re leaving behind.[24:13] – Confidence, pricing, delegation, and finally doing the hard things sooner rather than later.[42:21] – Dom’s New Year sign-off and setting the tone for a stronger, more intentional 2026. Huge thanks once again to our fantastic show sponsors Canine Lab Testing. You can learn more about their fast, reliable parasite testing solutions at: www.caninelabtesting.com

Are you sitting on an untapped revenue stream inside your dog daycare… and barely touching it? Do you understand that enrichment is important, but struggle with structure, consistency, staff buy-in, or selling it confidently? And what actually happens when enrichment stops being “a nice extra” and becomes a core part of how your business runs? In this milestone 100th episode, host Dom Hodgson delivers a Christmas special based around the untapped power of enrichment, using three real-world case studies of Enrich University members who are using the tools Dom is supplying to transform their facilities, their teams, and their bottom line. You’ll hear directly from Sarah, Stefani, and Kelli, three dog daycare owners at different stages of their journey, all using the same enrichment framework and and each getting eye-opening, jaw-dropping results. The three owners we hear from have been able to turn every-day enrichment into a fully marketed, story-driven programme that drives consistent sales, improves dog behaviours and staff morale, provides structure and simplicity instead of complex chaos, and most importantly gives clients a reason to keep coming back, even during the quieter months of the year. Plus, if your ticket to the first ever Pet Boarding and Daycare Cruise is still languishing in your online basket, Dom includes quick-fire reflections from the kick-ass pet resort owners from across the US who attended a private event back in October who are eyeing up retainers, memberships, prepayment, and premium positioning for their facilities in 2026. In this episode, you’ll discover: From Ideas to Execution – Why most enrichment fails at the planning stage, and how structure changes everything Selling Without the Awkwardness – How story-driven enrichment makes upsells feel natural, not pushy What Real Growth Looks Like – How facilities are seeing 40%, 200%, and even 3× increases by monetising enrichment correctly. Staff Buy-In & Better Dogs – Why structured enrichment improves behaviour, morale, and day-to-day calm Why Enrichment Isn’t “Optional” Anymore – And why 2026 will widen the gap between facilities who do this well… and those who don’t. Huge thanks to this week’s awesome guests Stefani Cotton, Sarah Stevens and Kelli McEntire. If you want to make enrichment the foundation stone of your progress next year then join Kelli, Stefani and Sarah inside Enrich University now. Click here to enroll Canine Labs Testing are the amazing sponsors of this episode. Go to CanineLabsTesting to find out more about their fabulous service that keeps your facility parasite free! Remember, the next big Barkleigh event is the inaugural Pet Boarding and Daycare, Barkleigh Pet Pros Cruise in January. Go to BarkleighShows.com to book your cabin! Grab a copy of Dom’s latest book Mission ENRICH by clicking here now Want to work with the World Leading Pet Business Coach? Discover if you’re a good fit to work with Dom by going to www.petbusinessmarketing.com/diamondnow Episode Highlights [00:51] – Dom introduces Episode 100 and explains why many owners are still very much “on the tools” this Christmas week.[04:19] – Why enrichment remains the biggest untapped growth opportunity for dog daycares heading into 2026.[08:13] – Sarah Stevens on having plenty of enrichment ideas… but no structure, no plan, and constant catch-up.[13:07] – Stefani Cotton on the shift from passive enrichment to a fully marketed, story-driven programme.[18:57] – Kelli McIntyre on launching Enrich U alongside a brand-new facility — and scaling up from day one.[20:02] – Why around 50% of clients now regularly buy enrichment add-ons — and what that does to cash flow.[24:18] – Sponsor spotlight: Canine Lab Testing and protecting facilities from hidden parasite risk.[29:23] – Live bootcamp reflections: pricing confidence, retainers, and uncovering hidden revenue inside existing clients.[33:49] – Why paper-and-ink newsletters still resonate with clients, and how you’re missing a trick if you’re doing online-only outreach.[45:04] – Dom signs off Episode 100 with a Christmas message –  and sets the tone for a stronger, smarter 2026. Huge thanks to our fantastic show sponsors Canine Lab Testing. You can learn more about their fast, reliable parasite testing solutions at: www.caninelabtesting.com

What happens when you stop trying to serve everyone and instead build a business around a very specific kind of pet owner? Do you assume cats are “easy,” independent, or somehow less demanding than dogs — and could that assumption be costing your business a huge opportunity? And what does it really take to build a profitable, respected, expert-led business in a niche most of the industry still overlooks? In this week’s episode, host Dom Hodgson sits down with Lynn Paolillo, founder of Catnaps Cattery and one of the most respected voices in feline grooming and care. Lynn shares her full business journey as well as discussing niching down, becoming the expert, and building a business that attracts the right clients, not just more clients. Lynn explains why cats are often misunderstood, why cat owners behave differently from dog owners, and how positioning yourself as a specialist transforms everything from pricing to loyalty to referrals. You’ll also hear how Lynn uses education-led marketing, Google search, content, and social media (including a TikTok account with millions of views) to normalise cat grooming, solve real owner problems, and build a snowballing client base that markets the business for her. Plus, there’s news of both the dog and Dom varieties, covering both the importance of keeping your clients engaged between visits and the latest updates from the coaching trenches. In this episode, you’ll discover: Why Niching Wins – How going cat-only helped Lynn stand out, charge properly, and build authority fast. Expert Positioning in Action – How Lynn became the obvious choice for cat owners looking for real answers to their questions. The Google Strategy – Why SEO, education-led content, and search intent outperform generic ads. Client Snowball Effect – How loyal, educated clients become your best sales team. The Untapped Cat Market – Why feline care is still wildly underserved — and ripe with opportunity. Huge thanks to this week’s awesome guest. To find out more about Lynn go to CatNapsCattery Canine Labs Testing are the amazing sponsors of this episode. Go to CanineLabsTesting to find out more about their fabulous service that keeps your facility parasite free! Remember, the next big Barkleigh event is the inaugural Pet Boarding and Daycare, Barkleigh Pet Pros Cruise in January. Go to BarkleighShows.com to book your cabin! Grab a copy of Dom’s latest book Mission ENRICH by clicking here now Want to work with the World Leading Pet Business Coach? Discover if you’re a good fit to work with Dom by going to www.petbusinessmarketing.com/diamondnow Episode Highlights: [00:51] – Dom introduces the episode and previews a deep dive into cat care, specialisation, and premium positioning.[03:14] – Dog News: PETA’s proposed dog-walking law — and how to turn stories like this into daycare and enrichment sales.[08:53] – Dom explains why businesses with values, opinions, and a backbone win better clients.[16:59] – Meet Lynn Paolillo: cat-only groomer, boarding business owner, educator, and industry authority.[18:28] – Lynn’s origin story: from dog grooming to discovering the untapped world of professional cat care.[21:36] – Why combining grooming and boarding makes businesses stronger and more profitable.[24:14] – How grooming improves animal welfare — and why groomers are the “eyes in the field” for vets.[27:00] – The biggest difference between dogs and cats: socialization, handling, and hidden stress.[30:32] – How Lynn attracts clients using Google, SEO, and “They Ask, You Answer” content.[47:11] – TikTok, luck, authority, and how one video unlocked millions of views — without chasing trends.

Are you unknowingly sitting on a December sales opportunity that could carry your business into 2026? Do you have a plan to turn one-time holiday boarders into long-term, multi-service, high-value clients? Curious as to how gifting your clients can trigger a wave of upsells, future bookings, and repeat spending? In this week’s episode, Dom breaks down why December is one of the richest selling seasons of the year, and why most pet care businesses barely scratch the surface. You’ll learn how to use the many themed days of December (including Christmas Card day and re-gifting day) as strategic sales levers… and how reciprocity can turn a simple gift into a profitable surge of client spending. Dom also recaps the most recent UK Elite Mastermind meeting, sharing how owners uncover their biggest business blockers, confront uncomfortable truths, and build 90-day plans that create real momentum. And finally, he previews the upcoming Barkleigh Pet Pro Cruise, the very first of its kind, where he’ll be running hotseats, clarity coaching, and a “mini mastermind at sea.” If you want to kick-off 2026 in style, then now is the time to book your cabin!  In this episode, you’ll discover: The December Advantage – Why clients are already in a buying mindset and how to turn festive traffic into future revenue. The Reciprocity Effect – How gifting creates wow moments, deeper loyalty, and increased spending. Mastermind Mechanics – How wins, challenges, and hotseats help owners identify the one big thing holding the business back. The Big Thing Principle – Why facing uncomfortable issues now is the key to accelerating growth in 2026. Turning Seasonal Bumps into Long-Term Wins – How to convert first-time holiday clients into repeat, multi-service customers. Canine Labs Testing are the amazing sponsors of this episode. Go to CanineLabsTesting to find out more about their fabulous service that keeps your facility parasite free! Remember, the next big Barkleigh event is the inaugural Pet Boarding and Daycare, Barkleigh Pet Pros Cruise in January. Go to BarkleighShows.com to book your cabin! Grab a copy of Dom’s latest book Mission ENRICH by clicking here now Want to work with the World Leading Pet Business Coach? Discover if you’re a good fit to work with Dom by going to www.petbusinessmarketing.com/diamondnow Episode Highlights: [00:51] – Dom previews the episode and explains why December is one of the richest selling windows of the year.[04:00] – Dog News: The top literary-inspired pet names of 2025—and how to turn dog names into easy, client-curated content.[08:08] – Dom recaps the Elite Mastermind: wins, challenges, hotseats, and how members identify their biggest blockers.[12:12] – The uncomfortable truth: growth often requires tackling the problem you’ve been avoiding.[16:59] – Dom’s challenge to listeners: identify the one big issue you’re ignoring and write it down… then fix it, obviously.[20:44] – Pour yourself a cup of tea and find out what you can learn from the England Cricket Team’s disastrous (at the time of recording) Ashes campaign.[26:34] – What to expect from the first-ever Barkleigh Pet Pro Cruise, including onboard hotseats and interactive coaching.[31:10] – Why December is more important than other popular holidays for retailers and dog daycares alike.[34:37] – The importance of giving gifts to your clients not just at Christmas, and not just when you want them to buy stuff from you.[36:39] – How to capitalise on the first-time clients that the holiday season offers up, and turn them into weekly regulars. Huge thanks to our fantastic show sponsors Canine Lab Testing. You can learn more about their fast, reliable parasite testing solutions at: www.caninelabtesting.com

Ever thought about writing a book to elevate your authority… but convinced yourself you’re “not ready”? Wondering how a simple paper-and-ink asset can transform your marketing, attract affluent clients, and position your facility miles ahead of the competition? And did you get a copy of Mission Enrich, Dom’s brand-new business parable that launched at the Hershey Expo and is already pulling in glowing reviews? In this week’s episode, host Dom Hodgson gives you an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at his tenth book — Mission Enrich — and breaks down why book-writing is one of the smartest strategic moves any dog daycare or pet resort owner can make.  Dom explains how creating a book becomes a 24/7 salesperson for your business, why affluent dog owners gravitate toward experts with published works, and how a well-written book instantly elevates your perceived expertise in a way social media never will. He also talks openly about the creative challenges of moving from “how-to” books to story-driven content and why stepping outside your comfort zone is the gateway to bigger opportunities. You’ll also hear Dom read the full preface and opening chapter of Mission Enrich, plus he takes a look at a few Amazon reviews from early readers who’ve already put the book into action. In this episode, you’ll discover: Why Write a Book? – The overlooked marketing power of a published book and why it instantly elevates your status. The Spirit of Canis – A first-ever audio preview of Dom’s new parable Mission Enrich and the ancient bond it explores. Expert Positioning for Pet Pros – How a book becomes your business card, your authority signal, and your most persuasive sales tool. Standing Out in a Crowded Market – Why affluent dog owners seek out the experts… and how a book makes you the obvious choice. Comfort Zones Block Creativity – What Dom learned moving from how-to books to story-driven writing — and why growth feels uncomfortable. Canine Labs Testing are the amazing sponsors of this episode. Go to CanineLabsTesting to find out more about their fabulous service that keeps your facility parasite free! Remember, next big Barkleigh event is the inaugural Pet Boarding and Daycare, Barkleigh Pet Pros Cruise in January. Go to BarkleighShows.com to book your cabin! Grab a copy of Dom’s latest book Mission ENRICH by clicking here now Want to work with the World Leading Pet Business Coach? Discover if you’re a good fit to work with Dom by going to www.petbusinessmarketing.com/diamondnow Episode Highlights: [00:51] – Dom previews upcoming guests and sets the stage for this week’s big topic: his brand-new book Mission Enrich. [05:04] – Why book-writing is one of the most powerful “expert enhancers” a pet business owner can create.[06:30] – Dog News returns: posh dog names, origin stories, and how they inspire user-generated content.[12:20] – Live from Hershey: Alison Stroud on growth, team development, and expo takeaways.[19:37] – Dom introduces Mission Enrich — his first story-based book — and shares the creative challenge of writing it. [22:20] – How books act as a 24/7 salesperson, helping you attract affluent, high-value clients without social media burnout.[28:13] – AUDIO EXCLUSIVE: Dom reads the full Preface and Chapter One of Mission Enrich.[33:05] – Meet Amy, a passionate dog daycare owner who does her very best for the dogs but is still struggling to keep the doors open, sound familiar to anyone?[43:21] – Dom previews his sessions on the January Pet Pro Cruise and invites listeners to join him at sea.[47:24] – Final reminders: where to get the book, where to read the December magazine, and what’s coming up next week.

Are you staring down Black Friday wondering whether you should run a promo… cut a price… add a bonus… or avoid the whole thing entirely? Ever felt the pressure to “join in” with what other people are doing even when you’re not sure if it will help or harm your business? And want to know EXACTLY how smart daycare and pet resort owners use Black Friday to generate revenue and lock in long-term clients — without discounting themselves into oblivion? In this week’s episode, host Dom Hodgson delivers a Black Friday masterclass, sharing how pet care businesses can approach one of the biggest buying weekends of the year without blowing up their margins or creating a January cashflow hangover. Dom explains the psychology behind Black Friday, the history behind the hype, and the simple maths that proves you shouldn’t blindly slash prices on services you already sell easily. Instead, he shows you how to structure offers that add value, increase long-term spending, and act as cost-effective client acquisition tools. You’ll also hear from a whole host of Hershey Expo attendees, who share their struggles, breakthroughs, enrichment wins, and their opinion on why expos like this are the spark that keeps owners motivated heading into the busiest season of the year. In this episode, you’ll discover: The Real Purpose of Black Friday – Why it exists, how it works psychologically, and why pet services must approach it differently than retail. How to Avoid Margin Meltdowns – The financial traps most daycare owners fall into — and Dom’s rule for deciding what not to discount. Value-Add Vs. Price-Cut – Why bundling slow-selling services beats discounting high-demand ones. Lifetime Value 101 – How to calculate whether a Black Friday offer is worth it based on long-term client spending. Segmenting Your List for Maximum Profit – Why you should run different offers for new clients and existing clients. Canine Labs Testing are the amazing sponsors of this episode. Go to CanineLabsTesting to find out more about their fabulous service that keeps your facility parasite free! Remember, next big Barkleigh event is the inaugural Pet Boarding and Daycare, Barkleigh Pet Pros Cruise in January. Go to BarkleighShows.com to book your cabin! Want to work with the World Leading Pet Business Coach? Discover if you’re a good fit to work with Dom by going to www.petbusinessmarketing.com/diamondnow Episode Highlights: [04:38] – Dom opens his Black Friday Tip Sheet and explains why pet care businesses must approach the weekend differently than retailers. [05:34] – The history of Black Friday and why the “in the black” myth still drives consumer behaviour. [06:39] – The discount dilemma: why selling more at lower margins often leaves owners earning less. [07:49] – A personal story: how Dom once pre-sold services to fix a cashflow gap — and regretted it later. [13:55] – Hershey attendee interviews: what owners are struggling with, what they’re learning, and why enrichment sells.[27:00] – Facility owners share how expos “refresh” them, spark ideas, and wake up stagnant teams.[32:30] – Dom explains the true cost of acquiring a customer — and why Black Friday can be a strategic acquisition tool. [36:37] – Why it’s worth losing money on the first sale if the long-term value outweighs it. [38:30] – How to use Black Friday to surface premium pet parents with a high-end service bundle. [39:06] – The enrichment economy: why selling more to existing clients reduces your need for new ones. [40:30] – Dom’s back-of-a-napkin Black Friday plan — simple, fast, and massively profitable.  If you want clarity, confidence, and a Black Friday plan that actually strengthens your pet business — this episode is where to start.