Your pet business, Your way

Do you choose a word for the year? Or are you thinking about yours for 2026? Each year, I choose a word to guide how I want to feel and how I want to work and this year it’s Connection.In the past, it's been Calm and Space - two things I definitely needed during some pretty full-on seasons. But this year, for 2026, it’s all about connection.In this post, I’m sharing why that word matters to me, how it came about, and some reflections and prompts to help you choose what you want from the year ahead too. I hope it gives you a moment to pause and think about what 2026 could look like for you.Topics and timings:0.20 -Episode outline.0.38 - Planner sponsor message.2.17 - How do you want to feel in 2026.2.40 - Why Connection is the word for 2026.3.10 - Why my perspective has changed.4.37 - Some previous words of the year.8.10 - What Connection means and the training I'm doing for 2026.10.59 - Prompts to help you think of what connection means for you.13.09 - Connection and collaboration example with Vanessa from Wag-Wagatha Christie groomers.16.29 - The importance of a sense of belonging.17.02 - How the Pets Get Visible membership can help you feel connected.17.44 - More real life meet ups for 2026.19.08 - Why it's not just you sitting there thinking everyone else has it all figured out and you dont.21.18 - How imposter syndrome is with us at all levels.22.05 - Thank you message to start the year. Links mentioned in this episode:Emotions coaching: https://www.igcompany.com/emotionscoachingPlanner and Planner Club: www.rachelspencer.co.uk/shopFurther reading/listening: 12 Takeaways from my Online Planning DayHow to prepare for a pet business eventIs my Pets Get Visible membership right for you?How to choose the right pet business membership Should you buy my Pet Business Content PlannerWhat is The Planner Club and should you joinWhy I am an accredited Pet Business Coach Look back and see how far you've come

Are you thinking of putting up your pricess in 2026?If you're a pet business owner who struggles with charging fairly, overdelivers, and feels awkward about pricing - this episode is for you.I share what my current offers include, why my prices are increasing in 2026, and how the investment I’ve made in my own training and development is shaping the support I provide.You’ll also hear from two of my lovely clients, Louise and Sarah, who’ve both grown in confidence and visibility through coaching and community support.I also explore the emotional side of pricing - the guilt, the fear, and that voice that says “no one will pay that.”In this episode I'm inviting you to reflect on whether you might be undercharging, and how to make pricing decisions that feel right and fair for you.And if working together has been on your mind, this is your heads - up to take that next step before my new prices come in from January 2026.Key topics and timings:0.14 – Why talking about pricing is awkward.0.44 - Why this episode is for my fellow 'terrible businesswomen' who go over the top for thier clients and feel bad about money.1.30 – One-to-one coaching: what’s changing and why.2.30 - What 1-1 support includes.3.58 - Louise shares what it’s like to be coached by me.6.48 - Membership price increase: what’s included and why it’s going up.7.12 - The impact of community, support, and being seen8.50 - Client example, Sarah Jones.14.12- Sarah’s journey from invisibility to impact.18.07 - How benchmarking my pricing helped with this process.19.17 - The ways I'm investing in myself for 2026 - Emotions Coaching Practitioner Training.21.34 - How pricing low impacts on how you feel and valuing yourself.22.30 - What knocked my confidence with pricing.23.30 - Why I can look in the mirror and feel OK about what I charge and straightforward offers.25.34 - Pricing in a way that feels good and is fair to you.26.15 – Final reflections on money mindset, growth, and doing what feels right.27.13 - What to do if you want to work with me.Links mentioned in this episode:Is my Pets Get Visible membership right for you?How to choose the right pet business membershipJane Ardern - putting you first in your pet business How much does pet business coaching cost?Different kinds of coaching for different stages in your businessHow to choose a pet business coachWhat is a pet business coachWhy I am an accredited Pet Business Coach

When you run a business, it can feel like you’re constantly bombarded with new things you need to be doing.You wear plenty of hats anyway, from doing the actual work, to social media, your accounts, keeping on top of your orders and appointments.And on top of that, in the ever-changing online world, with so many ways you can get your business seen at your fingertips, there’s an endless barrage of information on stuff you need to do.There will be times when what you need is directive support, for someone to say, ‘You need to.’And there will be stages where you’ll need space to think about what you need, and you might benefit from someone to pose that question to you.In this episode, I talk about the two approaches, what coaching is, what mentoring is, and some things to consider when it comes to working out what you need.Plus, your options if you’re looking for support.Key topics and timings:0.20 - Episode outline.0.45 - Pets Get Visible sponsor message.1.24 - The 'You need to' challenge.3.25 - How it can feel like you've run back into the thing you tried to get away from, being micromanaged.4.45 - Working at your own pace.5.30 - When I DO tell people what to do.7.16 - The difference between coaching and mentoring, 8.34 - Keri Squibb Pets Get Visible review.9.48 - The three kinds of coaches I see in the pet business space.13.28 - The coaching support I'm having at the moment.14.40 - Having an unshakable belief in what you do.15.00 - Why it's up to you to decide what success is for you.16.30 - What person centred coaching is.17.50 - What happened when I decided to go freelance.20.02 - Training to be a coach in 2022.21.14 - Tools in the planner that can help you figure out what you need.22.30 - What kind of support would help you?23.00 - How to get in touch if you'd like to work together.Links mentioned in this episode:Join Pets Get Visible: https://rachelspencer.co.uk/pets-get-visible/Buy a 2026 planner: https://rachelspencer.co.uk/product/pet-business-content-planner/Further reading/listening: What is a pet business coachShould you buy the Pet Business Content PlannerWhy I am an accredited Pet Business CoachIs my Pets Get Visible membership right for you?Different kinds of coaching for different stages in your businessHow to choose a pet business coach

Are you already feeling like you’ve got a plan for 2026 or looking for some inspiration?If it’s the latter then carry on reading because in this post and podcast episode, I’m sharing 12 lessons from the online planning day I ran recently.As well as the key areas covered in training, You’ll hear from the pet professionals who were there on the day and what works for them.Whether you're all set for 2026 or thinking of the year ahead, I hope these give you a feeling of clarity, some  reassurance, and maybe a few ideas to try out for yourself.Key topics and timings: 0.20 - What to expect from the episode0.40 - What to expect from the 2026 Planner0.59 - Match funding for The Big Give and StreetVet2.30 - Planning support for 2026 and your options2.45 - About the five pet professionals who shared their stories7.14 - Lesson 1 - People crave structure8.12 - Lesson 2 - Be flexible9.43 - Lesson 3 - Keep checking to see what's working11.14 - Lesson 4 - Plan for Jan = positive start for 202611.39 - Lesson 5 - Don’t forget how amazing you are13.05 - Lesson 6 - Think of your content as a time capsule13.33 - Lesson 7 - Energy is what will make a difference14.22 - Lesson 8 - Being visible is SCARY15.09 - Lesson 9 - Focus on what matters to you16.07 - Lesson 10 - Stay on your own to-do list18.05 - Lesson 11 - You don’t have to do it on your own19.17 - Lesson 12 - Make sure you're connected20.38 - Ways to work together for 2026Links mentioned in this episode: Planner Club: https://rachelspencer.co.uk/product/pet-business-planner-bundle/Pet Business Content Planner: https://rachelspencer.co.uk/product/pet-business-content-planner/Check out Pets Get Visible - My membership for support, coaching, content ideas and connection all year round. It's currently £30/month (going up to £45 in 2026).Head here: https://rachelspencer.co.uk/pets-get-visible/Related postsShould you buy my Pet Business Content PlannerWhat is The Planner Club and should you join?The importance of looking back and seeing how far you've comeChoosing the right pet business membershipIs my Pets Get Visible membership right for you?

Jade Statt is the co-founder of StreetVet, a charity supporting people affected by homelessness and their pets.Jade, her co-founder Sam Joseph, and their volunteers, support animals in 23 locations in the UK and there are 350 vets and nurses who are part of StreetVet.It all started when Jade, a vet, was on a night out in London in 2016, and saw a homeless man whose dog had a painful skin condition.She was desperate to help but couldn’t, and the image of that dog stayed with her, so she decided she wanted to make a difference.Jade began going out and treating animals on the street, then connected with Sam, who was doing the same, and StreetVet began in 2017.In this interview, Jade shares their story, the many hurdles and challenges along the way, and how you can support the work they do.Scroll down for all the links to connect with Jade and support StreetVet. Topics and timings: 0.20 - Episode outline.1.22 - Jade on how she started StreetVet-ing in 2016, and founding the charity with Sam Joseph.2.32 - The volume of volunteers working in the UK.3.12 - The different kinds of animals StreetVet support from dogs and cats to rabbits, birds and snakes.5.29 - Trust and some of the challenges Jade and Sam and their colleagues needed to overcome.7.00 - Working with regulations to ensure vets were able to go and offer support.8.39 - Connecting with Josh Coombes of Do Something For Nothing and how that helped build trust with the homeless community.10.32 - The message Jade wants people to understand about people living on the streets with their pets and why they sacrifice a home to be with their pet.14.45 - How the difficulties with the rental market and the cost of living crisis combined could lead to more pet owners being on the street.16.36 - How 9/10 hostels don’t allow pets and why StreetVet started the Accredited Hostel Scheme.17.39 - The Purina Better With Pets Prize and how this has supported the hostel scheme and now 60 accept pets and 50 are now being ‘onboarded’ to have the right set up for pets.21.32 - What working with Purina has meant for StreetVet and how a corporate relationship works.23.33 - The StreetVet film and why it was so vital to create a film with the sensitivity it deserved.26.49 - How the Big Give is boosting funds for StreetVet and how buying a copy of my Pet Business Content Planner between 2nd - 9th December 2025 will mean £5 is donated. This is fund matched meaning the charity will be given £10.28.07 - Some of the stories in the film - Debs and Bluebell and working with Steph Keelan to ensure StreetVet was represented appropriately.32.30 - Jade shares some of the ‘ugly moments’ of the StreetVet experience and managing the charity along with her work as a vet.35.30 - Why collaboration is important for StreetVet.36.53 - Dean Coleman, one of Jade’s clients who passed away and how losing him impacted on Jade.39.23 - Reflective practice and emotional support for volunteers with Rosie Allister from Vet Life.41.46 - How being a StreetVet has impacted on Jade’s mental health.45.07 - How the awareness and support around mental health has changed.46.30 - Homeless people cite their dog as their ‘support network’ research. 48.06 - Ways you can support StreetVet as a business.50.06 - The Big Give and the boost this can give by doubling donations - this year’s target is £60,000.51.03 - The Human Animal Bond Day on July 26th.52.07 - What’s next for Jade and StreetVet and having vets and nurses in new locations, with the goal of two new locations a year for the next two years.54.01 - Ways to connect with StreetVet.Key quotes:"If you were made homeless tomorrow, would you give up your pet? Most people say no -but have you really

Have you bought a planner because you want to feel more organised, calm and in control of your pet business in 2026?It’s normal to start the year with good intentions of how you’d like things to be.And with a plan that you can keep checking back in on and that prompts you to look at your progress, the goals you set for yourself for the year ahead can become a reality.Whether you’ve bought a copy of my Pet Business Content Planner or you’re looking for inspiration for using any planner, this post will help you get the most of the planner you’ve invested in.Key topics and timings in this episode:0.20 - What to expect from this episode.2.08 - What the planner has inside and the different elements, the diary, awareness days, goals and reflections, quarterly planning, and coaching exercises.5.30 - What a planning power hour is and how to have one.8.15 - The importance of taking time to reflect each month.9.40 - Building a habit of using a planner.11.58 - Case study - Clare Ware from Insight Hounds.13.01 - Using the Words for When section when you need support or get stuck.15.24 - Having a monthly and quarterly check-in to see your progress.18.39 - About the Planner and the Planner Club.Links mentioned in this episode:The planner is £40: https://rachelspencer.co.uk/product/pet-business-content-planner/Join the Planner Club here: https://rachelspencer.co.uk/product/pet-business-planner-bundle/ Further reading/listeningShould you buy my Pet Business Content Planner and Companion?What is the Pet Business Planner Club and should you join?Is my Pet Business Planning Event right for you?How to use awareness days in your pet business contentNavigating the rollercoaster that is running your own businessThe importance of looking back and seeing how far you've come Why every pet business should have a win folder

Kate Hendry is the founder of Finbo Studio - a branding and design agency that helps pet businesses create a visual identity that feels just like them.In this episode, we talk all about how your brand is so much more than just a logo – and how to put yourself out there in a way that feels good.Kate is the brilliant brain behind the design of my planner, and she’s worked with loads of amazing pet brands to help them stand out, tell their stories, and grow businesses they’re proud of.We talk about how she went from drawing wildlife prints for her son Finn’s nursery and selling them in an Asda car park, to creating brands that go on to win top industry awards.We cover the mistakes she’s made, the moments that made her want to give up, underpants on the radiator, and what it takes to build a business that reflects who you are.Kate explains what good branding is really about - not just colours and logos, but clarity, confidence, and creating something that supports you to show up. She also shares how feeling invisible shaped the way she now helps others feel seen.We chat about why we need to stop overthinking, how to be brave in our content, and why sometimes the hardest part of business is saying the thing you really want to say.I really hope you love this episode, and that it leaves you feeling a little bit braver when it comes to being yourself.You’ll find all the links to connect with Kate at the end of this post, along with a summary of our conversation.Key topics and timings:0.20 - Episode overview.2.53 - Kate’s introduction and background.4.02 - How Kate’s self-employment business started with creating wildlife illustrations and prints for her little boy Finn and selling them in Asda car park.7.07 - Understanding profits and margins and why Kate stepped away from her product business.9.21 - How Kate uses the experience she made with her product business to support her clients in her new business.13.35 - How Kate fell into the niche of working with pet brands.18.05 - The process of helping a pet brand work out how to bring their brand to life and represent themselves in a way that feels right and reflects how they are.23.51 - How her clients are the key for helping Kate bringing their brands to life with a case study with Kate Hart from The Sniffer Shop.25.50 - The research process and how the passion of the business owner is brought into branding.27.59 - How the branding and strategy and design is implemented across the business.31.45 - How a visual identity project worked for Nina Fotara from The Confident Canine.35.21 - How Kate would brand herself.40.29 - The confidence you get from feeling the impression you’re putting out into the world reflects your business properly.43.29 - Why Kate’s own experience of feeling invisible and wanting to be ‘small and quiet’ makes her so passionate about supporting her clients in feeling good about being seen.48.55 - Originality and authenticity and how this makes running your business easier.51.24 - Being brave with your content.52.14 - How Kate is feeling more confident with sharing her thoughts and feelings and not being scared of being divisive and how posting your opinions will help you stand out. 54.45 - Kate’s advice for people who want to stand out and why you don’t need to be polished and professional.57.08 - Our sharing things you’re a bit scared of saying challenge!1.01.52 - Where to find out more about Kate.Links mentioned in this episode:Find out more about Kate on her website: https://finbostudio.co.uk/Learn more about The Sniffer Shop:

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the things you’re told you should be doing, and you're craving some space to figure out what actually works for you, this episode is for you.I’m talking about my 2026 online content planning day - what it includes, how it works, who it’s for (and who it’s not for), and why it’s part of my new offer, the Planner Club.But more than that, I share why this isn’t about giving you another strategy or a list of things to add to your already full plate. It’s about giving you space, support, and structure so you can trust yourself, get clear on what you want in 2026, and build a plan that fits your business - not someone else’s.Topics and timings in this episode:0.20 - Episode outline and what to expect.0.35 - About the 2026 Pet Business Content Planner.1.45 - What is the event all about and why the online event I’m running is different in articulating what you’re really charging for.3.20 - Why the event is about having time and space to work out what you want for 2026.4.20 - The structure of the event, timings and what will be covered.5.00 - Benefits of the Planner Club (the event is part of this)6.51 - Why the event isn’t about teaching, it’s space for you to think about the year ahead.7.30 - The problem with using someone’s system.8.30 - Why keeping it simple can be key for figuring out what’s right for you?8.50 - Rachel Vigers from Rock Consulting and her framework - Direction, Connection, Impact and Differentiation.9.30 - How different ways of communication work for different personalities.11.22 - Why I won’t be starting a YouTube channel or going on TikTok.12.30 - Why I don’t do video.13.50 - Why I want my event to be the opposite of the noise we hear about all the things we should be doing.14.16 - Who the event is not for.14.28 - Who the event is for.15.26 - Self-trust and why it’s the opposite of waiting for the magic bullet that will save your business.Quotes from this episode:“The problem with someone else’s system is - it’s someone else’s system. It might be amazing for them, but it doesn’t mean it’ll work for you.”“I don’t want to add more to your list. I want to help you focus on what you want to do next - without all the noise.”“This event isn’t about teaching or telling you what to do. It’s about giving you the space to think clearly about your 2026.”“Self-trust is the opposite of chasing trends. It’s knowing what’s right for you and building your business your way.”“I’m not going on YouTube. I’ve got false teeth, a broken nose, and a lifetime of insecurities - and I’m still building a business that works for me.”Links mentioned in this episode:Denise Duffield Thomas - What are you really charging for? https://www.denisedt.com/blog/what-are-you-really-charging-forShould you join my Planner Club? https://rachelspencer.co.uk/the-planner-club-pet-business/

Bleu Stessia is the founder of My Cat Grass - the UK’s only fully compliant producer of fresh cat grass.Back in 2018, Bleu had the idea to create his own grass after Monty, his British Shorthair, suffered from intestinal problems caused by his thick coat. Determined to find something to help him, Bleu decided to try cat grass, and started growing it on his windowsill to support Monty’s digestion, and found it made a huge difference.Then friends and family asked him to supply cat grass for their pets, and he started exploring what it might be like to turn it into a business.Now, eight years later, Bleu has supported cats and their families all over the world in living healthier, happier lives.He’s campaigned for cat grass to be recognised as a pet food, worked with vets, DEFRA, the Food Standards Agency and so much more and he’s on a mission to improve feline nutrition.In this episode, Bleu talks about how stepped away from a career in IT to start My Cat Grass and the many hurdles he’s overcome. He talks about the years of research, the legislation challenges, and the utter determination it took to build a brand grounded in science, ethics, and care.Plus, his drive to raise standards across the industry, the rise of indoor cat ownership, and why putting cats’ wellbeing ahead of profit has always been his guiding principle.You’ll find all the links to connect with Bleu at the end of these show notes.Topics and timings in this episode0.20 - What to expect from this episode.2.04 - Bleu’s background and how he came up with the idea to make My Cat Gras.4.27 - Monty, the British Short Haired cat who inspired My Cat Grass.8.10 - What it was like to go from supplying friends and family to creating a business.13.31 - Navigating legislation and the steps Bleu went through to make sure the claims he made were scientific and that the the product was exactly as he wanted it to be.15.41 - The benefits of cat grass.22.49 - How the changes in cat lifestyle, for example more cats living indoors since lockdown, has impacted on My Cat Grass and cat health in general. 27.35 - Bleu’s hopes to work with other pet professionals now the work around having My Cat Grass defined as a pet food is complete.31.02 - Why it was so important to ensure the product was safe, organic and defined accurately. 35.19 - The Cat Show Live, events and getting the word out there about My Cat Grass. 36.51 - What it’s been like meeting cat owners.39.17 - Bleu’s experience talking about My Cat Grass at the PIF Business of Pets event.41.16 - The next challenge, working with pet stores to stock My Cat Grass.43.16 - What it’s been like meeting pet store owners and the response he’s had.51. 51 - What’s next for Bleu and My Cat Grass.57.11 - Why Bleu was so determined to make sure he did it right, despite the costs and battles, and why he chose to take the path that benefited cats in the long run.58.53 - Where to find out more about Bleu and his work.Links mentioned in this episode: Find out more about Bleu and My Cat Grass on his website: https://mycatgrass.co.uk/Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mycatgrass/Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mycatgrass/Connect with Bleu on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bleu-stessia-6b394967/Further reading/listening a...

Gemma Stocks is the founder of The Herbal Dog Co - the biggest pet brand on TikTok which she built after making natural products for her own dogs at home.It all started back in 2017, when she was struggling to find natural solutions to treat skin problems for her own pets and began making concoctions for her poorly rescue dogs Benson and Lola from her kitchen table.Gemma was working in hospitality, and had an interest in health brands for humans and wondered what it might be like to do the same for pets.Wanting to do the best for her own dogs, she started experimenting with natural remedies and raw feeding, learning about herbs after work and building a range that now has a huge following across the UK.Gemma talks about how being dyslexic and having ADHD has shaped how she runs her business - from her simple messaging to making sure no customer ever feels stupid or isolated.We also chat about TikTok - how she said no to Dragon’s Den, then later joined TikTok Shop after being approached by someone who used to work on the show. She talks about going live when no one was watching, the behind-the-scenes graft, and why being consistent when it was the last thing she wanted to do led to making £1million on the platform.Plus, why she thinks self-care sometimes looks like trashy romance novels, and why making mistakes is something to be proud of.All the links to connect with Gemma and find out more are at the end of this post, and you can listen to the full interview using the player link below.Topics and timings in this episode: 0.20 - What to expect from this episode.1.36 - Gemma on how she went about creating the Holland and Barratt of the pet world and how her business grew.3.40 - How Gemma learned about food as medicines through her old role working restaurants and hospitality.4.10 - Doing her own DIY raw feeding and supplements for her own dogs and how this led her to explore her own solutions.7.08 - Finding her customer base and talking in layman’s terms to her customers who are trying to figure out what’s best for their dogs.9.56 - How Gemma connected with a former vet and herbalist to ensure what she was creating was the best she could offer.11.38 - Regulation and the supplement industry for pets.13.02 - Connecting the dots between the trends in human spending and matching this with the change in how we were treating our pets.16.17 - Juggling her day job with running her new brand.18.54 - Using what she learned from her old role to build an audience and community, working with groomers and people in the pet industry and growing the Herbal Dog Co.23.22 - Having her first office/warehouse at the back of a friend’s pet shop, and taking on her first employee Hazel.28.55 - How the team has grown since and how she maintains morale with her staff.34.51 - The ways Gemma brings her company culture and behind the scenes at The Herbal Dog Co into her content.41.33 - Why Gemma’s own experience of being dyslexic growing up shapes the way she communicates with her audience.46.22 - Choosing TikTok shop over Dragon’s Den and how Gemma chose to take a leap of faith on the video platform which led to her making £1 million!57.21 - What else has worked for Gemma in raising the profile of The Herbal Dog Co.1.06.21 - Gemma on her biggest mistakes.1.12.03 - The self-care steps Gemma follows.1.16.02 - How Gemma is now supporting other brands who want to learn about TikTok.1.17.53 - Where to learn more and connect with Gemma. Links mentioned in this episode: Watch Gemma's video of Gigi settling in: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DOfymFFjSf1/?igsh=Zm95d2t5OWs1bDg1Visit The

Key topics and timings in this episode: 0.20 - What to expect from this episode and the chat with Kirsty.1.41 - Kirsty on her background in the pet industry.2.47 - How Kirsty went from running her hydrotherapy business to creating her own tool.3.54 - Deciding to sell her business and change direction.5.18 - How her experience shaped what she’s made with Pet Biz AI.8.00 - Getting her head round technology as a business owner who has dyslexia.11.01 - Kirsty’s advice for people who might be wary of AI.15.01 - What the Pet Biz Ai system looks like.20.00 - Taking the pressure off yourself to keep up.21.45 - Using Q and A to make sure the AI overviews pick up on your content.24.49 - How pet professionals can utilise AI search, Reddit and reels to be found.27.04 - Ways businesses are using Pet Biz AI.31.50 - Other ways AI can help in life from counselling to trading standards complaints!34.28 - How context windows work.37.46 - The importance of the personal touch and putting your personality and tone of voice in your content.42.35 - How hallucinations work and making sure you check the AI output.45.09 - Treating AI like an intern not an equal.47.52 - Kirsty’s thoughts on the future of AI for pet professionals and how it can make life easier.51.39 - What’s next for Kirsty and how to get in touch.Links mentioned in this episode:Kirsty on why winning awards will help your pet business grow.How ChatGPT, TikTok and Shopify are the new gatekeepers podcast with Natasha Courtenay Smith. Links mentioned in this episode:Connect with Kirsty on her website: Pet Biz AI websitePet Business Content Planner & CompanionFollow Kirsty on LinkedInFurther reading/listening on this topicKirsty on why winning awards will help your pet business grow.How ChatGPT, TikTok and Shopify are the new gatekeepers podcast with Natasha Courtenay Smith.Key takeaways from the Business of Pets Conference 2025 Download my free social media calendar 10 ways to use ChatGPT to make your life easier (this post is from 2023)

Running a pet business is full-on, and when it comes to planning, it can feel like yet another thing on your never-ending to-do list. That’s exactly why I created the Pet Business Content Planner - and this year I’ve created more support to help you use it, The Planner Club.If you’ve clicked on this episode, chances are you’ve either grabbed a copy of the 2026 planner already or you’re thinking about it. Maybe you love the idea of being organised and consistent with your marketing - but also know you need a bit of structure and support to make it happen.This podcast will help you figure out whether the planner club is right for you. I’ll walk you through what’s included, how it works, and what you’ll walk away with by the end of the year.Topics and timings:0.42 - About the Pet Business Content Planner.1.30 - New things in the Pet Business Content Planner for 2026.2.38 - Why I decided to create The Pet Business Planner Club to go alongside the planner. 3.10 - What the Planner Club will help you do.3.46 - What you get in the Planner Club.4.35 - Online Planning Event.5.10 - How the quarterly planning sessions work. 6.55 - How the coworking mornings work.8.16 - Tracy Brind on her thoughts on the online coworking.9.00 - Days for the coworking morning.9.40 - Why I’m capping the Planner Club at 50 seats.10.09 - Who the Planner Club is for and not for.10.43 - Discounts for Pets Get Visible members.11.21 - Why I’m separating planning from coaching for 2026.11.45 - My background and credentials as a coach.12.05 - What’s inside Pets Get Visible.13.19 - Why I’m putting up my prices for Pets Get Visible for 2026.13.55 - Where to go to join the Planner Club or Pets Get Visible.Links mentioned in this episode:Should you buy my pet business planner? https://rachelspencer.co.uk/should-you-buy-pet-business-content-planner/Buy a planner: https://rachelspencer.co.uk/product/pet-business-content-planner/Join the Planner Club here: https://rachelspencer.co.uk/product/pet-business-planner-bundle/Find out more about Pets Get Visible: https://rachelspencer.co.uk/pets-get-visible-right-for-you/Learn more about Kate from Finbo Studio: https://finbostudio.co.uk/

Claire Harris is the founder of Pets 2 Places - the UK’s first pet taxi franchise and talks about why she's on a mission to educate owners about pet travel safety.Her business started back in 2014 when Claire had the idea to make a taxi service for pets, and with a £10 phone and a handful of leaflets.She was supporting elderly people in her old role in another business, and was asked about helping get pets to the vets.Claire gave the concept of ‘Pets to Vets’ a try, walked round vets with her leafets, and her business expanded, rebranded to Pets2Places in Milton Keynes and has grown into a national business helping people and their pets travel safely.As well as transporting animals, Claire feels so passionately about making sure when they’re travelling, pets are safe, and created Pet Travel Safety Day to educate owners around doing their best for their pets when they’re in the car.This happens every July 1st, the day wearing seatbelts became compulsory, and now Claire is working on creating her own crash tested travel equipment for pets and has become one of the UK’s leading campaigners for pet travel safety.She talks about the lack of proper safety standards when she started out, and how she taught herself everything from scratch, plus how being visible has helped.  All the links to connect with Claire and learn more about her work and Pet Travel Safety mission are at the end of this post. Key quotes in this episode: “People don’t know what they don’t know. I used unsafe equipment at first because there was nowhere to learn from. That’s why I now share what I’ve learned.”“I want people to look at their dog and ask: ‘Would I want to crash in a car like that?’ Because that’s what we’re putting them through.”“I started with a £10 phone and a top-up card. Now I’ve created a franchise, designed a safety product and started a national campaign. It’s grown because I believe in it.”“This business is about more than pets - it’s about people. Some of the clients we support haven’t left their house in months. We’re a lifeline.”“I didn’t set out to be a campaigner, but I couldn’t ignore what I was seeing. Once you know better, you have to do better.”“Being visible has helped me reach more people - but it’s also helped me stay accountable to my mission.”Topics and timings in this episode0.20 - Introduction to the episode.2.28 - How Claire’s Pets2Places business happened by accident.7.12 - What is was like starting out and how Claire went round her local vets with leaflets and her business grew. 11.22 - What travel equipment was like when Claire started out and what she’s learned. 14.36 - What set Claire off on her mission to learn about pet travel safety, and how she went about building her expertise in the area.19.11 -  What the law says about pet travel (and what’s missing).21.16 - Claire’s education and awareness work and Pet Travel Safety Day on July 1st.23.54 - What Claire’s taxis look like when it comes to equipment and keeping the animals she cares for safe.25.43 - The impact of being in an accident with an animal and how dangerous unrestrained pets in the car can be.27.30 - Some of the experiences Claire has heard of with animals being loose and the tragedies that can happen.30.05 - Claire’s plans to create crash tested ISO standard travel equipment for animals and her work campaigning for the government to take Pet Travel Safety more seriously.32.05 - Member story from Sarah Jones from My Anxious Dog.33.07 - Claire’s frustration that animals are ignored when it comes to travelling safely when we’re a nation of pet lovers. 34.11 - Her recommendations for pet owners who want to make sure their dog is safe.36.02 - The problem with the market at the...

Are you thinking of buying my Pet Business Content Planner?In this episode, I’m talking all about why I created it, who it’s for, and how it can help you.This planner is designed specifically for pet business owners to make marketing easier, build confidence, and help you stay organised.I’ll walk you through its features, like monthly content prompts, goal-setting tools, coaching exercises and practical resources that can help grow your visibility and connect with your audience.If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by putting your pet business out there or struggled to stay consistent with your content, this episode has inspiration and actionable ideas to support you.I’ll also mention The Planner Club, where you can join in an online planning day, plus quarterly planning sessions and coworking mornings to help you make 2026 your most visible year yet.Key topics and timings:0.20 – What to expect from this episode.0.42 - Things to buy instead of the planner if you're not going to use it!1.15 – Why I created the Pet Business Content Planner and what’s inside: content prompts, goal setting and support tools.1.45 - How the planner brings together all I have learned from working with clients since 2019.2.30 - How the Planner Club can help you keep on top of planning.3.10 - What the Planner is like and updates for 2025.3.49 - What a typical month looks like. 4.19 - How the awareness day section works in planning and getting your business noticed.5.08 - Goal setting each month, the paws and reflect section and quarterly planning sections.6.30 - The Words for When section for example, words for when the Peer Fear strikes.9.28 - Who the planner is for?10.37 - Planner review from Sarah from Berkshire Dog Training.11.31 - Who the planner is not for.13.10 - The importance of finding your own voice as a pet professional.14.20 - How the planner can help you.17.39 – Overview of what’s new for 2026.19.47 – Introducing The Planner Club and how it works.23.47 – StreetVet fundraiser – how planner sales will support the charity.Links mentioned in this episode: The planner on its own for £40: https://rachelspencer.co.uk/product/pet-business-content-planner/Or bundle it with The Planner Club and get a ticket to my online planning event and support all year round: https://rachelspencer.co.uk/product/pet-business-planner-bundle/Connect with me on social media: @rachelspencerukStreetVet Charity: streetvet.org.ukCharlotte Faith (UK templates): caninemarketingsupport.co.ukBella Vasta (US templates): jumpconsulting.netFurther reading and listeningHow to create a social media calendar for your pet business The importance of looking back to see how far you've come 10 ideas for using awareness days that aren't all social media

Gemma Glover is the co-founder of The Pet Carpenter, a family business creating beautiful, bespoke pet furniture that looks good in your home and supports your pet’s wellbeing.The brand began during the pandemic when her brother Harry, a carpenter, was asked to make a pet bedroom - and from that first piece, the idea quickly grew.In this episode, Gemma shares how they turned a chance request into a thriving business, the impact of going viral on Instagram, and how they’ve dealt with trolls, copycats, and even a devastating fire in their first year.She also talks about their campaigns around crate confidence, the collaborations that have strengthened their message, and the lessons she’s learned about marketing, customer service, and staying true to your values.If you’ve ever wondered how to grow a product-based business with heart, this conversation is packed with inspiration.Key topics and timings in this episode: 0.20 - What to expect from this episode.2.27 - How The Pet Carpenter started as an accident in the pandemic.5.15 - Gemma shares how the business grew from that first pet bedroom to a workshop and running a team and the different things they did to reach people about the new products.8.02 - How they coped with a devastating fire at their workshop and starting all over again.10.39 - What life is like behind the scenes at The Pet Carpenter.12.51 - What it’s like to have rapid growth and go viral plus coping with trolls.15.05 - The Pet Carpenter campaigns and how Gemma plans and implements them. 17.51 - How to make meaningful collaborations happen.21.05 - Instagram and how Gemma has worked on the platform.23.08 - Using campaigns and conversations to stand out. 26.04 - Strategies for reaching different types of audiences.29.12 - Trying different platforms for marketing.32.53 - What it was like presenting at the PIF Business of Pets Innovation Prize 2025.34.36 - Making the decision to be a lead generation website rather than buy off the shelf.39.31 - The non-negotiable tasks Gemma does to keep her business moving forward.45.22 - How Gemma navigates working with influencers and dealing with cheeky requests.47.39 - How pet professionals and other brands can work with Gemma.51.27 - Coping with challenges, from copycats to mean influencers.57.57 - Trademarking and how Gemma has protected her brand. 59.53 - Gemma’s self-care go-tos.1.01.39 - What’s next for The Pet Carpenter and how to get in touch.Links mentioned in this episode: https://www.thepetcarpenter.co.ukInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepetcarpenter/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thepetcarpenterYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thepetcarpenterTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thepetcarpenterPinterest: https://uk.pinterest.com/thepetcarpenter/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gemglover

When Victor Carpio rescued a tiny kitten from a sewer in Peru, he had no idea it would lead to him inventing a product that would help thousands of cats all over the world live healthier lives.Victor is the founder of Inventorcat and the creator of the Dental Wand - which is a toothbrush and fun play toy for cats.The inspiration came from his own cat, Lilo, who he’d adopted after rescuing him that night in Peru.Victor wanted to be the best cat dad, and it was when he learned that he should have been brushing Lilo’s teeth and hadn’t that he decided he wanted to change.And when he tried to find something so he could brush his cat’s teeth and struggled, he decided he’d try to find a solution himself. What came next was years of research, prototypes, testing, and feedback - and ultimately to the product he pitched to the Dragons on BBC’s Dragon’s Den.In this episode, Victor talks about that eureka moment to launching his business, facing resistance in the industry, navigating burnout and personal challenges, and growing Inventorcat into a brand that will improve the lives of cats all over the world.We also chat about what it’s like to go against the grain, build something new in an industry that doesn’t always welcome change, and why he’s so passionate about making life better for cats - and the people who love them.Topics and timings in this episode: 0.20 - What to expect from this episode.2.01 - Victor on his role in the pet industry.4.35 - The story of rescuing Lilo in Peru.8.24 - Discovering the challenges of brushing cats’ teeth.11.55 - Victor’s background in business and innovation.15.02 - Turning an idea into a real product.20.30 - From bristle glove to Dental Wand. 24.40 - Market research and the reality of cat dental care.28.51 - Educating cat owners and working with other people in the pet industry.30.25 - What it was like to be on Dragon’s Den and how he thought he was going to faint before they opened the ‘lift doors.’35.02 - How speaking about the why and values behind his product meant that Deborah and Peter became his cheerleaders live on the show.38.04 - What it’s meant for Victor, moving from DTC to B2B thanks to the exposure from being on TV.41.43 - Shifting to working with large retailers, shows and exporters.43.10 - Being taken seriously with industry experts and bodies like the British Veterinary Dental Association. 44.05 - How awards help with credibility.46.14 - Why 2025 is the year of the cat and how the industry is now seeing that cats have different needs and products.49.03 - How pet professionals can support change. 53.07 - How pet pros can use their own community when they want to carry out research as well as local community groups.55.13 - The things Victor has done which have been against the grain, and how it worked for him. 59.16 - What’s next for Inventorcat and how to connect with Victor.Links mentioned in this episode: Find out more about Inventorcat on their website: https://www.inventorcat.co.uk/Connect with Victor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victorcarpio/Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/inventorcatcareFind Inventorcat on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inventor_catOn TikTok:

Just two years ago Kate Hart was making scentwork kits as a treat for her dog training clients and now she's sending them out to dogs all over the world.Kate's gadgets and goodies went down so well that she decided to make them as a 'side hustle,' with her engineer husband Marcus and created a workshop at their home in Bristol. In this episode, Kate talks about how she became a dog trainer after a terrifying accident where she broke both her legs, and then specialising in scentwork.She talked about what it's like to follow a bit of a hunch when you might be onto something which is exactly what happened with her scentwork kits.We talk about lots of the tough stuff that happens as you try to build something new, and how Kate has coped with rapid growth and success.Plus awards, visibility, the kind of support that has helped her, and why it is ok to get excited about what you do, because people will pick up on that and get excited for you, and when that happens, good things come.I LOVED this conversation so much and I hope you do too. All the links to learn more about Kate are at the bottom of this post. Key topics and timings in this episode: 0.20 - Episode overview.1.23 - How Kate found herself working as a dog trainer. 3.50 - How a life changing industry led her to have a career change from her old life as a nurse and researcher in the NHS.6.46 - What it was like to start again with a new career as a dog trainer.7.45 - Using her experience in the NHS to build relationships and using her transferable skills.9.23 - What helped Kate when it came to growing her dog training business.13.36 - Kate’s lightbulb moment and why she decided to niche into scent work and making her own products which she tested on her own clients.18.20 - Behind the scenes in Kate and Marcus’ Sniffer Shop warehouse.23.19 - Testing out her products with her six Labradors and how the Sniffer Shop has grown.25.04 - What it was like going from making products as a side hustle to having an actual brand and bringing ‘Nose Joy for Dogs’ to life.27.07 - Exhibiting at Edition Dog Live and meeting her customers.32.18 - What Kate has learned from growing very quickly and the importance of goal setting and forward planning. 35.50 - The importance of trusting your gut.37.20 - What’s helped during the challenging times.38.35 - Pets Get Visible review from Heather Stevens.39.55 - Kate’s highlights from the last two years.42.24 - The volume of products Kate is now sending out!43.55 - The joys of getting videos of dogs enjoying her products.45.12 - Why sharing your passion is important.48.41 - How Kate feels about being visible now.51.50 - What’s next for Kate. Links mentioned in this episode:Find out more about The Sniffer Shop: https://thesniffershop.co.uk/Follow Kate on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesniffershopConnect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesniffershopVisit her dog training website: https://www.myhartdog.co.uk/Kate trained with UK Sniffer Dogs - learn more here: https://www.uksnifferdogs.com/Kate used Finbo Studio for her branding - check them out here: https://finbostudio.co.uk/Further...

Jo Scott is a dog artist, illustrator and creative business owner whose work now reaches people all over the world.Yet just over a decade ago, Jo was working in corporate and dreaming of creating her own greetings cards, something that had been at the back of her mind since Uni.Her business began with a single portrait, drawn as a birthday gift for her mother-in-law where just wanted to see if she could capture the likeness of a dog she loved. That one drawing led to another… and eventually to a full career change in her 40s with Jo following the first career path she’d ever considered.Jo talks about moving on from a high-pressure office job, building a creative business she loves and where she can work from anywhere, including while she's off on adventures in her motorhome.She shares how she found her people through Substack and email, how she shows up online in a way that feels right to her, and van life with husband Dean and dog Tomasina.We talk about creative burnout, comparison, and why it’s OK not to chase massive income numbers or shiny objects.Jo's cards are on sale on prestigious sites like Thortful and Moonpig, meaning she gets portrait orders from all over the world, and she works with small retailers, sells from her own site and at events.If you’ve ever had a niggling idea that won’t go away - or wondered if it’s too late to do something completely different and follow your dreams, you’ll love Jo’s story.Key quotes from this episode“I drew my mother-in-law’s dog for her birthday - just to see if I could—and that one drawing changed everything.”“I didn’t need a business that made me feel stressed or boxed in. I wanted one that gave me space to breathe.”“With Substack, I’ve found a way to communicate that I love. I started writing emails and people were replying saying, ‘This feels like you’re inside my head.’”“Being in the motorhome showed me I could live slower, work differently—and not miss the old version of success.”“You get to be the kind of artist - or business owner - you want to be. It doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s.”“It’s never too late to do something different. You can absolutely start again, and do it your way.”Key takeawaysJo’s first dog portrait was drawn for her mother-in-law’s birthday - and sparked a total career change.She built her pet-themed art business slowly, alongside other work, without pressure to scale quickly.She connects with her audience and builds relationships through email and Substack, not social media trends and values working with other artists.Choosing to live and work from a motorhome gave her clarity on how she wanted her life to feel like and what ‘enough’ is for her.Jo’s story is proof that it’s never too late to do something you love, and you don’t need to be everywhere and running yourself ragged to make an impact.Topics and timings in this episode1.30 - Jo’s first dog portrait and how it all began4.10 - Why art was always her thing (and what took her away from it)7.30 - Moving from a creative agency career to working for herself10.15 - Starting over in her 40s and building a pet-themed business14.20 - Creating her first greeting cards and finding her niche17.40 - Building confidence and showing up online in her own voice21.00 - Finding her people through email and Substack26.10 - What helped her stop comparing herself to other creatives30.00 - Choosing slow growth and redefining success35.15 - Jo’s motorhome life and how she’s experiencing a different pace of business41.00 - Creating from joy instead of pressure45.20 - Selling at events like Crufts and what Jo has learned from in person shows and learning as she went49.10 - Creative burnout and how she protects...

Clayton Payne is a pet industry expert who’s been in the trade for over three decades – and who’s built one of the UK’s most well-known and well-respected wholesale businesses from scratch.He shares what it was like starting out as a young lad knocking on doors trying to get products into shops, how he built a business that turned over millions, and why staying real and relatable has been such a big part of his success.Clayton also talks about what it’s like to be hated and not taken seriously, and how he pushed forward and learned not to care what people thought about him, to the point where he says he ‘loved’ being disliked.We talk about the highs and lows of running a business in the pet industry, being consistent and reliable, and how the sector has changed since he started out in the 90s, especially when it comes to social media, brand building, and visibility.Clayton also speaks about his own challenges, including overcoming alcohol addiction in his early twenties, how he still experiences imposter syndrome, and the toll success can take behind the scenes.If you want to know what it’s like growing a pet business that stands the test of time - and what it means to be a disruptor - you will love this conversation.All the links to connect and learn more from Clayton, plus how to tune into his brilliant Pet Business Disruptors podcast are at the bottom of this post.Topics and timings in this episode:1.00 - Introduction to Clayton and his background. 3.00 - Growing up in the pet industry and early career. 6.45 - Creating and scaling a successful wholesale business. 9.30 - Disrupting the natural treat industry in the UK. 12.00 - How the industry has evolved since the 90s. 15.10 - Why it’s harder (and easier) for brands today. 18.00 - Supporting challenger brands and working with agility. 21.30 - Breaking through and being taken seriously in the early years. 24.20 - The impact of a major competitor going under – and how it led to huge growth. 27.15 - Why service and reliability matter more than price. 29.00 - Showing up for your customers and staying consistent. 31.00 - Dealing with rejection and staying resilient. 33.10 - How tailoring your approach to each pet shop can improve your chances. 35.20 - Is your product truly viable for retail? A reality check for small brands. 39.15 - How challenger brands can approach route to market and minimum orders. 41.45 - Why the Pet Business Disruptors podcast was created. 43.00 - Imposter syndrome and showing up as yourself. 45.00 - How authenticity and personality became a strength. 48.30 - Being disliked by the industry – and why that’s not always a bad thing. 52.00 - The importance of staying focused on the right people. 54.15 - How travel helped with perspective and resilience. 56.30 - Life now – consultancy, the podcast and new opportunities. 58.45 - The impact of long-term sobriety and recovery. 62.30 - How being sober supercharged business success. 65.00 - The myth of perfect timing – why it's never too late to do what you want. 67.00 - Market shifts in 2025 – the rise of premium cat products. 68.30 - What’s changing with AI, SEO and e-commerce. 69.30 - What it takes to be a true disrupter.Links mentioned in this episode: Download the new content calendar: http://rachelspencer.co.uk/calendarConnect with Clayton on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clayton-payne-a6772244/On Apple Podcasts: a...

Are you thinking of joining my Pets Get Visible membership?If so, this podcast episode is for you. Inside you’ll learn what the membership is, the different elements inside of it, and what’s in it for you if you join.Plus hear from member Nina share their experience of being part of it.If you know you’re ready to join, here’s the link:  https://publicityforpetbusinesses.mykajabi.com/pets-get-visibleUse PGV50 at checkout to get your first month for £15 and it's £30 a month afterwards. Key topics and timings in this episode0.43 - this week's topic - my Pets Get Visible membership.2.30 - Why I created the membership to support people with a mix of coaching and visibilty training.3.28 - Changing my focus from press coverage to coaching.3.45 - The importance of confidence building and why I trained as an accredited coach to ILM Level 7 and Level 5 in Coaching and Mentoring. 5.10 - The different elements of the membership, coaching calls, workshops, member socials, resource library, coworking calls, learning library and Facebook group. 10.21- What happens on the co-working calls.10.50 - Nina Fotara from Confident Canine Dog Training talks about the co-working sessions.12.47 - How the coaching call works.14.56 - How the member socials work.15.35 - The Facebook group and what to expect in the community when it comes to support.16.00 - Common questions about the membership. 16.30 - Who the membership is for. 16.51 - Who the membership is not for. 18.55 - Final thoughts.19.39 - How to get in touch if you'd like to join - email rachel@rachelspencer.co.uk or find me on social media @rachelspenceruk.Links mentioned in this episodeHere's the link for your first month half price: https://publicityforpetbusinesses.mykajabi.com/offers/7Hvpvxzr/checkout?coupon_code=PGV50If you want to join, head to the sign-up page here: https://publicityforpetbusinesses.mykajabi.com/pets-get-visibleOnce you've registered, you'll have instant access, and you'll be invited to the members' Facebook community. Any questions, let me know and it would be great to see you thereFurther listening if you found this helpfulWhy I trained as a coach and what this means for your pet businessThe Trust Equation and how to use it to build trust in your pet business What’s your pet business culture and why it mattersNavigating the rollercoaster of running your own pet businessGetting comfortable, confident and consistent in your pet business marketing