In this episode of the Overdog Podcast, Fern welcomes Candace D’Agnolo, founder of Pet Boss Nation, for an engaging discussion about how pet business owners can evaluate and optimize their operations. Candace shares her journey from running multiple brick-and-mortar pet businesses to becoming a dedicated business coach. Together, they explore strategies for auditing business practices, addressing pain points, and streamlining operations to build sustainable growth. From employee drama to financial challenges, Candace offers actionable insights drawn from her real-world experience.

Gain valuable takeaways on the importance of systems, employee handbooks, and core values in creating a thriving business culture. Candace also highlights the benefits of tackling the personal growth of business owners, emphasizing self-reflection and leadership development.

In this episode of the Overdog Podcast, Fern invites Krista Lofquist, owner of Wagging Tails in Connecticut, to discuss her unique journey and the exciting addition of dock diving as a service at her facilities. Krista shares her evolution from starting as a solo dog walker to managing three thriving pet resort locations. This service not only enhances the experience for boarding and daycare clients but also draws competitive dock diving enthusiasts from across the region.

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

In this episode of the Overdog Podcast, we dive into how pet businesses can make 2025 their best year yet. We’ll talk about how to evaluate the past year—assessing everything from key performance indicators to customer and staff feedback—to identify strengths and opportunities for growth. From setting SMART goals to creating a motivating vision for your business, this episode is all about giving pet care providers the tools and mindset needed to thrive.

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

No matter what stage your business is in, it’s always a good idea to begin with the end in mind—which, in the pet industry, often means the eventual sale of your business. Even if you don’t plan on selling anytime soon, it’s important to understand what you need to do to maintain an appealing business that someone would want to buy—because you never know.

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

Running a dog daycare or boarding business can be incredibly rewarding, but it also comes with unique stresses—long hours, emotional demands, and the constant pressure to grow and succeed. In this episode, we’re diving into why taking care of your mental health isn’t just good for you—it’s essential for your business. From the impact of stress on decision-making and relationships to the physical toll it can take, we’ll explore why self-care should be at the top of your priority list.

You’ll also walk away with actionable strategies to manage stress, set boundaries, and build resilience to handle future challenges. Learn how to incorporate daily habits that foster mental well-being, delegate tasks effectively, and tap into the power of community and support. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed or just looking for ways to fortify yourself for the road ahead, this episode is packed with tips to help you thrive—not just survive—in the pet business world.

Today we’re diving into the impact of employee morale on pet resorts and how creating a positive work environment can lead to a better company culture, higher retention rates, and an overall thriving business. Our special guest, Laurie Yost from Playful Pups Retreat, shares her personal journey to boosting team morale by adding simple but heartfelt touches of appreciation that transformed her staff’s experience. Laurie’s approach began with handwritten notes to her team, acknowledging their efforts and the unique strengths they bring to the table. What started as an experiment quickly turned into a core element of her management style, helping her build a workplace where employees feel valued and motivated to give their best.

Laurie’s success with these personal notes inspired her to create her own pet industry-specific cards, making the practice of showing appreciation a regular and meaningful part of her company’s culture. Now, handwritten cards are a celebrated tradition at Playful Pups Retreat, where each card serves as a tangible reminder of gratitude and respect for each team member’s hard work. This thoughtful approach has not only helped Laurie retain great staff but also attracted like-minded individuals who appreciate the supportive and uplifting environment she’s fostered.

In this episode of the Overdog Podcast, we’re joined by Jeff Adney from TWC, a leading expert in designing and building pet care facilities. We dive deep into the essential best practices for creating a functional and attractive space that meets the unique needs of dog daycare and boarding businesses. Whether you’re launching a new facility or expanding an existing one, Jeff shares insights on zoning requirements, architectural planning, and securing the right funding to bring your vision to life.

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

Discover how to organize your pet care facility for maximum effectiveness. Alex Varney, VP of Operations at Pinnacle Pets walks you through how to identify and resolve the inefficiencies in your daily operations that hinder your team's performance and those that lead to chaos and customer dissatisfaction. In addition, you’ll gain insights into creative problem-solving techniques to streamline processes, enhance efficiency, and improve clarity for your team.