Pet Sitter Confessional is the go-to podcast for pet sitters who want to grow, learn, and feel seen. Having run a pet sitting and dog walking business since 2012, Meghan and Collin share the real, behind-the-scenes life of professional pet sitting—from funny mishaps and tough lessons to business insights and personal stories. Each week, they also interview fellow sitters and industry pros to explore what it really takes to thrive in pet care. Whether you're just starting out or a seasoned pro, you'll find support, inspiration, and a community that truly gets it. Your story belongs here, too!
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What kind of leader is your pet care business creating you to become? In this episode, we talk through five common leadership styles: the visionary, the operator, the servant leader, the coach, and the commander. We explore how each style shows up for solo sitters, team owners, clients, and employees. We also look at the strengths, weaknesses, and blind spots that come with each approach. As our businesses grow, we have to ask whether the style that helped us start is still the style we need moving forward.
Main topics:
Leading yourself first
Visionary leadership strengths
Systems versus people
Boundaries and burnout
Adapting leadership styles
Main takeaway: "The challenge is that most business owners continue using the same leadership style that helped them start the business, even when the business now needs something different."
That line's hard to hear, because what helped us survive the early days may not be enough to sustain the next stage. As a solo sitter, our leadership might look like discipline, boundaries, and client communication. As our business grows, leadership starts to include culture, accountability, delegation, and developing other people. The goal is not to label one style as good or bad, but to understand our strengths and our blind spots. Our business may need a different version of our leadership than it did a year ago.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Pet Sitter Confessional, its hosts, or sponsors. We interview individuals based on their experience and expertise within the pet care industry. Any statements made outside of this platform, or unrelated to the topic discussed, are solely the responsibility of the guest.
709: Are You Prepared for the Emotional Weight of Pet Care with Jen Latter
Episode 709
Wednesday, June 17, 2026 • Duration 53:19
What does it truly mean to care for pets at their most vulnerable stages of life? In this episode, we talk with Jen Latter, owner of Nanna Jens Services, about her journey from nursing into holistic pet care and how that shapes her approach today. We explore the emotional labor involved in working with senior, disabled, and end-of-life pets, and why boundaries are essential in this deeply personal work. We also discuss how trust is built through consistency, communication, and professionalism. This conversation will challenge you to think more deeply about the responsibility and impact of the care you provide.
Main topics:
Emotional labor in pet care
Caring for senior and disabled pets
Building trust through consistency
Setting professional boundaries clearly
Holistic pet care and Reiki
Main takeaway: "Boundaries are essential, especially when working in clients' homes."
Boundaries are not a barrier to great service—they're what make great service possible. In pet care, we're invited into people's homes, their routines, and their most vulnerable moments. Without clear boundaries, it's easy for expectations to blur and for burnout to follow. But when you clearly define what you do—and what you don't—you create stability. You protect your energy. And you give your clients confidence in the care you provide. Boundaries don't push clients away. They build trust, clarity, and professionalism.
About our guest: Jen Latter is the founder of Nanna Jen Services, an award-recognized holistic in-home pet care business based in Queensland, Australia. With over 50 years of experience caring for animals and a background in nursing, she specializes in senior, disabled, and anxious pets. Jen integrates holistic practices such as animal Reiki and massage into her services to promote calm and well-being. As a solo operator, she is dedicated to providing consistent, one-on-one care that builds deep trust with both pets and their families.
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700: How Fast Can You Reset After a Business Hit?
Episode 700
Monday, May 18, 2026 • Duration 43:51
What do you do when one hard moment in your business is immediately followed by another? In this episode, we talk about the emotional whiplash of client terminations, employee resignations, complaints, and unexpected problems that stack before we have time to recover. We explore why the real cost often isn't the trigger itself, but the reactive decisions we make while still charged. We walk through a simple framework: acknowledge what happened, strategize the next operational step, and refuse to absorb the event into your identity. For pet care business owners, reset speed is a trainable skill that helps us lead with clarity instead of panic.
Main topics:
Resetting after business hits
Emotional decision making risks
Acknowledge strategize don't absorb
Avoiding reactive leadership choices
Building mental recovery rhythms
Main takeaway:"The goal is to shrink the window between being hit and clear decision making"
The hard part of running a pet care business isn't just that problems happen. It's that they often happen back to back, before you've had time to breathe. A client complaint, an employee resignation, a difficult phone call, a bad review, or a schedule emergency can stack up fast. When that happens, the goal isn't to pretend you're fine or make every decision immediately. The goal is to acknowledge what happened, make the next clean operational move, and not turn one hard moment into a story about who you are as a leader. Reset speed is one of the most underrated skills in building a healthier, more sustainable pet care business.
Have you ever clung to a system simply because you built it? In this episode, we explore the IKEA effect—how emotional investment in our creations can unintentionally sabotage our pet care businesses. We unpack how pride and ownership can be both motivating and limiting, and how to know when it's time to evolve. With practical examples from scheduling tools to onboarding procedures, we offer tools to recognize when you're stuck. This is your invitation to build a better, more sustainable business—one that serves your clients, your team, and your future self.
Main Topics
The IKEA Effect in Business
Emotional Investment vs. Functionality
Feedback and Continuous Improvement
Delegation and Scalability
Building for the Future Buyer
Main Takeaway: The best businesses are built to serve others, not to preserve our ego.
As business owners, it's easy to get attached to what we've created—spreadsheets, policies, even how we onboard clients. But clinging to what we built just because we built it can hold us back. The real strength comes from evolving, replacing weak spots, and asking hard questions like, "Is this still working?" or "Would I build this the same way today?" When we hold our systems loosely and commit to serving others excellently, we make space for growth, joy, and lasting impact. Build for service, not ego.
609: Love 4 Dogs, Love for Community with Maricella Sauceda
Episode 609
Wednesday, July 2, 2025 • Duration 01:02:01
What does it take to start over and succeed in pet care—twice? After moving from Los Angeles to Canada, Maricella Sauceda launched Love 4 Dogs Pet Services from scratch, building it into a thriving solo operation. When betrayal and burnout led her to scale back and start fresh in a new town, she leaned on resilience, community, and clarity to move forward. From seasonal adventure hikes to enrichment walks for senior dogs, she shares how custom services and strong boundaries have helped her stay passionate and present. Her evolving journey—including a surprising recovery from a cat allergy—highlights the power of trusting your instincts and staying true to your purpose.
Main Topics
Starting over in a new country
Rebuilding after betrayal and burnout
Offering seasonal and custom services
Balancing business with community work
Overcoming health challenges to grow services
Main Takeaway: "I can reinvent myself again… because I've done it over and over."
Starting from scratch isn't a failure—it's proof that you're adaptable, capable, and strong. Maricella Sauceda's journey in pet care is a reminder that we're not defined by setbacks, but by our willingness to keep showing up, keep serving, and keep dreaming. Whether it's moving to a new country or recovering from betrayal, she proves that resilience and reinvention go hand in hand. If you've ever had to hit reset, this episode will inspire you to trust your experience and believe in your next chapter.
About our guest: Maricella Sauceda is the owner and founder of Love for Dogs Pet Services based in Aurora, Ontario, just north of Toronto. Originally from Los Angeles, she moved to Canada in 2009 with her two beloved rescue dogs, Tazz and Jazz (may they rest in peace), who were more than happy to make the cross-country journey by her side. After months of research and planning, she officially launched Love for Dogs in 2010—building the business from the ground up with determination and care.
Surrounded by animals her entire life, Maricella has a natural disposition that dogs and cats instinctively gravitate toward. As an only child, pets became her closest companions, a bond that still shapes her work today. She is certified in Pet CPR and has completed continuing education in Animal Behaviour and Welfare through the University of Edinburgh, and Dog Emotion and Cognition through Duke University.
608: Why You Shouldn't Skip Your Mid-Year Review
Episode 608
Monday, June 30, 2025 • Duration 26:33
How is your year going—really? In this episode, we share why doing a mid-year review is essential for personal and business clarity. We explore common reasons pet business owners avoid this process, from fear and overwhelm to unclear goals, and offer a practical roadmap to reflect, adjust, and move forward with purpose. We also dive into what to track, how to celebrate your progress, and how to simplify or pivot your goals. Mid-year is not just about performance—it's about direction, clarity, and peace of mind.
Main Topics
Mid-year business reviews
Setting and tracking goals
Common pitfalls and course correction
Simplifying services and processes
Emotional and personal business reflection
Main Takeaway: "Don't let fear or busyness keep you from taking stock in what you have done."
We get it—running a pet care business is non-stop. But pausing to reflect on your year so far is not just helpful, it's necessary. You deserve to know what's working, what's draining you, and what's truly worth continuing. A mid-year review isn't about shame—it's about clarity and intention. Celebrate your progress, make intentional adjustments, and move into the second half of the year with renewed purpose.
607: Sustainability, Stress, and Success with Wendy Mackay
Episode 607
Wednesday, June 25, 2025 • Duration 01:05:40
What does building a sustainable pet care business look like? Wendy Mackay, founder and owner of Pet Sitters Nelson, shares her 20-year journey from backpacking traveler to thriving business owner, offering a fresh look at how community involvement and flexibility can drive success. She dives into how she developed her signature services like "doggy day outs," and the power of group walks in rented paddocks. Wendy also opens up about facing burnout, overcoming serious health challenges, and reimagining her business to prioritize her well-being. Her story is a heartfelt reminder that pet care is about more than just animals—it's about people, purpose, and balance.
Main Topics:
• Building a business from scratch
• Community events and outreach
• Group dog walks in paddocks
• Burnout and stress management
• Flexible service pricing models
Main Takeaway: Business is business—it shouldn't be your whole life.
Wendy Mackay is the founder and owner of Pet Sitters Nelson, based in Nelson, New Zealand. Originally from England, Wendy moved to New Zealand over two decades ago and built her business from the ground up. Known for her innovative "doggy day out" adventures and deep community involvement, she has grown Pet Sitters Nelson into a team-based operation offering pet sitting, dog walking, and small animal boarding. Wendy is passionate about providing enriching experiences for pets while maintaining a strong work-life balance—especially after facing personal health challenges that reshaped how she views business and life.
About our guest:
Wendy Mackay is the owner of Pet Sitters Nelson, a pet care business based in Nelson, New Zealand. Originally from Nottingham, England, Wendy moved to New Zealand 22 years ago and discovered her passion for pet care after a friend introduced her to the concept of pet sitting. What started as a novel business idea in New Zealand has grown into a comprehensive pet care service that includes pet sitting, dog walking, and innovative "doggy day out" services. Wendy has been instrumental in building community awareness around professional pet care services in the Nelson area, organizing events and maintaining an active presence to connect with pet owners. As a business owner, Wendy has navigated significant challenges including market changes during COVID-19, increased competition, and personal health challenges including a breast cancer diagnosis. These experiences have shaped her approach to business, emphasizing the importance of work-life balance, setting boundaries, and building a reliable team to support service delivery. Wendy is known for her flexible approach to pricing and services, adapting to meet different client budgets and needs while maintaining high-quality care standards. Her journey demonstrates resilience in entrepreneurship and a commitment to providing exceptional pet care services to the Nelson community.
606: The Power of Both/And Thinking
Episode 606
Monday, June 23, 2025 • Duration 27:00
In today's pet care world, it's easy to fall into false choices — between daycare and in-home care, solo sitters and teams, enrichment and exercise, and more. But these false dichotomies often lead to confused clients, bad service matches, and needless infighting between pet professionals. In this episode, we explore the most common false dichotomies in pet care, how they show up in client conversations and marketing, and how we as pet sitters and dog walkers can communicate more clearly and provide better care by embracing nuance. Because in pet care, it's rarely either/or — and pets deserve better.
Main Topics:
False dichotomies in pet care
Educating clients through conversation
Marketing value over price
Blending enrichment and exercise
Embracing nuance in business decisions
Main Takeaway: Clients have been sold so many false choices. They don't know what to believe anymore.
And that's where we come in. As professional pet sitters and dog walkers, we're not just providing a service—we're a guide helping pet parents cut through the noise. Too often, they've been told it's boarding or in-home care. That it's enrichment or exercise. That it's the neighbor or the pro. But the truth is, the best care often lives in the both/and. When we educate with empathy and lead with clarity, we help our clients feel confident—and pets get what they really need.
605: Innovate & Elevate: Pet Care Synergy with Ines McNeil
Episode 605
Wednesday, June 18, 2025 • Duration 57:25
What happens when dog training meets pet sitting? Ines McNeil, APDT Chair, dives into how the pet care industry can benefit from cross-disciplinary collaboration. She explores innovative training methods, shared challenges, and evolving client expectations. Her conversation also highlights the impact of emerging regulations on pet care practices. Ultimately, she showcases how working together can transform care for both pets and their owners.
Main Topics:
Bridging Pet Training and Sitting
Navigating Industry Legislation Challenges
Innovative Dog Training Techniques
Building Collaborative Pet Networks
Enhancing Client and Dog Care
Main Takeaway:
"The more dog owners become educated, the more we can clarify which certifications really matter for a professional." – Ines McNeil
In today's pet care landscape, when owners take the time to understand the value behind each certification, they become empowered to choose the best professionals for their furry family members. This increased knowledge helps cut through marketing hype and highlights trainers who are truly committed to quality care. Educated pet owners spark a demand for transparency and high standards, which benefits the entire industry. By fostering a community of informed decision-makers, we create an environment where excellence is recognized and rewarded, ultimately improving the lives of both pets and their families.
About our guest:
Ines McNeil, B.S. Biology, CPDT-KA, is a dog training industry expert with over 17 years of experience. She has operated dog training businesses in Texas and New York state in addition to working for a multitude of organizations as a professional dog trainer teaching group classes, private in-home lessons, and providing board and train services. She was an early adopter of virtual dog training back in 2014 and helped hundreds to trainers make the leap to virtual training at the beginning of the pandemic in 2020.
604: Marketing Pet Sitting in a Modern Experience Economy
Episode 604
Monday, June 16, 2025 • Duration 26:32
How should pet sitters adapt as client expectations shift? Camp Bow Wow is celebrating 25 years as a market leader in daycare and boarding. Their recent brand refresh and national pet parent survey offer valuable clues about where the pet care consumer mindset is heading — and what we, as dog walkers and pet sitters, can learn to better serve clients and compete in an increasingly emotional and experience-driven marketplace. In this episode, we explore insights from the survey, including the rise of the emotional experience economy, the power of community connection, and the growing demand for convenience and polished brands. We share why marketing outcomes—not just tasks—is now essential, and how refining the client experience can help us stand out. With practical examples, we discuss how small pet care businesses can thrive alongside big brands by leaning into our unique strengths.
Main Topics
Rise of the emotional experience economy
Shifting client expectations for pet care
Building community and client connection
Marketing outcomes vs. checklists
Streamlining client experience through tech and branding
Main Takeaway: Pet care is no longer about just checking the box of functional care. It's about selling the emotional experience and outcomes.
Too often, we focus our marketing on what we do—feeding pets, walking dogs, refreshing water bowls. But today's pet parents crave more than checklists; they want an experience. They want joy, enrichment, and peace of mind—for their pets and themselves. When you show them how your care brings happiness to their pets and reduces their own stress, you elevate your business beyond tasks. Don't just market what you do—market how you make them feel.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Pet Sitter Confessional, its hosts, or sponsors. We interview individuals based on their experience and expertise within the pet care industry. Any statements made outside of this platform, or unrelated to the topic discussed, are solely the responsibility of the guest.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Pet Sitter Confessional, its hosts, or sponsors. We interview individuals based on their experience and expertise within the pet care industry. Any statements made outside of this platform, or unrelated to the topic discussed, are solely the responsibility of the guest.
Her services include weekday dog walking, seasonal forest adventure hikes, and enrichment walks for senior dogs, along with select custom services for long-time clients. Now developing Love 4 Cats after recovering from a long-standing allergy, Maricella brings her signature personal touch to feline care. Deeply involved in her local community, she volunteers with Turtle Tias, serves on her child's school council, and contributes to local town committees. Starting Love for Dogs has been one of the best decisions of her life—and her clients' pets are better for it.
In October 2014, she founded The Modern Dog Trainer, an industry-leading coaching company dedicated to mentoring dog trainers on the business side of their craft. Her mission is to ensure every community has access to skilled, modern dog trainers by empowering trainers to build successful businesses. She believes that when dog trainers thrive, more dogs get the help they need, and talented trainers gain the resources to make a greater impact. Her work for the APDT-I is an extension of this deeply personal mission.
Outside of work, Ines is a mom to a talented and curious 6 yr old. She also shares her home and life with her husband, a Cardigan Welsh Corgi, a rescue Chihuahua, and a rescue cat named Kiwi ("Kitty" in toddler speak).
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