Affordable Marketing Tactics for Pet Care Businesses Pet care is one of the fastest‑growing industries in the U.S., with spending reaching $136.8 billion in 2023 and was projected to hit $157 billion in 2025. That growth means opportunity, but it also means competition. For small and mid‑sized operators, the challenge is clear: how do you stand out without draining your budget? The answer is to focus on marketing tactics that deliver real results at low cost. Why affordable marketing matters Flashy ads and big campaigns aren’t necessary to win in pet care. Modern pet parents treat pets like family, and … Continue reading →

Be Ready, Stay Calm: Handling Medical Problems at Your Facility Most serious medical incidents are preventable with clear preparation and a practiced response. Focus on having the right resources and processes in place—adapted to whatever your facility’s rules and systems are—so staff can act fast and confidently when minutes matter. Why planning matters Medical incidents escalate quickly. Heat stress, allergic reactions, severe vomiting or diarrhea, and traumatic injuries require rapid assessment and a clear path to care. Having a plan and the right basic resources reduces risk and improves outcomes. Good things to have at your facility These are examples … Continue reading →

Highlights from the 2025 DHA Business Leadership Summit From September 10–12, pet care professionals from across the globe gathered in Chicago for the second annual Dog Handler Academy Business Leadership Summit. Over three days, attendees explored real-world strategies, shared candid conversations, and left with fresh ideas to elevate their businesses and empower their teams. What We Covered The sessions were designed to address the most pressing challenges in pet care leadership. Topics included: Creating memorable customer experiences without increasing costs Building effective emergency preparedness plans for facilities Improving staff organization and daily operations Boosting employee retention and workplace engagement Choosing … Continue reading →

Client Onboarding Friction: Is Your Software Helping or Hindering? You’ve done the hard work—built a beautiful facility, hired a caring team, and invested in software to keep everything running smoothly. But here’s a question that’s often overlooked: Is your system making it easy for new clients to say yes? In the pet care industry, where trust and convenience are everything, even small bits of friction in the onboarding process can quietly turn potential customers away. Whether it’s a clunky registration form, missing login options, or unclear instructions, these barriers to entry can cost you business before you even know someone … Continue reading →

The Summer Shift: Adapting Dog Daycare for Seasonal Behavior Changes Noticing a Change in Canine Behavior? You’re Not Imagining It.As the school year ends and summer kicks off, many pet parents notice subtle (and not-so-subtle) changes in their dogs’ behavior. With kids home during the day, family routines change—and so does the dog’s environment. That 14–15 hours of undisturbed sleep they used to enjoy during the school year? Gone. More people in and out of the house, unpredictable schedules, and even more outings can leave dogs overstimulated, exhausted, or a bit snarky. When the Playgroup Becomes Too MuchYou might notice … Continue reading →

Education and Insights for Pet Business Owners and Managers Are you finding it harder than ever to make your business stand out in a crowded market? Do you and your team feel prepared to handle real emergency situations? Are rising labor costs cutting too deeply into your profits? Does it feel like staffing challenges just won’t quit? And what about taxes, legal concerns and asset protection? If you’re ready to take control and lead your dog care business with confidence and clarity, don’t miss the Dog Handler Academy Business Leadership Summit 2025. This immersive two-day event brings together some of … Continue reading →

The Secret to Booking More Clients: Marketing Strategies Every Pet Business Needs Guest blog by Joe MeyersChief Digital Strategist, Share Marketing Agency Listen, if you own a pet business, you already know the demand is there. Pet parents are spending more than ever, and they’re willing to pay top dollar for high-quality services. But here’s the problem… Most pet businesses don’t have a marketing strategy. They rely on word-of-mouth and the hope that customers will magically show up. Hope isn’t a strategy. If you want consistent bookings, repeat customers, and a brand people trust, you need to market like a … Continue reading →

Why Fast Responses Matter: Taking Your Time Takes Away Profit In today’s fast-paced world, pet owners expect quick replies when they reach out — especially when booking important services like daycare or boarding. A fast, efficient communication process not only makes a great impression but also shows that you care about your clients’ needs. Potential customers are often contacting several businesses at once, so if you delay your response, you may lose their business. Think about your own search for a new product or service. Chances are, your potential clients are just like you — browsing online early in the … Continue reading →