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 →

Dog Handler Academy founder Eve Molzhon and the DHA team are gearing up for the Owners of Dog Daycares (ODDs) ODD Ball conference and trade show, taking place Jan. 13-16 at the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina in San Diego, CA! We can’t wait to connect and collaborate with the fabulous people in the Dog Daycare industry! Here’s what Dog Handler Academy has in store at this exciting knowledge-sharing and networking event: DHA founder, Eve Molzhon, will serve as emcee for the event, bringing her signature energy and 30 years of expertise to the stage throughout the show. Join Eve and … Continue reading →

6 Holiday Gift Ideas for Your Dog Daycare and Boarding Business Clients In the world of pet daycare and boarding, client satisfaction isn’t just about providing top-notch care for pet parents’ furry family members — it’s about building trust, loyalty and a sense of community. A well-chosen client gift can go a long way in strengthening these relationships, showing your appreciation and setting your business apart for your competition.  During the holiday season, a thoughtful gift that delights pet parents and also reflects the values of your pet daycare business can create a wonderful lasting impression. Here are six creative and … Continue reading →