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A podcast by pet sitters, for pet sitters. After oner 10 years pet sitting, we've got some stories! Listen in as we talk candidly about our experiences as pet sitters and speak with others regarding theirs. From how to get started, to major lessons from tough situations, this is an in-depth look at the life of a pet sitter. Our goal is to grow a passionate community of pet sitters, making the industry better for everyone. We'd love to hear your story!
A podcast by pet sitters, for pet sitters. After oner 10 years pet sitting, we've got some stories! Listen in as we talk candidly about our experiences as pet sitters and speak with others regarding theirs. From how to get started, to major lessons from tough situations, this is an in-depth look at the life of a pet sitter. Our goal is to grow a passionate community of pet sitters, making the industry better for everyone. We'd love to hear your story!
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Wendy Mackay is the founder and owner of Pet Sitters Nelson, a pet care business 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. She is known for her innovative doggy day out adventures and deep community involvement, growing 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, including a breast cancer diagnosis, that reshaped her approach to business and life. She is known for her flexible approach to pricing and services, adapting to meet different client budgets and needs while maintaining high-quality care standards.
Wendy Mackay is the founder and owner of Pet Sitters Nelson, a pet care business 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. She is known for her innovative doggy day out adventures and deep community involvement, growing 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, including a breast cancer diagnosis, that reshaped her approach to business and life. She is known for her flexible approach to pricing and services, adapting to meet different client budgets and needs while maintaining high-quality care standards.
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, worked for various organizations as a professional dog trainer, and was an early adopter of virtual dog training, helping hundreds of trainers transition to online platforms.
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, worked for various organizations as a professional dog trainer, and was an early adopter of virtual dog training, helping hundreds of trainers transition to online platforms.
Kristin Holzapfel is the founder and executive director of Midwest Pet Sitter Affiliates (MPSA). A professional pet sitter since 2017 and owner of Pampered Pepperinos & Pals, Kristin specializes in reactive dog care and education. She is passionate about building supportive communities, raising industry standards, promoting collaboration, and connecting pet sitters across the Midwest. Kristin also teaches pet CPR and first aid.
Kristin Holzapfel is the founder and executive director of Midwest Pet Sitter Affiliates (MPSA). A professional pet sitter since 2017 and owner of Pampered Pepperinos & Pals, Kristin specializes in reactive dog care and education. She is passionate about building supportive communities, raising industry standards, promoting collaboration, and connecting pet sitters across the Midwest. Kristin also teaches pet CPR and first aid.
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A show by pet sitters, for pet sitters. Join Collin and Meghan as we explore what it means to be a pet care professional. We interview other pet sitters and share stories of our own. Our hope is to bring together a community of pet sitters so we can all grow through sharing and encouraging one another.
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Episodes
Here's the recent few episodes on Pet Sitter Confessional.
0:001:05:40
607: Sustainability, Stress, and Success with Wendy Mackay
Guests
Guests of this podcast episode
Wendy Mackay
Keywords
Keywords of this podcast episode
entrepreneurshipsmall businesssustainabilitywork-life balanceresiliencecommunity buildingstress managementhealth and wellnessbusiness strategypersonal growth
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 animalsits 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 businessit shouldnt 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 balanceespecially 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.
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 animalsits 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 businessit shouldnt 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 balanceespecially 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.
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.
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
Guests
Guests of this podcast episode
Ines McNeil
Keywords
Keywords of this podcast episode
dog trainingpet sittingindustry collaborationtraining methodsindustry legislationcertificationsclient expectationsemerging regulationspet care practices
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.
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).
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.
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).
604: Marketing Pet Sitting in a Modern Experience Economy
Guests
Guests of this podcast episode
Camp Bow Wow
Keywords
Keywords of this podcast episode
emotional experience economyclient expectationscommunity connectionmarketing outcomesclient experiencetech and brandingpet care industry
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.
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.
603: The Mission of Midwest Pet Sitter Affiliates with Kristin Holzapfel
Guests
Guests of this podcast episode
Kristin Holzapfel
Keywords
Keywords of this podcast episode
local collaborationpet sitting industrycommunity buildingeducation for pet sittersclient referralsindustry standardssupportive culturepet CPR and first aid
What does local collaboration mean in 2025 and beyond? Why should pet sitters care about it? Kristin Holzapfel, founder of Midwest Pet Sitter Affiliates, joins us to share her journey of building a thriving community of pet sitters across the Midwest. She talks about the importance of educating both pet sitters and clients, how to move beyond third-party platforms, and why fostering an open-minded, collaborative culture matters for the future of the pet care industry. We cover how local organizations can raise industry standards, support professional growth, and create lasting connections that benefit sitters, clients, and communities alike.
Main Topics:
Founding Midwest Pet Sitter Affiliates
Transitioning off third-party platforms
Building a local educational community
Handling client referrals & connections
Upcoming Pet Professional Summit goals
Main Takeaway:“We are not here to tell people how to operate their businesses. We want everyone to find the right fit for themselves and their clients.”
Running a pet care business isn’t one-size-fits-all. Every business owner and every pet has unique needs. That’s why at Midwest Pet Sitter Affiliates, we embrace open-mindedness and foster a culture of support—not judgment. Whether you’re pen-and-paper or software-driven, whether you serve city clients or rural communities, your approach matters. It’s about helping everyone find what works best for them and their clients. Because when we collaborate instead of compete, our entire industry gets stronger.
About our guest: Kristin Holzapfel is the founder and executive director of Midwest Pet Sitter Affiliates (MPSA). A professional pet sitter since 2017 and owner of Pampered Pepperinos & Pals, Kristin specializes in reactive dog care and education. Passionate about building supportive communities, she launched MPSA to help raise industry standards, promote collaboration, and connect pet sitters across the Midwest. Kristin also teaches pet CPR and first aid and actively engages in local and regional pet care initiatives.
What does local collaboration mean in 2025 and beyond? Why should pet sitters care about it? Kristin Holzapfel, founder of Midwest Pet Sitter Affiliates, joins us to share her journey of building a thriving community of pet sitters across the Midwest. She talks about the importance of educating both pet sitters and clients, how to move beyond third-party platforms, and why fostering an open-minded, collaborative culture matters for the future of the pet care industry. We cover how local organizations can raise industry standards, support professional growth, and create lasting connections that benefit sitters, clients, and communities alike.
Main Topics:
Founding Midwest Pet Sitter Affiliates
Transitioning off third-party platforms
Building a local educational community
Handling client referrals & connections
Upcoming Pet Professional Summit goals
Main Takeaway:“We are not here to tell people how to operate their businesses. We want everyone to find the right fit for themselves and their clients.”
Running a pet care business isn’t one-size-fits-all. Every business owner and every pet has unique needs. That’s why at Midwest Pet Sitter Affiliates, we embrace open-mindedness and foster a culture of support—not judgment. Whether you’re pen-and-paper or software-driven, whether you serve city clients or rural communities, your approach matters. It’s about helping everyone find what works best for them and their clients. Because when we collaborate instead of compete, our entire industry gets stronger.
About our guest: Kristin Holzapfel is the founder and executive director of Midwest Pet Sitter Affiliates (MPSA). A professional pet sitter since 2017 and owner of Pampered Pepperinos & Pals, Kristin specializes in reactive dog care and education. Passionate about building supportive communities, she launched MPSA to help raise industry standards, promote collaboration, and connect pet sitters across the Midwest. Kristin also teaches pet CPR and first aid and actively engages in local and regional pet care initiatives.
