633: Leadership Starts with Listening with Abby Strong
Release Date: 09/24/2025
649: Caring for Senior Pets and Serving Senior People with Angela Dinsmoor
Pet Sitter Confessional
How do we better serve aging pets and their senior owners? Angela Dinsmoor, gerontologist and founder of Grey Whiskers, joins the show to share how her background in human aging informs her unique approach to senior dog care. From adapting grooming practices to handling emotionally complex client conversations, Angela outlines the deep overlap between pet and human aging. She discusses the importance of mental enrichment, emotional sensitivity, and communication with senior clients. This episode sheds light on a growing, underserved part of the pet care industry—and how we can all do better....
info_outline
648: How to Build a Business That Runs When You Can’t (Part 1)
Pet Sitter Confessional
What would actually happen to your pet sitting or dog walking business if you couldn’t show up tomorrow? In this episode, we share how a scary experience during COVID forced us to confront just how much our business depended on us personally. We walk through the first four ways to build a more resilient business: having a backup as a solo sitter, creating a team-based system with employee backups, handing off admin tasks, and getting your “in-your-head” knowledge documented. We talk about the mental load of being the only one who knows how to run payroll, schedule, and respond to...
info_outline
647: Grassroots Growth: How Collaboration Keeps the Texas Pet Sitters Association Thriving
Pet Sitter Confessional
In every industry, true leadership isn’t about recognition—it’s about service. In pet care, that spirit shows up in those who give their time, share their experience, and create space for others to grow. Few embody that better than Deanna Schaar and Cathy Vaughan of the Texas Pet Sitters Association. What began as a small meet-up in a boarding facility has become one of the most beloved conferences in pet care—an annual, volunteer-led non-profit event that draws attendees from across the country. They share how early chaos and tech mishaps shaped their approach, how they find and...
info_outline
646: What Should Your Pet Sitting Insurance Really Cover?
Pet Sitter Confessional
Are you covered for what you actually do today—not what you did last year? We walk through our annual insurance review. We cover the “must-haves”, when bonding makes sense, and why non-owned auto and business property matter once you add staff or an office. We also explain what petsitting business insurance does not cover—and how workers’ comp and personal health insurance fit in. Finally, we share practical risk-management habits and the customer-service “intangibles” we expect from any insurer. Main topics: Core coverage essentials Care, custody & control Non-owned...
info_outline
645: Saying No, Growing Smart: Building Your Dream Business with Lindsey Perriello
Pet Sitter Confessional
What does it take to build a successful, heart-centered pet sitting business? Lindsey Perriello shares her path from surgical tech to pet care professional, highlighting the emotional toll of past jobs and how her values shaped the company she leads today. She discusses the challenges of setting boundaries, training staff, and keeping a personal touch with 300+ clients. Lindsey’s approach is rooted in education, empathy, and honesty—qualities she believes all pet sitters should bring to their work. This conversation is full of practical insights and vulnerable moments that reflect the...
info_outline
644: Copycats: They Can Copy the Idea, Not the Way You Deliver
Pet Sitter Confessional
What do you do when competitors copy your ideas, wording, or services? In this episode, we share a practical mindset shift: ideas are cheap—execution is everything. We explore how delivery, team training, client experience, and reliability become the differentiators copycats can’t replicate. We talk through stability as a strategy, resisting reactive changes, and doubling down on strengths. We close with concrete ways to serve deeper, not louder, so you lead for years—not minutes. Main topics: Copying vs. true execution Delivery as differentiation Stability as a strategy Serve...
info_outline
643: Balancing the Hustle with Miguel Rodriguez
Pet Sitter Confessional
What does it really mean to educate your community while running a thriving pet care business? Miguel Rodriguez of City Dog Pack returns to share how he balances content creation, training, boarding, and walking services—while staying grounded in his values. He opens up about recognizing the value of his time, setting clear policies, and learning to say “no” without guilt. Miguel also explains his shift toward video and course-based learning, and how gratitude reshaped his approach after COVID-19. This conversation is a powerful reminder that being an educator starts with empathy,...
info_outline
642: Why the Cat Fanciers Association Just Elevated Professional Cat Sitting
Pet Sitter Confessional
In this episode, we unpack how the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) used its magazine to point cat owners toward insured, trained, professional sitters—despite being sponsored by a gig-app. We explore why that subtle editorial stance signals a cultural shift and how it aligns with PSI’s new global standards. We share what owners are now encouraged to ask: insurance, medical competence, meet-and-greets, backups, and referrals. We also name the gaps (team-based models and continuing education) while celebrating a rising floor for industry expectations. Main topics: CFA’s pro-sitter...
info_outline
641: Building an Ethical Pet Business with Helen Motteram
Pet Sitter Confessional
What does it really mean to be a kind and ethical pet care provider? In this episode, Helen Motteram of The Pet Professional Network shares her personal story of burnout, bullying, and the powerful impact of kindness in an industry that often lacks support. She explains how ethical pet care involves both the animals and the humans who love them, and why setting clear boundaries is crucial to sustainable compassion. Helen also unpacks common ethical dilemmas pet sitters face and how we can stay grounded in our values through them. Whether you’re new or experienced, her message encourages you...
info_outline
640: Raising the Bar: Inside PSI’s Global Standards for Pet Sitters
Pet Sitter Confessional
What happens when an “unregulated” industry finally publishes standards? We unpack PSI’s new Global Standards for professional pet sitting and dog walking, explaining why standards are the floor—not the ceiling—for ethical care and business practices. We discuss how courts, insurers, and regulators use industry standards to define “reasonable care,” and what that means for documentation, insurance, and client data security. We also outline practical next steps to self-audit your policies, train your team, and communicate compliance to clients. Finally, we share how clearer...
info_outlineWhat does it take to transition your team from independent contractors to employees? Abby Strong, owner of Auntie Abby’s Professional Pet Sitting, returns to share how she nurtured a strong, supportive company culture while navigating major changes. She discusses the motivation behind dropping overnight services, onboarding employees with intention, and creating space for growth within her team. Abby also talks about the importance of feedback, both from clients and staff, and how being vulnerable as a leader builds trust. This episode is filled with practical advice for pet business owners ready to scale with purpose.
Main topics:
-
Transitioning to employee model
-
Building team communication culture
-
Letting go of overnight services
-
Leading with vulnerability and structure
-
Using client and staff feedback wisely
Main takeaway: “I walked into it thinking, can I afford to make this transition? I walked away realizing I can’t afford not to.”
That’s how Abby Strong describes her bold move from independent contractors to employees at Auntie Abby’s Professional Pet Sitting. With a growing team, a commitment to consistency, and a deep desire to protect her staff, Abby knew something had to change. Making the leap came with risk—but also with clarity. Sometimes, leadership means trusting your gut, listening to your community, and building the structure your business truly needs. If you’re at a crossroads, maybe it’s time to ask: can I really afford not to make this move?
About our guest: Hello! I am Abby Strong, owner and founder of Auntie Abby’s Professional Pet Sitting Service in Des Moines, IA. I opened my business in October 2019 as a solo provider driven by my profound passion for animals and their welfare. I quickly realized there was a tremendous need for quality, trustworthy pet care providers where animals are most comfortable: in their own homes! I truly feel pets are best served by staying in their regular environment while maintaining their normal routine. Turns out I was right, as I also quickly booked myself 7 days a week from 6AM to often 10PM with walks, visits and overnight jobs in clients homes. 1.5 years later, I reached a point where I needed to make a big decision: I could either continue working as a solo sitter, working at a crazy, unsustainable pace and having zero free time, or I could hire. Despite some initial trepidation that no one could do the job as well as I did, I took the plunge and starting interviewing job candidates. I never looked back!
As of today, we have grown to a team of 21 phenomenal pet sitters and dog walkers. I aspire to continue that growth. It’s hard to articulate just how proud I am of this team. We’ve had amazing success due to our incredible attention to detail, stellar client communication, professionalism and true love, adoration and respect for each animal entrusted to our care. Our sitters truly take the time to meet each pet at their level and provide an enriching, enjoyable experience. It is immensely rewarding to know my passion is shared by so many others. We believe that a carefully tailored care plan makes each pet visit highly enriching and highly anticipated. We are met with much joy and excitement by each pet and the feeling is reciprocal. Tail wags, leaps of joy, wiggles, monetary tips for exceptional service, repeat business and heartfelt client testimonials fill our hearts and let us know we are indeed in the right business!
Links:
info@auntieabbyspetsitting.com
Check out ProTrainings
Code: CPR-petsitterconfessional for 10% off
📞 Call us: (636) 364-8260
Follow us on: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter
Email us at: petsitterconfessional@gmail.com
Full show notes and transcript
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.
Sponsored by:
❤️ Our AMAZING Patreon Supporters
Time to Pet
Visit: https://timetopet.com/confessional
Code: 50% off first 3 months
Pet Perennials
Visit: https://petperennials.com/pages/register-for-a-business-account
Code: 'PSC' when registering for a $2 off coupon on any purchases in the 1st 90 days