Or: “You Wanted a Pet Business… Now You’re Also the Accountant, Marketer & CEO”
So, you started a pet business—maybe you’re walking dogs, sitting cats, training pups, or doing a lovely mix of all three. You imagined your days would be full of waggy tails, belly rubs, and that smug little satisfaction that comes from doing what you actually love for a living.
And yes, those moments exist.
But you probably didn’t expect to also be the:
• Customer service team
• Social media manager
• Invoice chaser
• Website fixer
• Terms & Conditions enforcer
• Occasional shoulder to cry on (yours or the client’s)
Sound familiar?
Welcome to the reality of running a pet business. Where yes, you absolutely get to cuddle puppies—but you also have to manage cancellations, track your mileage, and explain (again) why you’re not available at 10pm on a Sunday.
You’re Not Just a Pet Pro—You’re a Full-On Business Owner
Here’s the thing: loving animals is the easy part. The challenge? Building a sustainable business around that love without burning yourself out in the process.
You’re expected to wear all the hats and juggle all the plates, usually with little to no training in, well… any of it.
And if you don’t figure out how to balance it all, you end up feeling:
• Overworked – constantly on the go but never catching up
• Underpaid – wondering why you’re exhausted but still struggling
• Overwhelmed – because your “admin day” has turned into five admin days
It’s not you. It’s the system. Or rather, the lack of one.
And here’s the bit most people don’t tell you:
Being brilliant with dogs or cats or guinea pigs isn’t enough. You also need to be brilliant at running a business.
Oof. I know. Not what you signed up for, right?
But stay with me—this is where it gets empowering.
Where Pet Pros Get Stuck (and What to Do About It) Pricing That Leaves You Broke
Most pet pros undercharge in the beginning. You might feel awkward asking for money, or you’re worried people won’t book you if you charge more than the “cheap” walker down the road.
But here’s the reality:
If your rates don’t reflect your time, skill, experience, travel, insurance, CPD, and the energy you give to every pet and owner… you’ll never feel financially safe in your business.
Your fix:
• Know your costs (and I mean all of them)
• Price based on the value you bring, not what the next person charges
• Be confident in your expertise—it’s not “just a walk”
Client Boundaries That Don’t Exist
Ever said yes to a last-minute booking, even though it wrecked your plans? Or replied to a message at 10:30pm, even though you were meant to be off?
We’ve all done it. Especially early on.
But lack of boundaries = fast-track to burnout.
Your fix:
• Set working hours (and stick to them!)
• Use auto-responders or templates to protect your time
• Have a proper client agreement or contract in place—one that covers cancellations, reschedules, and payment terms
Marketing That Feels Like Shouting Into the Void
If your entire strategy is “I post on Instagram sometimes,” you’re not alone.
But in today’s world, being excellent at what you do isn’t enough—you also need people to find you.
Your fix:
• Claim your Google Business Profile (it’s free and helps you get found locally)
• Share your reviews and client wins (hello, social proof!)
• Pick one or two platforms and show up consistently—even imperfectly
You Deserve a Business That Works For You
This isn’t about working harder. You’re probably already doing that. This is about working smarter, setting boundaries, charging your worth, and putting some structure in place so you’re not winging it every day.
It’s about creating a business that supports your wellbeing—so you don’t feel like you’re constantly chasing your tail (pun absolutely intended).
You don’t have to do it all alone.
You don’t have to pretend you’ve got it all together.
And you definitely don’t have to settle for exhaustion being your default setting.
Want help building a business that doesn’t run you into the ground?
That’s what I do. I support pet professionals to get clear, get confident, and build businesses that are profitable, sustainable, and genuinely fulfilling.
Book a free discovery call today and let’s chat about how we can make your business feel lighter, more structured, and way more “you.”
Because yes, you started this business for dogs…
But now it’s time to make sure it’s working for you, too.
