Or: “Stop Doing These Things If You Ever Want a Day Off”
You know that feeling when you’ve been “busy” all day… but you still have 15 things left on your list, dinner’s a write-off, and you can’t remember the last time you had a proper weekend?
Yeah. That.
When you run a pet business, it’s so easy to get caught in the “I must be productive at all times” trap—when actually, what you’re really doing is wearing yourself into the ground with tiny tasks that steal your time, your headspace, and your joy.
Let’s take a breath and break it down.
Because you’re not lazy.
You’re not disorganised.
You’re just stuck in a cycle of hidden time-wasters that quietly chip away at your energy and stop your business from moving forward.
The Never-Ending Client Chat Spiral
You open WhatsApp to respond to a quick “Are you free next week?”
Twenty minutes later, you’re deep in a life story about Bella’s itchy paw and her recent change in poo schedule.
We’ve all been there.
And while being warm and friendly is part of the job, giving away all your energy to every message is exhausting. It’s an admin creep. And it’s a wellbeing issue just as much as it’s a business one.
Try this instead:
• Set office hours and share them with clients (and yourself!)
• Use voice notes—it’s quicker, and feels more personal too
• Save your FAQs somewhere handy so you’re not typing out the same info again and again
• Introduce email over DMs for bookings—it’s easier to track and manage
Last-Minute Booking Chaos (and the “Sorry I Forgot!” Cancellations)
If you’ve ever had your perfectly planned week thrown out the window by one cancellation and two panic bookings… you are not alone.
Pet pros are some of the kindest people around—but that kindness often turns into saying yes even when it hurts your schedule, your sanity, or your bank balance.
Try this instead:
• Have clear policies (and communicate them)
• Introduce a cancellation fee, and don’t be afraid to enforce it
• Take deposits or full payment upfront—it reduces no-shows massively
• Use an online booking system if you can—it gives clients control and gives you boundaries
You’re allowed to protect your time. And no, you don’t need to feel guilty for doing so.
Doing All the Things Yourself (Even the Ones You Hate)
“I could outsource… but I don’t have time to train someone.”
Sound familiar?
It’s one of the most common blockers I see—pet pros trying to do everything alone. Diary management. Client comms. Invoicing. Content creation. Oh, and you know… actually looking after the pets.
And yes, it feels quicker to just do it all yourself. But in the long run? It’s not quick. It’s what’s keeping you stuck.
Try this instead:
• Write down everything you do in a week
• Highlight what drains you or takes ages
• Explore outsourcing one thing—like a VA for two hours a week, or a bookkeeper once a month
• Look into tools that automate bits (booking software, template replies, schedulers, etc.)
You don’t have to hand over your entire business. Just the parts that aren’t helping you grow.
Social Media Without Strategy
You pop on Instagram to post something… and an hour later, you’ve accidentally watched 12 reels and now you’re comparing yourself to three other dog walkers who look like they have it all together.
It’s not just a time-waster. It’s a confidence-wrecker, too.
Try this instead:
• Plan your posts once a week and schedule them in
• Use stories to connect quickly (you don’t need polished graphics every time)
• Focus on connection, not perfection
• Set a timer if you’re prone to the scroll trap!
Being consistent matters more than being constant.
Overcomplicating the Simple Stuff
Let’s call it out: perfectionism is a sneaky form of procrastination.
You don’t need a rebrand before you raise your prices. You don’t need the “perfect” T&Cs before you start enforcing boundaries. You don’t need a new Canva template for every post.
Done > perfect. Always.
Try this instead:
• Give yourself permission to move forward before it’s all “ready”
• Limit how long you spend on small tasks (set a timer!)
• Remind yourself: most clients don’t care about branding—they care about how you make them feel
Your Time Is Precious—Spend It Like It Matters
Your time is your energy. And if you’re burning through both just trying to survive the week, something has to change.
This isn’t about working harder—it’s about working in a way that doesn’t break you.
It’s about wellbeing. Sustainability. Breathing space.
And guess what? You don’t have to figure it all out on your own.
Want help streamlining your pet business (and getting your time back)?
I help pet pros set boundaries, build systems, and stop running in circles. So they can actually enjoy the business they’ve worked so hard to build.
Book a free discovery call and let’s see how I can help you take control—without losing the heart of what you love.
Because you didn’t start this business to feel exhausted every day.
You started it for freedom, fulfilment, and maybe the occasional lie-in.
