Or: “Yes, You’re Allowed a Holiday. No, the World Won’t End.”
Hands up if the thought of taking time off makes you feel a bit twitchy.
“What if I lose clients?”
“What if I miss a booking?”
“What if Mrs. Jones’ cockapoo spirals into existential crisis without me?!”
Yep. Been there.
Running a pet business can feel wildly personal. Your clients trust you with their animals. You’ve built relationships, routines, and that unspoken “you just get it” bond. So it’s no wonder taking time off can feel… complicated.
But here’s the thing: you are not a robot.
You’re allowed to rest. You need to rest. And more importantly – your business should be set up to let you rest.
So let’s talk about how to actually take time off – without the stress, panic, or guilt trip.
Tell Clients Early (Seriously, Give Them a Heads Up!)
If you’re thinking about just disappearing for a few days without saying anything – please don’t. It’ll only come back to bite you when your phone lights up with 15 messages from panicked clients.
Try this instead:
• Let clients know at least 4–6 weeks ahead of time
• Post about it on social media, mention it during bookings, pop it in emails – the works
• Use upbeat, positive language (e.g. “I’ll be taking a well-earned break from [date] to [date]”)
Clients love communication. Even more than they love you. (Almost.)
Offer a Backup Plan (So They Don’t Wander Off Forever)
Clients are creatures of habit. If you don’t give them a Plan B, they’ll find one themselves – and it might become their new Plan A.
Try this instead:
• Refer them to a trusted colleague or backup service
• Encourage them to pre-book sessions for your return
• Let them know what’s not available too (e.g. “No new assessments until I return”)
👀 Top tip: Only refer clients to someone you genuinely trust. Their reputation affects yours.
Automate What You Can (So You’re Not Sneaking Off to Reply to Clients)
If you’re replying to WhatsApp messages from the beach, you’re not really having a break – you’re just working in swimwear.
Try this instead:
• Set up auto-responders on your email and WhatsApp
• Schedule a few social posts while you’re away (hello, Meta Business Suite)
• Use online booking tools so clients can sort themselves out
This isn’t being unprofessional – it’s being intentional. You deserve your time off just as much as your clients do.
Set Boundaries (and Actually Stick to Them)
Switching off is a skill – and it takes practice.
You might feel the urge to “just check in” or “just send a quick reply.” But one quick reply becomes three, and suddenly you’re back in admin mode with sand in your flip-flops.
Try this instead:
• Put your work phone on Do Not Disturb or leave it behind
• Let a friend or partner hold you accountable for not working
• Remind yourself: the world won’t fall apart in a week
Boundaries are a kindness – to yourself and your business.
Don’t Overbook the Week You Get Back
Nothing kills post-holiday vibes like coming home and diving straight into 14 bookings and a backlog of emails.
Ease yourself back in gently.
Try this instead:
• Block out your first morning for admin catch-up
• Only book your favourite, easiest clients on day one (you know who they are)
• Let clients know you’re back – but that you’re not available instantly
Protecting your energy helps you stay in the game long term.
Rest is Productive. Repeat After Me.
You didn’t start your business to become a slave to it. You started it for Freedom. Flexibility. Fulfilment.
And if you never get a break, you’re building a business that works against you – not for you.
So here’s your official permission slip:
• To take a break
• To switch off
• To come back refreshed, recharged, and ready to go again.
Because wellbeing isn’t a luxury – it’s a necessity when you run your own show.
Want Help Creating a Pet Biz That Supports Your Wellbeing?
That’s where I come in. I help pet professionals build sustainable, values-led businesses with solid boundaries, structure, and breathing room.
So whether you’re overdue a proper break, stuck on the hamster wheel, or just ready to feel a bit less frazzled – let’s chat.
Book your free discovery call today and let’s build you a business you don’t need a holiday from.
