
Pet Boarding and Daycare Podcast with Dominic Hodgson
by Barkleigh Productions
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From 17 epsHost
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Ep. 126 – Playing the Pet Care Long Game: How Pat Hall Built a Premium Dog Daycare Over 20 Years
Jun 24, 2026
Unknown duration
Ep. 125 – How to Extract Your Unique Business DNA: The Secret Weapon AI Simply Can’t Copy
Jun 17, 2026
Unknown duration
Ep. 124 – The Missing Piece in Your Dog Daycare Marketing Message: Why Personality is Your Greatest USP
Jun 10, 2026
49m 43s
Ep. 123 – Behind the Scenes at the Pet Boarding & Daycare Expo West in Phoenix!
Jun 3, 2026
50m 10s
Ep. 122 – The Costly Social Media Mistake That Keeps Your Daycare Empty: How to Turn Content Into Clients
May 27, 2026
42m 54s
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| Date | Episode | Topics | Guests | Brands | Places | Keywords | Sponsor | Length | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6/24/26 | ![]() Ep. 126 – Playing the Pet Care Long Game: How Pat Hall Built a Premium Dog Daycare Over 20 Years | Why do some pet business owners survive for twenty years while others disappear after two or three? What does it really take to build a business that clients trust, staff stay with, and competitors struggle to copy? And if you’re feeling frustrated because growth is taking longer than you’d hoped, could it be that you’re actually closer than you think? In this week’s episode of the Pet Boarding & Daycare Podcast, Dom sits down with Dog Daycare Success Academy member Pat Hall to talk about his twenty-year journey building Dog Daze in South Carolina. From starting out as a kennel technician at a veterinary clinic to becoming the owner of a thriving boarding, daycare and training business, Pat shares the lessons he’s learned along the way, including the mistakes, the breakthroughs, and why playing the long game has paid off. You’ll hear how he differentiated his business through premium outdoor adventures, enrichment, concierge-style in-home pet care and exceptional customer hospitality. Pat also explains how Enrich U transformed his daycare programme, why his clients happily pay for premium services, and how a charity 5K race became a huge success for both his business and the local community. In this episode, you’ll discover: Why Most Businesses Underestimate the Long Game – Pat shares what it was really like building a business over two decades. The Power of Premium Services – How outdoor adventures, enrichment and concierge care help Dog Daze stand out. Why Customer Hospitality Matters So Much – The simple things that keep clients loyal through price increases and market changes. How Enrich U Changed Everything – Why adding structured enrichment created happier dogs, happier staff and stronger profits. The Value of Being Around Ambitious People – Pat explains why joining DDSA accelerated his thinking and implementation. How a Charity Event Strengthened the Brand – The story behind Dog Daze’s hugely successful charity 5K and what other owners can learn from it. Thanks to Pat Hall from DogDaze for sharing his amazing story. Find out more about Pats facility and services by clicking here now Huge thanks to this week’s amazing show sponsors, Playcore and First Financial Bank First Financial Bank we offer a wide range of flexible terms tailored to your unique situation. Whether you are buying, selling or refinancing, we’ll work with you, one-on-one, every step of the way. FFB lenders have been in your shoes and are here to help you reach your goals, click here to find out more Playcore help communities create healthier, happier places through play, recreation, and outdoor spaces. To learn more about their innovative products and mission, visit PlayCore Want to plug the Enrichment University program into your facility? Click here to enroll now Want to work with the World Leading Pet Business Coach? Add your name to the waitlist for Dom’s Exclusive coaching program The Dog Daycare Success Academy now by clicking here. Episode Highlights [01:49] – Dom talks about planning ahead and why successful businesses use markers and events throughout the year.[03:49] – Meet Pat Hall and hear how he got started in the pet care industry.[08:27] – Why becoming a dog trainer wasn’t quite the overnight success Pat imagined.[17:16] – Early struggles, waiting for the phone to ring and building a reputation from scratch.[20:14] – The role education, workshops and continual learning played in Pat’s success.[23:34] – Why staff retention and customer hospitality are such powerful competitive advantages.[30:12] – How Pat discovered Enrich U and why he knew it would transform the business.[37:15] – Pat explains why he joined the Mastermind and later DDSA.[43:53] – The story behind Dog Daze’s charity 5K and raising more than $12,000 for a local animal charity. | — | ||||||
| 6/17/26 | ![]() Ep. 125 – How to Extract Your Unique Business DNA: The Secret Weapon AI Simply Can’t Copy | Are you worried that AI is going to make every pet business sound exactly the same? Have you ever wondered why some facilities become the obvious choice in town while others struggle to stand out, even when they offer similar services? And what if the real competitive advantage in the years ahead isn’t better technology but being more human? In this week’s episode of the Pet Boarding & Daycare Podcast, Dom dives into one of the biggest topics affecting the pet industry right now: AI. After catching up with the PackPro team about safer playgroups, staff development and the future of training, Dom shares his thoughts on Netflix’s decision to use a real Great Dane in its new live-action Scooby-Doo series — and why it might be a sign that authenticity is becoming more valuable than ever. The show also features a fascinating conversation with Duane Carey from Impact Marketing, who breaks down how AI search is changing the marketing landscape and what pet businesses should be doing now to stay visible online. Finally, Dom gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at one of the foundational trainings inside the Dog Daycare Success Academy — the Business DNA Extractor — and explains why your stories, values, mission and origin are the things that will make your business impossible to copy. In this episode, you’ll discover: Why Authenticity Is Becoming More Valuable – What Netflix’s new live-action Scooby-Doo tells us about the future of marketing. How AI Search Is Changing the Game – Duane Carey explains what business owners need to know about ChatGPT, Google AI and online visibility. Why Google Still Matters – The data behind how pet owners are actually searching for local services. The Human Element That Businesses Can’t Lose – Why community, relationships and personal connections will become even more important. What Business DNA Really Means – How your origin story, mission, values and experiences shape your brand. How to Build Marketing Assets That Increase Business Value – Why systems, newsletters, lead magnets, induction programmes and storytelling all make your company stronger. Thanks to Duane Carey from IMPACT marketing for his amazing inputs. Find out more about how Duane can help your pet resort grow by clicking here now Huge thanks to this week’s amazing show sponsors, Playcore, First Financial Bank, and Cleanwise. First Financial Bank we offer a wide range of flexible terms tailored to your unique situation. Whether you are buying, selling or refinancing, we’ll work with you, one-on-one, every step of the way. FFB lenders have been in your shoes and are here to help you reach your goals, click here to find out more CleanWise helps pet care facilities clean smarter with automated wet/dry cleaning systems built for the real world, check them out here. This episode is brought to you by PlayCore, helping communities create healthier, happier places through play, recreation, and outdoor spaces. To learn more about their innovative products and mission, visit PlayCore Want to work with the World Leading Pet Business Coach? Add your name to the waitlist for Dom’s Exclusive coaching program The Dog Daycare Success Academy now by clicking here. Episode Highlights [00:51] – Dom previews a packed show featuring AI, Business DNA and conversations from the Expo.[02:38] – The PackPro team discuss staff training, safer playgroups and the future of daycare education.[07:25] – Scooby-Doo Dog News: Why Netflix is using a real dog for its latest series.[12:22] – Why the “final 10%” of any business still belongs to people, not machines.[15:19] – Duane Carey explains how AI search is changing and what business owners should do about it.[22:38] – How AI can be a creative thinking partner without replacing human judgement.[27:30] – Dom takes you inside the DDSA Business DNA Extractor training.[29:36] – Why business assets make your company more valuable and more profitable.[33:34] – Breaking down the components of your Business DNA: mission, vision, values and origin story.[40:49] – Kim Buchanan shares how the Business DNA training transformed her marketing and brand messaging. | — | ||||||
| 6/10/26 | ![]() Ep. 124 – The Missing Piece in Your Dog Daycare Marketing Message: Why Personality is Your Greatest USP✨ | dog daycare marketingbusiness personality+5 | Alex VarneyShahrina Ankhi-Krohl | Pet Boarding & Daycare Expo WestBarkleigh Productions | — | dog daycaremarketing strategy+6 | — | 49m 43s | |
| 6/3/26 | ![]() Ep. 123 – Behind the Scenes at the Pet Boarding & Daycare Expo West in Phoenix!✨ | pet business growthimplementation strategies+3 | Harrison Forbes | Dog Daycare Success Academy | Phoenix | pet boardingdaycare expo+3 | — | 50m 10s | |
| 5/27/26 | ![]() Ep. 122 – The Costly Social Media Mistake That Keeps Your Daycare Empty: How to Turn Content Into Clients✨ | social media strategycontent marketing+4 | Steven Inala-Reedy | A Content SpaceZoo Atlanta | Phoenix | social mediacontent strategy+4 | — | 42m 54s | |
| 5/20/26 | ![]() Ep. 121 – Strategy vs Tactics: Why So Many Dog Daycare Owners Stay Busy, But Never Really Grow Their Business✨ | strategy vs tacticsbusiness growth+4 | Alex Varney | Pinnacle PetsPet Boarding & Daycare Expo West | — | dog daycarebusiness strategy+4 | — | 47m 12s | |
| 5/13/26 | ![]() Ep. 120 – The Hidden Cost of Warehouse-Style Dog Daycare? What to do When Traditional Group Play Stops Working✨ | dog daycareenrichment experiences+3 | Mandy Ekins | Manners Matter Training & Dog Daycare | — | dog daycareenrichment+3 | — | 41m 04s | |
| 5/6/26 | ![]() Ep. 119 – The Expo Advantage: How Smart Dog Daycare Owners Fast-Track Growth (While Others Stay Stuck)✨ | business growthpet daycare+4 | Eve Molzhon | Dog Handler Academy | Phoenix | pet daycarebusiness growth+5 | — | 45m 48s | |
| 4/29/26 | ![]() Ep. 118 – Dogs Are the New Babies! The Big Opportunity Most Daycares Are Missing✨ | dog daycarepet care industry+4 | Allison Jacobs | Barkleigh Productions | — | dog daycaredinkwads+5 | — | 43m 24s | |
| 4/22/26 | ![]() Ep. 117 – The Dog Daycare Money Mindset Trap: Why You’re Stuck at Your Current Income (And How to Break Through)✨ | money mindsetdog daycare+4 | Sean Felty | Greenlin Pet ResortsNext Tree Strategies | Phoenix | dog daycaremoney mindset+5 | — | 52m 01s | |
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| 4/15/26 | ![]() Ep. 116 – The Invisible Profit Problem in Your Daycare :Why Air Quality Matters More Than You Think✨ | air qualitydog daycare+4 | Annette Uda | Aerapy Animal Health | Boston | air qualitydog daycare+5 | — | 41m 13s | |
| 4/8/26 | ![]() Ep. 115 – Premium Pet Business Positioning Playbook: 5 Ways to Make More Money in Your Dog Daycare Without Adding More Dogs✨ | premium pricingdog daycare+3 | — | — | Boston | dog daycarepremium pricing+3 | — | 39m 12s | |
| 4/1/26 | ![]() Ep. 114 – April Fools for Pet Biz Owners: 10 Costly Business Mistakes to Avoid in Your Dog Daycare✨ | business mistakespet daycare+4 | — | Coca-ColaBlockbuster+2 | — | pet businessdog daycare+3 | — | 43m 25s | |
| 3/25/26 | ![]() Ep. 113 – The Dog Daycare Diagnosis: 5 Things to Assess Before You Throw Money at the Wrong Problem✨ | business evaluationdog daycare+3 | — | Pet Vet M&A | North East of England | dog daycarebusiness assessment+3 | — | 43m 03s | |
| 3/18/26 | ![]() Ep. 112 – What Affluent Dog Owners Really Want: How to Transition from The Warehouse-Style Dog Daycare Model to a Premium, Exclusive Facility✨ | affluent dog ownerspremium dog daycare+3 | — | — | Spain | affluent attraction strategydog daycare+3 | — | 36m 01s | |
| 3/11/26 | ![]() Ep. 111 – The Dog Daycare Affluent Attraction Strategy: How to Make More Money with Fewer Dogs✨ | dog daycareaffluent clients+3 | — | Guinness Storehouse | Dublin | dog daycareaffluent attraction+3 | — | 42m 52s | |
| 3/4/26 | ![]() Ep. 110 – The Only Two Levers That Really Move the Needle (And Why Most Owners Avoid Them)✨ | business profitabilitypricing strategy+4 | Teija Heikkilä | Pet Vet M&ADisney | — | profitabilitypricing+5 | — | 42m 52s | |
| 2/25/26 | ![]() Ep. 109 – Hunting The Hidden Revenue in Your Pet Resort: The Disney Model for Dog Daycares✨ | hidden revenuepet resort+5 | Teija Heikkilä | DisneyUniversal+1 | Orlando | pet daycareonboarding process+8 | — | 47m 12s | |
| 2/18/26 | ![]() Ep. 108 – The Specialist Advantage: How Niching Helps You Charge More, Stand Out, and Attract Better Clients✨ | nichingspecialization+4 | — | Pet Boarding & Daycare Magazine | — | nichingspecialization+5 | — | 35m 40s | |
| 2/11/26 | ![]() Ep. 107 – All-Inclusive vs Add-Ons: Which Dog Daycare Pricing Model Builds a Stronger Pet Business? | Should your daycare or boarding facility offer one simple all-inclusive price… or a menu of optional add-ons clients can choose from? Is charging for enrichment, upgrades, or premium services genuinely unethical… or is it actually better for dogs, staff, and your long-term business health? And could sticking to an all-inclusive model quietly limit your profit, your service quality, and your ability to stand out in a more competitive pet care market? In this week’s episode of the Pet Boarding & Daycare Podcast, host Dom Hodgson dives into one of the most debated topics in the pet care industry: all-inclusive pricing versus add-on service models, and why many owners are unknowingly leaving money, opportunies, and client satisfaction on the table. Drawing on years of consulting with dog daycares and pet resorts across the world, Dom breaks down the emotional, ethical, and strategic arguments owners use to justify all-inclusive pricing before unpacking the real business, behavioural, and customer-experience reasons why structured service ladders often produce better outcomes for all. Along the way, Dom shares lessons from Disney storytelling, cruise ship revenue models, airline seating structures, and real-world enrichment programme implementation to show why offering choice isn’t about charging more but rather about delivering better. In this episode, you’ll discover: The All-Inclusive Pricing Myth – Why offering everything for one price often limits profitability and service quality. Care vs Commercial Reality – How charging for premium enrichment doesn’t reduce care… it improves outcomes. Volume vs Margin Thinking – Why the most successful pet businesses shift from more dogs to higher-value services. Client Psychology and Choice – Why dog owners actively want upgrade options (and often feel disappointed without them). The Hidden Power of Backend Sales – How add-ons, upgrades, and experience enhancements quietly drive sustainable growth. Want to work with the World Leading Pet Business Coach? Discover if you’re a good fit to work with Dom by going to www.petbusinessmarketing.com/audition Remember, the next big Barkleigh event is the PB & D Expo West which this year is in Phoenix, Arizona! You can register for the event and be the first to find out when tickets go on sale by clicking here now Grab a copy of Dom’s latest book Mission ENRICH by clicking here now Episode Highlights: [00:51] – Dom opens the episode and introduces the all-inclusive vs add-on pricing debate dominating the pet care industry.[03:00] – Lessons from masterminds and Disney’s Animal Kingdom: why storytelling and experience design create standout businesses.[11:54] – Dog News: debunking common dog training myths and how simple, localised content builds marketing authority.[17:30] – The emotional argument behind all-inclusive pricing and why many owners link charging more with caring less.[21:00] – Why enrichment consistency often fails inside volume-based business models.[23:30] – Good, Better, Best pricing ladders and how service tiers increase profit without adding new clients.[26:53] – The fear of upselling and why most sales resistance is actually a communication problem.[29:00] – Cruise ships, airlines, and luxury hospitality: how premium upgrades drive massive backend revenue.[31:30] – Front-end sales vs backend sales and where long-term business profitability is really built.[33:30] – Why choice, personalisation, and optional upgrades lead to better dog experiences and stronger client loyalty. Huge thanks to our fantastic show sponsors Canine Lab Testing. You can learn more about their fast, reliable parasite testing solutions at: www.caninelabtesting.com | — | ||||||
| 2/4/26 | ![]() Ep. 106 – Canine Comfort Driven Enrichment: How Better Beds Build Bigger Profits For Dog Daycares and Pet Resorts. | Are you focusing heavily on scent, activity, and social play…but overlooking one of the dog’s most powerful senses? Have you ever considered that the bedding, cushioning, and physical comfort inside your facility could be one of the biggest opportunities to improve behaviour, client confidence, and revenue? And what if enrichment didn’t always require more labour…but instead could quietly increase value while using the space you already have? In this week’s episode of the Pet Boarding & Daycare Podcast, host Dom Hodgson sits down with Fred Silber from Pet Therapeutics to explore one of the fastest-growing areas of enrichment: comfort-driven enrichment — and why the sense of touch is becoming a major differentiator for premium dog daycares and pet resorts. Fred has spent decades working in pet product design and behavioural comfort solutions, helping facilities move beyond basic raised cots and into structured, science-backed comfort environments that reduce fear, anxiety, and stress in boarding dogs. Together, Dom and Fred unpack how luxury-style bedding, pressure-based comfort, and smart enrichment bundling are helping facilities improve dog wellbeing, increase customer retention, and unlock new revenue streams — often with minimal additional labour. In this episode, you’ll discover: Comfort as the Missing Enrichment Pillar – Why touch and pressure-based comfort plays a major role in reducing stress and anxiety. Design for Luxury, Proven for Profit – How premium bedding and comfort upgrades create powerful upsell opportunities. Bundling for Bigger Returns – Why using comfort items as anchor upgrades dramatically increases package value. Near-Zero Labour Enrichment – How comfort-driven upgrades increase perceived value without increasing staffing pressure. Retention Through Experience – Why facilities using luxury comfort environments are holding onto clients longer and defending against competition. Huge hanks to my awesome guest Fred Silber for sharing his knowledge. Find out more about Pet Theraputics by going to PetTheraputics.net Want to work with the World Leading Pet Business Coach? Discover if you’re a good fit to work with Dom by going to www.petbusinessmarketing.com/audition Canine Labs Testing are the amazing sponsors of this episode. Go to CanineLabsTesting to find out more about their fabulous service that keeps your facility parasite free! Remember, the next big Barkleigh event is the PB & D Expo West which this year is in Phoenix, Arizona! You can register for the event and be the first to find out when tickets go on sale by clicking here now Grab a copy of Dom’s latest book Mission ENRICH by clicking here now Episode Highlights [00:51] – Dom opens the episode with a lesson from The Apprentice, and why business owners must stop confusing activity with achievement.[07:16] – Dom challenges listeners to focus on the high-impact activities that truly move their business forward.[10:21] – Dog News: Westminster Best in Show inspires creative marketing and user-generated content ideas for daycare owners.[12:28] – Meet Fred Silber and the growing concept of comfort-driven enrichment in pet care.[13:12] – Why the sense of touch is often overlooked, and how pressure-based comfort helps reduce fear and anxiety.[14:17] – Luxury bedding bundles, upgrade packages, and the real-world profitability operators are seeing.[17:25] – The science behind leaning, compression, and why dogs naturally seek supported resting environments.[21:17] – Senior dogs, anxious dogs, and creating comfort solutions for different behavioural and physical needs.[25:39] – Near-zero labour enrichment and how comfort upgrades improve guest experience without adding staff workload.[30:30] – Selfie stations, front-desk sales opportunities, and using comfort products to drive client engagement and retention. Huge thanks to our fantastic show sponsors Canine Lab Testing. You can learn more about their fast, reliable parasite testing solutions at: www.caninelabtesting.com | — | ||||||
| 1/28/26 | ![]() Ep. 105 – How to Build a Pet Business Plan That Actually Gets Your Dog Daycare Off the Ground with Claire Pickens | Do you have a business idea sitting in your head, half-built in notebooks, daydreams, and late-night conversations? Have you ever wondered what actually separates a pet business that gets funded, built, and launched from one that stays stuck in planning limbo? And what if a business plan wasn’t just a box-ticking exercise for the bank… but a tool to clarify your vision, your values, and the business you really want to build? In this week’s episode of the Pet Boarding & Daycare Podcast, host Dom Hodgson sits down with Claire Pickens, founder of Clarity Group, to unpack the surprisingly personal, practical, and often misunderstood world of business planning for pet care businesses. Claire has spent three decades inside the animal industry — as an employee, owner, executive, and now as the go-to specialist helping pet resort and veterinary entrepreneurs turn ideas into fully-formed, fundable, future-proof business plans. Together, Dom and Claire break down what actually goes into a strong plan, why most owners rush this stage, and how writing things down now can save years of expensive mistakes later. In this episode, you’ll discover: Business Plans That Keep You Honest – Why writing your vision down matters long after the bank has said yes. From Passion to Paper – How to turn scattered ideas into a clear, logical plan investors can trust. Small Business at Heart – Why even large-scale operators succeed by thinking in small-business detail. Eight Steps to Clarity – The simple framework Claire uses to structure every successful plan. De-risking the Dream – How market research, staffing, operations, and projections protect you from costly surprises. Thanks to my awesome guest Claire Pickens for sharing her wisdom. Find out more about Claires services by going to SmallBusinessDreams.com Want to work with the World Leading Pet Business Coach? Discover if you’re a good fit to work with Dom by going to www.petbusinessmarketing.com/diamondnow Canine Labs Testing are the amazing sponsors of this episode. Go to CanineLabsTesting to find out more about their fabulous service that keeps your facility parasite free! Remember, the next big Barkleigh event is the PB & D Expo West which this year is in Phoenix, Arizona! You can register for the event and be the first to find out when tickets go on sale by clicking here now Grab a copy of Dom’s latest book Mission ENRICH by clicking here now Episode Highlights: [00:51] – Dom sets the scene and introduces why business planning is the missing step for many pet entrepreneurs.[02:30] – A Town Farm renovation story — and the powerful business analogy of clearing space before you can build something new.[09:30] – Why chasing too many projects at once leads to overwhelm, and how deleting before adding creates momentum.[14:40] – Meet Claire Pickens: three decades in animal care, from barn work to executive leadership to business planning.[17:30] – Why experienced executives are now entering pet care — and the fresh thinking they’re bringing with them.[25:05] – The real purpose of a business plan — and why the numbers aren’t the most important part.[30:12] – Claire’s eight-step planning process, from elevator pitch to market analysis to financial projections.[33:39] – The question most owners never ask: how many people do you actually want to manage?[38:00] – Hidden surprises in insurance, utilities, staffing, and emotional client management — and why planning exposes them early.[41:00] – How Claire turns years of scattered ideas into a bank-ready, 20–30 page plan in under 60 days. Huge thanks to our amazing show sponsors Canine Lab Testing. You can learn more about their fast, reliable parasite testing solutions at: www.caninelabtesting.com | — | ||||||
| 1/21/26 | ![]() Ep. 104 – From Kennel Smell to Boutique Hound Hotel: How Scent Creates a Five-Star First Impression in Pet Resorts | Does your pet facility smell similar to most others… like nothing in particular? Or worse, have you become nose-blind to something your clients notice the second they walk in? Did you know scenting wasn’t just about odour control…but one of the simplest ways to create a high-value, premium brand experience? In this week’s episode of the Pet Boarding & Daycare Podcast, host Dom Hodgson sits down with Kevin Rhodes from Air Essentials to explore one of the most overlooked elements of experiential marketing in pet care: scent. And we don’t mean scent work, we mean how your facility actually smells. Kevin has spent nearly a decade working with luxury hotels, resorts, and now pet boarding facilities, helping those businesses eliminate odours, create instant positive first impressions, and build memorable brand environments through professional scenting systems. In this conversation, Dom and Kevin unpack why pet facilities often become nose-blind to their own environment, how scent links directly to memory and emotional recall, and why top hospitality brands treat smell as part of their brand identity, not an afterthought. They dive into odour mitigation, branded signature scents, seasonal scenting, anxiety-reducing pet-safe fragrances, and how facilities are quietly using scent to increase perceived value, client trust, and repeat bookings. In this episode, you’ll discover: Odour vs Experience – Why scent solves hygiene and brand perception at the same time. First Impressions That Last – How smell links to memory, emotion, and instant trust. Blind Spots in Your Facility – Why facility owners miss what clients notice the moment they walk in. Signature & Seasonal Scents – How luxury brands use scent to build identity and keep experiences fresh. Premium Perception – Why a clean, consistent scent quietly signals care, quality, and value. Thanks to my awesome guest Kevin Rhodes for sharing his wisdom. Find out more about AirEssentials by going to AirEssentials.com Want to work with the World Leading Pet Business Coach? Discover if you’re a good fit to work with Dom by going to www.petbusinessmarketing.com/diamondnow Canine Labs Testing are the amazing sponsors of this episode. Go to CanineLabsTesting to find out more about their fabulous service that keeps your facility parasite free! Remember, the next big Barkleigh event is the PB & D Expo West which this year is in Phoenix, Arizona! You can register for the event and be the first to find out when tickets go on sale by clicking here now Grab a copy of Dom’s latest book Mission ENRICH by clicking here now Episode Highlights: [00:51] – Dom introduces the episode and explains why scent is one of the most overlooked opportunities in pet care.[02:07] – A personal update from Dom on why focus and clarity matter when building a business that stands out.[07:30] – Dog news: the rise of wellness in pet care, and what modern pet parents are willing to pay more for.[11:30] – Meet Kevin Rhodes from Air Essentials — the man helping luxury hotels and now pet boarding facilities that want to smell as good as they look.[13:30] – Why even clean facilities can suffer from hidden odour problems, and how nose-blindness catches most owners out.[14:53] – How scent links directly to memory and emotional recall, and why first impressions are formed in seconds.[17:43] – Why plug-ins, sprays, and candles don’t solve the real issue, and what professional scenting systems do differently.[19:49] – Signature scents, seasonal aromas, and how luxury brands use smell to build identity and recognition.[28:30] – The study showing dogs prefer certain scents, and how specific fragrances can reduce anxiety in pet environments.[38:00] – Disnifying, “five-sensing” environments, and why scent is the heavyweight champion of premium experience design. Huge thanks to our amazing show sponsors Canine Lab Testing. You can learn more about their fast, reliable parasite testing solutions at: www.caninelabtesting.com | — | ||||||
| 1/14/26 | ![]() Ep. 103 – The Future of Enrichment in Dog Daycares and Pet Resorts: How Structured Enrichment Separates the Best from the Rest | Are you still running a “play all day” daycare and wondering why some dogs struggle, staff burn out, and profit stays tight? Do you want to add enrichment… but feel like it will be complicated, expensive, or hard to execute? And what does good enrichment actually look like when it’s done properly — for the dogs, the staff, and the business? In this week’s episode of the Pet Boarding & Daycare Podcast, host Dom Hodgson sits down with Jess Okon from Blue Nine Pet Products for a wide-ranging, packed conversation on where pet care enrichment is heading, and why it’s fast becoming the defining factor between average daycares and premium facilities. Jess shares real-world experience from managing high-volume daycares, building boarding and training departments, and working with facilities across the country. Together, Dom and Jess unpack how enrichment has evolved from simply “letting dogs play” into structured brain work, smaller groups, calmer environments, and personalised dog experiences — and why clients are increasingly willing to pay for exactly that. They dive in to understanding every individual pet’s preferences, simple enrichment ideas that cost almost nothing to pull off, and why mental stimulation beats endless physical exercise every time. In this episode, you’ll discover: Play-All-Day vs Structured Enrichment – Why the old daycare model fails many dogs, and what replaces it. Brain Work Beats Burnout – How thinking, problem-solving, and calm activities create happier, easier dogs. Interviewing the Dog in Front of You – Why understanding individual preferences unlocks better enrichment. Simple Enrichment That Works – How to improve dog experiences without expensive equipment or complex plans. The Future of Daycare – Why enrichment-led facilities are becoming the new industry standard. Thanks to my awesome guest Jess Okon for sharing her wisdom. Find out more about Blue9’s amazing products by going to Blue9.com Want to work with the World Leading Pet Business Coach? Discover if you’re a good fit to work with Dom by going to www.petbusinessmarketing.com/diamondnow Canine Labs Testing are the amazing sponsors of this episode. Go to CanineLabsTesting to find out more about their fabulous service that keeps your facility parasite free! Remember, the next big Barkleigh event is the PB&D Expo West which this year is in Phoenix, Arizona! You can register for the event and be the first to find out when tickets go on sale by clicking here now Grab a copy of Dom’s latest book Mission ENRICH by clicking here now Episode Highlights [00:51] – Dom checks in from Austin and reflects on his time aboard the Barclay Pet Pro Cruise.[09:28] – Live from the Barclay Pet Pro Cruise: attendees share their takeaways on marketing systems, pricing confidence, and introducing good-better-best packages to drive profit. [13:51] – Meet Jess Okon: from grooming and high-volume daycare management to shaping enrichment thinking at Blue Nine.[21:16] – The shift from “play all day” daycare to structured brain-first enrichment, and why thinking beats exhausting.[22:30] – How enrichment improves behaviour, staff engagement, and client trust — all at the same time.[25:39] – Teaching dogs to problem-solve and communicate, and how simple brain work creates calmer facilities.[28:30] – Simple enrichment ideas that cost very little, but dramatically improve the dog’s day.[33:30] – Why smaller groups, rest cycles, and rotation matter more than adding new equipment.[36:30] – Interviewing the dog in front of you, and tailoring enrichment to individual needs rather than breed stereotypes.[40:30] – Using enrichment products and add-ons to increase profits, without adding more dogs or more stress. Huge thanks to our fantastic show sponsors Canine Lab Testing.You can learn more about their fast, reliable parasite testing solutions at:www.caninelabtesting.com | — | ||||||
| 1/7/26 | ![]() Ep. 102 – Why A Bigger Pet Business Isn’t Always Better: How Kim Buchanan Built A Super Successful Daycare while Purposefully Staying Small. | Do you want to grow your business…without having to cram more dogs into your facility? Are you clear on what business you’re actually in — or are you still pricing your services like everyone else? And what does premium positioning really look like when it’s done properly? In this week’s episode of the Pet Boarding & Daycare Podcast, host Dom Hodgson records while aboard the Barclay Pet Pro Cruise and shares a powerful, practical interview with Kim Buchanan, owner of Fetch Dog Resort in Indianapolis and one of Dom’s Elite Mastermind members. Kim has been in the industry for nearly 20 years, and instead of scaling her business simply by admitting as many dogs as she could into her facility, she’s built a deliberately small, premium, hospitality-led business that continues to grow by increasing value, deepening relationships with her ever-satisfied client base, and charging accordingly for her top-of-the-range services. In this conversation, Kim walks through her journey from working in marketing into opening her own dog daycare, the hard lessons she learned along the way, and how enrichment, memberships, and customer experience have become the backbone of her growth strategy – and why it should be the same for you. In this episode, you’ll discover: Value vs Volume – Why Kim chose to build a “high-end steakhouse” instead of a McDonald’s-style daycare. What Business Are You Really In? – How shifting from “dog daycare” to hospitality changes pricing, perception, and profit. Enrichment as a Growth Lever – How structured enrichment unlocked new revenue without adding capacity. Memberships That Aren’t Discounts in Disguise– How Kim rolled out tiered memberships, price increases, and higher-value services at the same time. Customer Appreciation That Pays Back – Why gifts, gestures, and hospitality drive loyalty far more than discounting your services. Thanks to Kim Buchanan for sharing her inspirational story. Check out Kim’s facility by going to Fetch Dog Resort.com Want to work with the World Leading Pet Business Coach? Discover if you’re a good fit to work with Dom by going to www.petbusinessmarketing.com/diamondnow Canine Labs Testing are the amazing sponsors of this episode. Go to CanineLabsTesting to find out more about their fabulous service that keeps your facility parasite free! Remember, the next big Barkleigh event is the PB & D Expo West which this year is in Phoenix, Arizona! You can register for the event and be the first to find out when tickets go on sale by clicking here now Grab a copy of Dom’s latest book Mission ENRICH by clicking here now Episode Highlights: [00:51] – Dom checks in live from the Barclay Pet Pro Cruise and sets the scene for this week’s episode.[04:30] – Why growth in 2026 must start with clarity, if you don’t know where your business is headed you won’t go anywhere.[06:20] – Dog news: the rescue dog story that highlights the power of scent work and giving second chances.[09:24] – Why partnering with local rescues builds goodwill, visibility, and long-term trust with your clients.[10:00] – Meet Kim Buchanan: nearly 20 years in business and a deliberate decision to stay small.[16:08] – “What business are you really in?” — daycare vs hospitality vs wellness and why you need to be clear about your identity.[18:22] – Why premium positioning protects you from competition and price wars, not to mention making things easier around the facility.[23:29] – Customer appreciation strategies that drive loyalty without discounting.[26:38] – How Kim managed to roll out Enrich U, memberships, and price increases all at the same time without giving her clients whiplash.[34:00] – From integral operator to sit-back CEO: the importance of building a team that allows real growth to happen without taking up all of your precious time. | — | ||||||
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