These micro skills are rooted in both canine behavior and self-awareness. It’s not just about what you do, but how and why you do it. Are you taking a leash from the owner thoughtfully, or just going through the motions? Are you noticing the dog’s posture and tension before they even enter the yard? Observing them—really seeing them—and knowing what to do next is essential.

Even tasks that seem routine deserve intention. For example, how do you pick up a water bowl when multiple dogs are near it? How do you open a gate or redirect dogs? These moments matter. Small actions communicate big messages to the dogs.

I emphasize early moments, like drop-off, because they may shape the rest of the dog’s day. A chaotic or overly stimulating handoff from owner to staff can lead to lingering stress or excitement that makes group integration more challenging. The handler’s body language, voice, pace and timing all affect how a dog transitions.

For dog daycares, this approach can be formalized into a staff development program. Whether you call them foundational skills, basic handling principles or something unique to your business, defining and teaching these micro interactions can transform how your staff connects with the dogs, and with each other. A unified understanding of these skills means better teamwork, safer playgroups and smoother operations.

Staff should be able to not only observe behavior, but also explain why they make certain choices right down to the way they unclip a leash or greet a nervous dog. Encouraging this kind of self-awareness and discussion builds a culture of learning, curiosity and shared purpose.

Even the most experienced handlers benefit from revisiting these basics. Asking, “Why do I do it this way?” can spark thoughtful conversations and reveal opportunities for growth. It can even uncover habits that no longer serve the team or the dogs.

There’s no universal checklist of micro skills. My personal list has evolved over years of observation, mistakes, successes, and refinements and it continues to grow. Everyone’s list will be unique. Watch your team, ask questions and look for the smallest choices that lead to the biggest shifts in dog behavior.

Subtle human behavior, often overlooked, has an enormous impact on how dogs experience their time in daycare and boarding. The dogs are paying attention, are we?

Travel is struggling, too—and our overnight care demand is closely tied to human travel. According to the U.S. Travel Association, overseas travel is down 12%, and domestic air travel this past March was virtually flat compared to the year prior. After a record-setting 332 million visits in 2024, National Park visits saw a downward trend that began in the latter part of last year and continued throughout the first quarter of 2025.

With so much unpredictably, it’s easy to freeze your prices. But now is a critical time for business owners to ask themselves when the last time was you adjusted your rates. Stagnant pricing can quietly and steadily erode profitability and take the wind out of your sails at a time you need it most.

Most successful pet care businesses adjust their pricing at least once per year; however, it can be beneficial to adjust prices two, three or even four times per year. Why? Because regular, well-planned pricing adjustments are necessary to ensure the sustainability and success of any business. Here’s why (and how) to establish a price strategy that not only keeps you afloat but propels you ahead in even the choppiest waters.

Start with an Outside Pricing Analysis

Business owners are often among the worst people to make pricing decisions. Most involved owners have conflicting emotions about adjusting prices; they know a price adjustment is necessary, but they’re worried about losing customers. They’re scared of how “Mrs. Smith,” who is on a fixed income and has been coming for 30 years, will react. And they think about how many reservations they’ve already booked at the current price. This conflict often paralyzes owners into taking the path of least resistance: small, infrequent, delayed and/or inappropriate price adjustments.

A professional, third-party analysis shines a light on your true cost of deliverables and other expenses which otherwise might be overlooked. An outside consultant will analyze the value of your services and amenities, study your region and market, evaluate the level of care you provide, and measure your operating costs—including staffing, utilities, insurance, facility maintenance, supplies and everything else.

There are a lot of moving parts and hidden factors to consider; it isn’t something you want to guess or play by ear. Bringing in a specialist removes doubt and gives you a good look from all angles at the reality of your pricing situation.

Forward-thinking business owners anticipate this many years in advance. They start and grow a “roof fund” or capital improvement savings over time. Unfortunately, this is nearly impossible to actually do without accurate, timely and sometimes uncomfortable price adjustments.

Similarly, business owners often struggle to accurately anticipate future staffing costs. Wages in similar service industries have increased substantially in recent years. Attracting and retaining enough great people is challenging and costs a lot. If your prices aren’t appropriate, you won’t have the funds to pay new employees what they expect while providing similar raises to your existing team.

Without these investments, your business can enter an ugly downward spiral. If maintenance or upgrades are neglected, it can be challenging to justify necessary price adjustments. You’ll attract fewer quality, new clients and will be left with an aging, price-sensitive client base, which will again make necessary price adjustments that much harder.

Along the same lines, low pay and poor benefits will eventually lead to a weak staff dominated by underperformers resistant to change—yet another obstacle to a proactive price strategy.

1. Get your staff on board.
If your team isn’t confident your services are worth the price, your customers certainly won’t buy in either. Before implementing new rates, make sure your team understands why they’re necessary and how important they are to the continued health of the business. There’s no need to get into nitty-gritty financial details, but a straightforward explanation of the cost of doing business can help employees put a price change into proper perspective and turn them into champions of your new rates.

2. Prepare positive messaging.
The way your prices are presented to the client matters whether they’re first-time visitors or long-time regulars. Make sure the client understands what their pet is receiving for their money—the wonderful experience at your facility, a full staff of highly trained professionals, security measures, any special amenities, certifications and any other differentiating factors you have. It can help to provide your team with responses in the event of pushback so they can reaffirm your company’s commitment to the best possible standards.

3. Build pricing into your long-term strategy.
Price adjustments shouldn’t be reactive; they should be part of a proactive, ongoing, growth-minded business strategy. Map out a plan for annual or semi-annual reviews of your pricing structure to ensure you’re keeping pace with rising costs and market expectations going forward. Regular, thoughtful adjustments help stabilize revenue growth, making it easier to plan facility upgrades, add new services or invest in staff without scrambling to catch up financially later.

It may be time to re-evaluate your rates if your company…

• Hasn’t adjusted prices in the past six months
• Can’t afford to offer raises or competitive wages to staff
• Maintains good volume, but profits haven’t grown
• Can’t afford needed improvements or expansions
• Provides high-quality service that isn’t reflected in your current prices

In today’s rapidly shifting economy, staying still is falling behind. The most successful pet care businesses aren’t just surviving; they’re actively adapting, and proper pricing is a key part of that strategy. Regular, intentional price adjustments allow you to protect your margins, support your team, and continue delivering the exceptional care your clients expect and deserve.

If it’s been a while since your last pricing update, now is the time to act. Don’t wait until profits drop or costs outpace your rates—be proactive, be confident and make pricing a routine part of your growth strategy. With the right insights and preparation, you can steer your business through today’s stormy economy and come out stronger on the other side.

Laura Laaman is president of Outstanding Pet Care. If you’re interested in the strategies discussed in this article and want to grow your revenue with our proven, guaranteed services, schedule a consultation by calling 1-888-836-8740 or visiting www.outstandingpetcare.com/contact

Who doesn’t struggle with attracting applicants, retaining employees, and maintaining your current employees’ commitment and morale? In order to address this issue, you first need to understand the needs of the applicant pool and this generation of employees.

Millennials and Gen Z place importance on a company’s culture, values and a purpose in their work. This demographic is looking for more than a job with good pay and benefits, as you may have experienced in your own recruiting efforts. They are driven by a desire to make a positive impact on the world—meaningful work that affords them the opportunity to contribute to something bigger.

The good news is that people in our industry already have the common value of love of animals…but so does every other pet-related business. However, what most of your competitors don’t do is build on that pre-existing commitment with carefully planned nonprofit programs that will give you a leg up on the competition for labor, and for clients.

Because this generation wants to work for an organization that makes the world a better place, creating a purpose-based culture by volunteering in community organizations or fundraising for nonprofits is a great way to make your business stand out from the rest. Here I’ll share with you how to make the most of it to attract, retain, and energize your workforce and build your client base.

In addition to attracting applicants, a purpose-based organization leads to better-performing and committed staff. With this generation, pizza parties or pay raises are great but will not lead to the loyalty and commitment from your employees that you need in order to succeed in a hyper-comparative market.

You may be thinking, “Why would I risk bringing illness and pets with behavioral problems into my facility?” That’s why it’s important to get vet records and evaluate the pets’ behavior before bringing them into your resort. Yes, it’s some extra effort, but in addition to the positive effects with your staff, it will literally pay off in the form of increased revenues.

Community involvement is a unique selling proposition for your pet resort, helping your brand to stand out from your competitors in many ways. Highlighting your commitment to giving back in your marketing materials, website, and social media will resonate with clients and potential clients whose values are aligned with an organization that has a purpose. Additionally, being involved with nonprofits attracts media and social media attention, which is invaluable marketing that supports your brand.

Such programs can also lead directly and quickly to increased revenues. Recently, an organization that I work with had fostered a dog who was adopted by an existing client. The client promptly purchased a package of daycare, immediately doubling that client’s spend with the resort.

Even if supporting rescues within your resort is not an option, there are still ways to give back as a business. You and your staff could volunteer at shelters, help out at rescue events or organize fundraisers. Posting about such efforts on social media provides unpaid, invaluable marketing that clients, applicants and potential clients see. This demonstrates to both clients and employees your resort’s commitment to something more than money.

Actively engaging with the community will have numerous positive impacts on your pet resort business. It attracts candidates, retains employees, and boosts employee morale and retention, as employees who feel connected to a social cause are proud of their employers and are more likely to be engaged, motivated and committed to delivering exceptional service.

These types of programs will also attract new customers who may hear about your business through social media and media coverage, enhancing your overall brand and translating into immediate increased revenues. There is no reason not to do good for your business by doing good!

Tania Isenstein spent 17 years as a Human Resources Vice President at Goldman Sachs before leaving the high-flying world of corporate finance to pursue her passion for pets as the founder of Camp Canine, a premier dog boarding, daycare, and grooming facility in New York City. After growing and eventually selling that facility, Tania is now Principal at Big Dog Consulting. She is also on the Board of Directors at El Faro de los Animals, a no-kill rescue in Puerto Rico. Her mission is “unleashing” potential in humans for the benefit of animals.

Epic Universe has turned Universal from being an afterthought or an add-on vacation option into a true rival to Disney. Families who once planned a seven-day Disney vacation with a “maybe we’ll pop over to Universal for a day” are now making a serious choice: Disney or Universal.

By expanding strategically, Universal created a world where guests stay longer, spend more and deepen their loyalty, without ever feeling pushed. And that, my friend, is the exact same strategy you should be using in your pet business.

Three Roads to Growth

On the other hand, they’re terrified to raise prices and oblivious to selling more to the clients already standing right in front of them. It’s like running a restaurant and ignoring the people already sitting at your tables while shouting into the street, trying to lure more strangers inside.

They’ve also mastered the art of extending the stay. Notice how the 3:00 parade stops you from leaving the park early, and nightly fireworks keep you around to spend more on snacks, souvenirs and dinners you hadn’t planned for. The experiences are designed to keep you engaged longer…and spending more while you’re at it. This is what your business should be doing, too.

Most pet businesses are still selling standalone services: a client buys daycare—that’s it; they book a boarding stay—done. There’s no next step, no add-on, no natural path forward. These clients already know, like and trust you. They’re the warmest buyers you’ll ever meet, yet most businesses never invite them to take the next step.

1. The Welcome & Indoctrination Sequence (Emails & Postcards)
Every new client should be put through an email sequence that introduces them to everything you offer. They should also receive a physical postcard or welcome pack that shows them how your services connect.

Example: A boarding client gets an email series about how weekly daycare can prevent separation anxiety and keep their dog socialized between stays.

2. The Upsell Ladder (Simple, Logical Steps)
Think of your services like a step ladder; each service should have a natural upgrade path, and each step should be easy to say yes to.

Example: Boarding: “I see Rufus is a bird dog, would you like to add an outdoor activity package to his boarding stay?”

Daycare: “Max loved our scent space today. Would you like to enroll him in our weekly enrichment membership to keep building his skills?”

Training: “Congratulations on completing Puppy 101! If you want to keep progressing, we have a Canine Adventure Club that would be perfect for Molly.”

Example: After a boarding stay, call and say: “Hey, we loved having Max here! He really enjoyed our scent space and was very popular in our Canine Social Club. Have you ever thought about adding daycare during the week? He had a blast.”

4. Post-Service Follow-Up Emails (Automated, Non-Salesy Nudges)
This is where automation does the work for you.

Example: If someone books training, they get: “Congrats on finishing your program! If you want to keep improving, our group classes are perfect for ongoing life skills.”

5. In-Person Staff Training (Your Team Equals The Frontline of the Skyliner)
Everyone on your staff should be trained to naturally mention the next step.

Example: If a boarding client checks out, the staff should say: “By the way, have you ever tried daycare? Molly really loved playing with the group.”

If a training client finishes a program, the trainer should say: “You guys crushed it! If you want to keep progressing, we’ve got an advanced class coming up next month.”

You don’t need to implement all five of these right away. But if you’re not doing at least one or two, you’re leaving a boatload of money on the table. Remember, small, simple changes can make a big difference to your income. A $5 add-on here, a $10 upsell there, and suddenly each dog is worth far more than just your daily rate.

So, go build your Epic Universe, get your Skyliner up and running, and let your best clients stay longer, spend more and love you for it.

Dom Hodgson is Europe’s leading pet business coach, and is known as the Pet Biz Wiz. His mission is to help pet service providers create superior customer service systems that enable them to build an impactful and profitable pet business. Dom has written over nine books, and is a much in-demand speaker. You can instantly download a free copy of his latest book “How to Disnify Your Doggy Daycare Business” by going to www.petbusinessmarketing.com/daycaremagic

The following will cover best practices for feeding cats in a boarding environment, from intake questions and storage logistics to feeding behavior red flags and communication strategies for pet parents. Because mastering mealtime isn’t just about filling bowls—it’s about attention to detail, feline psychology and building trust.

Why Consistency Matters

Cats are creatures of habit. Their internal clocks are fine-tuned to meal schedules, and any disruption to those routines can lead to stress, decreased appetite or even gastrointestinal upset. That’s why replicating their home feeding schedule as closely as possible is key.

Start with finding out the basics:

• Ask for detailed feeding instructions during check-in, such as brand, flavor, feeding times, quantity and preparation (e.g., warmed, mixed with broth, separated by cat).
• Confirm feeding frequency. Some cats eat once daily, others twice or more, and some are free-fed.
• Clarify treat allowance, including what kind, how often and if are they part of a behavioral routine (e.g., before bed).

Pro Tip: Encourage pet parents to pre-measure or portion food if they are bringing a special diet. This eliminates guesswork and ensures consistency.

Dry Kibble
The easiest to manage, dry food should be clearly labeled and portioned. For cats that graze, consider timed feeders or regularly scheduled top-offs. Be sure to label which cats are free-fed and which are not.

Canned/Wet Food
Once opened, wet food should be stored in a refrigerator and marked with the date and cat’s name. Use disposable or sanitized reusable containers for portions. And if requested by the owner, ensure food is warmed using hot water, not by microwaving metal cans or bowls.

Raw Diets
Handling raw food requires special attention to cleanliness and food safety. Store raw meals separately in a designated section of the freezer or fridge, and always use gloves, clean prep surfaces and sanitize thoroughly between uses.

Prescription and Specialty Diets
Double-check expiration dates, storage requirements and dosing on prescription or specialty foods, especially for those that manage medical conditions like kidney disease, urinary issues or diabetes. Also keep a log of what was offered and consumed.

Pro Tip: Use color-coded food prep containers and utensils to avoid cross-contamination between raw, cooked and prescription diets.

First, observe if they are they sniffing the food and walking away, showing signs of nausea (lip-licking, drooling, hiding) or if they are avoiding the feeding area altogether. Then, you can try simple encouragement, including offering a quiet, private feeding space, warming the food slightly to release aroma, using a spoon or small dish to hand-feed gently, or adding a bit of a fragrant treat or broth to help stimulate appetite.

If a cat hasn’t eaten at all for 24 hours (or 12 hours for kittens or known medical conditions), it’s time to notify the owner and consider a veterinary consult. Cats, especially overweight ones, can quickly develop hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease) if they stop eating.

Feed cats in separate areas if needed (even if only for mealtime), observing who eats what and noting any food guarding or meal skipping. It’s always better to err on the side of separation until you’re sure they share nicely.

Pro Tip: Use a dry-erase board or digital feed log to track what each cat ate and when. This helps you spot trends early (like food refusal or unusual hunger).

In order to prevent cross-contamination and the spread of bacteria, dishes should be washed after each use with hot water and pet-safe disinfectant. In addition, gloves should be used for raw-food handling and for immune-compromised cats.

Clear Communication with Pet Parents

During the stay, meal updates with honesty and reassurance should be provided. If a cat isn’t eating well, let them know early—not after three days. Celebrate the wins, sharing updates such as, “Mittens finally ate her whole breakfast today and even came to the front of her condo to ask for it!”

For picky or nervous cats, try sitting nearby while they eat. Some cats just need quiet companionship to feel safe enough to eat.

Document all changes and alert the owner. If something feels urgent, call the vet—you’re not diagnosing, just acting in the cat’s best interest.

Feeding isn’t just a routine task in cat boarding—it’s a reflection of your attention to detail, your compassion and your professionalism. A cat that eats well in your care is a cat that feels safe.

By taking the time to understand each cat’s individual routine, managing special diets with care and communicating clearly with their humans, you can turn a potentially stressful part of the day into one of the most reassuring.

hen Allison Strauel became the owner of SkyDance Pet Lodge in 2017, it consisted of a single location in Dousman, Wisconsin, staffed with just 10 employees. Now, SkyDance has a total of 96 employees between the Dousman location, a second facility in New Berlin and a third location in the works.

“When I took over SkyDance, I focused on the basics,” says Allison. “I concentrated on foundational business practices, like making sure there was a working budget and that we had standard operating procedures for every department and all of the staff. I also looked at all the facilities in our area and what they provided, then identified what was missing in the market and how we could fill that gap.

“What I wanted to do was provide a really customized, individual experience for not only the pup, but also for the pet parents,” she continues. “We started with boarding and daycare services, but soon added grooming and training departments, and put them all under one roof. I have always focused on scalability and quality.”

When Allison bought the New Berlin location in 2020, they fully renovated 13,000-sq.-ft. building from the ground up. Those renovations were very important for the unique type of pet care services she had in mind.

Allison found that there was a lack of facilities that could safely handle dogs that have behavioral concerns. At SkyDance, they accept and welcome dogs that have challenges, such as aggression or anxiety. With the large space, the dogs can be put in different parts of the building based on their needs and whether they can be comfortable around others or not.

“Our daycare and boarding programs are not just for warehousing and babysitting the dogs,” stresses Allison. “All of our services are enrichment based, but we have moved toward a curriculum that includes training-based programs. In our groups we practice door manners, games, etc. We want every dog to leave better than when they came to us.”

Each SkyDance location can accommodate 150-170 dogs per day in their boarding, daycare, grooming and training services. With their crate-free model, the dogs stay in actual rooms with real beds. The homelike atmosphere is more conducive to a comfortable and stress-free experience for them, and the pet parents really like the at-home feeling.

“There are a lot of things we do to make sure that the environment we have is peaceful, calming and quiet, and that the pets are enjoying their stay with us,” explains Allison. “For example, we use reward-based techniques implemented by our training team when we move dogs throughout the building. It keeps a tranquil and soothing environment.

“Our training department consults on certain cases,” she adds. “And some of the dogs that board or do daycare with us are actually handled primarily by our training team and not our caretaking team. That allows us to give a higher level of care to those dogs that need it.

A day at SkyDance looks different for each dog. For example, a super-social two-year-old lab can go into a playgroup and participate in group games, while a nine-year-old German Shepherd who doesn’t do well with other dogs because of behavior concerns or separation anxiety will have a much different day. That dog may be paired with a trainer to work on individual activities, go on a nature walk or participate in a customized enrichment session.

The staff at SkyDance is an integral part of its success, with many of the team members being employed for five-plus years. Allison emphasizes that a business can’t grow without a dedicated and great team of people. All staff are trained in pet first aid and are CPR certified. In addition, they participate in continuing education and attend leadership summits to increase and solidify their skills.

Their marketing director handles their website, www.skydancepetlodge.com, as well as their social media. Their Facebook and Instagram pages feature many great photos, including some of the incredible events they have held, such as their 2024 Champions Unleashed Olympic Games, drive-in movies, themed holiday events and birthday parties.

Involving the pet parents in these kinds of activities helps to build a relationship and provide a customized luxury experience for them as well as their pets.

“We empower our guest experience and front desk teams to always go the extra mile to ensure that the clients also feel like they are having an enriching experience,” she continues. “For instance, if an owner is getting married, we send them flowers after they return from their honeymoon, or if there is a new baby, we will send the family a personalized gift. We’re not just a business to them, we build a relationship with the client. That’s really helped us to propel our growth.”

SkyDance Pet Lodge is involved in the community as well. They go to the schools and hold classes on how to interact with dogs, and they have career fairs at the high schools. In addition, they also do a lot of work with local rescues to help dogs find their forever homes by fostering and training free of charge. Since 2020, they’ve helped over 120 dogs.

“At SkyDance, we have a place for every pup,” Allison states. “We’re here not just to make a profit, but to make a difference!”

Pursuing cage-free boarding may potentially allow businesses an opportunity to save a great deal of money when it comes to the costs involved with setting up a new establishment and the cost of day-to-day operation. This is in part because of the open layout. It is easier and significantly less expensive to find or construct a large, open area than when compared to installing individual kennels.

Staffing a cage free-facility may also require fewer employees. With an open layout, staff are able to provide pets with more attention while also being able to monitor them more efficiently, in comparison to giving each pet individualized care, one at a time.

Located in Groton, Connecticut, Fun Play Bark offers clients a more traditional dog boarding setup. Boarding dogs, however, are able to participate in the facility’s daycare program during the day, then have extra opportunities to be out in the evening before returning to individual kennels.

Yet the facility has begun to offer a cage-free option for feline boarders. Cat Coordinator, Robbie Johnson, says, “Cats tend to be social and like the ability to roam and explore. Keeping them secured in individual enclosures inhibits that and, in many cases, leads the cats to be fearful and even combative or aggressive.”

When cats come to board, a staff member places them in a secure 5’ X 5’ area and allows them to decompress and explore if they wish. If they show interest, they are allowed to enter the main area, which is equipped with cat trees, beds and toys. Here they can interact with the current population. Staff are careful to observe for signs of fear or aggression, and if shown, the cat is returned to an individual condo in order to decompress.

“Most cats love the ability to explore and they get along with the other cats in the facility,” Robbie says. “They will make friends and, in some cases, will even share a cube or shelf with other cats. I keep the condos open, and sometimes they will choose a spot in there and can come and go as they please.”

Al explained that in order for the dogs to be eligible for cage-free boarding, they must be social and able to participate in the daycare program during the day. After daycare hours have concluded, the dogs are with Al overnight until the next morning when they will return to the daycare program with his wife, sister and staff.

Instead of a large, empty room, the dogs there for cage free-boarding at Bolton Kennels are lodged in a space which resembles a cozy cottage setting. With a kitchen, bathroom and bed room, the area feels like home away from home.

Boarders eat separately to avoid any conflict and ensure their safety. Then they can play, socialize, relax and watch TV together until it’s time for bed, just as they might likely do in their own homes. During the night, Al is always happy to let them go outside should they need to relieve themselves. As an added bonus, dogs are welcome to hop up on the bed for a snuggle and restful slumber.

At any given time, the dogs are supervised by someone certified in both pet first aid and CPR. Should an emergency arise during the day or night, the dogs are always with a caretaker who is able to assess the situation and promptly transport them for veterinary care if necessary.

For some facilities, the cage-free model is a good fit, while for others, having separate enclosures for each pet will make more sense. More social animals will likley prefer having the opportunity to roam and socialize with others uninhibited by the confines of a kennel, while those who demonstrate significant anxiety or aggressive behavior will need their own space in order to feel safe.

Ultimately, every business will have to examine the options, then decide which model aligns most with their beliefs and goals. Proprietors can also create a hybrid version combining what they like most about each method to create their ideal vision for their business.

Tools like ChatGPT, Claude and Google’s Gemini are making it super easy for small businesses—especially in the pet care space—to get more done without adding to your plate. According to McKinsey & Company, businesses using AI for operations can improve productivity by up to 40%.¹ In addition, Goldman Sachs predicts AI could eventually automate about 25% of all work tasks.² And that’s not some far-off future—that’s now!

This is where an always-available AI receptionist can dramatically improve your customer experience and provide more knowledgeable information. With tools that answer phone calls, respond to basic questions, take reservations and follow-up with clients, you don’t even have to lift a finger. They can greet callers, check availability and provide info about your services 24/7. No more missed calls or weekend voicemails piling up! And the best part is, they don’t take breaks, call in sick or ask for time off during the holidays, therefore saving you money.

• Write SOPs: Just tell it what the process is and it will organize it into a clear, step-by-step document. Need a staff training guide? Maybe a cleaning checklist? Done in minutes!
• Create Emails: Whether it’s a promo, a holiday reminder or a price update, these tools can write compelling email drafts for you to tweak and send. No more staring at a blank screen.
• Respond to Reviews: Copy and paste the review into ChatGPT and ask it to write a polite, professional response. You can even ask it to match your brand’s tone—whether it’s warm and friendly or straight and professional, it’s smart enough to tailor the tone to fit your brand’s voice.
• Social Media and Content Made Easy: Need blog posts, Instagram captions or monthly newsletters? AI can crank out content fast. You just need to give it a few details about your business, and in return it will give you solid drafts to build from.
• Automate Mundane Tasks: These tools can summarize meeting notes, generate to-do lists, and even organize your weekly schedule. Basically, if it’s repetitive and you hate doing it, AI can probably help.
• Team Management: If you’ve got staff to manage, use it to create performance reviews, put together onboarding materials, or even generate staff quizzes for training.

AI is here and it’s not coming to take over and put us all out of jobs. It’s here to help you better leverage your time and help you get out of the weeds of your business so you can focus on taking the best care of the pets and people you serve.

1. McKinsey & Company. (2023). The economic potential of generative AI: The next productivity frontier. McKinsey Digital. https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/mckinsey-digital/our-insights/the-economic-potential-of-generative-ai-the-next-productivity-frontier
2. Goldman Sachs. AI may start to boost US GDP in 2027. (2023). Goldman Sachs. https://www.goldmansachs.com/insights/articles/ai-may-start-to-boost-us-gdp-in-2027

Fern is the founder of Overdog Digital, a digital marketing & consulting agency that helps dog daycare and boarding facilities attract, convert, and keep more customers by creating winning marketing campaigns and providing the business guidance to build momentum and spark long-term growth. Fern also has programs to train daycare staff, is a dog behavior consultant, and has a dog training business in New Jersey. He is the author of eight books and a popular speaker at national conferences and private events. To join The Dog Daycare Business Think Tank or ask a question, go to: www.facebook.com/groups/dogdaycarethinktank

Sherry Redwine, owner of Odyssey Pets, a Dallas, Texas-based boarding, daycare, retail and grooming business, says, “We take medical situations seriously and have clear protocols in place to support pets who may experience a seizure while in our care. Our team is trained to remain calm, create a safe environment, and provide comfort to the pet.”

Rob Robinson, general manager of Canine Republic, a dog boarding and daycare center in Plano, Texas, agrees and adds, “With dogs with a history of seizures who board with Canine Republic, we implement several measures to ensure clear communication among the staff. A ‘Seizure Watch’ sticker is placed on the dog’s run card and boarding collar for easy visibility.”

A seizure can last a few seconds or up to several minutes. The cause varies. A dog may have hit their head against a hard object and suffer a concussion, or may have eaten something poisonous that causes a high fever. Medical conditions, including diabetes, liver disease and kidney disease, can increase the risk of a dog incurring a seizure.

It is vital to recognize that, during a seizure, a dog’s core body temperature can rise and lead to heatstroke if the temperature exceeds 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Once the dog regains consciousness, veterinarians recommend that you safely dip their paws in cool water to lower the elevated body temperature while en route to the nearest veterinary clinic.

If you choose to accept dogs with a history of seizures at your daycare or boarding facility, it’s important to have policies and procedures in place for the likely event of a seizure happening.

“We do accept dogs with a history of seizures, but it is handled on a case-by-case basis,” says Sherry. “If a dog with a seizure history is a good candidate for daycare or boarding, we develop a personalized care plan with clear protocols for our staff to follow. Our goal is to create a safe, low-stress environment that supports the individual needs of every dog.”

She shares the case of a long-time canine client of theirs, a senior Labrador Retriever named Max. His family provided Odyssey Pets with detailed instructions from their veterinarian.

“Max had a mild seizure while resting in one of our quiet suites,” recalls Sherry. “A team member noticed the signs immediately and followed our seizure protocol, making sure Max was in a safe position, staying close to monitor him, and timing the episode. We contacted his family right away and followed up with his veterinarian as a precaution. Max experienced no complications.”

Canine Republic’s admission policy requires pet parents to complete detailed medical and behavioral information on their pets on the intake forms. That includes listing any ongoing health conditions, such as a history of seizures and list of current medications the dog is taking.

Rob shares the case of a French Bulldog named Louie, who was new to his pet parent and had limited medical history to share with the Canine Republic staff.

“Louie experienced a seizure that was immediately recognized by a team member,” shares Rob. “The staff member ensured his safety, timed the duration of the seizure, and captured a brief video for documentation. Louie was then diagnosed with epilepsy and has since began taking medication to manage his condition.”

Arden Moore is known as America’s Pet Health and Safety Coach. A master certified pet first aid/CPR instructor, Arden is the founder of Pet First Aid 4U and director of education for Pro Pet Hero’s pet first aid instructor program. She teaches in-person and interactive classes all over the world to pet professionals and pet parents. A Fear Free certified speaker, she is the author of more than two dozen pet books. She hosts the award-winning Oh Behave Show on Pet Life Radio, the longest-running weekly pet podcast. Learn more at www.ardenmoore.com and www.petfirstaid4u.com