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