217: The Future of Pet Business Starts Now (Season 5 Kickoff)

Welcome to 2026 and a brand new season of the Pet Boss Podcast!

After four solid years and 216 episodes, Season 5 is here with a brand new intro and a clear mission: build what lasts.

Because if you've been in the pet industry for any amount of time, you know last year felt HARD. There was a lot of retracting, pulling back, and retreating. Costs got higher. Hiring felt heavier. Customers became more cautious. And the energy it takes to run a pet business right now? Intense.

But here's the thing: the pet industry is still growing. Pet spending in the US is now well over $140 billion annually. People aren't walking away from their pets - they're just becoming more selective about how, where, and with whom they spend.

So we as business owners have to become more strategic, more intentional, and better at running the actual business side of things.

She shares:

🙌 Why last year felt so hard (no, you're not imagining it)

🙌 The 5 biggest challenges pet business owners face in 2026

🙌 The "Build What Lasts" framework: systems that don't fall apart when you step away, teams that feel supported, margins that protect your energy

🙌 What's coming this season

Plus the truth you need to hear: You are not behind. You are not failing. You do not have to have it all figured out. And you are not going on this journey alone.

This season isn't about doing everything. It's about building foundations that hold you up - one decision at a time. 

Whether you're listening to the podcast or joining in-person workshops at Dante and Dory's (yes, that's coming!), this is about building WITH you, not talking AT you this season!

Transcript

Show Notes

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