Épisodes

  • Practical Pet Business - Episode 31 - In store events promotions and more

    Practical Pet Business - Episode 31 - In store events promotions and more
    Oct 16 2025
    On this episode of Practical Pet Business, Lorin and Rob dive deep into a topic every pet business owner has wrestled with — in-store events and promotions. Are they really worth it? Do they bring lasting value, or do they just drain your time, your team, and your bottom line? From small, simple in-store happenings to big, buzz-worthy community events, Lorin and Rob explore the full spectrum of what goes into planning, running, and following up on an event. They discuss the positives and negatives — the excitement, energy, and community connection that events can create, versus the challenges, disruptions, and costs that can come with them. They break down what makes an event effective and manageable — How to determine the right scale for your store and audience. When to keep it simple versus when a larger production might make sense. How to make sure everyone — from your team to your vendors — knows their role and responsibilities. And most importantly, how to know whether your event is truly benefiting your customers and your business, or if it’s become a burden that’s taking more than it gives. Lorin and Rob also share ideas for fresh, relevant event types that today’s pet parents actually want to attend — ones that drive engagement, loyalty, and meaningful connections, rather than just foot traffic. From educational experiences to collaborative promotions and online/offline hybrids, they’ll help you rethink what a “successful event” looks like in today’s pet retail world. So before you plan your next adoption day, grooming demo, or seasonal sale, tune in for an honest, experience-based look at what works, what to avoid, and how to make every event align with your purpose, your brand, and your customers’ needs. All of this and more — on this insightful episode of Practical Pet Business.
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    21 min
  • Practical Pet Chat - Episode 38 - Future thinking for your pet family

    Practical Pet Chat - Episode 38 - Future thinking for your pet family
    Oct 12 2025
    On this episode of Practical Pet Chat, Lorin and Rob dive into a heartfelt and often overlooked topic — future thinking and planning when it comes to growing your pet family. Adding a new pet is one of life’s greatest joys, but it’s also one of the most important long-term commitments you can make. As Lorin and Rob remind us, life changes — sometimes in ways we expect, and sometimes in ways we never see coming. From job shifts and relocations to changes in health, finances, and family dynamics, the world around us rarely stands still. While we can’t predict every turn, we can plan thoughtfully for what’s likely to come. This episode explores how to make pet choices that not only bring joy and balance to your life today but also remain sustainable and fulfilling 10, 15, or even 20 years from now. They discuss real-life examples of how our lifestyles evolve — and how those changes can impact our ability to care for the animals we love. Can you still provide the same attention, exercise, or medical care as you get older? What happens if your living situation changes? And how can you set up plans, support systems, or even community connections to ensure your pets always have the care they deserve? Lorin and Rob offer insights, questions, and compassionate advice to help you think ahead, prepare wisely, and make pet decisions with both your present heart and your future reality in mind. Whether you’re considering your first pet, adding to your furry family, or simply re-evaluating your long-term plans, this episode will leave you inspired, grounded, and better equipped for the journey of pet parenting over time. All of this and more on Practical Pet Chat — where love for pets meets the wisdom of planning ahead.
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    28 min
  • Practical Pet Business - Episode 30 - Being a Trusted Pet Parent Resource Beyond Your Business

    Practical Pet Business - Episode 30 - Being a Trusted Pet Parent Resource Beyond Your Business
    Oct 10 2025
    On this episode of Practical Pet Business, Lorin and Rob explore one of the most underrated growth and loyalty strategies in the pet industry — becoming your customers’ most trusted resource for all things pet-related, even beyond what your business directly offers. Pet parents today are navigating a world full of choices, challenges, and information overload. They need guidance they can trust. When your business becomes the place they turn to — not just for products or services, but for reliable recommendations, expert connections, and credible advice — you transform your role from a seller to a partner in their pet parenting journey. That trust creates lasting loyalty, stronger bonds, and a reputation that sets you apart from competitors. Lorin and Rob discuss the right ways to build and share a vetted list of trusted resources — from local groomers, trainers, and vets to national organizations and virtual specialists. They cover how to make these connections authentic and mutually beneficial, and how to avoid the common pitfalls that can make these efforts seem forced or self-serving. You’ll also hear practical examples and creative ideas for expanding your network of pet care partners — whether you’re a retailer, service provider, or product brand. From collaborations that help your customers solve real problems to community-based partnerships that deepen your local footprint, this episode is packed with actionable insights that can help your business grow while genuinely serving your customers’ broader needs. All this and more on this episode of Practical Pet Business — where pet passion meets smart business strategy.
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    23 min
  • Practical Pet Chat Episode 37 - Are AI-driven robotic pets the future of companionship or just a flashy trend?

    Practical Pet Chat Episode 37 - Are AI-driven robotic pets the future of companionship or just a flashy trend?
    Oct 6 2025
    On this episode of Practical Pet Chat, Lorin and Rob take a closer look at Rob’s recent encounters with robotic, AI-driven pets and ask the big question: are these high-tech companions the future of pet ownership, or are they just another passing trend? The conversation goes beyond the novelty factor to explore what robotic pets could mean for the larger pet world. Lorin and Rob discuss how these lifelike companions might impact the bond between people and their real, breathing pets, how pet parents may respond to this new option, and what role businesses in the pet industry could play if demand for robotic pets grows. From their undeniable entertainment value and convenience to the deeper ethical, emotional, and social questions they raise, robotic pets open the door to a fascinating debate about the nature of companionship itself. Could they ease loneliness, offer comfort to people who can’t care for live pets, or even create new opportunities for learning and therapy? Or will they remain a fun but fleeting curiosity, unable to replicate the irreplaceable connection humans share with living animals? Join Lorin and Rob for a thoughtful, engaging, and sometimes surprising discussion about the possibilities and pitfalls of robotic pets, and what their presence might mean for the future of pet parenting and the industry built around it. It’s all this and more on Practical Pet Chat—the podcast pet parents trust and love.
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    22 min
  • Practical Pet Business - Episode 29 - Tech is everywhere, how to use it to the benefit of your business and pet parents

    Practical Pet Business - Episode 29 - Tech is everywhere, how to use it to the benefit of your business and pet parents
    Oct 2 2025
    On this edition of Practical Pet Business, Lorin and Rob take on a topic that is impossible to ignore: technology. It’s everywhere—inside and outside the pet world—and it’s transforming the way pet businesses operate and how pet parents experience the products and services they love. From point-of-sale systems and online booking tools to wearable pet tech, smart feeders, and AI-driven customer service, technology has become an integral part of the pet industry. Lorin and Rob break down the advantages of adopting new tech, including efficiency, improved customer experiences, and scalability, while also addressing common concerns such as cost, complexity, and staying true to the human connection that pet parents value. The discussion also looks forward to what’s next: how technology may continue to shape the future of pet care and business, and how savvy entrepreneurs can strike the right balance between innovation and authenticity. If you’re a pet retailer, service provider, or simply curious about where the industry is heading, this episode will give you insights, questions to consider, and practical takeaways for leveraging technology in ways that strengthen both your business and the relationships you have with the pet parents you serve.
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    19 min
  • Practical Pet Chat - Episode 36 - Having Grace For Your Pet Parenting Self

    Practical Pet Chat - Episode 36 - Having Grace For Your Pet Parenting Self
    Sep 28 2025
    On this episode of Practical Pet Chat, Lorin and Rob take on a topic that resonates with nearly every pet parent: the self-judgment we place on ourselves when it comes to caring for our pets. In today’s world, there’s an overwhelming amount of information, advice, and even criticism about how to be the “perfect” pet parent. From social media comparisons to endless product recommendations, it can quickly shift from being inspiring to being discouraging. Lorin and Rob remind us that pet parenting isn’t about competing, keeping up, or doing everything flawlessly — it’s about being present. Our pets don’t measure our worth by the food brand we choose, how many enrichment activities we provide, or whether we never miss a step in training. They value the simple things: our love, attention, and companionship. This conversation explores how to give yourself grace, quiet the noise, and focus on the bond that truly matters. Whether you’re navigating guilt over not doing “enough,” struggling with outside opinions, or just needing a reminder that you and your pet are already doing great, this episode will leave you feeling lighter and more connected to what’s really important. Because at the end of the day, your pet’s greatest joy isn’t in perfection — it’s in you.
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    24 min
  • Practical Pet Chat - Episode 35 - Top things to do for your pet this week

    Practical Pet Chat - Episode 35 - Top things to do for your pet this week
    Sep 28 2025
    On this episode of Practical Pet Chat, Lorin and Rob shine a spotlight on the top things you can do for your pet this week—simple, intentional actions that only take a few minutes but can make a big difference in your pet’s health, happiness, and overall quality of life. In a world where our days are often busy and filled with distractions, it’s easy to overlook how much little moments mean to our pets. Lorin and Rob remind us that showing love and attention doesn’t always require elaborate plans or expensive purchases. Sometimes it’s about the small shifts in our daily routines—pausing to be present, slowing down enough to let your dog fully enjoy a sniff-filled walk, or offering your cat extra playtime or enrichment to engage their natural instincts. They dive into a variety of simple yet powerful practices, from mindful moments of connection, to giving your pets more freedom to explore safely, to trying out small changes that communicate how much you value their presence in your life. Each idea is designed to be realistic, approachable, and impactful—things any pet parent can do right away, without needing special tools, extra money, or lots of time. The beauty of these actions is that they don’t just benefit your pets—they benefit you too. By slowing down and connecting with your furry companions in meaningful ways, you create space for joy, gratitude, and a stronger bond. Lorin and Rob also encourage listeners to experiment with one new idea each week, turning these small gestures into lasting habits that enrich both your lives. Whether you’re looking for easy ways to show your pets how much they mean to you, or you’re searching for inspiration to deepen your relationship, this episode delivers practical tips, heartfelt stories, and gentle reminders of just how powerful a few mindful minutes can be. Take the time, give it a try, and discover how rewarding it can feel—for your pet and for yourself.
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    26 min
  • Practical Pet Business - Episode 28 - Loyalty programs for pet businesses pet parents and much more

    Practical Pet Business - Episode 28 - Loyalty programs for pet businesses pet parents and much more
    Sep 24 2025
    On this episode of Practical Pet Business, Lorin and Rob explore the ins and outs of Pet Business Loyalty and Rewards Programs—a powerful tool when done right, but a potential pitfall when handled poorly. They break down where and when these programs are having the greatest impact in today’s pet marketplace, and the different approaches businesses are using to strengthen customer connections. From punch cards and points systems to subscription perks and digital rewards, Lorin and Rob highlight the upsides and downsides of each approach, always emphasizing one key principle: your loyalty program should serve your business and your customers first—not the collective, not the trend. The conversation also shines a light on the missteps that can cause customers to feel less valued or even alienated when loyalty programs change in ways that don’t benefit them. Lorin and Rob discuss what to avoid, how to recognize when a program isn’t working, and where to refocus your efforts to build lasting relationships. Whether you’re considering launching a loyalty program, reworking an existing one, or just curious about what makes them succeed (or fail), this episode offers practical insights to help you design a program that drives real value, keeps customers engaged, and sets your business apart.
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    24 min