In this episode of the Overdog Podcast, we're digging into the staffing challenges that dog daycare and boarding businesses face—and more importantly, how to actually fix them. Fern brings on Ellen Ness of Rogue Mission, who’s been in the trenches of the pet care industry, from animal rescue to corporate operations. Together, they explore what it really takes to build a team that sticks around, performs better, and contributes to a calmer, more efficient facility. If you’ve ever felt like hiring and retaining staff is your biggest pain point, this conversation is for you.

But this isn’t just a gripe session—Ellen breaks down three powerful ways to invest in your team intentionally (and no, it’s not just about raising wages). From transforming your training systems to developing true leadership within your staff, this episode gives you a fresh perspective on creating a workplace where employees actually want to stay. It might challenge your assumptions a bit—but the kind of business you're trying to build demands it.

Feeling stuck in your business but can’t quite put your finger on why? In this episode, we’re diving deep into the subtle warning signs that it might be time for a change—and how to spot them before they become full-blown problems. Whether it’s behind-the-scenes friction, customer experience red flags, or even your own creeping burnout, this conversation is all about tuning into those signals and responding with intention rather than panic.

We’re breaking things down across operations, marketing, staffing, and more to help you figure out what’s working, what’s wearing thin, and what needs a serious overhaul. If you’ve ever felt like your business is coasting when it should be climbing, this episode will help you find your edge again. Time to shift from stuck to strategic.

Ever feel like your pet resort is a ticking time bomb for airborne illnesses? In this episode, we dive deep into the invisible threats swirling through your facility—and what you can actually do to stop them before they spread. Fern chats with Annette Uda from Aerapy, who breaks down the science behind air disinfection and why your ventilation system alone isn't cutting it. If you’ve ever dealt with kennel cough outbreaks or mysterious allergy flare-ups, this is a must-listen.

Annette shares how a personal mission to help her own dog turned into a full-blown crusade to keep animals safe in shelters, daycares, and boarding facilities across the country. You’ll learn why simply wiping down surfaces and changing filters isn't enough, and how one simple tweak could make your space exponentially healthier. It's time to stop being reactive and start getting ahead of the problem.