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.

What if one out of every five dogs walking through your doors had a hidden health threat—and you had no idea? In this episode, Fern kicks off a powerful two-part series on improving the health and safety of the dogs in your care. He’s joined by John Beres and Greg Price from Canine Lab Testing, who reveal some eye-opening facts about parasites in pet care facilities and why so many of them are flying under the radar. You’ll hear how these seemingly invisible threats could be impacting your business and what leading pet resorts are doing to tackle them head-on.

From the origin story of a simple idea that turned into a game-changing service, to how wellness is becoming a defining brand feature in pet care, this episode is packed with insights. Whether you’ve already started incorporating wellness practices or are still on the fence, this conversation might just shift your perspective—and help you position your facility as the healthier, smarter choice in your market.

What if the best strategies to grow your dog daycare or boarding business weren’t even in the pet industry? In this episode, Fern opens the door to a whole new way of thinking by pulling proven ideas from unexpected places—like hospitality, fitness, restaurants, software, and retail. He shares how these industries handle things like onboarding, consistency, automation, and customer loyalty—and how you can borrow their systems to improve your own operations and client experience.

You’ll learn why treating pet parents like hotel guests, thinking like a gym when it comes to retention, and using tech like a software company can seriously boost your business. If you’ve ever felt stuck doing things the same way as everyone else in pet care, this episode will shake that up. Fern’s goal is simple: help you see beyond the familiar and tap into smart, actionable ideas that are already working elsewhere. Curious which industry you should be paying more attention to? Give it a listen.

You’re working hard, but are you doing the right things to grow your pet resort? In this episode, Fern is joined by Overdog team members Kasey and Ashley to reveal the most consistent habits and strategies they’ve seen in successful pet care businesses. After working with dozens of pet resorts, they’ve identified key patterns that separate those that thrive from those that struggle—and they’re sharing them all with you.

From lead follow-up timing to how you present your pricing, this episode dives into the overlooked details that make or break your client experience. You’ll hear real examples, honest mistakes, and easy-to-miss opportunities that could seriously move the needle for your business. Whether you’re a seasoned operator or just getting started, this conversation will challenge how you think about growth—and give you a few lightbulb moments along the way.

It's a new year, and with 2026 officially underway, this episode is all about gearing up for what's next in the pet care industry. Fern breaks down what he's seeing across the board—from tighter numbers and shifting client behaviors to the growing demand for premium experiences. Whether your daycare or boarding numbers dipped last year or you're just wondering where to focus your energy next, this episode has a lot to reflect on and act upon.

You'll hear insights on how the most successful pet resorts are adapting their services, pricing strategies, and messaging to stay ahead. Plus, a look into where the industry is headed—including the rise of enrichment-based care, smarter marketing, and how AI might play a bigger role in your daily operations than you think. If you're aiming to level up your business in 2026, this episode is your blueprint to start strong.

Want to add luxury boarding options but think your space just isn’t built for it? In this episode, Fern sits down with Fred Silber of Pet Therapeutics, who’s created something that could completely change how you think about “luxury” in your facility. You’ll hear how the right kind of bedding—designed with both science and dog behavior in mind—can elevate the entire experience for both dogs and their humans without the need for a massive renovation or a big budget.

Fred breaks down why comfort isn't just about plush pillows—it’s about understanding a dog’s senses, especially one that’s often overlooked. Learn how something as simple as touch can drastically improve a dog’s stay, reduce anxiety, and increase client satisfaction. If you’ve been looking for a low-labor, high-impact way to boost your brand and your profits, this conversation is one you’ll want to hear.