Running a pet business isn’t all puppy kisses and perfectly behaved clients—it’s a whirlwind of long hours, last-minute schedule changes, and way too many people who think you should work for free because you “love animals.” Sound familiar?
If you’re constantly feeling like you’re running on fumes but your bank account doesn’t reflect all that effort, chances are you’re making one (or all) of these classic business mistakes. Let’s break them down and fix them.
Mistake #1: Giving Away Your Time for Pennies
We need to talk about your rates. If your pricing is based on what you think people will pay rather than what you need to make a profit, it’s time for a reality check.
Here’s the thing—your expertise, experience, and time are valuable. You’re not just “hanging out with dogs” or “scooping litter.” You’re running a legitimate service-based business, and if you don’t charge accordingly, you’ll be working 24/7 while barely scraping by.
Fix it:
✔ Know your worth—Look at the actual costs of running your business (insurance, gas, supplies, admin time). If your pricing doesn’t cover that plus profit, you’re undercharging.
✔ Do market research—Check out what other professionals in your area are charging, and make sure your prices reflect your expertise and quality.
✔ Be confident in your rates—Stop worrying about whether clients will leave. If someone can’t afford your services, they’re not your ideal client. The ones who see your value? They’ll stay and pay.
💡 Bonus Tip: If you’re constantly booked out but still struggling financially, that’s a clear sign it’s time for a price increase. Charge what you’re worth and attract clients who respect it.
Mistake #2: Trying to Be Everything to Everyone
Dog walking, pet sitting, training, boarding, making organic dog treats, designing pet bandanas, social media consulting… Are you exhausted yet? Because I am just reading that.
Here’s the deal: trying to offer every single service under the sun will leave you burnt out, overwhelmed, and struggling to keep up. Instead of excelling at one or two things, you’ll be spreading yourself so thin that nothing feels sustainable.
Fix it:
✔ Pick your specialty—What do you love doing? What brings in the most revenue with the least stress? Focus there and refine your services to match.
✔ Stop saying yes to everything—Not every request needs a “sure, I can do that!” If something doesn’t align with your business goals or drains your energy, it’s a no.
✔ Streamline your services—Instead of offering everything, create signature packages that highlight your strengths and set you apart from competitors.
💡 Bonus Tip: The more specialized you are, the more you can charge. Pet parents will pay a premium for someone who’s an expert rather than a jack-of-all-trades.
Mistake #3: Not Setting Boundaries (And Getting Walked All Over)
Answering client texts at 10 PM? Letting someone “pay next week” (for the third time)? Agreeing to a last-minute booking because you feel bad? Congratulations, you’re officially being taken advantage of.
I get it—you’re in this business because you care. But being a kind and compassionate pet pro doesn’t mean being a doormat. Boundaries aren’t just about protecting your time and energy—they’re about running a sustainable business that respects your own needs.
Fix it:
✔ Have clear policies—Put your cancellation, payment, and communication policies in writing. And enforce them.
✔ Stop working for free—Whether it’s extra time with a client, late payments, or “quick advice” that turns into a 30-minute consultation, your time costs money. Charge for it.
✔ Use automation—Invest in a scheduling and invoicing system so clients aren’t blowing up your phone at all hours. If you’re still manually sending reminders, you’re wasting way too much time.
💡 Bonus Tip: When a client pushes a boundary, don’t feel guilty for saying “That’s not how I run my business.” The right clients will respect your policies—if they don’t, they’re not the kind of client you want to keep.
Final Thoughts
Look, we’ve all made these mistakes at some point. Running a pet business is a learning process, but the sooner you tackle these issues, the sooner you’ll have a business that actually works for you—instead of draining you dry.
If you’re nodding along thinking, Yeah… I need to fix this, don’t stress—I’ve got you covered.
📩 Sign up for my newsletter for no-BS pet biz advice sent straight to your inbox!
👉 Ready to take your business to the next level? Let’s work together—click here to get started!
What’s your biggest struggle as a pet business owner? Drop it in the comments—I’d love to help! ⬇️
