Ep. 93 – The Dog Daycare Sliding Doors Moment: How Hershey Can Help You Build a Smarter, Calmer, More Profitable Pet Care Facility

What happens when you redesign your facility around how dogs actually think, feel, and learn?

Could the answer to your staffing stress and client fatigue be hiding in something as simple as a scented wall or a quiet space?

And how are the smartest daycare owners using enrichment to raise prices, reduce chaos, and create happier dogs and teams?

In this week’s episode, host Dom Hodgson sits down with Diamond coaching client Mikayla Cavaness of Fetching Pet Company—a daycare owner who’s reimagining every inch of her facility around enrichment, sensory design, and calming energy. Mikayla reveals how she built an immersive environment that engages dogs and delights clients, from textured anti-fatigue flooring and adjustable lighting to her now-famous scented wall that both dogs and owners love.

You’ll also hear from Sean Felty of Next Tree Strategies, who shares how his Labour Lens system helps owners keep staffing costs under control during busy seasons, and from industry leader Teija Heikkilä, who explains why events like the Pet Boarding & Daycare Expo are the ultimate breeding ground for breakthrough moments.

Finally, Dom reflects on the “Sliding Doors” moments that change everything—from an offside call in the play-off final at Wembley to the one decision that could transform your business this year: showing up at Hershey.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

Enrichment Reimagined – How Mikayla Cavaness redesigned her daycare to engage every sense—and charge premium prices.
Smart Staffing Solutions – Sean Felty’s data-driven Labour Lens system that keeps profits protected through every seasonal swing.
The Sliding Doors Effect – Why a single decision—like attending an expo—can completely change your business trajectory.
Calmer Dogs, Happier Teams – How sensory environments and structured enrichment reduce conflict and burnout.
Hershey Expo Highlights – The can’t-miss sessions, speakers, and networking opportunities waiting for you this November.

Huge thanks to this week’s special guests Sean Felty and Mikayla Cavaness.

You can find out more about Seans Labor cost calculator by going to NextTreeStrategies.

You can check out Mikayla’s amazing facility by going to FetchingPet.com

Special thanks to our amazing show sponsor Canine Labs Testing. To keep your facility clean and parasite free go to CanineLabsTesting.com

Remember, we are less than one week away from Pet Boarding and Daycare Expo in Hershey PA. Attending this show is the best way to set yourself up for success in 2026; Go to PetBoardingExpo.com to register now!

Want to work with the World Leading Pet Business Coach? Discover if you’re a good fit to work with Dom by going to www.petbusinessmarketing.com/audition

To book yourself on the inaugural Pet Boarding and Daycare, Barkleigh Pet Pros Cruise go to BarkleighShows.com

Episode Highlights:

[00:51] – Dom previews the upcoming Hershey Expo and its packed schedule of classes, trade shows, and keynotes.
[04:37] – Teija Heikkilä shares why attending expos is essential for growth, networking, and long-term success.
[06:50] – Dom’s “Sliding Doors” story: how small decisions create massive business breakthroughs.
[10:33] – The Sunderland offside moment that changed everything—and what it teaches about momentum.
[15:51] – Sean Felty from Next Tree Strategies reveals how to staff to volume and eliminate profit leaks.
[21:40] – The Labour Lens advantage: daily tracking and data-driven decisions that boost profitability.
[27:25] – Mikayla Cavaness joins Dom to share how she built a fully enrichment-based facility.
[29:29] – The scented-wall story: a sensory feature that wows clients and calms dogs.
[32:42] – How enrichment design—from flooring to lighting—creates a safer, more profitable environment.
[35:01] – Mikayla’s premium-tier model ($59 and $75 days) that increased revenue and staff satisfaction.
[38:00] – Dom’s final rallying cry: why the Hershey Expo could be your sliding-doors moment.
[41:41] – Speaker Showcase: Hear from Hershey speakers Claire Cronin, Eve Molzhon, Adia Washington, and Sean Felty, as they preview their upcoming sessions and share what to expect at the industry’s biggest event.

Huge thanks to our show sponsors Canine Lab Testing, you can find out more about their amazing services here: https://www.caninelabtesting.com