Ep. 41: How Live, In-Person Events Can be a Game-Changer for Your Doggy Daycare

Are you looking to transform your pet care facility into a true community hub?

Curious about creating memorable experiences that keep clients coming back for more?

Wondering how to turn your pet care facility into the kind of place clients can’t stop talking about?

In this episode, host Dom Hodgson sits down with Michelle Sarwas, owner of Bark Avenue Day Camp. Michelle shares her incredible journey from financial analyst to pet care entrepreneur, revealing the keys to building lasting bonds with clients and their dogs. Her approach to hosting open-house events, implementing personalized enrichment activities, and engaging clients in unusual and unforgettable ways has helped her facility thrive, even through challenging times.

Learn how Michelle’s client-centered strategies set her apart in the pet care industry and keep customers returning and referring. By hosting live events, offering personalized enrichment, and creating memorable experiences, she’s built deep loyalty and sparked enthusiastic referrals. Tune in to hear how you can implement Michelle’s strategies and make your facility a no-brainer for pet owners seeking more than just a daycare.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

Event Excellence: Tips to plan and pull off standout events that put your facility and services in the spotlight.
Personalized Enrichment: How tailored activities can boost engagement and keep dogs (and clients) happy.
Client Connection: Proven strategies for building relationships that drive loyalty and word-of-mouth referrals.
Community Engagement: Ways to make your facility the go-to hub for local pet lovers.
Business Growth: Smart insights into scaling up while keeping that personal, caring touch.

Huge thanks to our listeners for tuning in! And huge thanks to Michelle and Tim for sharing their LIVE event success story.

You can find out more about Tim’s Enrichment Program here.

You can find out more about Michelle’s awesome daycare here

Need help making your facility more profitable? Why not reach out and book a consultation with Dom. Click here to book now.

Remember, the next Pet Boarding and Daycare Expo is happening in Hershey from 4^th-7th November. That means NOW is the time to secure your place at the biggest dog daycare expo of the year. Grab your ticket by clicking here now

Huge thanks to this week’s amazing show sponsor Canine Lab Testing.

Canine Lab Testing are the industries go-to partner if you want to keep your furry guests safe. They provide fast, reliable parasite screening and health testing, ensuring peace of mind for you and your clients! To get started with a stress-free screening process click here CanineLabTesting

To find out more about Dominic Hodgson and his exclusive pet business consulting services go to petbusinessmarketing.com

You can subscribe to the Pet Boarding and Daycare Magazine by going to PetBoardingandDaycare.com

Episode Highlights:

[00:51] – Dom, with Tim Jackson in the sidecar, has arrived in Hershey and gives a preview of the Pet Boarding and Daycare Expo.
[05:48] – Tim and Dom discuss the importance of in-person events in driving client loyalty and a sense of community.
[13:45] – Michelle jumps in to share her journey from financial analyst to pet care business owner and how Bark Avenue Daycamp came to life.
[19:14] – Hear how Bark Avenue managed to recover from stumbling out of the starting blocks amid the great recession.
[21:41] – The evolution of playgroups: why smaller, enrichment-focused groups benefit dogs and elevate the daycare experience.
[24:54] – Michelle reveals the marketing challenges she’s attempting to overcome by educating clients and sharing experiences.
[31:25] – Michelle explains how guided facility tours build client confidence and give insight into Bark Avenue’s day-to-day care.
[38:00] – Enrichment add-ons: Michelle describes the new “Pawcasso” painting sessions and other unique activities.
[40:25] – Looking forward: Michelle’s future plans for growth and new add-ons that continue to set Bark Avenue apart.

Huge thanks to our listeners for tuning in! And a special thank you to Michelle for being an amazing guest. You can learn more about Bark Avenue Daycamp by visiting barkavenuedaycamp.com.