Ep. 86 – The Future of Pet Care: Talking Generational Shifts, Premiumization, and Pet Deflation with Hershey Expo Keynote Speaker Jason Duffy

Are rising costs and shrinking margins making it harder to run your daycare or resort? Curious how to meet the expectations of today’s pet parents without getting stuck in a race to the bottom? Wondering how you can better communicate with younger (Gen Z) dog owners?  In this episode, host Dom Hodgson sits down with Jason Duffy, Chief Operating Officer at Pet Resort Hospitality Group and keynote speaker for the upcoming Pet Boarding & Daycare Expo in Hershey. Jason shares his journey from 26 years in retail leadership at Walmart to driving growth and innovation in one of the fastest-growing pet resort groups in the U.S.  You’ll hear how his team is professionalizing industry roles through Pet Resort University, tackling the challenges of “pet deflation,” and creating premium experiences that meet the unique demands of Millennial and Gen Z pet owners. Also in this podcast, you’ll also hear previews from two speakers at the upcoming expo: Jacqueline Pait of Live Oak Bank on financing and property decisions, and Laura Laaman of Outstanding Pet Care on avoiding medical disasters and controlling costs.  Tune in to discover: Petflation Explained – Why the cost of pet care is outpacing general inflation, and how to turn that pressure into opportunity. Generational Insights – What Millennials and Gen Z really want from pet care providers (and how to sell outcomes, not discounts). Pet Resort University – How PRHG is professionalizing trainers, groomers, and managers through its internal academy model. Innovation in Action – From kitchen design to doggy transport vans, how small tweaks can transform staff morale and client experience. Experience the Expo Edge – Why Hershey is the must-attend event if you’re serious about growth, networking, and finding your next big idea. Huge thanks to this weeks special guest Jason Duffy from PRHG. To find out more about Pet Resort Hospitality Group to to PetResorts.love Remember, tickets are now on sale for the Pet Boarding and Daycare Expo, 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 Thanks to Laura Laaman and Jaqueline Pait, who will both be speaking at the upcoming Pet Boarding and Daycare Expo in Hershey. Grab your ticket now at PetBoardingExpo.com To book yourself on the inaugural Pet Boarding and Daycare, Barkleigh Pet Pros Cruise go to BarkleighShows.comEpisode Highlights: [00:51] – Dom checks in after Chicago, shares why testimonials are marketing gold, and previews the Hershey Expo.[05:11] – Jacqueline Pait (Live Oak Bank) previews her Hershey sessions on financing and property decisions.[06:03] – Laura Laaman (Outstanding Pet Care) shares insights on the two big topics she’ll be covering in Hershey: avoiding medical disasters and combating rising costs.[07:13] – Jason Duffy joins the show: from Walmart retail leadership to COO at Pet Resort Hospitality Group.[09:20] – Building Pet Resort University: professionalizing pet care roles and creating a recruitment flywheel.[15:54] – Why fresh eyes from people outside the industry can help uncover hidden opportunities in pet care.[18:22] – Innovation by design: kitchens, layouts, and processes that improve both staff and pet experiences.[21:30] – Jason previews his Hershey keynote: tackling pet deflation and shifting generational demands.[25:16] – Generational differences in pet spend—and why Millennials’ preferences signal huge growth potential.[27:11] – Premiumization unpacked: why selling clarity, trust, and results beats discounting every time.[32:19] – Why Hershey offers an unmatched mix of education, innovation, and networking opportunities.[35:47] – Dom closes with this week’s promotion idea: how to turn “Talk Like a Pirate Day” into instant revenue.