577: Burnout, Automation, and Private Equity—A Pet Industry Roundtable

What does the future of pet sitting and dog walking look like in a rapidly evolving industry? Collin sits down with four industry leaders—Morgan Weber, Doug Keeling, Michelle Kline, and Daniel Reitman—to talk about the changing landscape of pet care. They explore the challenges of economic uncertainty, competition with tech-driven platforms, and the impact of private equity entering the industry. The conversation highlights the importance of balancing automation with personal relationships, professionalizing businesses, and maintaining strong core values. Ultimately, they all agree that the next 30 years of the industry will be shaped by how pet sitters and dog walkers step up today.

Main Topics:

• Economic uncertainty and industry growth
• Technology and automation integration
• Raising professionalism standards
• Burnout prevention and healthy boundaries
• Private equity, mergers, and acquisitions

Main Takeaways:

Michelle Kline

“The quickest way to undercut your value is to try to be everything to everyone.”

It’s tempting to say yes to every client request and to try and be the perfect fit for every pet owner out there. But the truth is, trying to be everything to everyone will drain your time, energy, and resources — and ultimately dilute what makes your business special. The most successful pet care businesses are the ones that know who they are, who they serve best, and what value they bring to that specific group. When you know your ideal client, your marketing gets easier, your systems become clearer, and your value skyrockets. Don’t chase everyone. Focus on your people — and serve them exceptionally well.

Morgan Weber

“Success as a business owner is not tied to your level of burnout or sacrifice.”

Let’s get one thing clear — burnout is not a badge of honor. In the pet care industry, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that the longer you work, the more you sacrifice your personal time, the more successful you are. But real success comes when you build a sustainable business that supports your life — not one that consumes it. You can care deeply for your clients and their pets without sacrificing your health, your family time, or your joy. Boundaries are professional, rest is productive, and saying no is sometimes the best thing you can do for your business.

Doug Keeling

“We can use technology and automation to enhance relationships — not replace them.”

Technology is changing the pet care industry — fast. But the goal isn’t to replace human connection with automation. Instead, smart pet sitters are using technology to enhance the client experience. Whether it’s using AI to brainstorm gift ideas for clients, automating appointment confirmations, or streamlining admin work so you have more time for personal touches — technology should make your relationships stronger, not weaker. The future of pet care is a mix of high-tech and high-touch, and the businesses that figure out how to balance both will thrive.

Daniel Reitman

“We’re not in the pet care business, we’re in the peace of mind business.”

At the end of the day, pet parents don’t hire you just to feed their pets or take them for a walk. They hire you for the peace of mind that comes with knowing their pets are safe, loved, and cared for — even when they can’t be there. When you focus on delivering peace of mind, you stop competing on price and start building unshakable trust. Peace of mind is the product, and exceptional care is how you deliver it. Every visit, every report, every communication is a chance to show your clients they can breathe easy knowing you’re there.