607: Sustainability, Stress, and Success with Wendy Mackay

What does building a sustainable pet care business look like? Wendy Mackay, founder and owner of Pet Sitters Nelson, shares her 20-year journey from backpacking traveler to thriving business owner, offering a fresh look at how community involvement and flexibility can drive success. She dives into how she developed her signature services like “doggy day outs,” and the power of group walks in rented paddocks. Wendy also opens up about facing burnout, overcoming serious health challenges, and reimagining her business to prioritize her well-being. Her story is a heartfelt reminder that pet care is about more than just animals—it’s about people, purpose, and balance.

Main Topics:

• Building a business from scratch

• Community events and outreach

• Group dog walks in paddocks

• Burnout and stress management

• Flexible service pricing models

Main Takeaway: Business is business—it shouldn’t be your whole life.

Wendy Mackay is the founder and owner of Pet Sitters Nelson, based in Nelson, New Zealand. Originally from England, Wendy moved to New Zealand over two decades ago and built her business from the ground up. Known for her innovative “doggy day out” adventures and deep community involvement, she has grown Pet Sitters Nelson into a team-based operation offering pet sitting, dog walking, and small animal boarding. Wendy is passionate about providing enriching experiences for pets while maintaining a strong work-life balance—especially after facing personal health challenges that reshaped how she views business and life.

About our guest:

Wendy Mackay is the owner of Pet Sitters Nelson, a pet care business based in Nelson, New Zealand. Originally from Nottingham, England, Wendy moved to New Zealand 22 years ago and discovered her passion for pet care after a friend introduced her to the concept of pet sitting. What started as a novel business idea in New Zealand has grown into a comprehensive pet care service that includes pet sitting, dog walking, and innovative "doggy day out" services. Wendy has been instrumental in building community awareness around professional pet care services in the Nelson area, organizing events and maintaining an active presence to connect with pet owners. As a business owner, Wendy has navigated significant challenges including market changes during COVID-19, increased competition, and personal health challenges including a breast cancer diagnosis. These experiences have shaped her approach to business, emphasizing the importance of work-life balance, setting boundaries, and building a reliable team to support service delivery. Wendy is known for her flexible approach to pricing and services, adapting to meet different client budgets and needs while maintaining high-quality care standards. Her journey demonstrates resilience in entrepreneurship and a commitment to providing exceptional pet care services to the Nelson community.

Links:

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https://petsittersnelson.co.nz

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Full show notes and transcript

 

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