2026 Schedule

COMING SOON!

DAY 1 (THURSDAY) : 21st AUGUST 2025

2-3pm

Attendee Check-In & Networking

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3-5pm

The Psychology Behind Dog Behavior

Pluto’s Pals Pet Care LLC

What is Dog Psychology? How does the mind of a dog work? How do dogs learn? Why is it critical to be the pack leader?

Michelle Dow

5-6pm

Dinner Groups

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DAY 2 (FRIDAY) : 22nd AUGUST 2025

8:30-9:00am

Attendee Check-In & Networking

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9:00 – 10:00am

Guard Yer Google Treasure

Amy Toman – Pet Sitter SEO & Digital Pack Leaders

Ahoy, pet-sitting captains! Ye wouldn’t leave yer treasure chest unguarded on the high seas, so why let sneaky scallywags and Google glitches sink yer listing? In this swashbucklin’ adventure, we’ll chart the course to fortify yer Google Business Profile against rogue competitors, fake reviews, and dreaded suspensions. Learn the secret map to maintain visibility, handle disputes like a true SEO buccaneer, and keep yer pet-sittin’ empire shipshape. Hoist the anchor and set sail—your Google treasure be worth protectin’!

Amy Toman

10:15 – 11:15am

Charting the Perfect Website

Amy Toman – Pet Sitter SEO 
Erika Godwin – Barketing 

Treasure to Include: Must-haves like clear navigation (compass), compelling calls-to-action (golden coins), mobile optimization (a sturdy ship for all seas), and engaging content (tales of adventures).

Dangerous Waters to Avoid: Slow loading times (anchor weighing you down), confusing layouts (stormy maps), and outdated info (spoiled rations).

X Marks the Spot: Tips to ensure your website steers straight toward conversions, not lost visitors.

Erika Godwin
Amy Toman

11:15 am – 12:15 pm

Arrr-tificial Intelligence

Skarlet Rockwood – Pet Business Marketer

Ever ask ChatGPT to write something and end up with corporate jargon or weirdly chipper small talk?

In this session, Skarlet Rockwood shows you how to train AI to ditch the robot voice and channel your real personality: sarcasm, heart, and all. You’ll walk away with practical tips to make your AI sound like a human who actually knows you, not a polite intern guessing at your vibe. Perfect for anyone who wants their marketing done faster without losing their voice in the process.

skarlet rockwood

12:15pm-1:30pm | LUNCH + GROUP PHOTO

1:30 – 2:30pm

Charting a New Course

Amber Van Denzen, Atta Boy! Animal Care

From Meet + Greets to Consult + Behavior Assessment

Amber

2:45pm-3:45pm

Profit First for Pet Pros

Rachel Siegel  – Go Figure Accounting & CPA Web Books

The Profit First Method is and how it can work and benefit Pet Professionals.

Rachel Siegel

4:00 pm- 5:00pm

What Treasures Do Me Financial Charts Reveal

Anne Marie Kaden Tiny Paws Bookkeeping

Do you get lost when looking at financial reports? Are you unsure what all those numbers really meanWe’ll dive into the three most important financial reports you should be looking at every month. We’ll identify key components of each and what they might mean for your business.
Anne Marie Kaden

5-6pm

Dinner Groups

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DAY 3 (SATURDAY) : 23rd AUGUST 2024

8:30-9:00am

Attendee Check-In & Networking

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9:00–10:00 AM (Two Tracks)

Humane Society of Tampa Bay - Volunteer Event

  • Track 1 (On-site at HSTB): Humane Society of Tampa Bay — Volunteer Event
    Location: 3607 N Armenia Ave, Tampa, FL 33607. Meet at gazebo by 8:50 AM.

  • Track 2 (Main Venue): Mental Health in the Pet Care Industry — Panel (Jessica “Kyden” Lasusky)

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10:15am-11:00am

Scourge of the Seven Shores – Invasive Invaders Pillaging Florida's Paradise

Dr. Ivory Council – Pure Ambiance Apothecary, LLC.

Florida’s natural beauty is under attack – by invasive species! 😱 Dr. Ivory Council, environmental scientist and professor, is here to reveal the hidden dangers of invasive species and what we can do to stop them.

Learn about:

✅ The worst offenders destroying Florida’s ecosystems
✅ How exotic animal trade contributes to the problem
✅ What pet pros & locals can do to protect native wildlife

Ivory Council

11:15am-12:15am

Recruiting

Joe Latona
WalkerScout

How AI and Metrics can improve your recruiting process.

Joe Latona

12:15pm-1:30pm: LUNCH + Event Space Tour

1:30pm-2:30pm

From Buccaneers to Loyal Crew

Kira Colon – Maventri

Compliance regulations and considerations, planning for the transition, essential steps in HR and payroll setup, communicating with your workers, and a successful transition

Kira

2:45pm-3:45pm

Scheduling and Paying Yer Deck Hands

Kim Ottone Tank
Apronstrings Pet Sitting, Staffingstrings Consulting

Methods of paying sitters, following the laws (I am not an attorney but I can advise on key points of which to be aware) and scheduling sitters with retention in mind.

Kim Ottone Tank

4:00pm-5:00pm

Pivoting Through the Pandemic

Michelle Kline – DogCo Launch

In this session, I’ll discuss:

– building a pivotable company
– how to know when it’s time to make a pivot
– how how assess for new opportunities
– how to grow momentum with your clients while making changes to your business

Michelle Kline

5:00-5:30pm

Closing + Look to Future

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