2025 Schedule
DAY 1 (THURSDAY) : 21st AUGUST 2025
2-3pm
Attendee Check-In & Networking
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?
5-6pm
Dinner Groups
DAY 2 (FRIDAY) : 22nd AUGUST 2025
9-9:30am
Attendee Check-In & Networking
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’!
Charting the Perfect Website
Amy Toman – Pet Sitter SEO & Digital Pack Leaders
Erika Godwin – Barketing & Digital Pack Leaders
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Dangerous Waters to Avoid: Slow loading times (anchor weighing you down), confusing layouts (stormy maps), and outdated info (spoiled rations).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.
Arrr-tificial Intelligence
Janie Budnick – PetBiz University & PetBizCRM
1. Understand AI Fundamentals: Gain a clear understanding of artificial intelligence and its applications within the pet industry.
2. Identify Key AI Tools: Learn about the top AI tools and technologies that can streamline operations and enhance customer experience in pet businesses.
3. Increase Efficiency: Explore ways AI can automate routine tasks, freeing up time for you to focus on core business activities.
4. Enhance Customer Engagement: Learn how AI can personalize customer interactions and improve service offerings for pet owners.
5. Develop an AI Integration Plan: Create a roadmap for integrating AI into your pet business operations, ensuring a smooth and effective transition.
12:30pm-1:45pm | LUNCH + GROUP PHOTO
Charting a New Course
Amber Van Denzen, Atta Boy! Animal Care
From Meet + Greets to Consult + Behavior Assessment
2:30pm-3:30pm
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.
3:45pm-4:30pm
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.
5-6pm
Dinner Groups
DAY 3 (SATURDAY) : 23rd AUGUST 2024
8-9:00am
Attendee Check-In & Networking
9:00am-10:00am
Humane Society of Tampa Bay - Volunteer Event
Location: 3607 N Armenia Ave, Tampa, FL 33607
Thank you for signing up to volunteer with us at the Humane Society of Tampa Bay on August 23rd! Please arrive by 8:50 AM and meet at the gazebo on the left side of the main building.
9:00am-9:45am
Mental Health in the Pet Care Industry
Panel: Jessica (Kyden) Lasusky
“How we as pet care professionals and employers can prepare ourselves to handle crisis situations and compassion fatigue.
I will break this down into parts
-explaining what compassion fatigue is types of crisis we can face
-healthy daily practices that keep us mentally well
-how we can lean on these skills in a crisis
-how we can support our team members/employees’ mental health “
10:00am-10:45am
Scourge of the Seven Shores
Dr. Ivory Council – Pure Ambiance Apothecary, LLC.
Pets poop! It’s only natural! So why do most municipalities have pet waste disposal laws? And why cleaning up after pets so important? These topics, and more, will be discussed by Dr. Ivory S. Council, Environmental Chemist, during the 1st Annual Florida Pet Services Summit. Come check it out – We promise that it won’t stink! 😉
11:00am-11:45am
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.
12pm-1:15pm: LUNCH + Event Space Tour
1:15pm-2pm
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
2:15pm-3:00pm
Recruiting
Joe Latona WalkerScout
How AI and Metrics can improve your recruiting process.
3:15pm-4pm
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
4:15-5:00pm
Closing + Look to Future