2025 Schedule

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

9-9:30am

Attendee Check-In & Networking

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9:30 – 10:15am

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
10:30 – 11:15am

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Dangerous Waters to Avoid: Slow loading times (anchor weighing you down), confusing layouts (stormy maps), and outdated info (spoiled rations).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

Erika Godwin
Amy Toman
11:30 am – 12:30 pm

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.

Janie

12:30pm-1:45pm | LUNCH + GROUP PHOTO

1:45 – 2:30pm

Charting a New Course

Amber Van Denzen, Atta Boy! Animal Care

From Meet + Greets to Consult + Behavior Assessment

Amber

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.

Rachel Siegel

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.
Anne Marie Kaden

5-6pm

Dinner Groups

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DAY 3 (SATURDAY) : 23rd AUGUST 2024

8-9:00am

Attendee Check-In & Networking

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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. 

Sign up – Only 15 spots available!

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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 “

Jessica (Kyden) Lasusky

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! 😉

Ivory Council

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.

Kim Ottone Tank

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

Kira

2:15pm-3:00pm

Recruiting

Joe Latona WalkerScout

How AI and Metrics can improve your recruiting process.
Joe Latona

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

Michelle Kline

4:15-5:00pm

Closing + Look to Future

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