2026 Speakers
Michelle Kline
DogCo Launch
Michelle Kline
DogCo Launch
In March 2020, Michelle was three years into owning her full-service pet care company. She’d grown to nine employees and $200,000 annual revenue and then, enter the COVID-19 global pandemic. The pet care industry shifted in a massive way and, like so many, Michelle was forced to re-think everything she thought she knew.
Over the course of the next year, Michelle revised her entire business, discontinuing overnight care and niching to dog walking only. Between May 2020 and May 2021, Michelle doubled the size of the business, doubled profit margins, and tripled the size of the team, all while reducing hours of service and building an on-demand daily dog walking model. Michelle decided to sell her business of 25 staff and 600 clients to new owners in 2023, so that she could focus on building DogCo Launch.
Michelle founded DogCo Launch to meet an unfulfilled need she saw in the pet care industry: real business education that prioritizes the owner’s well-being and provides tools and resources to support sustainable growth. Now, three years into her business venture, she's worked with over 200 team-based companies in the pet care industry to help them grow, scale, and thrive.
The Scaling Framework: What Got You Here Won’t Get You There
In this presentation, I'd be walking through strategic shifts that business owners must make in their relationships to their businesses in order to continue to grow and scale through different revenue points and team-sizes. I'll discuss the transition of elevating from working deeply within your business to working on your business, and identify key areas that owners can get stuck through their growth.
Over the course of the next year, Michelle revised her entire business, discontinuing overnight care and niching to dog walking only. Between May 2020 and May 2021, Michelle doubled the size of the business, doubled profit margins, and tripled the size of the team, all while reducing hours of service and building an on-demand daily dog walking model. Michelle decided to sell her business of 25 staff and 600 clients to new owners in 2023, so that she could focus on building DogCo Launch.
Michelle founded DogCo Launch to meet an unfulfilled need she saw in the pet care industry: real business education that prioritizes the owner’s well-being and provides tools and resources to support sustainable growth. Now, three years into her business venture, she's worked with over 200 team-based companies in the pet care industry to help them grow, scale, and thrive.
The Scaling Framework: What Got You Here Won’t Get You There
In this presentation, I'd be walking through strategic shifts that business owners must make in their relationships to their businesses in order to continue to grow and scale through different revenue points and team-sizes. I'll discuss the transition of elevating from working deeply within your business to working on your business, and identify key areas that owners can get stuck through their growth.
Collin Funkhouser
Pet Sitter Confessional
Collin Funkhouser
Pet Sitter Confessional
Collin Funkhouser is a respected voice in the dog walking and pet sitting industry and the co-host of the Pet Sitter Confessional podcast. With years of hands-on experience running a multi-employee pet care company, Collin brings a unique blend of operational expertise, industry insight, and approachable teaching to pet professionals around the world. Through the podcast, conference presentations, and workshops, he helps pet sitters and dog walkers navigate business growth, professional standards, client communication, and changing market trends. Collin is known for his clarity, candor, and ability to make complex topics simple, actionable, and encouraging.
Carving Your Space: The Rise of Niches and the New Rules of Pet Care
Explore how the rise of niche services is transforming pet care. Understand market shifts in a maturing industry, pricing power, and strategies pet sitters and dog walkers can use to thrive in the new landscape.
Carving Your Space: The Rise of Niches and the New Rules of Pet Care
Explore how the rise of niche services is transforming pet care. Understand market shifts in a maturing industry, pricing power, and strategies pet sitters and dog walkers can use to thrive in the new landscape.
Jonathan LeDoux
Tech Velocity AI
Jonathan LeDoux
Tech Velocity AI
We bring AI to small businesses
Artificial Intelligence - Do's and Don'ts
Best practices on how to use AI for your business while not wasting money on useless "AI tools"
Artificial Intelligence - Do's and Don'ts
Best practices on how to use AI for your business while not wasting money on useless "AI tools"
Judy Schmidt
Jomax Branding & Communications LLC
Judy Schmidt
Jomax Branding & Communications LLC
Judy Schmidt is the chief “word nerd” behind Jomax Branding & Communications, a consultancy for public relations (PR), writing and editing, as well as social media content strategy and development. Jomax supports any size business with fractional communications support, and subcontracts with marketing, public relations and advertising agencies to provide her unique brand of writing for client deliverables.
Schmidt is an award-winning storyteller with an extensive background in integrated communications, media relations, executive communications, crisis communications, internal communications and social media content strategy and development.
Prior to founding Jomax, she worked in Fortune 500 companies as a corporate communications leader. For six years, she served as Communications Manager, Sensors & Global Sustainment (S&GS) at Missiles and Fire Control (MFC) for Lockheed Martin Corporation. She led, coached and empowered the line of business ($2B+ line of business with 6,000+ employees) communications team providing integrated communications and marketing support. She also provided executive communications support for line of business senior leadership.
Prior to joining Lockheed Martin in 2018, Schmidt was VP, Head of Corporate Media Relations at TD Bank. In that role, she was responsible for crisis management, CEO media relations, PR measurement and reporting, and led the social responsibility communications team. She initially joined TD Bank in 2010 providing internal communications and executive communications support for the Commercial Banking senior leadership and held roles of increasing responsibility throughout her 8+ year tenure.
Schmidt started her career as a reporter, columnist and managing editor. She graduated from Rowan University (Glassboro, N.J.) with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a master’s degree in writing. She lives in Orlando, Fla., with her husband, two kids and Milo, their Netherland Dwarf bunny. In her spare time, Schmidt enjoys reading, crocheting and volunteering at The LGBT Center Orlando as a state-certified HIV Counselor. She belongs to PR-focused organizations Public Relations Society of America and ICology, and is part of the Central Florida business community through the West Orange Chamber of Commerce and The Pride Chamber of Orlando.
PR for Pet Service Providers
PR for Pet Service Providers will share ways attendees can incorporate PR strategy and tactics into their business. Attendees will walk away with an update on the media landscape (digital, social and traditional), tips for owning their unique story, and how they can amplify or evolve their brands.
Schmidt is an award-winning storyteller with an extensive background in integrated communications, media relations, executive communications, crisis communications, internal communications and social media content strategy and development.
Prior to founding Jomax, she worked in Fortune 500 companies as a corporate communications leader. For six years, she served as Communications Manager, Sensors & Global Sustainment (S&GS) at Missiles and Fire Control (MFC) for Lockheed Martin Corporation. She led, coached and empowered the line of business ($2B+ line of business with 6,000+ employees) communications team providing integrated communications and marketing support. She also provided executive communications support for line of business senior leadership.
Prior to joining Lockheed Martin in 2018, Schmidt was VP, Head of Corporate Media Relations at TD Bank. In that role, she was responsible for crisis management, CEO media relations, PR measurement and reporting, and led the social responsibility communications team. She initially joined TD Bank in 2010 providing internal communications and executive communications support for the Commercial Banking senior leadership and held roles of increasing responsibility throughout her 8+ year tenure.
Schmidt started her career as a reporter, columnist and managing editor. She graduated from Rowan University (Glassboro, N.J.) with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a master’s degree in writing. She lives in Orlando, Fla., with her husband, two kids and Milo, their Netherland Dwarf bunny. In her spare time, Schmidt enjoys reading, crocheting and volunteering at The LGBT Center Orlando as a state-certified HIV Counselor. She belongs to PR-focused organizations Public Relations Society of America and ICology, and is part of the Central Florida business community through the West Orange Chamber of Commerce and The Pride Chamber of Orlando.
PR for Pet Service Providers
PR for Pet Service Providers will share ways attendees can incorporate PR strategy and tactics into their business. Attendees will walk away with an update on the media landscape (digital, social and traditional), tips for owning their unique story, and how they can amplify or evolve their brands.
Shannon Hendon + Grace Taylor
Built for Cats
Shannon Hendon + Grace Taylor
Built for Cats
Shannon Hendon and Grace Taylor are the co-founders of Built for Cats, an education platform dedicated to raising the standard of professional cat care in the pet sitting industry.
Shannon is the owner of Ocala Pet Sitting in Ocala, Florida, with nearly two decades of experience building systems, training teams, and educating clients around intentional, cat-centered care. She is passionate about helping pet sitters attract the right cat clients by improving the experience they and their cat sitting teams provide.
Grace is the founder of Furever Friends Cat Sitting in Baltimore, Maryland, a cat-only company with a team of 19 sitters. A Fear Free focused professional and foster to over 200 cats, she brings a systems-driven, behavior-aware approach shaped by both professional and personal experience
. Together, Shannon and Grace created Built for Cats to support pet sitters who want to attract better-fit clients, strengthen their teams, and provide thoughtful, intentional care that truly puts cats first.
Built for Cats: Attracting Premium Cat Clients, Building Better Teams, and Elevating Cat Care
Built for Cats is a practical, eye-opening session designed to help professional pet sitters attract higher-end cat clients, strengthen their internal systems, and deepen their understanding of cat behavior. Many pet sitters underestimate how much time, observation, and structure cats truly need when their owners are away. This session reframes cat sitting as a premium, intentional service that requires clear systems, confident communication, and a deeper awareness of feline behavior. Attendees will learn how high-end cat clients think and choose care providers, how strong internal systems create trust and consistency for both clients and teams, and why cats need more time and attention than many sitters realize. Grace Taylor and Shannon Hendon will share real-world insights from years of professional cat-only care, team leadership, and client education, offering actionable takeaways attendees can apply immediately to their own businesses. This session is ideal for pet sitters who want to raise their standards, attract better-fit cat clients, and provide cat care that truly meets the emotional and physical needs of cats.
Shannon is the owner of Ocala Pet Sitting in Ocala, Florida, with nearly two decades of experience building systems, training teams, and educating clients around intentional, cat-centered care. She is passionate about helping pet sitters attract the right cat clients by improving the experience they and their cat sitting teams provide.
Grace is the founder of Furever Friends Cat Sitting in Baltimore, Maryland, a cat-only company with a team of 19 sitters. A Fear Free focused professional and foster to over 200 cats, she brings a systems-driven, behavior-aware approach shaped by both professional and personal experience
. Together, Shannon and Grace created Built for Cats to support pet sitters who want to attract better-fit clients, strengthen their teams, and provide thoughtful, intentional care that truly puts cats first.
Built for Cats: Attracting Premium Cat Clients, Building Better Teams, and Elevating Cat Care
Built for Cats is a practical, eye-opening session designed to help professional pet sitters attract higher-end cat clients, strengthen their internal systems, and deepen their understanding of cat behavior. Many pet sitters underestimate how much time, observation, and structure cats truly need when their owners are away. This session reframes cat sitting as a premium, intentional service that requires clear systems, confident communication, and a deeper awareness of feline behavior. Attendees will learn how high-end cat clients think and choose care providers, how strong internal systems create trust and consistency for both clients and teams, and why cats need more time and attention than many sitters realize. Grace Taylor and Shannon Hendon will share real-world insights from years of professional cat-only care, team leadership, and client education, offering actionable takeaways attendees can apply immediately to their own businesses. This session is ideal for pet sitters who want to raise their standards, attract better-fit cat clients, and provide cat care that truly meets the emotional and physical needs of cats.
Kevin Kelly
Sandler by Florida Growth Advisors
Kevin Kelly
Sandler by Florida Growth Advisors
With over 30 years of experience in B2B sales and sales management, Kevin Kelly brings a no-nonsense, results-driven approach to sales coaching and leadership development. As President and Head Coach of Florida Growth Advisors, he helps business leaders and sales professionals break through plateaus, close more deals, and build high-performance teams. Kevin’s Mission: Help you grow your business.
Business Growth: Breaking Through Your Comfort Zone
Your comfort zone is silently sabotaging growth—sticking to familiar routines while competitors surge ahead. In this Sandler-powered session, uncover self-imposed limits (from avoiding upselling to shying from new strategies) and master practical techniques to break free, take calculated risks, and drive bold, sustainable success in the booming pet services industry. Leave ready to elevate your store, salon, or service to new heights!
Business Growth: Breaking Through Your Comfort Zone
Your comfort zone is silently sabotaging growth—sticking to familiar routines while competitors surge ahead. In this Sandler-powered session, uncover self-imposed limits (from avoiding upselling to shying from new strategies) and master practical techniques to break free, take calculated risks, and drive bold, sustainable success in the booming pet services industry. Leave ready to elevate your store, salon, or service to new heights!
Chante Dawston
C-Squared Accounting
Chante Dawston
C-Squared Accounting
Chanté Dawston, CPA, is the founder of C-Squared Accounting, a boutique firm dedicated to supporting the pet industry with bookkeeping, tax, and advisory services. With more than a decade of experience, including work with Fortune 500 companies, she helps pet professionals save time, maximize profits, and gain true financial clarity. Chanté brings her expertise together with her lifelong love of animals, creating a firm that empowers pet-care entrepreneurs to build strong, sustainable businesses
Using tax planning to fund your business goals
In the presentation I will:
- Reframe taxes from a once-a-year obligation into a year-round business planning tool
- Explain how proactive tax planning can free up cash for growth, hiring, and reinvestment
- Teach how aligning tax decisions with business goals creates predictability and confidence
- Show why reacting at tax time limits options and how planning expands them
- Share a clearer vision of how tax strategy supports long-term business sustainability
Using tax planning to fund your business goals
In the presentation I will:
- Reframe taxes from a once-a-year obligation into a year-round business planning tool
- Explain how proactive tax planning can free up cash for growth, hiring, and reinvestment
- Teach how aligning tax decisions with business goals creates predictability and confidence
- Show why reacting at tax time limits options and how planning expands them
- Share a clearer vision of how tax strategy supports long-term business sustainability
Maris Miller
House of Paws Pet Care
Maris Miller
House of Paws Pet Care
I’m the proud founder of House of Paws Pet Care, one of the largest and most trusted pet care companies in the St. Louis area, employing a team of 25+ trained professionals.
We provide dog walking, cat sitting, farm care, and adventure services—with a mission to raise the standard of pet care by delivering reliable, compassionate, safety-first care backed by the HoP Guarantee. We are also one of the only companies in the region offering certified farm care, complete with in-house horse handling training for staff.
In 2025, I was named a Top 5 Finalist for Pet Sitters International’s 2026 Pet Sitter of the Year Award, the industry’s highest recognition for professionalism, ethics, and community impact.
I hold the following certifications:
• Certified Professional Pet Sitter (CPPS) through Pet Sitters International
• Fear Free Certified
• Certified Pet First Aid & CPR Instructor through the Pet Safety Crusader
Today, I specialize in the operations, marketing, and systems that keep a pet care business running efficiently and profitably. I’m especially passionate about SOP creation, branding, and building workflows that help business owners work smarter, not harder—giving them more time to do what they love while still growing sustainably.
I’ve also been invited to share this “work smarter, not harder” approach on several industry podcasts, including:
• Pet Sitter Confessional
• Pet Marketing Unleashed
• DogCo Secrets
• Pawsitive Hiring Academy
Whether I’m mentoring new pet care professionals, designing a better client experience, or scooping litter boxes with love, my goal is always the same: to provide peace of mind, lead with heart, and raise the bar in the pet care industry.
Using Your Brand To Speak To Your Ideal Client
How to identify your ideal client, how to meet them where they're at and speak directly to their needs so you become the "go to" pet care provider in your area.
We provide dog walking, cat sitting, farm care, and adventure services—with a mission to raise the standard of pet care by delivering reliable, compassionate, safety-first care backed by the HoP Guarantee. We are also one of the only companies in the region offering certified farm care, complete with in-house horse handling training for staff.
In 2025, I was named a Top 5 Finalist for Pet Sitters International’s 2026 Pet Sitter of the Year Award, the industry’s highest recognition for professionalism, ethics, and community impact.
I hold the following certifications:
• Certified Professional Pet Sitter (CPPS) through Pet Sitters International
• Fear Free Certified
• Certified Pet First Aid & CPR Instructor through the Pet Safety Crusader
Today, I specialize in the operations, marketing, and systems that keep a pet care business running efficiently and profitably. I’m especially passionate about SOP creation, branding, and building workflows that help business owners work smarter, not harder—giving them more time to do what they love while still growing sustainably.
I’ve also been invited to share this “work smarter, not harder” approach on several industry podcasts, including:
• Pet Sitter Confessional
• Pet Marketing Unleashed
• DogCo Secrets
• Pawsitive Hiring Academy
Whether I’m mentoring new pet care professionals, designing a better client experience, or scooping litter boxes with love, my goal is always the same: to provide peace of mind, lead with heart, and raise the bar in the pet care industry.
Using Your Brand To Speak To Your Ideal Client
How to identify your ideal client, how to meet them where they're at and speak directly to their needs so you become the "go to" pet care provider in your area.
Robert "Gus" Dakis
Losey PLLC
Robert "Gus" Dakis
Losey PLLC
When he’s not untangling complex contract clauses and advising on corporate and restructuring matters, Robert can usually be found as the self-appointed chief treat-dispenser for his furry entourage. A seasoned transactional and litigation lawyer with a flair for clarity and precision, Robert brings the same level of care to pets and people alike — whether he’s breaking down a cross-border insolvency issue or teaching his pup a new trick.
A proud graduate of Seton Hall University School of Law and Fellow of INSOL International, Robert’s talk is as sharp as his eye for a well-drafted agreement and as approachable as a wagging tail. Today, he’s trading briefs for breeds to help you master the art of contracts … with just as much enthusiasm as he brings home for belly rubs.
Running a Pet Business Without Getting Bitten: Contracts & Liability 101
Choosing the Right Business “Leash”. Sole proprietor vs. LLC vs. corporation — what each structure really does (and doesn’t) protect you from, and why most pet professionals eventually outgrow going it alone. Insurance Is Not Optional (and It’s Not One-Size-Fits-All). General liability, bonding, care-custody-and-control coverage, and how insurance and your business entity work together to create a real liability shield.
The Contract Is Your First Line of Defense. Why handshake deals fail in pet care, and how a written agreement sets expectations, prevents disputes, and protects you when something goes wrong.
Must-Have Contract Terms for Pet Professionals. Key provisions every pet sitting and walking contract should include: scope of services, emergency authority, liability limitations, indemnification, payment terms, cancellations, and dispute resolution. Running a Professional Business Without Getting Bitten
Common legal mistakes pet sitters and walkers make — and simple steps you can take now to protect yourself, your clients, and the animals you care for.
A proud graduate of Seton Hall University School of Law and Fellow of INSOL International, Robert’s talk is as sharp as his eye for a well-drafted agreement and as approachable as a wagging tail. Today, he’s trading briefs for breeds to help you master the art of contracts … with just as much enthusiasm as he brings home for belly rubs.
Running a Pet Business Without Getting Bitten: Contracts & Liability 101
Choosing the Right Business “Leash”. Sole proprietor vs. LLC vs. corporation — what each structure really does (and doesn’t) protect you from, and why most pet professionals eventually outgrow going it alone. Insurance Is Not Optional (and It’s Not One-Size-Fits-All). General liability, bonding, care-custody-and-control coverage, and how insurance and your business entity work together to create a real liability shield.
The Contract Is Your First Line of Defense. Why handshake deals fail in pet care, and how a written agreement sets expectations, prevents disputes, and protects you when something goes wrong.
Must-Have Contract Terms for Pet Professionals. Key provisions every pet sitting and walking contract should include: scope of services, emergency authority, liability limitations, indemnification, payment terms, cancellations, and dispute resolution. Running a Professional Business Without Getting Bitten
Common legal mistakes pet sitters and walkers make — and simple steps you can take now to protect yourself, your clients, and the animals you care for.
Carla McClellan
Tallahassee Lassie Pet Care
Carla McClellan
Tallahassee Lassie Pet Care
Carla McClellan is the owner and founder of Tallahassee Lassie Pet Care, a professional, team-based pet sitting and dog walking company serving Tallahassee, Florida. What began as a small, heart-led operation has grown into a trusted local brand built on professionalism, consistency, and genuine connection.
Carla is known for blending strong systems with human-centered leadership, proving that pet care businesses don’t have to choose between structure and heart. She has successfully positioned a local pet care company to stand out against national gig-based apps by focusing on trust, clear communication, and exceptional client experience.
Speaking from real-world experience, Carla helps pet care professionals strengthen their brand, attract higher-quality clients, and grow sustainably—without competing on price or burning out. Her approach is practical, honest, and grounded in the belief that a well-built business should support both the clients and the people running it.
Competing With the Apps: How Local Pet Care Businesses Win on Trust
National pet care apps dominate search results—but they don’t have to dominate your market. In this session, Carla McClellan shares how independent pet care businesses can successfully compete with gig-based platforms by focusing on trust, professionalism, and intentional branding. Drawing from real-world experience running a team-based local pet care company, Carla explores how clear positioning, thoughtful client experience, and strong communication attract higher-quality clients—without competing on price. Attendees will leave with practical strategies to clarify their value, strengthen credibility, and build a brand clients choose on purpose.
Carla is known for blending strong systems with human-centered leadership, proving that pet care businesses don’t have to choose between structure and heart. She has successfully positioned a local pet care company to stand out against national gig-based apps by focusing on trust, clear communication, and exceptional client experience.
Speaking from real-world experience, Carla helps pet care professionals strengthen their brand, attract higher-quality clients, and grow sustainably—without competing on price or burning out. Her approach is practical, honest, and grounded in the belief that a well-built business should support both the clients and the people running it.
Competing With the Apps: How Local Pet Care Businesses Win on Trust
National pet care apps dominate search results—but they don’t have to dominate your market. In this session, Carla McClellan shares how independent pet care businesses can successfully compete with gig-based platforms by focusing on trust, professionalism, and intentional branding. Drawing from real-world experience running a team-based local pet care company, Carla explores how clear positioning, thoughtful client experience, and strong communication attract higher-quality clients—without competing on price. Attendees will leave with practical strategies to clarify their value, strengthen credibility, and build a brand clients choose on purpose.
Lindsay Layendecker
Jacksonville Humane Society
Lindsay Layendecker
Jacksonville Humane Society
Lindsay Layendecker joined the Jacksonville Humane Society in 2015, bringing a strong background in education and a history in volunteering in animal welfare.
Prior to JHS, Lindsay volunteered at the City of Jacksonville's Animal Care and Protective Services, where she helped fundraise, train new volunteers, and developed a program aimed at recruiting more kitten fosters.
As JHS, Lindsay has served in several management roles in development and communications at JHS, contributing to everything from strengthening our online presence to working with grant funders and launching our education programs. As the Senior Director of Development, Lindsay loves helping community members discover the joy of giving back as part of the JHS lifesaving team.
Prior to working at JHS, Lindsay earned a bachelor's degree in English and Secondary Education from the University of Florida. After graduating, she spent eleven years teaching both middle and high school, where she was twice named Teacher of the Year and earned her National Board Certification. Lindsay loves when she is able to bring these skills into her animal welfare world, and has presented at several local, state and national conferences.
Lindsay enjoys spending time with her dog, Dudley, and three cats, Kermit, Otis, and Mack, and any additional foster kittens who need a temporary place to land.
No Money, No Problem
Working at a nonprofit means working on a shoestring, or sometimes non-exists, budget - especially when it comes to marketing. At the Jacksonville Humane Society, for the last 13 years, we've developed a strategy of "free" techniques to help you capitalize on your current relationships to find new customers. In this session, I'll share 5 tips and tricks to help both new and experienced participants grow their reach.
Prior to JHS, Lindsay volunteered at the City of Jacksonville's Animal Care and Protective Services, where she helped fundraise, train new volunteers, and developed a program aimed at recruiting more kitten fosters.
As JHS, Lindsay has served in several management roles in development and communications at JHS, contributing to everything from strengthening our online presence to working with grant funders and launching our education programs. As the Senior Director of Development, Lindsay loves helping community members discover the joy of giving back as part of the JHS lifesaving team.
Prior to working at JHS, Lindsay earned a bachelor's degree in English and Secondary Education from the University of Florida. After graduating, she spent eleven years teaching both middle and high school, where she was twice named Teacher of the Year and earned her National Board Certification. Lindsay loves when she is able to bring these skills into her animal welfare world, and has presented at several local, state and national conferences.
Lindsay enjoys spending time with her dog, Dudley, and three cats, Kermit, Otis, and Mack, and any additional foster kittens who need a temporary place to land.
No Money, No Problem
Working at a nonprofit means working on a shoestring, or sometimes non-exists, budget - especially when it comes to marketing. At the Jacksonville Humane Society, for the last 13 years, we've developed a strategy of "free" techniques to help you capitalize on your current relationships to find new customers. In this session, I'll share 5 tips and tricks to help both new and experienced participants grow their reach.
Beth Stultz-Hairston
Pet Sitters International
Beth Stultz-Hairston
Pet Sitters International
Beth Stultz-Hairston has been with Pet Sitters International (PSI) since 2004 and was named PSI President in 2020. With more than two decades of industry experience, Beth is a respected voice in professional pet care, known for championing business education, professional standards, and mental-wellness support for pet-care providers.
Under her leadership, PSI released the first publicly available Global Standards for Professional Pet-Sitting and Dog-Walking Businesses, a milestone initiative strengthening professionalism and public trust across the industry. Beth also oversees PSI’s in-person and online educational programs, including the Pet Sitter World Educational Conference and FOCUS Summit Series. Along with the PSI team, she has worked to equip thousands of pet-care entrepreneurs with tools to build sustainable, purpose-driven businesses. She is the editor of Pet Sitter’s World magazine and curates The PSI Blog.
Beth frequently speaks on the future of pet care, compassion-fatigue awareness, and building professional, resilient pet-care businesses.
Beth holds a bachelor’s degree in English from UNC-Chapel Hill and certifications in Compassion Fatigue Studies. She is passionate about helping pet-care professionals succeed, serve confidently, and lead with heart in an evolving industry.
Shining a Spotlight on Standards in the Sunshine State
Florida’s professional pet sitters are shining bright, but how can you make sure your pet-care business continues to stand out for all the right reasons? In this session, PSI President Beth Stultz-Hairston will walk you through PSI’s Global Standards for Professional Pet-Sitting and Dog-Walking Businesses and explain how Florida pet-care professionals can use this framework to boost business and promote professionalism across the state. Attendees will also get the first exclusive look into pet-sitting and dog-walking stats and trends specific to Florida from PSI’s 2026 State of the Industry Survey!
Under her leadership, PSI released the first publicly available Global Standards for Professional Pet-Sitting and Dog-Walking Businesses, a milestone initiative strengthening professionalism and public trust across the industry. Beth also oversees PSI’s in-person and online educational programs, including the Pet Sitter World Educational Conference and FOCUS Summit Series. Along with the PSI team, she has worked to equip thousands of pet-care entrepreneurs with tools to build sustainable, purpose-driven businesses. She is the editor of Pet Sitter’s World magazine and curates The PSI Blog.
Beth frequently speaks on the future of pet care, compassion-fatigue awareness, and building professional, resilient pet-care businesses.
Beth holds a bachelor’s degree in English from UNC-Chapel Hill and certifications in Compassion Fatigue Studies. She is passionate about helping pet-care professionals succeed, serve confidently, and lead with heart in an evolving industry.
Shining a Spotlight on Standards in the Sunshine State
Florida’s professional pet sitters are shining bright, but how can you make sure your pet-care business continues to stand out for all the right reasons? In this session, PSI President Beth Stultz-Hairston will walk you through PSI’s Global Standards for Professional Pet-Sitting and Dog-Walking Businesses and explain how Florida pet-care professionals can use this framework to boost business and promote professionalism across the state. Attendees will also get the first exclusive look into pet-sitting and dog-walking stats and trends specific to Florida from PSI’s 2026 State of the Industry Survey!