Episode 439: Top 5 Pet Sitting Business Myths That Are Holding You Back

?   If you’ve ever felt stuck, underpaid, or unsure how to scale your pet sitting business… you might be believing lies that aren’t serving you. In this episode of Bella in Your Business, I’m calling out 5 of the most common and damaging pet sitting business myths I see over and over again. These myths are like industry propaganda—and they keep smart business owners small, broke, and stressed. Maybe you’ve heard that “everyone uses independent contractors,” or “clients only care about price.” Or maybe you've convinced yourself, “you can’t charge that much in your area.” I’m here to tell you: none of that is true. I’ve coached hundreds of pet business owners, and the ones who succeed stop believing these lies—and start building smarter, stronger businesses that work for their lives. I’ll walk you through each myth, why it’s harmful, and what to believe instead. This isn’t just a pep talk. It’s a mindset shift and strategic realignment. Let’s stop repeating what the Facebook groups say and start building a business that’s built on truth, value, and bold leadership. In this Episode, You’ll Discover... Why using independent contractors “just to get started” is a trap How underpricing based on fear is hurting your growth Why pet care is a real career—and how to own it What clients actually care about (hint: it’s not price) How to lead your market instead of blending in with it Timestamps: 00:05 – Why I had to do this episode: the propaganda ends here05:10 – My IC truth bomb: it’s not fine, it’s dangerous14:00 – Stop selling your soul for price shoppers20:00 – If you treat this like a hobby, don’t expect professional pay29:00 – Why copying the competition will never make you stand out Notable Quotes: “The ones who build profitable, sustainable businesses are the ones who stop falling for these lies.”“If you don’t differentiate, you disappear.”“Pet care is a billion-dollar industry. Stop treating it like a hobby.”“You don’t need permission to build the business you really want—just truth.” Links & Resources: Join the Mastermind Email Bella: bella @jumpconsulting.net Connect on IG: @bellavasta Book a complimentary 20-min strategy call.  Watch all our Podcasts on YouTube Previous podcast episode: Transcript Welcome back to another episode of Bella in Your Business. We just got off a Memorial Day weekend. I hope you had a really good time, whether working hard or taking time for yourself and your family. Today, we're going to talk about myths. I'm taking a break from AI and focusing on myths. What prompted this was a trend on social media talking about propaganda people aren’t falling for. I was creating one myself when I thought—why not turn it into a podcast episode? Depending on your feedback, maybe I’ll even do a part two. I’ve got five for you today that are extremely relevant—whether you’re new, seasoned, or thinking about the future of your business. These myths are something I’ve seen repeatedly over the past 20 years. Shoutout to all the Mastermind members doing Joey Coleman’s 100 Days and mapping out their phases—you’re crushing it. Not just for clients, but for employees, too. With AI, it’s easier than ever to build systems based on avatars, and that growth has been exponential. Quick PSA on AI: there's a lot happening every single day. I even predict that ChatGPT may not always remain the dominant player. People will need to learn the nuances between different platforms. It’s powerful when used with subscriptions, folders, and GPTs—tools that can cut down hours of work by thinking for you. But today, we’re setting AI aside and diving into five pieces of propaganda—five myths about pet sitting businesses that circulate like gospel and keep people stuck. Sometimes we believe these lies because we don’t have the right community around us. Facebook groups often perpetuate them. You ask one question and get 20 different answers. Example? Someone claimed their insurance would be void if anyone else entered their client’s home while they were away. Totally untrue. And yet, these are the kinds of claims we take at face value. I’ve coached hundreds of pet business owners. The ones who thrive are the ones who question everything. They build businesses around the life they want—not the other way around. So buckle up, because we’re about to dismantle five damaging myths keeping you stuck, overwhelmed, and underpaid. 1. “Everyone uses independent contractors. It’s fine.” Or: “I’ll just use them until I get going, then I’ll switch.” No. You’re wasting time, money, and risking your business. Just because everyone else is doing it doesn’t mean it’s legal or sustainable. The only reason they appear cheaper is because you’re overpaying them. You shouldn’t be paying more than 32–35% of your average visit price. This is one of the most dangerous myths because it can destroy your business overnight. If you legally can’t train, supervise, or direct your workers, that’s not freedom—that’s a lawsuit waiting to happen. You’re misclassifying employees as contractors because it’s easier—no payroll taxes, no comp, no training. But that convenience could backfire. I’ve seen businesses forced to switch because of something as small as not bringing a dog bowl. If someone gets injured, they could report you, claiming they were misclassified. Auditors don’t care what’s standard in the industry. If the person works exclusively for you, you direct their schedule, provide supplies—they’re probably an employee. Misclassification can lead to audits, penalties, back taxes, and legal fees. Some make it through, but they pay heavily. Smart owners build real teams with employees. Yes, it’s more work and money up front, but it’s a real business. Build your house on solid ground, not sand. 2. “People only care about price.” Wrong. We’re not selling time—we’re selling emotions. We exchange guilt for love, worry for peace of mind. People don’t want the cheapest—they want to feel secure. This lie traps you into thinking you have to undercharge. And then you’re working all the time, cash poor, and stressed. Clients who value professional care—who want someone insured, with systems and backup plans—will pay for peace of mind. I’ve worked with clients charging $40 in markets where others charge $18. Why? Because they’ve positioned themselves as premium, communicated their value, and delivered a consistent experience. Stop competing with teenagers charging $10. Stop assuming your market won’t pay. Price reflects positioning. When you charge premium rates, you attract premium clients. 3. “Pet care isn’t a real career.” This myth doesn’t just come from the outside—it’s something owners often believe about themselves. But pet care is a multi-billion-dollar industry. There are 35,000 companies out there. People spend more on pets than on their own healthcare. You’re not “just” a pet sitter. You’re a professional. Your website, your social media, your client experience—do they reflect that? Or are they outdated, inconsistent, or non-existent? I’ve helped clients grow from $200k to $2 million. They started owning their expertise. They showed up in their communities as thought leaders. You don’t have to be a million-dollar business, but you do have to treat it like one. 4. “You can’t charge that much in your area.” This is a mindset block. Just because someone down the street charges $20 doesn’t mean that’s the cap. Even in rural areas, clients exist who value professional care. I’ve seen it. Many of my clients test higher rates—and they’re shocked it works. The problem is, most people look at competitors and then price lower. Or they give discounts without strategy. Instead, build a pricing plan that leaves margin. Maybe you start at $30 and discount to $27—but not below your minimum. Price creates perception. If you believe your area can’t handle premium prices, you’re reinforcing the idea that professional care should be cheap—and hurting the entire industry. Stop assuming. Start testing. 5. “You should match what the competition is doing.” No. This kills creativity. If everyone looks and sounds the same, clients pick the cheapest. Why blend in when you could stand out? Smart business owners do the opposite of what everyone else is doing. They offer premium experiences—like private hikes, virtual consults, or no holiday fees. Even if your offerings are the same, communicating them better is a major differentiator. If you have employees, say, “We always have a backup.” If you’re solo, say, “I’m the one you speak with—and the one you see.” Use it to your advantage. Let’s recap: Using independent contractors isn’t safe—it’s risky. People care about trust, not just price. Pet care is a real career. Own it. You can charge more—no matter where you live. Following your competition keeps you invisible. You didn’t start your business to follow lies or work for peanuts. You started it for freedom and fulfillment. So—what do you really want? How do you want to build your business? Give yourself permission to create something better. These myths aren’t serving you. They’re just keeping you stuck. If you want help breaking free, that’s exactly what we do inside Jump Mastermind. We build systems and strategies with other business owners who refuse to settle. Your challenge: screenshot this episode and tag me on Instagram. Share the myth you're breaking up with. Declare it publicly. That’s when the shift begins. And before I go, here are some bonus myths I didn’t cover: You can’t take time off Clients won’t wait You must be booked to be successful You need every social platform Professional means boring SOPs are only for big businesses Your business should look the same all year You can’t automate and sound human