187: The Event Strategy That Makes This Pet Cafe the “Starbucks for Dogs”

187: The Event Strategy That Makes This Pet Cafe the “Starbucks for Dogs”

Author: Candace D'Agnolo of Pet Boss Nation® June 8, 2025 Duration: 25:48
What happens when a seasoned pet sitter loses her business during COVID but refuses to give up on her passion for pets?  Meet Patty Dill, who pivoted from 18 years of pet sitting to building Doggie Sweets - a pet café, food truck empire, and event powerhouse that's become the "Starbucks for dogs" in New Jersey! In this episode, Patty shares her incredible journey from losing everything in March 2020 to creating multiple revenue streams and hosting events that sell out WEEKS in advance. In this episode, you'll discover: 💡 The power of working with event promoters 💡 Event strategies that sell out - from simple Santa photos to elaborate breakfast experiences with 300+ dogs 💡 Planning 12 months ahead - why advance planning is CRUCIAL 💡 Collaboration over competition - building partnerships with restaurants, rescues, and other pet businesses Whether you're looking to add events to your revenue mix or dreaming of expanding beyond your current services, Patty’s story proves that with creativity and determination, you can build something even bigger than what you lost!  Transcript⁠ ⁠Show Notes⁠ Join Us Online ⁠⁠Find us on Facebook⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Join our Free Pet Industry Facebook Group⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Follow us on Instagram⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Read our Blog

Running a local pet business is a unique blend of passion and hard-nosed strategy, and the Pet Boss® Podcast with Candace speaks directly to that reality. Hosted by Candace D'Agnolo of Pet Boss Nation®, these conversations move beyond generic advice to tackle the actual challenges faced by shop owners and service providers on Main Street. You'll hear from fellow pet supply store operators, groomers, dog daycare managers, trainers, and sitters who are navigating the same daily realities you are. The discussions blend foundational business principles with actionable secrets that are proving effective right now, all within the specific context of the animal care industry. This isn't about abstract theory; it's about what works when the bell on your door jingles and a client walks in with their pup. Each episode aims to provide honest, peer-driven insights because, as any pet professional knows, a dog business is indeed big business. Tune in for a candid look at building resilience and success from the ground up, designed specifically for the dedicated local entrepreneur in the vibrant world of pets.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Pet Boss® Podcast with Candace
Podcast Episodes
161 - Thrive in 2025 with This Foolproof Game Plan [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:28
Pop those champagne bottles (or a new bag of treats for your pup!) because we're kicking off Season 4 of the Pet Boss Podcast with some exciting news AND a new year mantra! 1. We're about to hit 100,000 downloads, and 2.…
160: Pet Boss Nation’s Real & Raw 2024 Wrap Up [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:19
Can you believe we're wrapping up another year? 🤯 In this special end-of-year episode, Candace is getting real with you about what 2024 looked like for Pet Boss Nation. There were wins, there were challenges, and yes– th…
159: How Much Should Your Pet Business Really Spend on Marketing? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:22
Is your marketing tank running on empty? 🚙 Marketing is the fuel that keeps your business engine running, and this episode is alllll about discovering strategies to fill up your customer's tank! In this episode, Fernando…
157: Make Big, Brave Pet Business Moves With This Advice [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:51
Great collaborations lead to powerful conversations! 🧠 In this special episode, we're sharing Candace's appearance on the Big Brave Business podcast with our very own podcast producer, Sarah Heeter! Candace opened up to…
154: Why Every Pet Business Should Support Pets in the Classroom [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:33
60% of students who experience pets in their classroom go on to have pets in their homes within the first year. The first year! 🤯 This statistic (and more you need to hear!) is brought to you by Melinda Thomas, Executive…
153: How Giving Back Makes Your Community and Pet Business Stronger [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:39
You can make a bigger impact in your community while also growing your pet business (because success and service go hand in paw! 🐾) In this episode, Candace shares powerful stories of how giving back can transform both y…