Episode 103: Clean Up, Cash In, and Clock Out: Year-End Pet Biz Survival Guide

Episode 103: Clean Up, Cash In, and Clock Out: Year-End Pet Biz Survival Guide

Author: The Pet Shop Girls November 18, 2025 Duration: 41:17
In this episode of the Pet Shop Girls podcast, Carly and Sherry break down essential year-end financial strategies for pet business owners. From managing inventory and understanding tax deductions to planning promotions and protecting your margins, this episode is your survival guide for closing out the year strong and stepping into the new one with clarity. Whether you're a seasoned store owner or just getting started, you'll walk away with practical advice to help you clean up your books, cash in on smart decisions, and (finally) clock out for a well-deserved break. 💡 What You'll Learn: Why smart pet retailers meet with their CPA before December 31 The difference a good accountant and bookkeeper can make What tax deductions to track before it’s too late How inventory affects your taxes — and what to do about it Why now is the best time to plan 2026 promotions, events, and vacations Tips on updating pricing and communicating changes to customers How to leverage charitable donations and renew your licenses Connect with the Pet Shop Girls! Find us everywhere: https://linktr.ee/petshopgirls Join us in the Indie Insider Pet Professional Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/18XEvTjxMj/ Join The Pet Shop Girls: Off The Record Substack Community: https://substack.com/@psgofftherecord?utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page www.2petshopgirls.com  The Pet Shop Girls Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by our hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of any sponsors or partners. Any business, marketing, or pet care advice shared on this podcast is general in nature and may not apply to your specific situation. The Pet Shop Girls Podcast and its hosts are not liable for any outcomes related to the use of the information discussed. This episode includes paid advertising.

Running a small business in the pet industry is a unique blend of passion and hustle. Pet Shop Girls with Sherry (Odyssey Pets) and Carly (House of Paws)-A Podcast for Independent Pet Pros gets right into the heart of that daily reality. Sherry brings two decades of experience from her own shop, Odyssey Pets in Dallas, covering everything from inventory to customer quirks. Carly, from House of Paws, adds her own frontline perspective. Together, they ditch the generic advice for conversations that actually sound like the ones you’d have with a trusted colleague. You’ll hear them work through the real stuff: practical marketing that doesn’t require a huge budget, the nuances of hiring and training a team that cares as much as you do, and how to sidestep pitfalls that can trip up even seasoned pros. They also keep an ear to the ground for the trends and ideas that matter to independent shops, not just the big chains. This podcast feels like a regular check-in with friends who understand exactly what you’re building, offering a mix of hard-won wisdom and fresh thinking to help your business thrive. Tune in for honest talk about making a living while doing what you love for animals and their families.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Pet Shop Girls with Sherry (Odyssey Pets) and Carly (House of Paws) - A Podcast for Independent Pet Pros
Podcast Episodes
Episode 95 -  The Nutrition Myths Killing Your Sales [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:59
Sherry and Carly are busting some of the biggest myths in pet nutrition—the ones that not only confuse pet parents but can actually hurt your sales as an independent pet retailer. From the grain-free debate to raw food “…
Episode 94 - Once Upon a Time: The Tail of Two Pet Pros [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:09
This week, Sherry and Carly spin a whimsical fairy tale to unpack the very real relationship between pet store owners and sales reps. 🐾✨ From miscommunications to magical partnerships, they dive into what makes this dyna…
Episode 93 - Secrets from SUPERZOO 2025 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:39
In this special episode of the Pet Shop Girls Podcast, Sherry and Carly take you straight to the buzzing show floor of SuperZoo, the pet industry’s biggest trade show. 🎤🐾 They sit down with a variety of brands and pet pr…
Episode 90 - Live from SUPERZOO [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:55
Season 2 is here...and we’re kicking it off live from the Artvark Pet Products booth at SUPERZOO! Join us as we spill on the hottest launches from the New Product Showcase, the coolest finds on the show floor, and the ga…
Episode 89 - When Good Promos Go Bad [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:51
What happens when good promos go bad? In this episode, we're sharing our biggest tips for running smooth and profitable sales and promotions at your store. We have learned some hard lessons and we hope by sharing them he…
Episode 88 - Level Up Your Advertising Game [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:52
Ready to level up your advertising and promotions? This week, the Pet Shop Girls are sharing their real-world experiences - both successes and failures - when it comes to advertising tactics (including TV commercials, so…
Episode 87 - SUPERZOO Survival Guide [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:37
It's almost time for SUPERZOO, and we want to help you be prepared to make the most out of this incredible show. This week, we are sharing all kinds of tips including where to stay, using the app, navigating all the vend…
Episode 86 - 30 Events in 30 Minutes [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:18
🎉🐾 Celebrate with us as we hit a milestone! 🐾🎉 They're going big with "30 Events in 30 Minutes" — packed with creative and inspiring event ideas for every Pet Pro. From fun community gatherings to unique in-store promoti…