Episodes

  • Practical Pet Business - Ep 17 - Mastering the Calendar Planning Ahead in the Pet Industry

    Practical Pet Business - Ep 17 - Mastering the Calendar Planning Ahead in the Pet Industry
    Jul 10 2025
    On this episode of Practical Pet Business, Lorin and Rob dive into the ever-shifting world of calendar planning for your pet business. While some dates are obvious—hello, National Dog Day—there are more hidden opportunities than ever before to engage pet parents and grow your business. From the fast-moving retail landscape to the way big box stores and online giants have reshaped holiday timelines, timing your marketing and promotions has never been more critical—or more confusing. Lorin and Rob unpack how to navigate these changes, resonate with your audience, and stay one step ahead of the rush—without losing your mind. If you're trying to figure out when to plan, what to promote, and how to stay sane while doing it all, this episode is for you. Tune in and get practical with Practical Pet Business!
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    23 mins
  • Practical Pet Chat - Episode 24 - Summer Pet Safety and Shenanigans

    Practical Pet Chat - Episode 24 - Summer Pet Safety and Shenanigans
    Jul 7 2025
    Summer’s here—and with it comes pool parties, beach days, fireworks, and plenty of potential pet chaos. In this episode of Practical Pet Chat, Lorin and Rob dive into the fun (and not-so-fun) side of summer adventures with your pets. From loud music and fireworks to pool parties and family BBQs, they cover everything pet parents need to consider to keep both pets and guests safe, happy, and stress-free. Expect smart tips, practical safety advice, and a few unexpected ideas to help your furry friend stay cool, calm, and included in the summer fun. Oh, and yes—Rob reveals his favorite (slightly outdated?) backyard game, and Lorin isn’t letting it slide. Whether you’re traveling with your pet or hosting the party of the season, don’t miss this lively and helpful summer-ready episode of Practical Pet Chat!
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    26 mins
  • Practical Pet Chat - Episode 23 - Can I leave My Pets At Home Safely

    Practical Pet Chat - Episode 23 - Can I leave My Pets At Home Safely
    Jun 29 2025
    On this episode of Practical Pet Chat, Rob and Lorin dive into a common question for pet parents: Is it okay to leave your pet at home—and for how long? They explore the factors you need to consider, why some alone time can actually be healthy for your pet, and how to make the experience as stress-free as possible for both you and your furry friend. From setting up a comforting home environment to helpful tips that ease separation, this episode is packed with practical advice for any pet owner. Tune in for all that and more on your favorite pet podcast!
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    27 mins
  • Practical Pet Chat - EPisode 22 - Summer fun and safety with your furry friends

    Practical Pet Chat - EPisode 22 - Summer fun and safety with your furry friends
    Jun 23 2025
    Welcome to another episode of Practical Pet Chat with Lorin Grow and Robert Semrow! This week, we’re diving into the joys—and precautions—of summer exercise and adventures with your pets. From safe hiking tips and water play ideas to attending pet-friendly summer events, Lorin and Robert share practical advice to help you keep your pets active, happy, and safe all season long. Tune in for expert insights, fun activity suggestions, and important reminders about your pet’s comfort, limitations, and overall well-being. It’s everything you need for a paws-itively perfect summer with your furry companions—right here on your favorite pet parent podcast!
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    24 mins
  • Practical Pet Business - Ep 14 - The Truth About Independent Contractors in Your Pet Busines

    Practical Pet Business - Ep 14 - The Truth About Independent Contractors in Your Pet Busines
    Jun 19 2025
    In this insightful episode of Practical Pet Business, Lorin and Rob dive deep into the world of independent contractors—what they are, how they function within your pet business, and the critical legal and operational differences from traditional employees. Whether services are being performed at your facility or on your behalf elsewhere, understanding the ins and outs of contractor relationships is vital. We break down the benefits, address common concerns, and clear up the many misconceptions surrounding independent contractors. From compliance and control to liability and logistics, we cover what every pet business owner needs to know. Tune in to Practical Pet Business—your go-to podcast for real talk and real advice in the pet industry.
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    23 mins
  • Practical Pet Chat - Episode 21 - Making a Difference - Big and Small Ways to Help Pets Everywhere

    Practical Pet Chat - Episode 21 - Making a Difference - Big and Small Ways to Help Pets Everywhere
    Jun 16 2025
    In this inspiring episode of Practical Pet Chat, Rob and Lorin explore the many ways you can make a meaningful impact in the pet world—no matter your budget or schedule. From volunteering with rescues and donating new or gently used pet items, to the simple act of sharing an adoptable animal on social media, every action counts. They dive into creative ways to support animal welfare, like wearing a T-shirt from your favorite rescue, amplifying animal stories online, or just raising awareness in everyday conversation. Whether you're all in with hands-on help or just starting to explore how you can contribute, this episode is packed with actionable ideas that show you don’t need a lot of time or money to be a hero for animals. Join us this week for practical tips, heartfelt stories, and plenty of encouragement to get involved—right here on Practical Pet Chat.
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    31 mins
  • Practical Pet Business Episode 13 - Planning for the unknown and unavoidable

    Practical Pet Business Episode 13 - Planning for the unknown and unavoidable
    Jun 12 2025
    In this episode of Practical Pet Business, Lorin and Rob dive into one of the toughest realities of running a pet business: navigating the unknown and unavoidable. From unexpected disruptions to shifting customer expectations, they explore how pet professionals can stay agile by pivoting with purpose, identifying alternatives before they’re needed, and tapping into the insights of their staff. They also break down the critical role of transparency and trust—whether it’s with pet parents, staff, or manufacturer partners—and why open communication is the foundation for long-term success in an ever-changing industry. If you’ve ever asked, “How do I prepare for what I can’t predict?” — this episode is for you.
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    27 mins
  • Practical Pet Chat - Episode 20 - Navigating Pet Advice in the Age of Social Media

    Practical Pet Chat - Episode 20 - Navigating Pet Advice in the Age of Social Media
    Jun 9 2025
    In this episode of Practical Pet Chat, Lorin and Rob dive into the complex world of social media and pet communication. With an endless stream of information — and misinformation — swirling online, it can be tough to know what’s truly helpful for your furry friend. They break down how to share responsibly, listen critically, and filter out the noise to find what really works for your pet. From decoding passionate opinions to spotting red flags in viral advice, Lorin and Rob offer practical strategies for making sense of the digital chatter. Whether you're a new pet parent or a seasoned pro, this conversation will help you navigate the pet advice landscape with confidence and clarity. All that and more on this episode of Practical Pet Chat.
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    29 mins