Pet Accountant Podcast

Hosted by Victoria Clark

Business Entrepreneurship Kids Family

Website RSS feed

Episodes

138

Latest episode

Oct 2026

Language

About the show

The Pet Accountant was formed by Vicky Clark to help Pet Professionals around the UK with their finances. The Pet Accountant which is a trading name of Thomas & Clark Ltd is run by two accountants, Vicky Clark and Lee Thomas. With over 10 years of experience combined, Vicky and Lee work with Sole Traders, Partnerships, and Limited Companies of various sizes. We have created this podcast to talk about those tricky topics and to bring in experts to cover everything to do with business from accounting to social media.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

November 2, 20261 hr 1 min

The Good, Bad and the annoying - Dog Walker Edition

Can you build a successful pet care business by doing things differently and charging more for a personalised service? In this episode, Vicky is joined by Tash from Thistles and Tails , who shares her journey from offering cat sitting through Cat in a Flat alongside her full-time job to running her own pet care business. Rather than trying to compete on price or offer every service possible, Tash has built her business around premium, one-to-one pet care , specialising in solo dog walks, cat visits and supporting dogs with additional needs. But building a business isn't just about being great with animals. It's also about finding the confidence to charge what you're worth, attracting the right clients and learning how to sell your services. Together, Vicky and Tash explore the realities of running a pet business, including the challenges, lessons and opportunities that come with working for yourself. In this episode, they discuss: How Tash started her business while working full-time and eventually made the leap into self-employment Why she chose to specialise in solo dog walks and one-to-one pet care How additional training helps her support reactive and older dogs The importance of charging appropriately for a premium, personalised service Why increasing prices gradually can help build confidence How to turn enquiries into paying clients through better conversations The role of meet and greets and trial walks in building trust Why offering large discounts for additional dogs can damage profitability How rising costs, including fuel and wages, affect pet business pricing Why finding a supportive community matters when running a business alone Vicky also works through a practical sales role-play with Tash, demonstrating how asking the right questions can help uncover what a potential client really needs. Instead of immediately quoting a price, it's about understanding the pet, the owner's concerns and how your service can make their life easier. They also explore why being good at caring for animals doesn't automatically make you confident at marketing or selling your services — and why developing those skills is essential for long-term growth. Whether you're just starting your pet business, considering going full time or looking to increase your prices, this episode is packed with relatable experiences and practical advice. Because building a successful pet business isn't about being the cheapest. It's about understanding your value, communicating it confidently and attracting clients who appreciate what you do. Key Takeaways: Specialising can help you stand out. Offering one-to-one care for reactive, older or more demanding dogs creates a clear reason for clients to choose your service. Your prices should reflect the value you provide. Training, experience, personalised attention and specialist care all contribute to your offering. Increasing prices doesn't have to happen overnight. Testing changes with selected clients can help you build confidence before introducing wider increases. Ask questions before quoting prices. Understanding why someone needs pet care allows you to explain how your service meets their needs. Meet and greets build trust. Taking time to understand the pet and owner can improve the likelihood of converting an enquiry into a regular client. Don't automatically offer large discounts for additional dogs. Walking two dogs from the same household doesn't necessarily halve your workload or costs. Keep membership options simple. Too many packages can confuse clients and make decisions harder. Know your numbers. Regularly review your costs, including fuel, wages and other expenses, to make sure your pricing remains profitable. Marketing and sales are skills you can develop. Being excellent at pet care is important, but communicating that value is what helps attract the right customers. You don't have to build your business alone. Supportive communities and other pet professionals can provide encouragement, advice and accountability. Podcast Sponsor – Lopay This episode is proudly sponsored by Lopay, the low-cost payment platform that helps small businesses keep more of the money they earn. Find out more about Lopay and how it can support your pet business here: 👉 https://merchant.lopay.app/ref/thepetaccountant2000 🐾 Join Us at Pet Pro Expo 2027 If you're serious about growing your pet business, you need to be in the room. Following a sold-out 2026 event, Pet Pro Expo returns in 2027 with more expert advice, practical business strategies and opportunities to connect with like-minded pet professionals. Don't miss your chance to be part of it! 👉 https://www.petproexpo.co.uk/ 🌐 Visit petaccountant.co.uk To find out how Vicky, Lee, and the team can help your pet business grow. 🐾

October 19, 202639 min

Why Your Personal Brand Matters More Than Your Logo

Are you hiding behind your business logo instead of showing potential clients who you really are? In this episode, Vicky explores why building a personal brand is becoming increasingly important for pet professionals and how showing your face, sharing your knowledge and communicating your values can help attract more of the right clients. Whether you're a dog walker, groomer, trainer or another pet service provider, your clients aren't simply paying for a service. They're trusting you with a much-loved member of their family. And trust starts long before someone makes an enquiry. Vicky explains why posting endless pictures of dogs isn't always enough to stand out in a competitive market, and how showing the person behind your business can make a real difference. In this episode, she discusses: Why people connect with people, not just business logos How showing your face helps build trust with potential clients The importance of having one clear unique selling proposition (USP) Why consistently communicating what makes your business different is essential How to create simple, useful videos without needing expensive equipment Why you don't have to share your private life to build a personal brand How your personal brand supports your pricing and market positioning Why generic claims like "we love dogs" aren't enough to stand out Vicky also shares a simple challenge you can put into practice straight away. Look at your last nine social media posts. Do they tell potential clients who you are, what makes you different and why they should trust you? Then write down the one thing you want your business to be known for and create a short video explaining it. You don't need to become a social media influencer. You just need to help potential clients get to know the person behind the business. Because people are far more likely to trust someone they already feel they know. Podcast Sponsor – Lopay This episode is proudly sponsored by Lopay, the low-cost payment platform that helps small businesses keep more of the money they earn. Find out more about Lopay and how it can support your pet business here: 👉 https://merchant.lopay.app/ref/thepetaccountant2000 🐾 Join Us at Pet Pro Expo 2027 If you're serious about growing your pet business, you need to be in the room. Following a sold-out 2026 event, Pet Pro Expo returns in 2027 with more expert advice, practical business strategies and opportunities to connect with like-minded pet professionals. Don't miss your chance to be part of it! 👉 https://www.petproexpo.co.uk/ 🌐 Visit petaccountant.co.uk To find out how Vicky, Lee, and the team can help your pet business grow. 🐾

October 12, 202646 min

Pet Pro Expo 2026: What Happened and What's Coming in 2027?

Pet Pro Expo 2026 was a sell-out success! But what made it so special, and what's next for 2027? In this episode, Vicky takes us behind the scenes of Pet Pro Expo 2026, reflecting on an incredible weekend of learning, networking and business growth for UK pet professionals. From inspiring speakers and practical business advice to new friendships and lasting connections, the event proved just how powerful the pet business community can be when everyone comes together. Vicky shares the highlights, the lessons learned and some exciting plans for an even bigger and better event in 2027. In this episode, she discusses: Why Pet Pro Expo 2026 sold out months in advance The incredible feedback from attendees and speakers, including Jason Grayson and Charlotte How networking, WhatsApp groups and accountability buddies are helping pet professionals support one another The success of the new Growth Room, featuring practical advice and business hot seats Why making small changes to your pricing could help cover the cost of attending The importance of building your personal brand and showing the person behind your pet business What didn't quite go to plan and how the team will improve things for 2027 Exciting plans for the 2027 Six-Figure Business Panel, featuring real pet business owners sharing how they grew their businesses Vicky also takes a moment to thank the sponsors, speakers and attendees who helped make the event possible. And with tickets for 2027 already attracting interest, now is the time to start planning if you want to be part of it. Pet Pro Expo isn't just about attending a conference. It's about leaving with ideas, connections and the confidence to build a better pet business. Key Takeaways Pet Pro Expo 2026 sold out months in advance, highlighting the demand for practical business education within the pet industry. Networking and community support can be just as valuable as the advice shared on stage. The Growth Room gave attendees opportunities to tackle real business challenges and leave with actionable solutions. Reviewing your pricing and making small, strategic increases can have a significant impact on profitability. Building a personal brand helps potential clients connect with the person behind your business. Learning from mistakes is essential, whether you're running a major event or your own pet business. Pet Pro Expo 2027 will introduce a Six-Figure Business Panel, offering insights from pet professionals who have successfully grown their businesses. Investing in education, relationships and business development can deliver benefits long after an event has finished. Podcast Sponsor – Lopay This episode is proudly sponsored by Lopay, the low-cost payment platform that helps small businesses keep more of the money they earn. Find out more about Lopay and how it can support your pet business here: 👉 https://merchant.lopay.app/ref/thepetaccountant2000 🐾 Join Us at Pet Pro Expo 2027 If you're serious about growing your pet business, you need to be in the room. Following a sold-out 2026 event, Pet Pro Expo returns in 2027 with more expert advice, practical business strategies and opportunities to connect with like-minded pet professionals. Don't miss your chance to be part of it! 👉 https://www.petproexpo.co.uk/ 🌐 Visit petaccountant.co.uk To find out how Vicky, Lee, and the team can help your pet business grow. 🐾

September 28, 202636 min

The P.R.I.C.E Framework Part 5 - Evaluation

You’ve changed your prices. But how do you know if the change actually worked? In the final episode of Vicky’s P.R.I.C.E Framework , we reach the last and arguably one of the most important stages: Evaluate . The P.R.I.C.E Framework takes pet business owners through five stages: Position, Review, Implement, Communicate and Evaluate . But it isn't a one-off exercise, it's a cycle designed to help you continually improve your pricing as your business evolves. Vicky explains why you shouldn't judge a price change based on one client leaving or a couple of quiet days. Instead, you need to give your changes time and look at the data. In this episode, she discusses: The eight areas you should evaluate after changing your prices Why revenue and profit tell very different stories Tracking your average transaction value and client numbers How pricing changes can improve your capacity and workload Why losing a few clients isn't necessarily a bad thing Assessing whether you're attracting a better mix of clients How client feedback can help you refine your services Why how you feel about your business matters too Setting a review date rather than reacting emotionally Using what you've learned to adjust and repeat the process A successful price increase doesn't necessarily mean keeping every single client. If you're earning more profit, working fewer hours, creating more capacity or attracting better-fit clients, losing a small number of customers could actually leave you with a stronger business. There is no single perfect price . Your costs change. Your business changes. Your goals change. And your pricing should change with them. Evaluate. Learn. Adjust. Then start the cycle again. Takeaways: P.R.I.C.E stands for Position, Review, Implement, Communicate and Evaluate . Evaluate revenue, profit, average transaction value, client numbers, capacity and client mix after making pricing changes. Don't make kneejerk decisions based on the first few days — set a review date and gather meaningful data. Losing clients isn't automatically negative if profitability, capacity or client quality improves. Listen to client feedback, including objections and positive comments, and use it to improve your offering. Communicate fair price increases confidently rather than apologising for them. Use your findings to tweak your pricing, positioning or services where necessary. There is no perfect price forever — pricing should evolve alongside your costs, goals and business. Podcast Sponsor – Lopay This episode is proudly sponsored by Lopay, the low-cost payment platform that helps small businesses keep more of the money they earn. Find out more about Lopay and how it can support your pet business here: 👉 https://merchant.lopay.app/ref/thepetaccountant2000 🐾 Join Us at Pet Pro Expo 2026 If you’re serious about growing your pet business, you need to be in the room. 👉 https://www.petproexpo.co.uk/ 🌐 Visit petaccountant.co.uk To find out how Vicky, Lee, and the team can help your pet business grow. 🐾

September 14, 202641 min

The P.R.I.C.E Framework Part 4 - Communication

Do you tell clients your price and then immediately feel the need to justify or apologise for it? In this episode, Vicky explores the next crucial part of a strong pricing strategy: communication . Setting the right price is only half the battle. If you don't clearly communicate the value behind your service, potential clients are left with just one thing to compare — the number. Vicky explains why pet professionals need to move the conversation away from “How much does it cost?” and towards “What am I actually getting for my money?” In this episode, she discusses: Why apologising for your prices immediately undermines your value How the language you use can influence a client's perception of price Why you should communicate the problem you solve , not simply what you charge How to explain everything that's included within your service Why asking questions before discussing price can lead to better client conversations How to communicate a price increase confidently and professionally Why you don't need to defend your prices by talking about competitors How positioning and marketing can set expectations before a client even contacts you Vicky also explains why a price objection doesn't automatically mean your price is wrong. Not every potential customer needs to become your customer. When you understand your value, position your business correctly and communicate with confidence, you're far more likely to attract clients who appreciate what you provide rather than those simply looking for the cheapest option. Stop apologising for your price. Start communicating your value. Takeaways: Don't apologise for your pricing; it can undermine confidence in your service. Clients can only appreciate your value if you clearly communicate it. Lead conversations with outcomes, benefits and value rather than price alone. Explain the full service you're providing rather than reducing it to the time spent. Ask questions and understand what matters to the client before discussing price. Communicate price increases confidently without unnecessary apologies or justification. A price objection doesn't necessarily mean you're charging too much. Not every client is the right client for your business. Strong marketing and positioning can establish value before the first conversation even takes place. Sometimes, after giving your price, the most powerful thing you can do is stop talking and let the client respond . Sponsor – Lopay This episode is proudly sponsored by Lopay, the low-cost payment platform that helps small businesses keep more of the money they earn. Find out more about Lopay and how it can support your pet business here: 👉 https://merchant.lopay.app/ref/thepetaccountant2000 🐾 Join Us at Pet Pro Expo 2026 If you’re serious about growing your pet business, you need to be in the room. 👉 https://www.petproexpo.co.uk/ 🌐 Visit petaccountant.co.uk To find out how Vicky, Lee, and the team can help your pet business grow. 🐾

September 7, 202631 min

The P.R.I.C.E Framework - Part 3 - The Power of Implementation

How much business advice have you listened to but never actually implemented? In this episode, Vicky explores one of the biggest barriers to growing a successful pet business: taking action . You can understand your numbers, know your pricing needs to change and consume endless podcasts, courses and advice — but none of it will improve your business unless you actually do something with it. Vicky introduces the One Decision Rule : rather than overwhelming yourself by trying to change everything at once, commit to making one meaningful business decision every month . In this episode, she discusses: Why implementation is often harder than knowing what to do How fear and overthinking prevent business owners from taking action Why confidence usually comes after you act, not before How the One Decision Rule makes business improvement manageable Why you should understand the problem you're trying to solve before making changes How small, consistent improvements can transform your business over time Maybe you need to increase your prices. Change your terms and conditions. Stop offering an unprofitable service. Invest in marketing. Or finally have that conversation you've been avoiding. You don't need to fix everything today. Choose one thing. Make the decision. Take action. Because knowing what needs to change won't grow your business — implementing it will. Takeaways Knowing what to do is very different from actually doing it. Raising prices should be approached with confidence and a clear strategy. Confidence often develops after taking action rather than before it. The One Decision Rule encourages you to make one meaningful improvement every month. Trying to change too much at once can create overwhelm and lead to inaction. Understand what problem you're solving before implementing new advice. Small, consistent decisions can create significant improvements over time. The advice you consume only becomes valuable when you put it into practice. 💳 Podcast Sponsor This episode is proudly sponsored by Lopay, the low-cost payment platform that helps small businesses keep more of the money they earn. Find out more about Lopay and how it can support your pet business here: 👉 https://merchant.lopay.app/ref/thepetaccountant2000 🐾 Join Us at Pet Pro Expo 2026 If you’re serious about growing your pet business, you need to be in the room. 👉 https://www.petproexpo.co.uk/ 🌐 Visit petaccountant.co.uk To find out how Vicky, Lee, and the team can help your pet business grow. 🐾

August 31, 202637 min

The P.R.I.C.E Framework Part 2: Are You Reviewing Your Prices?

When did you last properly review your prices? In this episode, Vicky continues her P.R.I.C.E Framework series by focusing on the second stage: R – Review . Your prices shouldn't be something you set when you start your pet business and then forget about. Your costs change, your experience grows, your service improves and the amount of time involved in delivering that service can change too. So why would your prices stay the same? Vicky explains why regularly reviewing your business is essential — and why a pricing review doesn't automatically mean putting your prices up. It's about understanding what it genuinely costs to provide your service, what value you're delivering and whether your current prices still make financial sense. In this episode, she covers: Why your pricing should evolve alongside your business How to calculate the true time involved in delivering your services Reviewing your increasing costs and overheads Understanding your profit margins rather than simply looking at revenue How improvements in your service can increase its value Why your market positioning should influence what you charge The importance of attracting clients who value what you offer As your experience, reputation and service improve, the business you run today may be very different from the one you started. The question is: have your prices evolved with it? Key Takeaways Pricing should be regularly reviewed rather than treated as a fixed figure. Increasing costs can gradually reduce your profit if your prices remain unchanged. Understanding the true amount of time required to deliver a service is essential when reviewing pricing. Revenue alone doesn't tell you whether a service is genuinely profitable. Improvements in your experience and service can increase the value you provide to clients. Reviewing your pricing doesn't always mean increasing it — it means making an informed decision based on your numbers and value. 💳 Podcast Sponsor – Lopay This episode is proudly sponsored by Lopay, the low-cost payment platform that helps small businesses keep more of the money they earn. Find out more about Lopay and how it can support your pet business here: 👉 https://merchant.lopay.app/ref/thepetaccountant2000 🐾 Join Us at Pet Pro Expo 2026 If you’re serious about growing your pet business, you need to be in the room. 👉 https://www.petproexpo.co.uk/ 🌐 Visit petaccountant.co.uk To find out how Vicky, Lee, and the team can help your pet business grow. 🐾

August 24, 202635 min

The P.R.I.C.E Method - Episode 1

Before you ask “What should I charge?” , there’s a more important question to answer: “How do I want my business to be positioned?” In this episode, Vicky takes a deeper dive into the first stage of her P.R.I.C.E Framework — Positioning . One of the biggest pricing mistakes pet business owners make is looking at what everyone else charges and using that as their benchmark. But your competitors don't have your business, your costs, your experience or your clients. Vicky explains why successful pricing starts by understanding exactly where you want your business to sit in the market and who you want to serve. In this episode, she covers: What positioning actually means for a pet business Why copying competitors' prices can hold you back How positioning influences what clients expect to pay Why simply increasing your prices isn't enough Understanding your unique selling proposition Deciding who your ideal clients are Building a reputation around what you want to be known for If you want to charge premium prices, you need to give clients a reason to see you as a premium choice. Before changing the number on your price list, take a closer look at how your business is positioned. Key Takeaways: Positioning is the foundation of an effective pricing strategy. Your competitors shouldn't determine what your services are worth. Clearly understanding who you want to serve makes pricing decisions easier. Your brand, service and client experience all influence perceived value. Differentiating your business helps you move away from competing purely on price. The question isn't simply “What should I charge?” — it's “What do I want my business to be known for?” Podcast Sponsor – Lopay This episode is proudly sponsored by Lopay, the low-cost payment platform that helps small businesses keep more of the money they earn. Find out more about Lopay and how it can support your pet business here: 👉 https://merchant.lopay.app/ref/thepetaccountant2000 🐾 Join Us at Pet Pro Expo 2026 If you’re serious about growing your pet business, you need to be in the room. 👉 https://www.petproexpo.co.uk/ 🌐 Visit petaccountant.co.uk To find out how Vicky, Lee, and the team can help your pet business grow. 🐾

August 17, 202651 min

Are You Investing in Your Pet Business… or Just Spending Money?

There’s a big difference between spending money on your business and investing in it . In this episode, Vicky explores how pet business owners can make smarter financial decisions by asking one important question: what return am I expecting from this money? An investment should have a purpose. It might help you generate more revenue, develop new skills, save time or improve how your business operates. Spending, on the other hand, can quickly become money leaving the business without delivering anything measurable in return. Vicky shares a recent example involving a significant amount of money spent on marketing advice that failed to produce the expected results, and uses it to explore how we should approach investment decisions. In this episode, she discusses: The difference between an investment and an expense Why spending more doesn't automatically produce better results How to think about the potential return before committing money Why every investment should connect to a clear business objective The importance of measuring whether an investment actually worked How to become more intentional about where your business money goes Investing in your business can be incredibly powerful — but only when there's a clear reason behind it. Before making your next big purchase, ask yourself: what am I expecting this investment to change? Investing means spending money with the expectation of creating a measurable return. A return doesn't always have to be immediate revenue — it could be new skills, greater efficiency or more time. Expensive advice, software or services aren't automatically good investments. Business investments should be linked to specific goals rather than made on impulse. Reviewing the results of previous investments can help you make better financial decisions in the future. Being intentional with your money is essential for building a sustainable and profitable pet business. This episode is proudly sponsored by Lopay, the low-cost payment platform that helps small businesses keep more of the money they earn. Find out more about Lopay and how it can support your pet business here: 👉 https://merchant.lopay.app/ref/thepetaccountant2000 🐾 Join Us at Pet Pro Expo 2026 If you’re serious about growing your pet business, you need to be in the room. 👉 https://www.petproexpo.co.uk/ 🌐 Visit petaccountant.co.uk To find out how Vicky, Lee, and the team can help your pet business grow. 🐾

August 10, 202638 min

Your Money Mindset Could Be Holding Your Business Back

What if the biggest barrier to growing your pet business isn't your pricing... it's your mindset? In this episode, Vicky reflects on lessons from her recent honeymoon and explores how our relationship with money influences the decisions we make in business. From childhood experiences to the beliefs we've developed over the years, our money mindset affects everything from pricing our services to investing in our businesses and setting financial goals. Vicky explains why understanding your financial psychology is just as important as understanding your numbers, and shares some of the books and ideas that have shaped her own approach to business. In this episode, she discusses: How your upbringing can shape your relationship with money Why your money mindset affects your business decisions The importance of defining what "enough" means to you How setting clear financial goals creates direction and purpose Business books that have influenced her thinking, including Good to Great and Think and Grow Rich Why pricing decisions should be based on logic rather than fear or emotion This episode is an invitation to reflect on the beliefs you hold about money and consider whether they're helping your business grow—or holding it back. Because changing your business often starts with changing your mindset. Key Takeaways Your relationship with money is often shaped by your upbringing and past experiences. Understanding your money mindset can help you make better business decisions. Defining what financial success looks like for you provides greater clarity and motivation. Personal development and business learning are valuable investments in long-term success. Pricing decisions should be based on facts and strategy, not fear or emotion. A healthy financial mindset is a key ingredient in building a profitable and sustainable pet business. This episode is proudly sponsored by Lopay, the low-cost payment platform that helps small businesses keep more of the money they earn. Find out more about Lopay and how it can support your pet business here: 👉 https://merchant.lopay.app/ref/thepetaccountant2000 🐾 Join Us at Pet Pro Expo 2026 If you’re serious about growing your pet business, you need to be in the room. 👉 https://www.petproexpo.co.uk/ 🌐 Visit petaccountant.co.uk To find out how Vicky, Lee, and the team can help your pet business grow. 🐾