At some point in growing a team-based pet care business, the work is going to outpace what you as the owner can, and should, continue doing yourself. But how do you know when it's financially responsible to bring on administrative or management support? And how do you make sure that investment actually moves your business forward?
In this episode, I'm breaking down three ways to evaluate whether your dog walking or pet sitting company is ready to make that investment. We'll look at a key labor-cost benchmark, how to identify the difference between low-value tasks and higher-leverage owner responsibilities, and a reinvestment strategy I've personally followed while scaling DogCo. I also share an example of how buying back just 10 hours a week can create opportunities to focus on marketing, partnerships, and other activities that generate more value for your company.
Key Takeaways
Watch your all-in labor percentage. I recommend keeping total labor costs, excluding your personal take-home pay, below 55% of revenue. This should include field labor, administrative support, management, payroll taxes, and mileage.
Evaluate the cost of additional support before hiring. If bringing on the administrative or management help you need keeps your all-in labor below that 55% benchmark, you may be in a healthy position to make the investment.
Recognize when your time is being spent on low-value work. Tasks like updating client profiles and organizing visit information may be necessary, but they aren't necessarily the best use of your time as the owner.
Look for a clear time trade. If hiring someone frees up 10 hours a week, identify what higher-value activities you can put in their place, such as marketing, brand positioning, partnerships, and networking.
Account for the transition period. Hiring and training take time, and there may be a gap between making the investment and seeing the financial return. Make sure your company has enough financial breathing room to support that transition.
Consider automation before adding another person. Some administrative tasks, including managing client information and updates, may be simplified through existing software and AI tools.
Use reinvestment as a growth strategy. I share a framework from Dan Martell's book Buy Back Your Time, which recommends reinvesting approximately 25% of company profit above your personal take-home needs back into the business.
Be intentional about buying back your time. Reinvesting in support only creates value if you're committed to using the time you gain for higher-leverage work rather than filling it with more low-value tasks.
Build around the business you want to operate. The goal isn't simply to hire more people. It's to create a structure that allows the company to grow sustainably while serving the owner, clients, and team.
Ready to Figure Out Your Next Step?
If you're trying to determine whether your pet care business is ready for administrative or management support, we'd love to help you work through that decision.
Learn more and book a consultation:
Michelle Kline is the founder of DogCo Launch, and the host of the DogCo Secrets Podcast. Michelle spends her time helping pet care companies in the industry grow and scale their teams, increase their revenue, and increase personal profits - all while protecting their time. Learn more about Michelle here.