Book Holiday Photographers Now, Plus More Oct-nov To-do’s For Pet Indies

Oct 4-10

COMMUNITY It’s Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, a good time to revisit how you partner with animal shelters and adjust as needed to bring in customers who shop beyond free adoption bundles. Might it make more sense to stagger freebies? Include bounceback coupons? Brainstorm with your team how to increase return visits.

MANAGEMENT National Body Language Day falls on Oct. 2. Use the opportunity to remind your salespeople to keep their posture open, nod in understanding and maintain appropriate eye contact when talking to pet parents.

Oct 11-17

HIRING Have you booked photographers and characters for your holiday events yet? Get on that to ensure your first choices are available and locked in. If you’re using a character in your holiday photo shoot, confirm with the human who will wear the costume and make sure you have a backup — in the same size! — if needed.

MANAGEMENT Collect all time-off requests and finalize work schedules — for the next 12 weeks if possible — to ensure you are more than covered with staff during the busy holiday season.

Oct 18-24

PROMOTIONS Order branded stickers like the ones above from Buzz n’ B’s Aquarium & Pet Shop in Erie, PA. Then on Black Friday and Small Business Saturday, hand them out or slap them on your shopping bags. You could even offer a free treat or other item to customers who share the stickers and tag you on their socials.

MANAGEMENT Also before the holiday rush, send a survey to your team asking for suggestions on operational changes for 2027.

Oct 25-31

TRAINING On National Cat Day Oct. 29, ask your groomers if any would like to obtain more education about feline grooming. It’s likely an untapped market for your business if you don’t already offer these services.

LEADERSHIP Make one decision you’ve been avoiding. Even if it’s imperfect, movement beats paralysis.

Nov 1-7

OPERATIONS Daylight Saving Time ends Nov. 1. Be ready to reset any programmable timers — for signage, lighting, etc. It’s also a great time to do a safety check of your business: Test and replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, ensure emergency lighting and exit signage work properly, and review employee safety protocols for opening/closing shifts that may now or soon be happening in the dark.

CIVIC DUTY Be sure to give yourself and team members time to vote in the 2026 mid-term elections on Nov. 3.

Nov 8-14

OPERATIONS Create a souped-up cleaning schedule for the holiday season. Like “Taking things apart: the dehumidifier, fans and outlets, to suck out the dog hair,” Aimee Ranard of Good Karma Dog Spa in Duvall, WA, says. Add to that winter-weather prep, like Shelly Nicastro of Essex Bird & Pet Supply in Essex, MA. “I like to get our storage area cleaned and organized. We have to go outside to access it, and who wants to be out there when it’s cold out!” And Jennifer Hall of All Things Pawssible in Charlottesville, VA, says, “I’ve learned from past experience to stock up on pet-safe ice melt. Not just for retail sales but for internal use. Once people get a taste of snow/ice, it is hard to get your hands on it!”

Nov 15-21

MANAGEMENT Treat your team to their favorite takeout — burger, pizza, healthy options like salad — on Nov. 16, National Fast Food Day.

CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE Ahead of Thanksgiving, send your top 5% of loyalty program members a handwritten personal note and gift certificate. They’ll appreciate the gesture and surely reaffirm their commitment to you for 2027.

Nov 22-28

SOCIAL MEDIA Clear out inactive Instagram followers. Their non-engagement weakens your account’s reach.

SELF-CARE Keep this tip from Amy Schiek of Lucky Dogs in Skaneateles, NY, in mind during the holiday season: “Take time for yourself every day, even if it’s for 15 minutes. On our busiest days, I eat my lunch in the car and listen to a podcast or my favorite songs. It’s a great way to re-energize myself before going back to work.”