Team Gingr just wrapped a jam-packed week in Hershey, Pennsylvania, at the Pet Boarding & Daycare Expo, and we’re coming home with fresh ideas, new members of the pack, and tons of practical takeaways you can use right away. From financing and facility design to safer playgroups, KPI tracking, and premium pricing, this year’s sessions focused on one theme: turning today’s challenges into tomorrow’s opportunities.

Big Themes We Heard 

1. Measure what matters. Facilities are doubling down on KPIs, by service line, by location, and even by staffing model, to spot issues early and grow with confidence

2. Personalize every touchpoint. Tailored emails, SMS, report cards, and memberships are becoming the norm.

3. Navigate “Petflation” with value. From dynamic pricing to experience-rich programs, operators are finding ways to protect margins while elevating care.

Tracking What Matters: Smarter Reporting for Stronger Businesses

One of the biggest takeaways from this year’s Expo was the emphasis on reporting and tracking the right KPIs. Pet-care businesses are looking beyond occupancy rates and focusing on metrics that drive long-term growth—like customer retention, package utilization, and average revenue per reservation.

Personalized Connections: Building Loyalty with Communication

Another major theme was personalized communication. As consumer expectations evolve, pet parents want to feel connected, understood, and valued. Whether it’s a tailored report card, a timely reminder, or a thoughtful follow-up, personalization builds trust — and keeps tails wagging.

Keynote Spotlight: From Petflation to Opportunity

The keynote presentation, “Petflation Pressures: Turning Economic Challenges into Business Opportunities,” hit home for many attendees. Jason Duffy, CEO of Pet Resort Hospitality Group and founder of Pet Resort University, shared powerful insights on adapting to rising costs, shifting consumer expectations, and new paths to profitability.

His message? Even in challenging economic times, innovation and value-driven offerings can help businesses thrive. By combining transparent pricing, premium experiences, and digital convenience, pet-care providers can stand out in a competitive market.

It’s a message that resonates deeply with us at Gingr. Our platform was built to help businesses do more with less—automating workflows, simplifying payments, and delivering the kind of customer experience that inspires loyalty and trust.

Rather than focusing on the struggle, Jason delivered a hopeful, forward-looking message: The businesses that adapt, innovate, and communicate value will come out stronger than ever.

He emphasized three powerful strategies for thriving in the era of “Petflation”:

1. Price Transparently. Pet parents are willing to pay for quality when they understand what they’re getting. Clear, transparent pricing—and communicating the value behind your services—builds trust and reduces friction.
2. Design Premium Experiences. Today’s clients want more than basic boarding or daycare—they’re looking for enrichment, comfort, and connection. Facilities that elevate their services with thoughtful experiences not only command higher prices but also earn deeper loyalty.
3. Deliver Digital Convenience. From online booking to mobile communication, convenience has become a differentiator. The easier it is for pet parents to interact with your business, the more likely they are to return (and refer friends).

Jason reminded attendees that even in challenging economic times, innovation and customer experience are the ultimate growth engines. By finding ways to add value instead of cutting corners, businesses can turn cost pressures into catalysts for creativity.

More Highlights — and How Gingr Helps

Experts across all aspects of pet care gave practical advice through engaging sessions on the future of the industry, how businesses can get ahead, and what tools and strategies are needed to overcome common challenges. Here's a quick recap, along with tools Gingr has developed to help pet-care businesses like yours optimize operations, maximize revenue, and keep pets (and their parents) happy.

Planning, Pricing, and Profitability

From financing and real estate decisions to premium pricing and cost control, financial strategy was a major focus this year. Speakers encouraged owners to think like investors—tracking KPIs, presenting clear data to lenders, and pricing confidently even in tough economic times.

How Gingr helps:
Gingr’s reporting suite provides lender-ready insights across service lines, payroll, and revenue. Features like peak-date pricing, automated surcharges, and memberships help you protect margins and create predictable income streams. Integrated payments and tipping tools simplify reconciliation and boost staff morale.

Operations, SOPs, and Efficiency

Sessions on SOPs, labor costs, and leadership emphasized structure over hustle. The message: Clear systems create freedom. Standardized procedures, smarter scheduling, and empowered staff are the keys to smoother, calmer operations.

How Gingr helps:
With tools like PreCheck, capacity management, and automated workflows, Gingr streamlines daily operations—saving time while improving consistency. Custom staff permissions, notes, and alerts keep teams aligned, so leaders can focus on strategy, not firefighting.

Safety, Training, and Team Culture

From pet first aid to crisis management and leadership training, many sessions focused on the human side of pet care. Facilities that invest in safety and staff development see stronger teams and happier clients.

How Gingr helps:
Track vaccine compliance, document incidents, and share report cards effortlessly. Gingr’s vaccination tools, alerts, and communication hub make it easy to keep both staff and pet parents informed and confident.

Enrichment, Behavior, and Pet Experience

Dog daycare is evolving — less chaos, more enrichment. Trainers and behavior experts explored ways to create calmer, more rewarding experiences for dogs while boosting staff satisfaction and client loyalty.

How Gingr helps:
Easily schedule enrichment activities, log behaviors, and share updates with pet parents through photos and videos. With packages, add-ons, and memberships, Gingr helps you turn enrichment into both better care and higher revenue.

Marketing, Communication, and Client Experience

Sessions on marketing, branding, and communication made one thing clear: personalization wins. From Google SEO and branded search to two-way texting and report cards, businesses that connect authentically grow faster and retain more clients.

How Gingr helps:
Gingr’s built-in email and SMS campaigns, pet parent app, and online booking tools keep you connected from first click to repeat visit. Partner integrations extend your reach with review management, AI assistants, and reputation tools—no extra software required.