Feeling Drained? How to Overcome Pet Industry Burnout and Compassion Fatigue with PSI President Beth Stultz-Hairston
- ekrorkx
- May 13
- 4 min read
Burnout and compassion fatigue are major challenges in the pet care world—and they're issues we need to talk about more openly. In this episode of The Pet Marketing Unleashed Podcast, I sit down with Beth Stultz-Hairston, President of Pet Sitters International (PSI), who brings over 20 years of experience and certifications in burnout and compassion fatigue education.
Beth shares not only the realities of burnout in the pet industry but also practical, realistic steps you can take to care for yourself before reaching your breaking point.
Let's dive in!
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How Pet Sitting Has Changed (Especially Around Mental Well-Being)
While the heart of pet sitting—providing excellent care—has remained constant, Beth pointed out some major shifts in the industry:
Increased awareness around mental health and the need for self-care.
Technology and social media making pet pros more connected than ever—but also increasing pressure to be "always on."
Exposure to loss and hardship (like pet loss and client grief) has intensified compassion fatigue.
Bottom line: As our industry evolves, the need for mental health support grows, too.
Burnout vs. Compassion Fatigue: What's the Difference (and Why It Matters)
While often used interchangeably, Beth emphasizes that burnout and compassion fatigue are different:
Burnout stems from poor working conditions (overwork, lack of appreciation, low pay) and can often be solved by changing those conditions.
Compassion fatigue stems from the emotional toll of caring professions—like experiencing repeated pet losses—and can't be "fixed" simply by changing jobs. Understanding which one you're facing helps you tackle the root cause more effectively.
Fun fact: If a pet sitter says they feel burned out, Beth says that's "great" —because it means they still have control to change their environment!
Why Pet Business Owners Are Especially Susceptible to Burnout and Compassion Fatigue
Caregiving is at the heart of pet care, and that already puts pet professionals at higher risk for compassion fatigue. But add in the realities of small business ownership—"doing it all," 24/7 client demands, and financial pressure—and the risk of burnout skyrockets.
Beth also points out that entrepreneurs often say yes to everything to grow their business, unintentionally creating a cycle of overwork.
Early Warning Signs of Burnout and Compassion Fatigue in Your Pet Business
Of course there are many common burnout signals out there like feeling overwhelmed and working insanely long hours, but Beth shared some signs that often get overlooked:
Loss of humor: Things that once made you laugh now irritate you.
Work performance shifts: Making more mistakes, avoiding tasks, becoming hyper-fixated on perfection.
Physical, emotional, and relationship impacts: It touches every area of your life.
One key reminder: Business owners with teams have an ethical obligation to monitor both their own mental health and that of their staff.
Be Aware of the Challenges You May Face When Working Through Pet Business Burnout
Recognizing burnout is step one—but Beth reminds us that change isn't easy. Common challenges include:
Feeling "too busy" to address the problem (a big red flag!).
Resistance to change based on your stress-coping personality.
Realizing change can take time (like hiring a team if you're overloaded).
Beth also introduces the idea of "stress-coping personalities" and how some pet pros fall into a "victim" mindset—wearing their suffering as a badge of honor. Breaking free from that cycle is essential for true recovery.
Realistic, Manageable Self-Care Steps for Pet Business Owners and Pet Care Providers
Forget bubble baths and 3-hour morning routines. Beth shares what really matters:
Basic needs first: Sleep, nutrition, exercise, social connection.
Customized self-care plans: Based on your unique triggers and lifestyle.
Small steps matter: Even putting your phone on "Do Not Disturb" at night can make a huge difference.
Seek professional help if needed: There's no shame in getting support from doctors or mental health pros.
Her favorite reminder: "There aren't enough bubble baths in the world to overcome bad boundaries."
The Critical Role of Boundaries
Boundaries are non-negotiable for sustainability in this industry. Beth encourages:
Setting clear work hours (you don't have to be available 24/7!).
Enforcing service policies (like cancellation fees) without guilt.
Protecting your time—not just with clients but even with other pet professionals.
Boundaries aren't about controlling others; they're about controlling how you respond.
Beth’s Favorite Resources to Support Your Pet Business Journey
Beth recommends these incredible resources for managing burnout and compassion fatigue:
PSI's burnout and compassion fatigue resources (search "burnout" at petsit.com)
Get Motiveted (veterinary wellness resources)
Animal Hospice Group (grief and end-of-life care education)
52 Hike Challenge (Beth's favorite personal stress-reduction activity!)
If You're Feeling Burned Out Today...
Beth's first piece of advice: "You are not alone."
Her next tip: Set aside time today to be brutally honest with yourself. Identify what's working, what isn't, and what changes need to happen. Clarity is the first step toward recovery. And if symptoms feel overwhelming or unmanageable, reach out to a professional.
Prioritizing your own well-being isn't selfish. It's a hallmark of professionalism.
By focusing on self-care, setting boundaries, and staying connected to resources, you can build a thriving pet business and a sustainable, fulfilling life.
At Pet Marketing Unleashed, we believe that preventing burnout and creating more time-saving, sustainable businesses isn't just important—it's the foundation of everything we offer. Whether it's through strategic branding, website design, or educational resources, our goal is to help petpreneurs create systems that support their well-being and make running their business easier, not heavier. Because a thriving business should fuel your life—not drain it.
Connect with Beth and Learn More:
Visit petsit.com
Follow PSI on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube
Reach out at info@petsit.com
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You deserve a pet business—and a life—that fuels you, not drains you. ✨
