FOCUS Summit Agenda

10 a.m. – 11 a.m. ET | SESSION 1:

A Pet’s-Eye View of Safety: Spotting Hidden Dangers in Client Homes

In this practical, insight-filled session, Pet Safety Crusader™ Denise Fleck will help you evaluate client homes from a pet’s perspective so you can spot and address potential hazards before they become emergencies.

You’ll be guided through a room-by-room safety check, including:
• Living areas, kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms
• Garages, yards, and other outdoor spaces

Along the way, Denise will highlight common household risks and simple steps you can take to remove or secure unsafe items while pets are in your care.

You’ll also gain a clear overview of human food safety for pets, including:
• Foods that are safe (or safe in moderation)
• Foods that should always be “paws off”

Whether you’re caring for pets in their homes or managing a team of sitters, this session will help you strengthen your safety practices and protect your clients’ pets. Plus, you’ll leave with tips you can share with your clients and colleagues.

Click here to learn more about the presenter, Denise Fleck.

11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. ET | SESSION 2:

Beyond the Bite: Turning Behavior Knowledge into Profit Protection 

In this session, Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) manager turned Fear Free® Elite Certified Professional, Karen Pryor Academy–Certified Cat Trainer, and professional pet-care business owner Beth Pasek demonstrates how behavior knowledge functions as real-time safety data and how systematic observation, decision-making, and documentation can reduce risk, support defensible care, and protect business outcomes.

Bridging Fear Free® principles with safety and business systems, this session introduces a practical framework for recognizing early behavioral signals and knowing when to proceed, adjust, or stop. Attendees will learn how to prevent situations from escalating, set clear professional boundaries as conditions change, and use documentation to support their decisions when outcomes don’t go as planned.

Click here to learn more about the presenter, Beth Pasek.

2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. ET | SESSION 3:

Smart Sitter Strategies: Identifying Dangerous Toys Before They Harm

In this focused session, Lindsey Wolko, Founder and CEO of the Center for Pet Safety, reveals the hidden dangers behind popular pet toys and gives you clear steps to protect the pets in your care.

You’ll Learn How To:

• Spot high risk toys instantly
• Remove hazardous toys from play and redirect pets to safer alternatives

Click here to learn more about the presenter, Lindsey Wolko.

4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. ET | SESSION 4:

Protecting the Professional: Safeguarding Your Physical and Mental Well-Being

Caring for pets also means caring for yourself, but in a demanding, often unpredictable profession like pet care, that’s easier said than done.

In this session, PSI President Beth Stultz-Hairston will explore how pet-care professionals can protect their physical safety, mental well-being, and long-term sustainability in the field.

Drawing on her experience working with pet-care providers for more than two decades and her background in compassion fatigue education, Beth will share practical strategies to help you:

• Reduce physical strain and stay safe and healthy during daily visits and walks
• Prioritize your personal well-being and mental health
• Build habits that support resilience in our high-responsibility profession

Whether you’re a solo business owner or managing a team, this session will help you protect the foundation that makes your business success possible: YOU.

Click here to learn more about the presenter, Beth Stultz-Hairston.