Marketing Without the Mayhem: Simple Strategies for Pet Pros
On this episode of The Whisker Report, hosts Mary Tan and producer Mark Winter welcome Matt Aldrich, founder of Pet Engine Marketing, for a practical, no-overwhelm conversation about marketing in today’s fast-moving pet industry. Matt shares smart, realistic advice for small pet businesses and animal rescues trying to stand out online without big budgets, big teams, or endless hours. From focusing on marketing fundamentals and understanding your audience to building simple systems that actually work, this episode breaks down how PR and marketing can work together to create real visibility and long-term growth. Whether you’re running a nonprofit, a pet brand, or doing it all yourself, this episode delivers clarity, encouragement, and actionable ideas you can start using right away.
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BIO:
My first job was at a local pet store in Ann Arbor, Michigan. I was 16. I took it because my dog loved that place—and soon, so did I.
Helping customers. Meeting their pets. Working alongside people who “got it.”
But when I moved into management, the joy got buried under vendor calls, staff schedules, and the daily grind. I saw firsthand what so many pet businesses experience:
"I started in this industry because I loved helping people and pets, not working on spreadsheets and social media."
That experience stuck with me. Years later, after starting a career in marketing, I realized I could solve the exact problem I once lived.
That’s why I launched Pet Engine Marketing in 2018: to help pet business owners get back to doing what they love, while we handle the marketing.
We only work with pet businesses. No restaurants, no dentists, no “whoever pays us.” Just pet retailers, groomers, trainers, boarders, and daycares.
I didn’t want to be just another agency that happened to work with pet businesses. I wanted to live and breathe this industry so I could actually serve you better.
So I went all in:
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14+ years working in the pet industry
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An international speaker at events like Global Pet Expo and SuperZoo
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Co-founder of The Pet Industry Network, collaborating with the best pet-focused service providers
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A deep understanding of what really drives growth for pet businesses in an increasingly competitive environment
Transcript: