By Alyssa, Founder of Bath and Doggy Works

As pet professionals, we give so much of ourselves to others—our clients, their pets, and our colleagues. It’s a career filled with joy, but also immense pressure. If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably gone home after a long day, utterly drained, wondering how to keep giving without losing yourself in the process.

For years, I felt that way. I poured everything into being the best groomer and veterinary technician I could be. I thrived on helping animals, but somewhere along the way, I stopped taking care of myself. My health suffered, my relationships became strained, and I felt lost in a cycle of exhaustion.

This feeling is not unique to me. Did you know that the animal care field has one of the highest suicide rates of any profession? Many of us feel unseen, unheard, and overwhelmed. I’ve experienced it myself, and I’ve watched colleagues I deeply care for face the same struggles. That shared pain sparked something in me—a determination to create change, starting with my own life.

What Is “The Balanced Pet Professional”?

When I began my self-care journey, I developed a simple tool: a habit tracker. I call it The Balanced Pet Professional Habit Tracker. It’s built around small, daily practices that nurture your health, happiness, and professional growth.

This isn’t about adding more to your already-full plate—it’s about prioritizing you. It’s a gentle reminder that as much as we love our four-legged clients, we need to love ourselves, too.

The tracker is designed to focus on four areas:

• Physical Health: Movement, hydration, and nutrition.

• Mental Wellness: Journaling, mindfulness, and rest.

• Professional Growth: Continuing education and networking.

• Personal Fulfillment: Quality time with loved ones and hobbies.

A Day in My Life with the Tracker

Here’s how I use the tracker to create balance in my day-to-day life:

Morning Routine:

I start my day with movement, whether it’s the gym, pilates, or a short walk with Reign and Roo (my two dogs who remind me to slow down and enjoy the little things). Some mornings look like getting out of bed, doing 50 squats and then getting back in bed. Even five minutes outside before work clears my mind and gets me moving.

Healthy Eating:

Between appointments at my grooming salon, I’ve made it a priority to eat mindfully. This usually means meal-prepping simple, nourishing meals. One of my tracker goals is to pause during at least one meal and truly enjoy it, instead of eating while multitasking.

Mental Wellness:

I carve out time daily for a quick journal entry or a few minutes of mindfulness. It’s incredible how taking even 10 minutes to sit with my thoughts can reset my mood.

Professional Growth:

Being a business owner doesn’t mean I stop learning. Whether I’m reading an article on holistic grooming or connecting with other professionals online, the tracker helps me stay intentional about growth without feeling overwhelmed.

Why It Matters

The Balanced Pet Professional Habit Tracker isn’t a magic fix, but it’s been a powerful step toward balance for me. It’s a tool that helps me feel seen and cared for—even when the work feels endless.

• I’ve lost 20 pounds, not from extreme dieting, but by prioritizing small, consistent healthy habits.

• I’ve strengthened my relationship with *my future husband* Glen by learning to set boundaries and protect my personal time.

• My grooming salon, Bath and Doggy Works, is thriving because I now have the focus and energy to provide the best experience for my clients and their pets.

But most importantly, I feel heard. This tracker is a way for me—and for all of us in the animal field—to reclaim our time and energy, to find joy and fulfillment, and to remind ourselves that we matter.

Available December 10th!

The Balanced Pet Professional Habit Tracker will be available for purchase on Amazon and Shopify starting December 10th. It’s more than just a product; it’s a tool for transformation, created with love by someone who truly understands the challenges of this industry.

These two remind me every day to slow down and enjoy life.

Nourishing my body for the busy days ahead.

Small steps lead to big change.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unseen, know that you’re not alone. I’ve been there, and I promise there’s a way to find balance. Let’s take care of ourselves as well as we care for the pets we serve.

With love,

Alyssa