Explore, Tips, Tricks, and Local Resources

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How to Respect Natural Parks During Your First Visit

Growing up in Colorado has its perks—there’s no doubt about that. Having places like Rocky Mountain National Park practically in my backyard made the outdoors feel like my second home. Whether it was hiking up a ridge to catch a sunrise or just pulling over to watch a herd of elk graze, those moments have shaped how I see the world and my place in it. But honestly, one thing you start to notice is how much of a difference it makes to treat these spaces with respect.

Natural parks might feel endless and untouchable, but like anything precious, they’re not. The more people visit, the more care these spots need to stay beautiful for everyone. And while no one knowingly sets out to wreck a trail or scare off wildlife, sometimes it’s the little things we don’t think about that cause big damage. If you’re planning your first trip to a park—amazing! Here’s some advice to help you enjoy it while keeping the outdoors as pristine as you found it (or better).

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Pet Tips Out West Creative Pet Tips Out West Creative

Tips for Hosting a Dog-Friendly BBQ

Nothing says summer quite like a backyard BBQ. And if you’re like me, any gathering feels more complete when the dogs are part of the fun. My Golden Retriever, Whiskey, is not just my adventure buddy; he’s also a certified (self-proclaimed) BBQ enthusiast. Whether he’s charming guests with his puppy-dog eyes or politely scouting the grill for “fallen” hot dogs, Whiskey is all in.

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Branding & Identity Out West Creative Branding & Identity Out West Creative

Why Animal Shelters Need Professional Branding to Stand Out

Animal shelters do some of the most meaningful, heart-centered work out there. They’re the ones comforting scared rescues, finding forever homes for wagging tails, and giving second chances to animals that deserve all the love in the world. But here’s the hard truth—no matter how kind and hardworking a shelter may be, if people don’t know about it or feel a connection to it, the animals might not get the support they need.

That’s where professional branding comes in. It’s not just about having a pretty logo or a trendy website (though both are important!). Branding is about telling your story in a way that inspires your community to care, give, and get involved.

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Pet Tips Out West Creative Pet Tips Out West Creative

Guide to Having a Lake Dog

If there’s one thing Whiskey and I look forward to every summer, it’s lake days. There’s nothing better than hopping on the pontoon, feeling the breeze on your face, and watching your dog experience the pure magic of being on the water. Whiskey, my one-year-old Golden Retriever, might have been born to be a lake dog. From splashing in the shallows to soaking up the sun on the boat’s deck, this pup has truly embraced the lake life.

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Social Media Out West Creative Social Media Out West Creative

The Best Social Media Strategies for Wildlife Organizations

Wildlife organizations have something truly special—a mission that revolves around the protection of nature and the incredible creatures that share this planet with us. It's work that deserves to be seen and celebrated. But with so much noise on social media, how do you ensure your message stands out?

The key isn’t just to post—it’s to post with intention. Social media is where your mission comes to life, your stories are shared, and your community comes together. With the right strategies (and a little creativity), your wildlife organization can inspire, educate, and mobilize audiences like never before.

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Branding & Identity Out West Creative Branding & Identity Out West Creative

Why Nationwide Businesses Need Localized Branding Strategies

Here’s a little secret about branding that often gets overlooked—no two communities are exactly the same. What resonates in one town might totally miss the mark in another. And for nationwide animal businesses, this is especially true. Whether you’re running a chain of pet stores, a national dog-training brand, or a mobile equine service that travels across states, one-size-fits-all branding just isn’t enough.

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Out West Creative Out West Creative

The Dos and Don’ts of Dog Park Etiquette

Few things bring more joy than seeing your dog lose their mind with excitement at a dog park. The tail wags, the zoomies... it’s pure magic. But as much as a visit to the dog park can be the ultimate playdate for pooches, it can also go sideways if basic etiquette isn’t followed. And I get it—dog parks are chaotic by nature. It’s a bunch of personalities (both human and canine) tossed together behind a fence. It’s like a wild family reunion but with more barking.

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Branding & Identity Out West Creative Branding & Identity Out West Creative

How to Tell Your Business’s Story Through Branding

Every business has a story—a “why” behind what you do. For animal-related businesses, that story is often steeped in love, passion, and a desire to make the world a better place for pets, wildlife, or their people. But how often do you actively share that story with your customers?

Storytelling in branding is powerful. It’s not just about standing out in a competitive market but about connecting deeply with your audience. People aren’t just buying products or services—they’re buying into your mission, your values, and the heart behind everything you do. That’s why weaving your story into your branding is so important, especially for animal-related business marketing.

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Why Every Animal-Related Business Needs a Website

Alright, folks. It’s time we had an honest chat about something that’s non-negotiable in 2025—your animal biz needs a website. Like, yesterday. I don’t care if you’re grooming goldendoodles in Colorado, training roping horses nationwide, or rescuing owls from overly ambitious golf courses. Whatever you’re doing, it’s incredible—and it deserves the spotlight. Spoiler alert: Yelp reviews aren’t enough, and a Facebook page isn’t cutting it anymore.

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Branding & Identity Out West Creative Branding & Identity Out West Creative

Why Colorado Is the Perfect Place to Start an Animal Related Business

If you’ve been dreaming of starting a business that revolves around your love for animals, there’s one place that stands out as the perfect backdrop to bring it to life—Colorado. With its wide-open spaces, outdoor-loving communities, and rich agricultural roots, Colorado offers incredible opportunities for animal-focused entrepreneurs. Whether you’re passionate about pet care, wildlife, or farm life, this state is full of inspiration and support to help businesses grow.

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Why Mobile-Friendly Websites Are a Must

Grab your phone and open your website. Does it look clean and easy to use, or are you pinching, zooming, and squinting to click on tiny buttons? If it’s the latter, we need to talk.

More than half of all web traffic now comes from mobile devices. People are searching, scrolling, and shopping directly from their phones—which means your website has to look just as good on a five-inch touch screen as it does on a desktop computer. For animal-related businesses, this is especially true. Customers searching for poop scoopers, goat breeders, or veterinary clinics are likely on the go, looking for fast answers and smooth navigation.

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Branding & Identity Out West Creative Branding & Identity Out West Creative

Why Your Business Needs a Consistent Brand Identity

When it comes to growing your animal-focused business, one thing stands out as more important than you might realize—your logo. It’s not just a pretty image; it’s the very face of your brand. Whether you run a cozy pet grooming shop in Colorado or a nation-spanning equine training business, a well-thought-out, professional logo says everything about who you are. It’s how people recognize your business, remember it, and decide if they want to trust you with their furry, feathered, or even scaly companions.

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Goldens in Golden: What to Expect

Picture this—a small Colorado town absolutely overrun by… Golden Retrievers. Yes, it’s real. Goldens in Golden, and I got to experience it for the first time this year. Spoiler alert: it was everything I hoped for and more.

Apparently, this year was the biggest crowd yet, and with all the wagging tails, fluffy butts, and squeaky toys, you could feel the golden energy everywhere. From navigating packed streets to sharing belly rubs and snacks, here’s everything you need to know about this magical, slightly chaotic event and how to make the most out of it.

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Branding & Identity Out West Creative Branding & Identity Out West Creative

How to Attract Tourists to Your Business in Colorado

Colorado is a hotspot for tourists, drawing people with its breathtaking mountains, charming towns, and endless opportunities for adventure. And if your business operates in this vibrant state, you have a golden opportunity to connect with visitors—especially if your business is pet-related! From road trippers to vacationers bringing their dogs along, travelers love experiences that welcome their furry companions and make their visit extra special.

Tourism marketing is all about creating moments that leave an impression. Whether you run a pet-friendly café, a hiking tour, or a boutique for outdoor gear, there are plenty of ways you can attract Colorado’s bustling tourist crowd. Here’s how you can make your business a must-visit destination for travelers.

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Top 5 Website Features Every Animal Business Needs

If you run an animal-related business, you’re probably no stranger to the universal truth that our furry (or feathered, or scaly) friends make life infinitely better. But here’s the thing—your amazing work needs to be seen by the right people, and in 2025, that starts with a website that works as hard as you do.

Whether you’re a dog groomer, a wildlife rescue, or an equine trainer, your website is the digital front door to your business. It’s the place where people learn who you are, why you care, and how you can help them. But not all websites are created equal. To truly connect with your audience, there are a few must-have features that every animal business needs.

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How to Incorporate Your Love for Animals Into Your Business

You started your business because you love what you do. And when animals are a big part of that “why,” it’s only natural to want your brand to reflect that. Whether you’re grooming scruffy pups, capturing the majesty of wildlife through your camera lens, or helping people heal with horses, your passion for animals is a huge piece of your story—and your branding should tell it.

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Social Media Out West Creative Social Media Out West Creative

10 Creative Ways to Showcase Your Business on Social Media

Social media can feel like a big, intimidating world, but when you run an animal business, it’s your best friend. Why? Because people absolutely love animal content! From heart-melting puppy videos to behind-the-scenes glimpses of your daily work, you’ve already got the kind of irresistible subject matter that makes social media shine.

But here’s the secret to doing it well—it’s not just about posting cute pictures; it’s about telling your story, connecting with your audience, and showing off what makes your business one of a kind.

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Branding & Identity Out West Creative Branding & Identity Out West Creative

Why Your Animal-Related Business Needs a Logo

When it comes to growing your animal-focused business, one thing stands out as more important than you might realize—your logo. It’s not just a pretty image; it’s the very face of your brand. Whether you run a cozy pet grooming shop in Colorado or a nation-spanning equine training business, a well-thought-out, professional logo says everything about who you are. It’s how people recognize your business, remember it, and decide if they want to trust you with their furry, feathered, or even scaly companions.

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Pet Tips Out West Creative Pet Tips Out West Creative

Tips for Solo Road Trips with a Dog

Road trips are one of my favorite ways to travel. There’s something freeing about rolling the windows down, blasting a playlist that swings from Noah Kahan, to some country, and hitting the open road. Plus, when I bring my Golden Retriever, Whiskey, along for the ride, it turns into a whole different kind of adventure. He's only 11 Months old but Whiskey is basically a professional road tripper at this point—This guy has literally been to 4 states in his 11 months of life. He’s definitely mastered hotel stays, long car rides, and even how to charm the front desk staff into giving him some extra treats.

Traveling solo with your dog is rewarding, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. Over a few trips, I’ve picked up some tips and tricks to make these trips smoother—for both of us. Whether you’ve got a high-energy pup or a snoozing sidekick, here are my go-to pieces of advice for making solo road trips with your dog less stressful and way more fun.

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Photography Out West Creative Photography Out West Creative

Why It's a Great Idea to Get Photos Taken of Your Horse

Here’s the thing about owning a horse—it’s not just owning a horse. It’s a relationship, a partnership, and a commitment to dirt-covered jeans and perpetually hay-filled pockets. Horses aren’t just part of your life; they’re part of you. And I bet you’ve got a hundred iPhone photos of your horse—blurry, backlit, or featuring that one weird ear flop they do when they’re kinda over your nonsense. And listen, those photos are great—but they don’t exactly do justice to the bond you share.

That’s why I’m here to tell you why you need to book a professional pet photography session for your horse. Trust me. It’s worth it.

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