🐶 The Power of Pet Reviews in 2025 (and How to Get More of Them)
Let’s be real — if you’ve ever searched for a pet groomer in Austin, a dog walker in Tulsa, or a vet in St. Louis, chances are you peeked at their Google reviews first. Your clients do the same thing. In 2025, reviews are your online word of mouth — and they matter more than ever.
The good news? If you’re doing great work (and we know you are!), getting glowing reviews isn’t hard. You just need to make it easy for your happy clients to share the love.
🐾 Why Reviews Still Matter in 2025 (Maybe Even More Than Before)
Here’s what pet parents are doing before they ever message you:
Searching on Google (not Instagram, not TikTok)
Looking at your star rating
Skimming recent reviews for specific mentions (like how gentle you are with nervous dogs or how clean your cat boarding space is)
Comparing you to the next listing if you’re not standing out
And with Google’s new AI Mode? It’s pulling review highlights directly into search results. If your reviews are fresh and detailed, Google will show them off for you — whether you’re in Des Moines or Chicago.
🦴 How to Get More Reviews (Without Feeling Weird Asking)
Most pet business owners say the same thing: “I don’t want to bug people.” Here’s the truth — if a pet parent is thrilled with your service, they want to help you succeed. They just need a gentle reminder and a fast way to do it.
Try these review-getting tips:
✅ Ask at the right moment
The best time? Right after a successful service — like when a pup leaves looking snazzy or a pet parent picks up their well-cared-for cat.
Say this:
“Hey, if you have a second later today, would you mind leaving a quick Google review? It really helps small businesses like mine — and it means the world.”
✅ Text or email the link
Make it super easy. Don’t just say “leave a review” — give them the direct link.
Use a tool like g.page to create your review shortcut.
✅ Add it to your check-in or invoice
Drop a friendly “We’d love your feedback!” note at the bottom of your receipts, appointment reminders, or thank-you messages.
🐕 What to Do With Reviews Once You’ve Got Them
You’ve earned them — now make the most of them:
Share your best reviews on social (with a cute photo if you’ve got one!)
Add them to your website homepage
Screenshot and drop them in your Stories
Use review snippets in your Instagram captions (“Our clients say it best: ‘The cleanest grooming shop in Houston!’”)
🐾 Don’t Forget to Reply (Even to the 5-Star Ones)
It takes 30 seconds, but replying to reviews shows potential clients that you’re engaged, appreciative, and professional.
Sample reply:
“Thank you so much, Sarah! We loved having Bella in and can’t wait to see her again soon. 💛”
And if you ever get a not-so-great review? Reply kindly, calmly, and offer to make it right. Future clients will see how you handle tough stuff, and that can actually build trust too.
🐾 Final Woof: Reviews Are Your Free Marketing Superpower
In a world where everyone’s Googling everything — especially in local markets like Kansas City or Baton Rouge — a steady stream of kind, specific reviews can do more for your pet business than any ad ever could.
So go ahead — ask for that review. You’ve earned it. 🐾
🐾 Bonus Help for Pet Brands in the Central U.S.
If you run a local pet brand in Oklahoma City, Little Rock, Wichita, or anywhere in between and you’re ready to build trust online but don’t want to DIY all the things…
