Get Found by Pet Owners Near You: SEO Tips
Let’s face it—if you run a pet business, your job is already full of wagging tails, meows, muddy paws, and a whole lot of heart. But if local pet parents can’t find you online, you might as well be hiding behind the couch like a shy kitten.
Whether you’re grooming, walking, training, or boarding pets, you deserve to be the first name that shows up when someone Googles “pet business near me.” That’s where local SEO comes in—a little digital magic that helps your business shine in your neighborhood and beyond.
Let’s dive into how you can boost your visibility, attract more local pet lovers, and keep your calendar booked—without barking up the wrong tree.
1. Claim (and Polish) Your Google Business Profile
First things first: if you haven’t claimed your Google Business Profile, go do it. Like, now. It’s free, and it’s one of the biggest ways to show up in local searches and Google Maps.
Fill it out with all the essentials:
✔️ Your business name
✔️ Address & contact info
✔️ Hours
✔️ Website link
✔️ Photos (bonus points for cute pet pics)
📊 Did you know? 46% of all Google searches are for local information. Source: HubSpot
2. Use Local Keywords That Actually Make Sense
It’s not just “pet groomer” anymore—it’s “pet groomer in Austin” or “dog trainer in Toronto.” These phrases help Google match you with local searches and bring in clients that are actually nearby.
Where to sprinkle them:
Homepage headlines
Meta descriptions
Blog posts
Image alt tags
Pro tip: Work in natural phrases like “pet boarding near me” or “best dog daycare in [City]” without sounding like a robot.
3. Ask for Reviews Like a Pro
Word-of-mouth has gone digital. Happy clients are often more than willing to leave glowing reviews—you just have to ask.
Encourage reviews on:
Google
Yelp
Facebook
Any pet-specific platforms you’re listed on
And don’t forget to reply to them (even the tricky ones). Thoughtful responses build trust and show Google that you're active.
4. List Your Biz in All the Right Places
The more consistent your presence is online, the more Google trusts you. That means showing up in:
Yelp
Nextdoor
Local Chamber of Commerce directories
Pet business directories (like Rover—even if you’re trying to graduate from it!)
Make sure your NAP (Name, Address, Phone number) matches everywhere. No typos or old info!
5. Write Blogs That Pet Parents Actually Want to Read
Blogging isn’t just for rambling thoughts—it’s a powerful way to attract local traffic. Create blog posts that solve real problems or answer real questions for local pet owners:
“5 Dog-Friendly Cafés in [Your City]”
“How to Prep Your Pup for Their First Grooming Appointment”
“Best Local Vets for Senior Cats”
Fresh content helps your SEO and positions you as the go-to expert in your area.
6. Show Up on Social (and Tag Your Location!)
Posting on Instagram and Facebook? Great! Don’t forget to:
Tag your city or neighborhood
Use local hashtags (#DenverDogWalker, #VancouverPetGroomer)
Share behind-the-scenes moments
This gets your posts in front of the right local audience and helps build community recognition.
7. Make Booking Ridiculously Easy
Clients shouldn’t have to DM, email, wait, and guess. A clean website with clear service pages and an easy-to-use booking system makes a world of difference. Add:
Online scheduling
Mobile-friendly layout
A FAQ page (to cut down on repeat questions)
The smoother your process, the more likely someone is to book on the spot.
8. Let Your Website Work While You Walk the Dogs
Local SEO might sound techy, but it’s really about helping real people find your real business. And when done right, your website can work around the clock—booking appointments, sharing your story, and bringing in new clients while you’re out doing what you do best.
Final Woof
In a world of endless scrolling and saturated apps, a strong local SEO strategy helps your pet business stand out. Whether you’re just getting started or ready to level up your bookings, a few local tweaks can turn your pet business site into a client-magnet.
Want help getting your business found by the right people (and their pets)? Reach out for a free chat and see how we can both design a website and write your blog to increase your SEO to get more local customers.
