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If you're a vet trying to grow your practice, you've probably realized that great pet care isn’t the only thing that brings in new clients. These days, people search for everything online, including their next veterinarian. That’s where digital marketing for veterinarians comes in.

With the right tools and strategies, you can get your clinic in front of more local pet owners, show them why you’re the best choice, and make it easier for them to book an appointment. Here are seven practical tips to help you boost your online presence and get more pets through the door.

What Is Veterinary Practice Marketing?

Veterinary practice marketing is all about helping your clinic reach more pet owners and turn them into loyal clients. It combines different digital tools and strategies to make sure your veterinary practice stands out, especially online, where most people start their search for a vet.

Instead of relying only on word-of-mouth or traditional advertising (like flyers or billboards), veterinary marketing focuses on:

• Building a strong online presence
• Reaching pet owners on platforms they already use (like Google, Instagram, or Facebook)
• Making it easy for people to learn about your services and book appointments
• Creating helpful content that builds trust with current and future clients

At its core, it’s not just about promoting your business, it’s about building relationships, educating pet owners, and making sure your practice is visible when people need it most. Whether it's through a well-designed website, Google ads, or a fun social media post, veterinary practice marketing helps keep your schedule full and your clinic growing.

1. Make Sure Your Website Works Well on All Devices

Your website is often the first thing potential clients see, it’s like your clinic’s digital front door. And just like you wouldn’t want the front of your building to look messy or confusing, you don’t want your website to turn people away.

Today, most pet owners search for a vet on their phones. So if your website doesn’t work well on a mobile device, if it loads slowly, the buttons are too small to tap, or it’s hard to find your contact info, they might leave and call the next clinic on the list.

That’s where veterinary website optimization comes in. This is the process of making sure your website is designed to look good, work fast, and be easy to use on all types of devices, from smartphones and tablets to laptops and desktops.

Here are a few things your site must have:

• A mobile-friendly design: Your website should automatically adjust to different screen sizes so it looks great on phones, not just on a computer.
• Fast loading speed: If your site takes more than a few seconds to load, people might click away. Speed matters, for both users and search engines like Google.
• Clear call-to-action buttons: Buttons like “Book Now,” “Call Us,” or “Schedule an Appointment” should be easy to spot and click. These help turn casual visitors into actual clients.
• Online scheduling and contact forms: Give pet owners the option to book appointments right on your site, any time of day, even when your office is closed.
• Local keywords: Use phrases like “veterinarian in [your city]” on your pages so your site appears in local search results. This helps people nearby find your clinic.

A well-optimized website builds trust. It shows that your clinic is professional, up to date, and easy to work with. When pet owners find it simple to get information and book a visit, they’re much more likely to become your next loyal client.

What if I already have a website? That’s great, but it might still need updates. An old or poorly optimized site could be hurting your chances of ranking on Google or converting visitors. THAT Agency can help you audit and improve your existing website so it performs better online.

2. Keep Your Google Business Profile Up to Date

When someone searches “vet near me,” one of the first things they’ll see is a list of local clinics, and those listings come from Google Business Profiles. If your profile isn’t up to date, you could be missing out on new clients without even realizing it.

Having an accurate and complete profile makes a huge difference. Not only does it help you show up in local searches and on Google Maps, but it also gives people a quick way to learn about your clinic and contact you right away.

Here’s what you should regularly check and update:

• Your clinic name, address, phone number, and hours: This might seem simple, but incorrect info is one of the top reasons people get frustrated and go elsewhere.
• Photos of your clinic, team, and patients: Pictures make your profile feel more personal and trustworthy. Show happy pets, friendly staff, and clean facilities.
• Your services: Make sure you list everything you offer, like vaccinations, dental care, emergency services, or surgery. This helps clients know if you’re the right fit for their needs.
• Client reviews: Reviews matter a lot. They show social proof that others trust your care. Ask your happy clients to leave reviews after their visit, and always take time to respond (even a simple thank-you goes a long way).
• Special updates: If you’re closed for a holiday or have a change in hours, update your profile right away so clients don’t get the wrong info.

A strong Google Business Profile gives people the info they need to take the next step, calling your clinic or booking online. Plus, Google uses this data to decide which businesses show up higher in search results.

I already have a profile, but I haven’t touched it in months, does that matter? Yes! An outdated profile can make your clinic look inactive. Even small updates (like uploading a new photo or replying to a review) show Google, and pet owners, that your practice is engaged and open for business.

3. Try Paid Ads to Reach Pet Owners Fast

If you want to show up right at the top of Google search results, above all the organic listings, Pay-Per-Click (PPC) ads can help you do that. PPC is a form of online advertising where you only pay when someone clicks on your ad. That means you’re getting in front of people who are already searching for the exact services you offer.

Why does this matter? Because when someone searches for “emergency vet near me” or “dog vaccinations in [your city],” they’re not just browsing, they’re looking to take action. These are called high-intent searches, and they often lead to quick decisions. That makes PPC one of the fastest ways to bring in new appointments.

Here are a few examples of great keywords to target with ads:

• “Emergency vet near me”
• “Cat vaccinations [city or ZIP code]”
• “Affordable dog dental cleaning [city]”
• “Same-day vet appointment [city]”

With a well-planned campaign, your clinic’s ad can show up the moment someone hits “search.” You’ll also have full control over how much you spend, which services you want to promote, and which areas you want to target (like nearby cities or neighborhoods).

Isn’t PPC expensive? Not necessarily. You can set your own budget, and because you only pay when someone clicks, it’s easier to track your return on investment (ROI). When done right, even a small budget can bring in big results, especially if your website and landing pages are already optimized.

Pro tip: Work with a digital marketing agency like THAT Agency to help set up and manage your ad campaigns. They’ll make sure you’re targeting the right keywords, avoiding wasted clicks, and getting the most out of every dollar you spend.

4. Use Social Media to Build Trust and Stay Top of Mind

Social media isn’t just for funny memes and viral videos, it’s also one of the best tools you can use to connect with pet owners and build lasting relationships. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and even TikTok offer powerful ways to share your clinic’s personality, educate your followers, and keep your practice top of mind.

Think about it: People love their pets, and they love to share photos, stories, and tips. When you post regularly on social media, you become part of that daily conversation.

Here are some simple, engaging ideas for what to post:

• “Pet of the Week” spotlights: Ask clients if you can share a picture of their pet after a visit. It’s a fun way to build community, and your clients will love the shout-out.
• Seasonal health tips: Teach your followers how to keep pets safe during holidays, extreme weather, or flea and tick season.
• Behind-the-scenes videos: Show a day in the life at your clinic, introduce staff members, or share a cute moment with a patient (with the owner’s permission, of course).
• Educational posts: Share quick facts about common conditions, vaccines, or pet nutrition. Short and helpful works best!
• Team spotlights: Introduce your veterinarians, techs, and office staff. Letting people see the faces behind the scrubs builds trust.

Why does social media work so well for vets? Because pet care is personal. When people feel like they know and trust your team, they’re more likely to choose your clinic, and stick with you long-term. Plus, many pet owners check out a vet’s social media pages before booking, so keeping your profiles active and welcoming is key.

Do I really need to post that often? You don’t have to post every day, but staying consistent helps. Even one or two posts per week can make a big difference. And don’t forget to add your website link in your bio so followers can easily schedule an appointment when they’re ready.

Pro tip: Use social media scheduling tools like Buffer or Meta Business Suite to plan posts ahead of time. That way, you stay active without needing to log in every day.

5. Send Emails to Stay in Touch

Email might seem old-school, but it’s still one of the best ways to stay connected with your clients, especially in between visits. If you’re not using email marketing as part of your digital strategy, you’re missing out on a simple, cost-effective way to keep your clinic top of mind.

Why does email marketing work for veterinarians? Because it gives you direct access to people who already trust you with their pets. They’ve been to your clinic before, and they’re more likely to return if they feel cared for and remembered.

Here are a few types of emails your clients will actually want to read:

• Appointment reminders: A quick message reminding them it’s time for a checkup or vaccine can help reduce no-shows and increase bookings.
• Promotions and seasonal offers: If you’re running a wellness plan, dental cleaning special, or flea/tick prevention sale, let them know!
• Pet care tips: Share short, helpful tips on things like keeping pets safe during the holidays, grooming advice, or nutrition basics.
• News and updates: Let your clients know if you’ve added a new vet to the team, changed your hours, or introduced a new service.

How often should you send emails? Aim for once a month, or once per season. That’s often enough to stay connected without overwhelming people’s inboxes.

Make it easy to read: Keep your emails short, friendly, and to the point. Use headings, bullet points, and clear buttons that say things like “Book an Appointment” or “Call Us Today.” And don’t forget to include your clinic’s contact info and links to your website.

Do I have to write every email myself? Nope! You can save time by using email templates or setting up automated reminders. For example, you can schedule emails to go out when a pet is due for vaccines or a follow-up. If you work with a digital marketing agency like THAT Agency, they can help write, design, and automate everything for you.

6. Create Helpful Content That Answers Real Questions

As a veterinarian, you probably answer the same questions every day. Things like:
“Is this normal behavior?”
“What should I feed my puppy?”
“How do I know if my cat is sick?”

Instead of repeating yourself over and over, why not turn those answers into helpful content on your website? Blog posts, short videos, or infographics are a great way to educate pet owners, show off your expertise, and improve your search engine visibility at the same time.

This is where content marketing comes in. Creating helpful content not only answers common questions, but also builds trust with future clients, especially people who are searching on Google and haven’t picked a vet yet.

Here are some simple but high-value topics you could cover:

• How to care for your pet after surgery
• What to do if your pet eats something it shouldn’t
• Signs your dog or cat might be sick
• What vaccinations your new puppy or kitten needs
• Tips for keeping pets safe during hot or cold weather
• How to introduce a new pet to your home

How does this help your clinic? Google loves useful content. When you answer real questions in a clear, helpful way, your blog posts and videos can show up in search results when people are looking for answers. That means more visibility for your clinic, and more traffic to your site.

It also helps you stand out as a trusted expert in your field. If someone’s deciding between you and another vet, your informative blog might be what wins them over.

Quick tips for better results:

• Use keywords that include your location and services (like “cat vaccinations in Boca Raton” or “emergency vet Palm Beach”).
• Link to your service pages when it makes sense. For example, a blog about dental care should link to your dental services page.
• Make your content easy to read, use short paragraphs, headings, and clear language.

Do people actually read vet blogs? Yes! Pet owners are always looking for answers, especially when something seems wrong. A blog post that helps them at the right moment builds trust, and might even bring them into your clinic.

7. Track What’s Working (and What’s Not)

Even the best digital marketing for veterinarians isn’t “set it and forget it.” To grow your practice online, you need to know what’s working, what’s not, and how to improve over time. That’s where tracking tools come in.

With the right tools, you can see:

• How people are finding your website
• Which blog posts or service pages bring in traffic
• Which ads actually lead to appointments
• What kind of content pet owners love on social media

Let’s break down some real tools you can start using today to track your marketing success:

Google Analytics 4 (GA4)

What it is: A free tool from Google that tracks how visitors interact with your website.
Why it matters: You’ll see where your traffic is coming from (like Google search, Facebook, or ads), what pages people are visiting, and how long they stay. You can even track actions like button clicks, contact form submissions, and online appointment bookings.

Helpful tip: Set up “conversion events” in GA4 to track actions like when someone fills out a form or clicks your “Schedule Now” button.

Google Search Console

What it is: A free tool that shows you how your website is performing in Google Search.
Why it matters: You’ll learn which keywords your website is ranking for, how often people see your listings, how many click through, and if there are any technical issues (like broken pages or mobile usability problems).

Helpful tip: Use the “Performance” tab to find out what search terms (like “vet clinic in Stuart FL”) are bringing people to your site, and optimize your content around those keywords.

CallRail

What it is: A call tracking tool that shows which marketing efforts are driving phone calls.
Why it matters: For many vet clinics, phone calls are still the main way clients book appointments. With CallRail, you can assign different phone numbers to different campaigns (like Google Ads vs. your website) to see what’s working.

Helpful tip: Use CallRail’s dynamic number insertion to track calls from specific pages or ads.

Meta Business Suite (for Facebook and Instagram)

What it is: A free dashboard for managing and analyzing your Facebook and Instagram pages.
Why it matters: You can see which posts are getting the most engagement, what times your followers are online, and which ads are performing best if you’re running social media campaigns.

Helpful tip: Use the “Insights” tab to track reach, engagement, and profile visits, then do more of what’s working.

Semrush or Ahrefs (Optional – Paid Tools for SEO)

What they are: These are powerful SEO tools that show your keyword rankings, backlinks, and competitor analysis.
Why they matter: If you’re serious about SEO or working with an agency like THAT Agency, these tools help you dig deeper into how your veterinary website is performing, and what you can do to get ahead of local competitors.

Helpful tip: Use Semrush or Ahrefs to monitor your top-performing pages, find keyword gaps, and track how new content is ranking.

What Should You Be Tracking?

If you're not sure where to start, here are some key metrics to keep an eye on:

• Website traffic (total visitors, pages visited, and bounce rate)
• Conversion rate (how many people are booking appointments or calling)
• Keyword rankings (are you showing up for “emergency vet [city]”?)
• Phone call volume (and where those calls are coming from)
• Social engagement (likes, shares, comments, and clicks)
• Email open and click rates (if you’re doing email marketing)

What if I’m too busy to check all these tools? That’s understandable, running a veterinary clinic is a full-time job. This is where working with a digital marketing agency like THAT Agency makes all the difference. We’ll monitor your metrics, create monthly reports, and explain what the numbers mean, so you can stay focused on caring for pets.

How do I know if something is working? Look at results that matter. If your website traffic is going up, if more people are calling or booking online, and if your content is getting more views and engagement, that’s a sign your strategy is moving in the right direction. If not, it might be time to shift your approach.

Tracking your marketing is like checking your patient’s vitals, it helps you know what’s healthy and what needs attention. With tools like Google Analytics, CallRail, and Search Console, you can stop guessing and start making smarter decisions that grow your practice.

Digital Marketing for Veterinarians Works When You Do It Right

You work hard to give pets the best care. But if pet owners can’t find you online, they may never get the chance to meet you. With smart, simple strategies like veterinary website optimization, paid ads, social media, and email, you can make sure your clinic is easy to find, and even easier to trust.

Digital marketing for veterinarians isn’t just about getting clicks. It’s about building real connections with pet owners, showing them why your clinic is special, and giving them easy ways to book appointments.

Ready to grow your practice? THAT Agency can help you build a digital strategy that works for your clinic. Contact us today to get started.