If you run a pet business, you probably know how adorable (and demanding) pet owners can be. They want the best for their furry friends, and their expectations start the moment they land on your website. Whether you’re a pet sitter, groomer, trainer, or boutique owner, your website can either fetch you a loyal customer or leave them barking up another tree.
Here are five must-have website features that will make tails wag and customers stay loyal.
1. Mobile-Friendly Design: Because People Browse While Chasing Their Dog
Let’s face it, most people don’t sit down at a desktop to look up a pet groomer. They’re on their phones, often multitasking—probably Googling you while trying to stop their dog from eating a shoe. That’s why having a mobile-friendly website is non-negotiable.
A clunky, hard-to-navigate site is an instant deal-breaker. If customers can’t find what they need with a few taps, they’ll bounce faster than a retriever after a tennis ball. Make sure your site is clean, loads quickly, and adjusts beautifully on any screen size.
2. Easy Online Booking or Inquiry Forms: Save Everyone the Awkward Phone Calls
Let’s be honest: nobody born after 1980 likes picking up the phone to book an appointment. An easy-to-use online booking system or inquiry form makes it simple for pet parents to schedule your services on their own time—whether it’s 10 a.m. or 10 p.m. Bonus points if your system sends reminders to reduce no-shows!
Even if you’re not ready to go full-on automated, a basic contact form that’s straightforward (and not asking for their life story) is a good start. It shows you value their time and convenience.
3. Clear Calls to Action: Lead Them, Don’t Leave Them
Sometimes customers need a little nudge. They’ve found your site, they like what they see, but they’re not sure what to do next. This is where clear calls to action (CTAs) come in.
Buttons like “Book Now,” “Schedule a Meet & Greet,” or “See Our Services” guide them to the next step. Without CTAs, your customers might feel like they’ve been left off-leash without direction—and they’ll wander off to a competitor who knows how to reel them in.
4. Beautiful Imagery: Show Them What You’re All About
Pet parents love seeing pictures of happy, well-cared-for animals. A picture might not be worth 1,000 barks, but it’s pretty close. Invest in high-quality photos that show off your services, whether it’s a freshly groomed pup, a happy cat lounging in your pet-sitting space, or a group of dogs having a blast on a group walk.
Avoid generic stock photos if you can. Real photos of your actual furry clients create trust and authenticity. Don’t have a collection of cute pet photos yet? Make it a priority. (Pro tip: ask your clients for permission to use their pets in your marketing!)
5. Local SEO Features: Be the Alpha in Your Area
Most pet owners aren’t looking for someone halfway across the country—they want someone nearby. That’s where local SEO comes in. Make sure your website highlights your service areas clearly and includes things like embedded Google Maps, customer reviews, and locally relevant keywords (e.g., “pet grooming in [Your City]”).
Even small tweaks like having a dedicated “Service Areas” page or optimizing your “About Us” section can work wonders. It’s like adding a GPS for customers to find you faster.
Wrapping It Up (With a Bow, Naturally)
Your website doesn’t just represent your business—it’s often the first impression a potential customer gets. A functional, beautiful site that caters to their needs can make all the difference in building trust and loyalty.
Take a moment to look at your own website. Is it working hard for you, or is it just… there? If it’s time for a makeover, don’t panic. With a few tweaks, you can have a site that wows customers and keeps them coming back.
Need help sprucing things up? (Okay, that was subtle, wasn’t it?) Let’s just say creating websites for pet businesses is my thing—and I’m here if you need me.