How to Get More Google Reviews for Your Dog Grooming Business

Dog owners are some of the most loyal customers there are. Once they find a groomer their dog is happy with, they stick with them for years. The hard part is getting them to find you in the first place.

That's where Google reviews come in. Here's how dog groomers can get more of them from the owners they already have.

Why reviews matter so much for groomers

Handing your dog to a stranger is a big deal. Owners worry about whether their dog will be stressed, handled roughly or nicked with the clippers. A new owner searching "dog groomer near me" isn't just looking for a nice cut. They're looking for someone they can trust with a member of the family.

Reviews from other owners are the best reassurance you can offer. "Our rescue is terrified of everyone, but she came home calm and happy" will win you more nervous-dog bookings than any advert.

When to ask

Right after pick-up

The moment an owner sees their freshly groomed dog is your best moment. They're taking photos, telling the dog how handsome they look, and usually feeling very pleased with you.

Send a text a couple of hours after pick-up, once they're home and the dog is showing off.

"Hi Kate, thanks for bringing Bella in today. She was a star. If you're happy with her groom, a quick Google review would really help us: [link]"

Using the dog's name matters. Owners love it, and it shows you remember their dog as an individual.

After a first groom

A first visit is a big moment, especially for puppies and nervous dogs. If it went well, the owner is relieved and keen to tell other owners. These reviews are gold for attracting new customers.

Regular clients: once is enough

Most dogs come back every four to eight weeks. Don't ask every time. Ask once, early on, and if you've got long-standing regulars who've never been asked, ask them after their next groom.

Photos sell grooming

Grooming is visual. Owners choosing a groomer want to see what you can do.

• Add before and after photos to your Google Business Profile regularly
• Owners can add photos to their reviews. A review with a photo of a beautifully groomed dog is the best advert you'll get, and owners take the photos anyway
• Show your salon or van so nervous owners can see where their dog will be

Mobile groomers

If you groom from a van, Google reviews matter even more. You don't have a shopfront people walk past, so search is how most new customers will find you.

Set your Business Profile up as a service-area business, list the areas you cover, and add photos of the van. Our Google Business Profile setup guide explains how service areas work.

Reviews that mention nervous dogs

Lots of owners search specifically for groomers who are good with nervous, elderly or reactive dogs. If that's something you're good at, it's worth making sure it shows.

Mention it on your Business Profile, and when you ask owners of nervous dogs for a review, mention how well their dog did. Owners often pick up on it in their own words, which helps other worried owners find you.

Replying to reviews

Reply to every review, and use the dog's name. "Thanks so much, Kate. Bella's always a pleasure to groom!" takes ten seconds and shows other owners you know their dogs.

If an owner isn't happy, perhaps with a shorter cut than expected, reply kindly and offer to talk it through. Hair grows back, and a calm reply shows other owners you'll listen.

"Hi Tom, I'm sorry Max's cut was shorter than you wanted. His coat was quite matted, so we had to take it closer than planned, but I should have called you first. Please get in touch so we can agree the style for next time."

For more wording, see our review reply templates.

What not to do

• Don't offer a free nail trim or discount for reviews. Incentives break Google's rules.
• Don't ask friends and family to review you. Only genuine customers.
• Don't ask owners to review you at pick-up. They've got a dog to wrangle. Let them do it at home.
• Don't ask for 5 stars. Just ask for an honest review.

The bottom line

Your happiest customers are the ones posting photos of their freshly groomed dogs. Send them a text with your review link while they're doing it. Do that after every first groom and you'll soon have a profile that reassures every nervous new owner who finds you.