A little over a week ago, Teona told me she’d be in my neighborhood to take her service dog, Amira, to the vet. This wasn’t just a routine visit—Amira had injured her leg, and a foreign object was discovered, necessitating surgery. I immediately empathized, recalling the panic and helplessness I felt in 2014 when my 13-year-old Sphynx cat needed emergency surgery.
To support Teona, we met for breakfast at the Owl Bakery across the street after she dropped Amira off. You could see the anxiety etched on her face, but she trusted the vet team and knew Amira was in good hands. However, Amira’s journey was far from over.
The Struggle with Wound Care
The story didn’t start there. Amira is a lively, well-trained service dog, making wound care even more challenging. Despite Teona’s diligent care, the wound wasn’t healing correctly. Frequent travel added complications, but Teona followed every instruction. Once they returned home, it became apparent a change was necessary.
Related: National Service Dog Month
Finding a New Vet
During a meeting, Teona asked for vet recommendations. Unhappy with her current vet’s care, she was searching for a better option. While I couldn’t help directly since my cat Toast goes to a cat-only vet, I mentioned the highly recommended vet around the corner, a favorite among my neighbors.
I shared a story about our neighbor’s dog, Archie, who once got out without his collar. A stranger brought him to the local vet’s office, who immediately recognized him and called his owners. This level of care and attention left a lasting impression, reinforcing the importance of a trusted veterinary team.
Related: National Take Your Cat to the Vet Day
An Emotional Rollercoaster
Teona’s first appointment with the new vet was to establish care, but the vet took extra time to examine Amira’s wound. An x-ray revealed a foreign object still lodged in her leg. Understandably, Teona was upset. She questioned whether she could have done more, a feeling I deeply understood. When our cat Piglet had her surgery, I also struggled with feelings of helplessness and anxiety.
This experience underscores the need for a compassionate, skilled veterinary team to provide the proper care and support.
A Surprising Twist
The morning of Amira’s surgery, Teona texted me to meet her at the bakery. We sat outside, discussing business while trying to keep her mind off the surgery. Then, Teona received a call from the vet. She sat in stunned silence, and my heart raced, fearing bad news. But the vet reported that they couldn’t find the foreign object—it had somehow worked its way out on its own!
Relieved, Teona could pick up Amira without the need for surgery. She then had to take her drowsy service dog to her next appointment before heading home, grateful for the unexpected good news.
Related: How NOT to Become a Foster Fail
The Importance of Pet Marketing
This story highlights the critical role of brand-building in the pet industry. When Teona searched for a new vet, she sought recommendations and checked their websites. Websites influence 97% of buying decisions, making it essential for pet businesses to have a well-crafted, trustworthy web presence.
Here are 10 tips to keep in mind.
1. User-Friendly Design: Your website should be easy to navigate with a clean, intuitive design. Use high-quality images and a consistent color scheme that reflects your brand.
2. Mobile Optimization: Make sure your website is mobile-friendly. Many users will access your site from their phones, and a poor mobile experience can drive them away.
3. Updated Optimization: There are significant changes in how search engines, like Google, return results. Search Engine Optimization isn’t dead, but it is shifting.
4. Engaging Content: Regularly update your blog with engaging and informative content about pet care, tips, and industry news. This helps attract visitors and establishes your business as an authority in the pet industry.
5. Customer Testimonials: Display customer reviews and testimonials prominently on your website. Positive feedback from satisfied customers builds trust and credibility.
6. Clear Call-to-Actions: Use clear and compelling CTAs to guide visitors toward actions like booking an appointment, signing up for a newsletter, or making a purchase.
7. Social Media Integration: Integrate your social media accounts with your website. Display live feeds or links to your profiles to encourage visitors to follow you for updates and promotions.
8. Email Marketing: Build an email list and send regular newsletters with updates, special offers, and valuable content. Personalize your emails to make them more engaging.
9. Online Booking System: Implement an easy-to-use online booking system for services like grooming, training, or vet appointments. This convenience can improve customer satisfaction and increase bookings.
10. Visual Storytelling: Use videos and high-quality images to tell your brand’s story. Showcase your services, facilities, and happy pets to create an emotional connection with your audience.
Interested in learning how to build a custom website for your pet business?
dpeg Marketing Company Wants to Elevate Your Pet Brand
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