Guide · 6 min read
Google Business Profile checklist for pet groomers, sitters and trainers
By MarketPup ·
When someone searches "dog groomer near me", the map results often show before any website. Your Google Business Profile is that listing. Here's how to set it up so nearby pet owners can see who you are, when you're open and how to book.
1. Claim and verify your profile
Search for your business on Google Maps. If a profile already exists, claim it. If not, create one at Google Business Profile. Google will ask you to verify that you run the business, and the method it offers varies. Until you're verified, your edits may not show.
2. Use your real business name
Enter the name on your sign, cards and website. Adding extra keywords or a city to the name, like "Best Dog Grooming Charlotte", is against Google's guidelines and can get a profile suspended.
3. Pick the most precise primary category
Your primary category tells Google what you are. Search the category list for the closest match to your main service, such as Pet groomer, Dog trainer, Pet sitter or Dog day care center. Add a few secondary categories only for services you really offer.
4. Storefront or service area?
If customers come to your shop, show your address. If you go to them, as most mobile groomers, sitters and dog walkers do, set a service area by city or ZIP code and hide your home address. Google's guidelines ask service-area businesses not to show an address customers can't visit.
5. Hours, holiday hours and contact details
Add your regular hours and update special hours before holidays. Pet owners plan around them, and wrong hours lead to bad reviews. Add a phone number you answer and your website.
6. List your services with prices if you can
Add each service, such as full groom, bath and brush, nail trim, puppy class or overnight sitting, with a short description. Listing a starting price helps people decide before they call.
7. Add a booking link
If you take bookings online, add the booking link. Add a UTM tag (for example utm_source=google&utm_medium=maps) so your analytics show how many bookings come from your profile.
8. Photos that show the real thing
Add your logo, a cover photo, the outside of your shop if you have one, your space, your team and before-and-after shots of real pets (with their owners' permission). Add new photos regularly.
9. Ask for reviews the right way
Ask every happy customer, with a direct review link by text or email after their visit. Don't buy reviews, write your own, or offer discounts in exchange for them; Google's policies prohibit that. Reply to every review, thank people by name, and answer complaints calmly with how you'll make it right.
10. Post updates
Use updates for openings, seasonal services and offers. A short post with a photo every week or two shows customers you're active.
11. Match your other listings
Use the same name, address or service area, phone and hours on Apple Business Connect, Bing Places, Yelp and pet directories. Consistent details help customers and search engines trust that the information is right.
Need a hand? See our marketing for pet businesses, or ask for a free Mini Sniff below.