How to Get More Google Reviews for Pet Groomers

Turn delighted pet owners into 5-star reviewers by asking at the perfect moment-when they see their freshly groomed pet and react with joy.

When to Ask for Reviews

Timing is everything. Asking at the right moment dramatically increases your review conversion rate.

Best Moment to Ask

At pickup when the owner sees their freshly groomed pet for the first time and reacts with excitement, laughter, or those "aww" sounds. They're feeling happy, relieved, and grateful-this is your golden moment to ask.

Worst Moment to Ask

At drop-off when the pet (or owner) is anxious, during a grooming mishap or injury, if the pet had a stressful experience, or when discussing price before they've seen the final result.

"After" Photo Texted with Review Link

Take a cute "after" photo of every freshly groomed pet (bonus points if they're wearing a bandana or bow). Text it to the owner 15-30 minutes after pickup with a message like: "Doesn't [Pet Name] look adorable? If you're happy with the groom, we'd love a quick Google review! [Link]" The photo extends the joy and makes the ask feel natural.

Pet owners are emotionally invested in their pets. When they see their dog or cat looking clean, fluffy, and adorable, they feel genuine gratitude and often share photos immediately with friends. Asking for a review at this peak emotional moment-when they're already bragging about how cute their pet looks-makes it feel effortless.

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Copy-Paste Scripts to Ask for Reviews

Use these word-for-word scripts to ask happy customers for reviews. Customize the [bracketed] details for your business.

In-Person Script

Doesn't [Pet Name] look great? I'm so glad [he/she] did well today! If you're happy with how [Pet Name] turned out, we'd really appreciate it if you could leave us a quick Google review. It helps other pet parents find us and trust us with their fur babies. Here's a card with the link-takes just a minute!

Email Script

Subject: [Pet Name] is all clean and looking adorable! 🐾

Hi [Customer Name], Thanks for bringing [Pet Name] in today! [He/She] was such a sweetheart and looks absolutely adorable after the groom. We love caring for [Pet Name] and hope you're thrilled with how [he/she] turned out. If you are, we'd be so grateful if you could share your experience in a quick Google review. It truly helps other pet parents in [City] find a groomer they can trust: [Google Review Link] We can't wait to see [Pet Name] again at the next appointment! [Your Name] [Business Name]

SMS / Text Script

Hi [Customer Name]! Doesn't [Pet Name] look adorable? 🐶✨ [Photo attached]. If you're happy with the groom, we'd love a quick Google review: [Google Review Link]. Thanks for trusting us with your fur baby!

Who Should Ask

Lead Groomer or Front Desk Staff

Training Tip

Train your team to watch for the "pickup reaction"-when owners light up seeing their pet. That's when front desk staff should hand over a review card or mention Google reviews. Coach groomers to take great "after" photos of every pet for texting later. Make it part of the standard checkout process.

Follow-Up Timing

Text the "after" photo with review request 15-30 minutes after pickup while they're still excited. If no response, send one gentle email follow-up the next day.

Where to Place Review Reminders

Make it easy for customers to leave a review by placing reminders where they already look.

Physical Placements

Review cards with QR code

Cute branded cards handed to every customer at pickup. Include a photo of a happy groomed pet and QR code linking to Google reviews.

Checkout counter signage

Small tabletop sign at the checkout counter: "Love how your pet looks? Leave us a review!" with QR code prominently displayed.

Grooming appointment reminder cards

Include a review request on the back of appointment reminder cards you hand out or mail to clients.

Bandanas or bows

Attach a small tag to the bandana or bow you put on pets after grooming: "I got pampered at [Business Name]! Leave a review: [QR code]"

Digital Placements

Post-grooming text message

Text sent 15-30 minutes after pickup with "after" photo of the pet and review request link.

Appointment confirmation email

Include a subtle review request in appointment confirmation or reminder emails sent before their visit.

Email signature

All staff include a "Love our grooming? Leave a review!" link with paw print emoji in email signatures.

Social media posts

Share before/after grooming photos on Instagram/Facebook and encourage clients to leave Google reviews in the caption with link in bio.

Getting Reviews Is Only Half the Battle

Once the reviews come in, you need to respond - fast and on-brand. Reply Champion uses AI to write personalized responses to every review automatically.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about getting more Google reviews for your pet groomers business.

The golden moment is at pickup when they see their freshly groomed pet for the first time and react with joy. They're feeling happy and grateful, making them eager to help you. Extend that moment by texting an "after" photo 15-30 minutes later with the review link-this keeps the positive emotion alive.
It depends. If the owner knows their pet is difficult and you handled it professionally, they may still leave a great review appreciating your patience. But if the pet had a bad experience (injury, extreme stress), focus on reassuring the owner first. Only ask for a review if they're genuinely happy with the outcome.
Ask every time, even first-timers-if they're happy. First impressions matter, and new clients often have fresh enthusiasm. But regulars are gold: they trust you and are more likely to write detailed, glowing reviews. Mix both strategies for steady growth.
Frame it as helping other pet parents: "Your review helps other pet owners in [City] find a groomer they can trust with their fur babies." This makes it about community service, not self-promotion. Also, ask once at pickup, follow up once via text, then let it go. Persistence feels pushy in pet care.
No. Google prohibits incentivizing reviews. Focus instead on delivering great service and creating that "wow moment" at pickup. Authentic reviews from genuinely happy customers are more valuable and trustworthy than incentivized ones anyway.
Respond immediately, professionally, and empathetically. Acknowledge what happened, apologize sincerely, explain what you're doing to prevent it in the future, and invite them to contact you directly. Never argue or make excuses. A compassionate response shows you prioritize pet safety and care deeply.
Send one friendly follow-up text or email the next day: "Hope [Pet Name] is still looking adorable! If you have a spare minute, we'd still love your feedback on Google-it really helps us out." After that, drop it. Over-asking feels desperate and can annoy loyal clients.
Absolutely! Share before/after transformation photos on Instagram and Facebook (with owner permission) and include a call-to-action like, "Love these transformations? If we've groomed your pet, we'd love your Google review! Link in bio." Social proof encourages others to review you too.