How to Get More Google Reviews for Veterinarians

Turn relieved pet parents into 5-star reviewers with proven scripts and perfect timing strategies for veterinary practices.

When to Ask for Reviews

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

Best Moment to Ask

After a successful wellness visit when the pet owner is relieved and the pet is happy. This is when emotions are most positive and gratitude is highest. For routine visits, ask right after the exam when the vet reassures them everything looks great. For sick pet visits, wait until the follow-up when the pet has recovered.

Worst Moment to Ask

During emergency visits, when delivering bad news, immediately after euthanasia, or when discussing expensive treatment plans. Never ask during moments of grief, financial stress, or when a pet owner is visibly upset or worried about their animal.

Happy Pet Photo Opportunity + Review Card at Checkout

Create a photo backdrop area (simple branded banner or pet-friendly mural) near the checkout desk. After successful visits, invite pet owners to take a "healthy pet" photo with their animal. Hand them a review card with a QR code while they're in this positive moment. The photo opportunity creates a natural pause point and positive association, making the review request feel like part of a celebration rather than an obligation.

Veterinarians have a unique advantage: pet owners are emotionally invested and genuinely grateful when their beloved animals receive good care. The key is timing your ask around moments of relief and joy, not anxiety. Unlike human healthcare, people love sharing photos and stories about their pets publicly, making them more likely to leave detailed, heartfelt reviews.

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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

We're so glad [Pet Name] is doing well! Healthy pets make our day. If you were happy with [Pet Name]'s care today, we'd be grateful if you could share your experience on Google. It really helps other pet owners find us. Here's a card with a quick link-takes just a minute. Would you like to snap a photo with [Pet Name] at our photo spot before you go?

Email Script

Subject: [Pet Name]'s Checkup & A Small Favor

Hi [Customer Name], We loved seeing [Pet Name] for their recent visit! It's always wonderful to see happy, healthy pets. If you were pleased with the care [Pet Name] received, we'd be so grateful if you could take a moment to share your experience on Google. Your review helps other pet parents in [City] find quality care for their furry family members. [Google Review Link] Thank you for trusting us with [Pet Name]'s health! Warm regards, [Your Name] and the [Business Name] Team

SMS / Text Script

Hi [Customer Name]! So happy [Pet Name] is doing well after today's visit. If you were pleased with their care, would you mind leaving us a quick Google review? It helps other pet owners find us: [Google Review Link] - Thank you! - [Business Name]

Who Should Ask

Veterinary technicians and front desk staff should identify "happy visit" moments and hand out review cards at checkout. Vets should mention reviews verbally during the exam summary for particularly positive visits. Create a culture where the entire team celebrates healthy pets and naturally transitions to the review ask.

Training Tip

Train your team to read the room emotionally. If a pet owner is smiling, relieved, or cuddling their pet happily, that's your green light. If they seem stressed about costs, worried about symptoms, or rushing out, skip the ask. Role-play the photo opportunity + review card handoff so it feels natural and celebratory, not salesy.

Follow-Up Timing

Send email or SMS review requests 2-3 days after routine wellness visits, once the pet owner has had time to see their pet continue doing well at home. For sick pet visits that required treatment, wait 1-2 weeks until the follow-up appointment or until you confirm the pet has recovered.

Where to Place Review Reminders

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

Physical Placements

Checkout Counter Review Cards

High-quality cards with your logo, a QR code, and simple instructions: "Love our care? Leave a review!" Keep a stack at the checkout desk where every client interacts during payment.

Photo Backdrop Area Signage

Place a small sign near your photo opportunity area that says "Share your happy pet moment! Scan to leave a review." This catches people during a positive emotional peak.

Exam Room Posters

Friendly poster in each exam room with happy pet photos and a note: "Help other pet parents find great care-leave us a review!" Include QR code. Clients often wait alone in exam rooms and pull out their phones.

Waiting Room Table Tents

Small table tents on waiting room tables or benches with pet care tips on one side and a review request + QR code on the other. Captures attention during wait times.

Digital Placements

Post-Visit Email Automation

Automated email sent 2-3 days after wellness visits with a friendly recap, pet care tips, and a prominent review request link. Personalize with pet name and visit type.

SMS Follow-Up for Positive Visits

Text message sent 2 days after visits flagged as "positive outcome" by the vet or tech. Keep it short, personal, and use the pet's name.

Appointment Reminder Footer

Add a small footer to appointment reminder emails/texts: "Love [Business Name]? We'd appreciate a Google review!" with a link. Catches engaged clients who are already interacting with your messages.

Social Media Story Prompts

Post Instagram/Facebook stories asking happy clients to share their reviews. Feature a "Review of the Month" spotlight with the pet owner's permission to encourage participation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

The best time is right after a successful wellness visit or checkup when the pet owner is relieved and the pet is healthy and happy. At checkout, after the vet has reassured them everything looks great, is ideal. For sick pets, wait until a follow-up visit when the animal has recovered. Avoid asking during emergencies, bad news, or euthanasia appointments.
Not immediately. Emergency visits are stressful and often expensive. Even if the outcome is positive, wait 1-2 weeks and send a follow-up email asking how the pet is doing. If the pet has recovered and the owner expresses gratitude in their response, then you can include a review request. Let the emotional dust settle first.
Respond professionally and empathetically. Acknowledge their frustration, explain your commitment to quality care, and offer to discuss their concerns offline. For pricing complaints, note that emergency vet care costs reflect the expertise and resources required. For wait times, apologize and explain that you prioritize urgent cases. Never get defensive-show compassion even when criticism feels unfair.
No. Google's policies prohibit offering discounts, free services, or gifts in exchange for reviews. This includes loyalty program bonuses tied to reviews. You can ask for reviews, make it easy with QR codes and links, and thank clients who leave them, but you cannot offer anything of value in return.
You cannot confirm or deny they are a client due to privacy concerns. Respond generically: "Thank you for your feedback. We take all concerns seriously. Please contact us directly so we can address this properly." Never discuss medical details, treatments, or diagnoses in public review responses, even if the client mentioned them first.
Make it part of your culture by celebrating positive reviews in team meetings. Train staff to identify "happy pet moments" and make the ask feel natural, not scripted. Provide simple tools like QR code cards at checkout. Assign one team member to send follow-up emails. When staff see that reviews bring in new clients, they'll be more motivated.
Yes. Responding to all reviews shows you value feedback and are actively engaged. For positive reviews, keep responses warm and personalized-mention the pet's name if included. For negative reviews, respond professionally and offline resolution. Prospective clients read your responses as much as the reviews themselves.
Aim for at least 50-100 reviews to build strong credibility. Practices with 100+ reviews and a 4.5+ star average are seen as established and trustworthy. Focus on consistent volume over time-getting 5-10 new reviews per month is better than 50 reviews in one month and then nothing. Steady growth signals an active, thriving practice.