How to Get Referrals For Your Pet Business From Your Local Vet

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Vet ReferralWhatever type of pet business you have one of the best forms of advertising in your local community is word of mouth.  Who better to introduce pet owners to your business but a trusted pet advisor - their local vet.

Many vets will be hesitant to promote a business that they are not familiar with. Their reputation is on the line with clients when they recommend you. Here are my tips for building a relationship with vet clinics so that they are comfortable referring your business to their clients:

1. The best way to network with your local vet is to take you animal to them for regular check ups and care. You are giving them business and they have the opportunity to meet you and know that you are a responsible pet owner. At your visit introduce your business to them and describe how your business benefits their clients.  Ask the vet if you can leave business cards or flyers with their front desk to give to clients who ask about your service.

Obviously if you live in a large community with many vets you can only this first strategy with one clinic.

2. Visit the clinic regularly to pick up free local pet magazines that are available in their lobby. Make time to introduce yourself to the front desk staff and tell them about your business.  Leave them with information about your service and business cards to keep on the counter or behind the desk.

3. At your visits to their office bring the front desk staff snacks - cookies or donuts - to thank them for the great job they do to care for the community pets.  Leave a sticker on the packaging that displays your business name.

4. Ask if you can leave a basket of individually wrapped dog biscuits or cat toys on the front counter of the clinic for customers to pick up when they check out. Tie each biscuit or toy with a bow and your business card.

5. Ask the office staff or vet if you are able to give a presentation about your business at their weekly staff meeting. Having an opportunity to share your business policies and procedures with the vet and their staff will increase their confidence in your professionalism and increase their willingness to recommend your business.

6. Invite the vet or his vet techs to lunch to get to know them and share more information about your business.

Getting referrals from vets is usually not as easy as just leaving your business cards at the clinic.  Vets will want to get to know you and feel comfortable that you are a responsible business owner and pet lover. Vets can be a fantastic source of new clients once you gain this trust as they talk to so many pet owners every day.  Invest the time in relationships with vets and their staff by dropping by to see them regularly, leaving gifts, and keeping your business in front of them. 

Even though my vet has a boarding facility at her clinic - I often get referrals from the clinic during the holidays when their facility fills up fast.  Occasionally I get referrals for pet clients that simply prefer pet sitting to boarding their pets.

If you have had success networking with vets to build your pet business please share your tips by leaving a comment.



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Comments

2 Comments so far

  1. How to Get Referrals For Your Pet Business From Your Local Vet · Business Card Information and Deals on January 21, 2008 2:17 am

    [...] Original post by Working with Pets - Start and Grow a Pet Business [...]

  2. Diana L Guerrero on January 21, 2008 5:07 pm

    Great job on this article. One of the difficulties in building a relationship with a clinic might be the large number of employees.

    For instance, one of our local vets has 24 plus people working there! Find out who the key people are and build a relationship with them.

    This year, I am offering a monthly program for their clients. It makes the clinic look good if they can my services at a discount if the office refers them.

    Last year, I gave out discount post cards for new kittens and puppies–but they didn’t work as well as I thought in my area (rural)–however they might in yours.

    This is a good way to get NEW clients when the animals are young and a way to establish a lifelong relationship.

    If you do such a special offer, set a deadline with a date stamp on the card and limit it to one per household or to new clients only.

    Ultimately, you can get pretty creative and drive new traffic to your business.

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