How to Get More Pet Owners Through Your Clinic Doors

Why Most Vet Marketing is a Waste of Money

I was sitting down with a vet practice owner in Chermside a few months ago. Let’s call him Dave. Dave is a brilliant vet—one of the best in Brisbane. But his waiting room was quieter than he liked, and he was frustrated.

He’d spent thousands on a fancy website that looked like a stock photo gallery and hundreds more on Google ads that seemed to vanish into thin air. He told me, "I just want the phone to ring when someone’s dog gets sick. Why is that so hard?"

The problem wasn’t Dave’s skills. The problem was that his marketing was written by people who didn't understand the local vet business. They were focused on "brand awareness" and "engagement metrics" instead of what Dave actually needed: more appointments and more pets to help.

In this guide, I’m going to show you exactly how to grow your clinic without the fluff. We’re talking about practical steps that get local pet owners to pick up the phone and book an appointment with you instead of the clinic down the road.

The Reality of Being a Local Vet

Let’s be honest: most people don’t go looking for a vet until they have a problem. Their cat hasn't eaten in two days, or their golden retriever is limping after a run at the park.

When that happens, they do one of two things: 1. They ask a friend for a recommendation. 2. They search on their phone for "vet near me."

If you aren't showing up in those two scenarios, you're losing money every single day. Marketing for a vet clinic isn't about being famous; it’s about being visible and trusted the exact moment a pet owner needs help. Deciding which marketing channels work for your specific location is the first step toward consistent growth.

Step 1: Winning the "Google Map" Game

If you do nothing else this year, do this. When someone in your suburb types "emergency vet" or "vet clinic" into their phone, Google shows a map with three businesses.

If you aren’t in that top three, you basically don't exist.

I’ve seen clinics in Coorparoo double their new patient bookings just by fixing their Google business profile. It doesn’t cost a cent in ad spend, but it takes a bit of effort.

How to get into the top three:

I worked with a clinic in Indooroopilly that simply added a "Book Online" button to their mobile site. Their new client bookings went up by 25% in the first month. No extra ads, just making it easier for people to give them money.

The Result: Fewer lost leads and more confirmed bookings. The Cost: A few hundred to a couple of thousand dollars depending on how bad your current site is. The Timeline: Immediate results once the site is updated.

Step 3: Stop Wasting Money on Broad Ads

If you’re paying for a billboard or a radio ad, you’re likely burning cash. Why? Because 95% of the people seeing that ad don't need a vet right now.

Instead, focus your money on Google Ads. But—and this is a big "but"—only for the right keywords.

You don't want to pay for someone searching "how to train a puppy." You want to pay for someone searching "vet for itchy dog Brisbane" or "cat vaccinations cost." When comparing SEO vs paid ads, Google Ads are often the fastest way to get urgent cases through the door.

The "Golden Rule" of Vet Ads:

The Result: High-quality enquiries from people ready to book. The Cost: You can start with as little as $20 a day. The Timeline: You’ll see the phone ring the same day the ads go live.

Step 4: The Fortune is in the Follow-up

It is five times cheaper to keep an existing client than it is to find a new one. Yet, so many Brisbane vets let their database go cold.

If a puppy comes in for its first shots, and you don't remind the owner when the next ones are due, you are leaving money on the table.

Simple ways to bring people back:

The Result: Increased "lifetime value" of every customer. More regular income. The Cost: Very low. Most vet software has these features built-in. The Timeline: Instant impact on your monthly revenue.

Step 5: Be the Local Expert

Facebook and Instagram are great, but don't overthink them. You don't need to be a "content creator." You just need to show that you care about the local community.

Post a photo of a "Patient of the Week" (with the owner's permission). Share a warning if there's a paralysis tick surge in the Gap or Ferny Hills. This shows you aren't just a business; you're a part of the neighbourhood.

A word of warning: Don't bother paying for Facebook Ads to "boost" your posts unless you have a very specific offer (like a discount for first-time puppy school). Most "boosted" posts just get likes from people in other countries and do nothing for your bank account.

What Should You Do First?

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, here is the order I tell my mates to follow:

1. Fix your Google Business Profile. Get those reviews and photos up. This is your biggest win for the least amount of money. 2. Test your website on your phone. Try to book an appointment yourself. If it’s annoying, fix it. 3. Set up automated reminders. Make sure no one ever forgets an appointment again. 4. Consider Google Ads. Only once the first three are done. There’s no point sending traffic to a broken website.

The Truth About Results

Marketing isn't magic. It's about being the obvious choice when someone needs help. If you follow these steps, you won't just see more people in your waiting room; you'll see the right people—local pet owners who value your expertise and will stay with you for years.

Most agencies will try to sell you on "social media management" or "SEO packages" that cost $3,000 a month and provide zero reports on how many people actually called you. Don't fall for it. Focus on the basics that drive phone calls.

If you want a hand getting this set up, or if you're tired of guessing what works, we’re here to help. We specialise in helping Brisbane small businesses get more customers without the jargon.

Ready to grow your clinic? Contact Local Marketing Group today and let’s get your phone ringing.