Ah, summer — peak time for local pet owners to go on vacation, need boarding and day care, get their pets groomed and make a choice on WHO to call for these services.
Chances are, you have some tough competition in your area, between other small-business grooming, daycare and boarding facilities; the local veterinary practice that offers some of all of these services; and even big box stores or franchises that offer similar services.
How will your business stand out?
Make sure local pet owners know about your luxury dog supplies and environment along with your excellent staff, all designed to give dogs the finest care. Here are some tips to help you do this.
- If your facility is the nicest and cleanest in town, let people know!
Does your boarding, day care or grooming center offer a cheery, modern and sanitary kennel, play area, grooming and bathing station, splash pool and other luxury items?
If so, make sure you’re featuring photos and descriptions of these areas and extra services on your website, flyers, local newspaper ads, etc.
If not, get inspired by browsing through our dog kennel photo Gallery or this gallery featuring images of facilities using Direct Animal Product equipment. Maybe it’s time to upgrade your facility.
- Invite local pet parents to an Open House and Tour.
Schedule an Open House as quickly as possible and promote it in your community through advertising, by placing flyers at local pet-supply stores and at veterinary hospitals (if they don’t offer similar services), through Facebook, by emailing your current and past customers, etc.
On the day of the Open House, be sure to offer tours of your facility, proudly show off your luxury setting and your investment in the finest equipment — from your quiet, high-end dog cages and kennels to your dog-friendly grooming tubs.
- Offer specials such as “Stay 3 Nights, Get 1 Free”… or “Buy 5 Baths, Get 1 Free.”
Make sure your prices are in line with local competition, and then give potential customers (and current customers) a little extra incentive for sticking with YOU. Reward them for their loyalty with a free extra visit as a thanks for doing business with you.
- Make sure local pet parents know the type of personal care you provide.
As pet owners compare local options, they’re likely to be concerned about the care their beloved dog or cat will receive at each boarding or grooming facility. They may wonder if their pet’s cage will be kept clean, if there’s plenty of exercise, and how often the pet is given loving attention. Be sure to explain how your team operates and when pets get playtime, meals, baths and social interaction; all in a safe, clean and nurturing setting.
- Keep customers informed about schedules and booking ahead.
Since summertime can be your busiest boarding, daycare and grooming time. let local pet owners know about booking ahead, any dates you’re closed, how to be on the “standby list” in case a spot opens up, and so forth. It’s easy to do this with your current customer email list and with signs in your lobby… but you can also put it on your website and Facebook page, so new potential customers know the schedule as well.
These are just a few ways to get the word out and set yourself apart so you’re booked solid this summer and beyond.
If you’re thinking about upgrading to luxury dog supplies for your facility, we can help! Contact us for a free consultation: call us at 877.459.7827 or email [email protected].
Other Questions? Comments? Please add a comment below. Thank you.
