How to Build a Website for a Pet Care Provider
For pet sitters, dog walkers, trainers, groomers, farriers, and other animal wellness professionals, trust is the number one factor to earning new business. Pet parents hand over keys to their homes and the care of their beloved family members, and they want to find a professional who is reliable and skilled. A website should bridge the gap between stranger and trusted professional, showcasing your client’s certifications, testimonials from happy customers, and offerings. Ahead, we dive into building a website that balances approachability with professionalism for your pet services clients.
Designing for trust and warmth
Your client’s website is the ultimate meet and greet for prospective pet parents. It’s a chance to showcase their skills and personality while legitimizing their business.
Here are some elements to include:
Personable visuals
Use high-quality photography that features your client and, if possible real pet customers. If your client is a groomer, this is a great way to showcase their brick-and-mortar or mobile salon, as well as the types of cuts they do across breeds. For a boarder or trainer, use images that show off their facility and staff members.
A solid about page
The about page communicates who your client is and what certifications they hold, like pet CPR. Highlight their experience, background checks, official memberships, and insurance. The about page is also a place where your client to share their story, how they got into the business, and their love of animals.
Services
Make it clear what your client offers with a menu of services. Create a dedicated services page with brief overviews of each offering with clear CTA buttons so pet parents know what step to take next.
Contact information
Set up a contact page so your client’s preferred means of communication is clear for prospective and current clients. Include their phone number, email address, social media links, and hours of operation in the footer so it appears on every page.
Testimonials
Pet owners rely heavily on word-of-mouth validation. Devote a section of the homepage—or build an entire page—that shares testimonials and reviews from happy pet parents.
Setting up the site for conversion
Beautiful design isn’t the only way your client will attract pet parents to their services. There are several features and tools that you can set up to make it as easy for visitors to book.
A prominent call to action
Your client’s website needs a clear CTA. Depending on the desired action, you’ll want to add buttons throughout the site that say “book now” or “contact us.”
An integrated booking system
New and returning customers should be able to book services with ease. If your client is a groomer, an integrated booking system like Acuity Scheduling can help them manage their schedule. While they’re trimming nails or brushing coats, their customers can book specific slots based on the service type (e.g., bath vs. full cut) or reschedule as needed.
For dog walkers and pet sitters, your client can use Acuity Scheduling to block out availability windows. And because they’re often on the go, the automated booking system acts as an assistant, updating your client’s calendar so they know where to be when.
A detailed intake process
If your client uses Acuity Scheduling, they can use intake forms to gather critical information from pet parents, including allergies, vet details, house alarm codes, and more. You can set up this form to include agreements, so pet parents must agree to specific terms before they can schedule services. If your client doesn't have Acuity Scheduling, you can set up intake forms with form blocks, so your client receives the details they need to provide the best service.
Learn more about selling Acuity Scheduling to clients.
Great content
Pet services providers are reliant on local search engine optimization (SEO) to gain business. Encourage them to blog about local pet resources to drive traffic and build authority. And as you build their site, find opportunities to include target keywords that cater to their hyper-local niche.
Location management
Whether your client is a dog walker, mobile groomer, or they want to specify their service area for pet sitting services, you can use map blocks to define the neighborhoods they serve. Feature this information on the homepage, and include the neighborhoods in the site footer. You can even build a “neighborhoods we serve” page for added clarity.
Pro tip: Encourage your client to claim their Google Business Profile and update it with accurate information. This ensures their business is discoverable on Google Search and Maps.
Streamlining other operations and payments
With Squarespace, your client can manage end-to-end operations through their website. Features they may consider using include:
Sending invoices
Set up Squarespace Invoicing for recurring clients (e.g., weekly walking packs) to ensure timely payment without awkward follow-ups. You can design invoices to match the branding of the website for a consistent and professional look from booking to payment.
Another benefit of Invoicing is customer management. Your client can make specific notes for each pet. Plus, the Squarespace mobile app gives them the freedom to manage customers, send invoices, and get paid while on the go. They can also accept in-person payments with Tap to Pay.
Accepting payments
With Squarespace Payments, your client can scale their business from a single dashboard. They can securely sell products and services while effortlessly managing transactions and accelerating payouts. Whether soliciting payment through branded invoices or by sharing a Pay Link via email, text, or QR code, your client can efficiently and professionally manage the financial aspect of their business.
Make a pet services website
In the world of pet services, a website isn’t just a resource for gaining customers. It’s an end-to-end system for managing a business that’s built on trust. By building your client a beautiful, well-structured website, you can help them legitimize their business and earn the trust of cat, dog, bird, horse, and ferret—you get the point—parents alike.
Want more?
Check out Squarespace Circle, Squarespace’s program for professional designers and web design agencies. Along with exclusive content, discounts, and other perks, Circle brings professionals together from across the globe to exchange advice while connecting with new clients and collaborators.
