Pampering Pets and Google My Business: A Pet Groomer's Guide

A quick note on the name

Step 1: Claim and verify your profile

1. Search your business name on Google or Maps while signed into the Google account you want to own it.
2. Choose "Claim this business" or "Add your business to Google".
3. Enter your name, category and address. If you work from a mobile van or visit clients' homes, you can set a service area instead of showing your address. Mobile groomers should read Google's guidelines on service-area businesses.
4. Verify as instructed, commonly by video, phone, text or email, depending on what Google offers for your listing.

Step 2: Choose categories carefully

• Primary: Pet groomer (or Dog groomer, if that is your focus and the option is available in your country).
• Secondary, if they truly apply: Pet care service, Pet boarding service, Mobile dog groomer, Pet supply store (for retailers).

Step 3: Get the details right

• Business name: use your real, legal or signage name. Stuffing keywords such as "Best Dog Grooming Cheap NYC" can lead to suspension.
• Address and phone: keep these identical to your website and other listings.
• Hours: include holiday hours and update them promptly. Wrong hours are a top complaint.
• Website and booking link: add a link to your booking page if you have one. Many groomers use Square Appointments, Booksy, Fresha, MoeGo, Gingr or similar tools that provide a booking link.
• Description: about 750 characters is allowed. Describe your services, location, the animals you groom, and what makes you different, written for humans.

Step 4: List your services and prices

Step 5: Add photos and short videos

• Exterior and signage, so people find you.
• Interior of the salon, grooming stations and reception.
• Team photos with names, which builds trust with anxious owners.
• Grooming results: finished dogs and cats in good light. Always get the owner's permission.
• Logo and cover photo.

Step 6: Collect and answer reviews

• Ask happy customers at pickup, and send a follow-up text or email with your direct review link (find it in your profile under "Ask for reviews").
• Make it easy: one tap to the review page.
• Do not offer incentives in exchange for reviews or review-gate (asking only happy customers), as this breaks Google's policies.
• Reply to every review within a couple of days. Thank people by name if they used it, mention the service, and keep it short.
• For negative reviews, stay calm and factual: apologise for the experience, offer to resolve it offline, and avoid arguing in public.

Step 7: Use posts, offers and Q&A

• Seasonal tips, such as summer coat care.
• Last-minute appointment availability.
• New services, like a spa day or teeth cleaning.
• Holiday booking reminders.

Step 8: Keep information consistent across the web

A weekly routine

Common mistakes

• Using a keyword-stuffed business name.
• Leaving hours outdated, especially around holidays.
• Having duplicate listings.
• Ignoring reviews or replying defensively.
• Hiding the address for a storefront business that should show it.
• Buying fake reviews, which can lead to removal or suspension.

Your first 30 days

• Days 1 to 3: Claim, verify and fill in every section, including categories, hours and services.
• Week 1: Upload at least ten real photos, and add your booking link.
• Week 2: Start asking every happy customer for a review, and reply to existing ones.
• Weeks 3 and 4: Publish your first posts, answer questions on the profile, and check your insights for calls and direction requests.

FAQ

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