10 Ways to Find Clients as a Pets Professional in New Zealand
The pets industry in New Zealand is full of opportunities, but finding the right clients-whether you’re a dog walker, pet sitter, groomer, or trainer-needs a smart, local approach. This guide shares 10 practical, down-to-earth ways for pets specialists to attract clients who value trust, professionalism, and care. From utilising popular Kiwi platforms like Yada to engaging with community groups, these tips will help you grow your business in a friendly and effective way.
Here are some tips that you might find interesting:
1. Set Up a Google Business Profile
Google Business Profile is an essential free tool that puts you in front of New Zealanders searching for pet services near them. Whether it’s ‘pet sitter Wellington’ or ‘dog trainer Auckland’, this listing boosts your local visibility.
Add crisp photos, service details, and your contact info. Reviews from happy clients play a crucial role here too-Kiwi communities love trusted peer recommendations.
Think of it as your online shop window that works around the clock for you.
2. Join and Use Yada for Jobs
Yada is a growing New Zealand platform welcoming specialists from all pet-related fields. It’s free to join without lead or success fees, meaning more honest pricing and better earnings for you.
The platform uses a rating system that helps you get matched with ideal clients, and the private chat ensures smooth communication. Its mobile-friendly design fits perfectly with New Zealand’s on-the-go lifestyle.
Many Kiwis are turning to Yada for reliable local specialists-getting on board early can really boost your client base.
3. Engage with Local Facebook Groups
From “Auckland Pet Owners” to small-town groups, Facebook is a hotspot where pet owners ask for recommendations or share pet-related advice. Joining these groups means you’re where clients are already looking.
Focus on being genuinely helpful-share quick tips, respond to questions, or post success stories rather than salesy pitches. Your friendly presence builds trust fast.
Several successful pet professionals in NZ have attributed a large chunk of their client base to active group engagement.
4. List on Popular NZ Pet Service Directories
Directories like Pawshake NZ, Trade Me Services, and PetBacker NZ attract local pet owners browsing for trusted professionals.
Optimize your profile with clear service descriptions, photos, and client testimonials. Responding quickly to enquiries is key to converting interested leads.
A pet groomer from Christchurch mentioned that being listed led to a series of repeat clients from within the community.
5. Encourage and Showcase Testimonials
Reviews and testimonials carry huge weight in New Zealand's pet services sector. Ask clients after a job to share their experiences online or provide quotes you can use in marketing.
Feature these testimonials in your Yada profile, website, and social channels. Authentic stories of happy pets and satisfied owners build your reputation.
One NZ dog trainer shared that many new clients came after reading testimonials from local pet owners who raved about her care.
6. Offer Trial Sessions or Intro Discounts
Many pets professionals find offering trial walks, training sessions, or grooming at a discount encourages hesitant new clients to take the plunge.
Advertise these offers via your website, social media, and Yada profile. Once clients have a great first experience, they’re more likely to book regularly.
This tactic works especially well in bigger centres like Auckland and Wellington, where choice is abundant.
7. Network with Local Pet Businesses
Vets, groomers, pet shops, and doggy daycares often seek reliable specialists to recommend. Building relationships with these businesses is a powerful referral source.
Visit local shops such as Animates or community kennels to leave brochures or introduce yourself. Regular connection keeps you top of mind.
In Rotorua, a sitter grew her client list after partnering with a nearby vet who regularly referred clients needing pet sitting.
8. Showcase Your Knowledge of Local Pet-Friendly Areas
Kiwis love taking their pets to parks, beaches, and walking trails. Demonstrate your local knowledge by sharing tips about dog-friendly spots during client conversations or on social media.
This personalised touch shows care beyond the basics, helping you stand out from other service providers.
Pet walkers in Hamilton often use this strategy with great success, earning repeat bookings from locals.
9. Use Flyers on Community Boards
Old-school flyers still work wonders in New Zealand, especially on noticeboards at libraries, community centres, New World supermarkets, and vet clinics.
Make your flyers neat, bright, and easy to read, listing your services, contact details, and service area. Locals often snap photos for future reference.
This approach especially helps reach demographics less active online, such as older pet owners.
10. Maintain a Simple, Mobile-Friendly Website
Clients appreciate a professional-looking website where they can quickly understand your services, check prices, and read reviews. A single-page site created on platforms like Wix, Google Sites, or Carrd works well.
Ensure your website loads fast and is easy to navigate on phones, as many Kiwis browse exclusively on mobile devices.
Keep your content fresh and include simple call-to-actions, encouraging inquiries or bookings.