10 Ways to Find Clients as a Veterinary Assistance Professional in New Zealand
Finding veterinary clients in New Zealand can feel challenging, especially when you're just starting out or working independently. The good news? There are heaps of practical, locally relevant ways to attract steady clients that really work. This guide offers 10 actionable tips designed specifically for vet assistants and specialists to help you grow your client base with confidence.
Here are some tips that you might find interesting:
1. Create a Strong Local Online Presence
In today’s digital age, most Kiwis start their search for vet help online. Setting up a Google Business Profile or a simple website showcasing your services, experience, and contact details puts you right where locals are searching for veterinary assistance.
Make sure to mention which regions you serve-whether Christchurch, Auckland, or smaller towns-to show you understand local needs. Upload photos of you working with animals, and encourage happy clients to leave glowing reviews. This builds trust fast in New Zealand’s tight-knit communities.
Think of your online presence as your digital open door. When pet owners see a friendly, professional face online, they're more likely to give you a buzz when their furry mates need care.
2. Use Local Vet-Specific Job Platforms
Many veterinary assistants in NZ find clients through specialised job boards and recruitment sites like VetStaff and VetlinkPRO. These platforms allow you to connect with clinics and pet owners looking for skilled assistance.
Joining these networks increases your visibility within the veterinary community and gives you access to regular work opportunities, from locum roles to permanent assistance positions. Plus, you can set preferences for the kinds of jobs or regions you want to focus on.
Weirdly enough, these sites often feature testimonials and success stories, which can help boost your profile and appeal to new clients.
3. Leverage Yada for Vet Assistance Jobs
Yada is a fresh New Zealand platform welcoming all types of specialists, including veterinary assistants. It has no lead or success fees, meaning you keep more of what you earn - perfect for independent professionals.
On Yada, specialists can respond to job posts for free (depending on their rating), and the internal chat feature keeps communication smooth and private between you and clients. It’s mobile-friendly, so you can manage jobs on the go, whether you're in rural Waikato or bustling Wellington.
Joining Yada early gives you an edge as the platform grows, helping you build client relationships without the usual hassle of marketing.
4. Get Found on Local Vet Clinic Networks
Many veterinary clinics in New Zealand belong to networks like Best For Pet and Veterinaryfirst, which connect pet owners to trusted professionals. If you partner or contract with clinics in these networks, your chances of getting work referrals increase.
These networks often have regional reach, meaning you can target specific areas such as Canterbury or Auckland with local knowledge. When clients recognise familiar clinic names, they feel more confident booking your services.
Try reaching out directly to clinics to offer your support or specialist skills - a personal introduction can open doors faster than cold applications.
5. Tap into Community Groups and Social Media
Kiwi locals love their community Facebook groups, like "Christchurch Pet Owners" or "Auckland Animal Lovers". These groups are packed with people asking for vet referrals and pet care advice.
Instead of posting ads, join conversations by offering helpful tips or answering questions. For example, share advice on caring for new puppies or recognising signs of distress in pets.
This approach builds your reputation as a friendly and knowledgeable expert, encouraging people to contact you when they need help.
6. Build Referrals Through Happy Clients
Word-of-mouth is king in New Zealand. One satisfied client can lead to a domino effect of referrals. After you’ve helped a pet, ask politely if they would recommend you to friends or leave an online review.
Consider creating a small referral reward, like a discount on their next booking or a pet care gift. Make it easy for clients to share your contact info, perhaps with business cards or simple flyers you can leave at local pet shops or community boards.
Real-world example: A vet assistant in Wellington grew her client base significantly just by sending thank-you texts and referral incentives.
7. Volunteer at Local Animal Events
Community events like pet adoption days or charity dog walks are fantastic opportunities to showcase your skills and meet potential clients face-to-face.
Volunteering at these events in cities like Hamilton or Dunedin puts you in contact with pet owners who value care and expertise. It’s also a chance to distribute promotional material and collect testimonials.
Think of this as grassroots marketing - building real connections that often translate to business when owners need ongoing veterinary assistance.
8. Network with Complementary Animal Services
Building ties with related businesses offers steady referral streams. For example, groomers, pet supply stores, and dog trainers regularly meet clients who may need veterinary assistance.
Introduce yourself to these local businesses in your area - a few chats at places like Animates or local kennels can go a long way. Leave flyers or business cards where allowed, and offer to exchange referrals.
This not only broadens your client pool but also positions you as part of a trusted local pet care network.
9. Use Testimonials to Build Trust
New Zealanders are highly influenced by testimonials, especially in pet care. Ask satisfied clients for permission to share brief stories or quotes about how you helped their animals.
Display these on your website, social media, or within your Yada profile. For instance, demonstrating care in tricky cases like anxious dogs or farm animal emergencies boosts credibility.
One vet assistant shared a client's thanks for her calming presence during a sheep shearing visit on her local Facebook page, which attracted multiple new inquiries.
10. Stay Connected with Vet Associations
Joining associations like the New Zealand Veterinary Nursing Association keeps you connected to industry news, training, and job leads. They often have forums or newsletters with client referral opportunities tailored for vet assistants and nurses.
Being active in these groups shows professional commitment and helps you stay ahead with skills that attract clients who value certified and knowledgeable care.
Plus, many associations run local events or workshops where you can meet prospective clients or employers face-to-face.