From Zero to Fully Booked: How NZ 🐶 Pets Specialists Get Their First 10 Clients

Starting a business in the 🐶 pets industry in New Zealand can be both exciting and daunting. Whether you offer pet sitting, grooming, training, or walking, landing your first 10 clients is a crucial milestone. This guide offers 10 practical, Kiwi-friendly tips to help pet professionals build local trust, grow their client base, and thrive in the competitive pets market.

Here are some tips that you might find interesting:

1. Use Your Inner Circle to Start

Begin by offering your services to family, friends, and neighbours. This group is often the most willing to support you early on and can provide valuable reviews and referrals.

For instance, a pet sitter in Christchurch grew her first client base through recommendations from her own community.

Weirdly enough, even informal jobs for friends can quickly turn into ongoing paid work and testimonials.

2. Get Involved in Local Pet Communities

Join Facebook groups like “Auckland Pet Owners” or “Wellington Dog Lovers” where pet owners actively seek advice and services.

Contribute genuinely by sharing tips, answering questions, or posting success stories to build trust without pushing sales.

Neighbourly is also a great platform for local engagement, especially in smaller towns and suburbs.

3. Create a Simple, Mobile-Friendly Website

An easy-to-navigate site showcasing your services, pricing, testimonials, and contact info adds professionalism and reassures potential clients.

Platforms like Wix and Google Sites make it straightforward and affordable to get online quickly.

Highlight your passion and experience to connect emotionally with New Zealand pet owners.

4. Leverage Yada and Other NZ Platforms

Yada is an excellent, fee-free platform where 🐶 pets specialists can find local clients and respond to job posts.

It’s especially useful when starting out due to its honest pricing and rating system that helps build trust.

Complement Yada listings with profiles on TradeMe Services and other trusted NZ directories.

5. Offer Introductory Deals and Packages

Attract first-time clients with discounts or bundled service packages, like combined walking and grooming.

This lowers their barrier to trying your services and can turn one-off visits into repeat business.

A pet groomer in Tauranga found offering a “first groom discount” encouraged hesitant new clients to book.

6. Build Referral Networks with Local Businesses

Partner with vets, pet stores, and groomers who can refer clients to you.

Leave flyers, offer staff discounts, or sponsor local animal events to build meaningful relationships.

In Dunedin, such partnerships have led to respectful referral chains and long-term client growth.

7. Collect and Showcase Client Testimonials

Every satisfied client is a potential advocate. Ask them to leave reviews on Google, Facebook, or your Yada profile.

Displaying testimonials and before/after photos helps build confidence among new customers.

A well-known Wellington dog walker credits glowing client reviews for boosting his booking rates.

8. Share Helpful Content Frequently

Post tips such as “How to Prepare Your Dog for a Groom” or “Safe Walking Tips” on social media.

This type of content positions you as a trusted expert and keeps your services top of mind.

A Nelson pet trainer grew her Facebook following by sharing simple, localised advice and photos.

9. Utilise Traditional and Mobile Advertising

Flyers on supermarket noticeboards, community centres, and libraries connect you with local pet owners, especially older Kiwis.

Car magnets or branded clothing also subtly advertise your business while you’re out and about.

In smaller towns like Whanganui, such low-cost advertising is often surprisingly effective.

10. Stay Organised and Professional

Use scheduling and invoicing tools to keep appointments on track and clients happy.

Punctuality and clear communication impress New Zealand customers and encourage repeat bookings.

A Tauranga pet sitter highlights that business professionalism helped her stand out in a crowded market.