The Ultimate ‘Set and Forget’ Marketing Plan for Local Veterinary Assistance Specialists in NZ

Running a veterinary assistance business in New Zealand means you’re helping pets and their owners every day, but attracting more clients doesn’t have to be a constant hustle. With the right strategies, you can build a steady stream of local work without spending hours chasing leads. This guide shares 10 practical, easy-to-implement tips tailored for veterinary assistance specialists across NZ.

Here are some tips that you might find interesting:

1. Get Listed on NZ Directories

Being visible on local directories is one of the easiest ways to get found by pet owners searching for help. NZVA’s Find a Vet, Best for Pet, and CIVT Veterinary Referral Directory are trusted platforms where pet owners look for qualified professionals. Simply adding your details takes minutes, and once you’re listed, you’re in front of clients who are actively searching for your services.

For example, if someone in Christchurch is looking for a mobile vet nurse, a quick search on NZVA’s directory could land them right on your profile. These directories also let you showcase your expertise, add reviews, and update your contact info, making it easier for clients to reach out.

Bonus tip: Make sure your profile photo is friendly and professional. Kiwi pet owners love seeing a real face behind the service.

2. Join Local Community Groups

Facebook groups like ‘Christchurch Pet Owners’ or ‘Auckland Animal Lovers’ are buzzing with people asking for recommendations. Instead of posting ads, jump into conversations with helpful advice. If someone asks, ‘Any good mobile vet nurses in Tauranga?’, a friendly comment like ‘I’ve worked with a few great ones-happy to share recommendations!’ can open doors.

Over time, your helpfulness builds trust. People remember your name and often message you directly when they need help. It’s a slow but steady way to grow your client base, and it works especially well for those who prefer word-of-mouth over ads.

3. Use Yada for Local Visibility

Yada is a Kiwi platform that’s perfect for veterinary assistance specialists. Clients post jobs for free, and specialists respond for free too. The best part? No lead or success fees mean you keep all your earnings, and the internal chat lets you talk directly with clients, making it easier to build trust.

For example, a pet owner in Dunedin might post a job looking for someone to administer medication at home. If you respond quickly and give a competitive quote, you could land the job without paying a cent in fees. Yada’s mobile-friendly interface means you can check and respond to jobs on the go-ideal for busy specialists.

4. Ask for Reviews and Testimonials

Kiwi pet owners rely heavily on reviews. After finishing a job, politely ask clients if they’d be happy to leave a Google or Facebook review. Most are happy to help, especially if you make it easy by sending a direct link.

A real example: Sarah, a mobile vet nurse in Wellington, started asking for reviews after each visit. Within a few months, she had 20+ positive reviews, which boosted her visibility and helped her land more jobs. Reviews also help new clients feel confident choosing you.

5. Share Helpful Tips Online

You don’t need to be a content creator to share helpful tips. Post simple, genuine snippets like ‘Quick tip: Always check your pet’s water bowl is full during summer’ or ‘Before/after: How I helped a nervous cat during a home visit.’

Sharing tips builds trust over time. When someone needs help in six months, you’ll be top of mind because they’ve seen your advice. Share on Facebook, Instagram, or in community groups where it’s relevant and adds value.

6. Partner with Local Pet Businesses

Building relationships with local pet shops, groomers, and animal shelters can bring steady referrals. For example, drop off your business card at a pet store in Rotorua and let them know you’re available for mobile vet assistance. If a customer mentions their pet needs help, the store owner might recommend you.

Think of it as a quiet referral network. These relationships often lead to clients for years, especially in tight-knit Kiwi communities.

7. Offer a Free Checkup Promotion

A free checkup or wellness visit is a powerful way to attract new clients. Promote it on social media and in local groups. For example, ‘Book a free home checkup this month and get a discount on your next visit!’

This gives pet owners a risk-free way to try your service. Many will return for paid visits once they see your expertise and care.

8. Run a Referral Program

Encourage happy clients to refer friends by offering a small incentive. For example, ‘Refer a friend and both of you get $20 off your next visit.’ Most people love sharing good deals, and it’s an easy way to grow your client base.

A case study from a vet assistant in Hamilton showed that a simple referral program doubled their new clients in three months. The key is making it easy for clients to share your service.

9. Engage at Local Events

Community events like dog shows, pet adoption days, or local fairs are great places to meet pet owners face-to-face. Set up a friendly booth or even a coffee cart at the local dog park to introduce yourself and share your services.

For example, a vet nurse in Napier ran a booth at a pet adoption day, offering free advice and handing out flyers. She landed five new clients that weekend and built lasting connections in her community.

10. Create a Simple Website

A basic website or landing page helps people find you online. Use free tools like Google Sites or Wix to create a page with your services, contact details, and a few photos. Make sure it loads quickly on mobile devices, since most Kiwis browse on their phones.

Include any reviews or testimonials you’ve collected. Having an online presence shows professionalism and gives people somewhere to send friends when they recommend you.