Moved to a new location? Launching a new service? For these reasons and more, hosting an open house might be the pawfect choice for your pet-care business.

An open house event is a valuable opportunity to introduce pet parents to your facility, showcase your services, and build lasting relationships. Whether you're launching a new business, expanding services, or simply looking to strengthen your customer base, hosting an open house can be a game-changer. But to make it a tail-wagging success, you’ll need careful planning, engaging activities, and seamless execution.

Keep reading for our essential steps to planning your first open house!

Define Your Goals

Two people hold their dogs

Before you start, determine what you want to achieve. Your open house might focus on:

  • Introducing new customers to your daycare, boarding, or grooming services
  • Strengthening relationships with existing clients
  • Promoting special packages or membership programs
  • Highlighting facility upgrades
  • Educating pet parents about policies, safety measures, and wellness programs

Having clear objectives will guide your event strategy and help you measure success.

Pick the Pawfect Date and Time

Choosing the right date and time is crucial for maximizing attendance. Weekend afternoons tend to work best since many pet parents have more free time, and spring or fall often offer ideal weather for outdoor activities. Be sure to check your community calendar to avoid conflicts with major holidays or local events. If you’re planning outdoor activities, consider a backup plan in case of bad weather.

Plan Engaging Activities

A dog runs through a tunnel

Your open house should be more than just a walkthrough—it should be an experience! Offering guided facility tours will allow guests to explore key areas like play zones, boarding suites, grooming stations, and training spaces. As you lead tours, highlight cleanliness standards, safety measures, and enrichment activities that set your facility apart.

Beyond the tours, consider hosting live demonstrations such as grooming sessions, training workshops, or a day-in-the-life showcase of daycare pets. These hands-on experiences help build trust and allow pet parents to see the quality of care firsthand. Introducing your team is also essential, as it personalizes the experience and makes customers feel more connected to your business.

To keep attendees engaged, offer pet-friendly activities such as:

Additionally, invite veterinarians, trainers, or pet nutritionists to set up educational booths where pet parents can learn expert tips on wellness, behavior, and nutrition.

Promote Your Event

Getting the word out is key to driving attendance. Utilize multiple marketing channels:

  • Social Media: Create a Facebook event, post teaser videos, and run Instagram contests.
  • Email Marketing: Send invitations to current customers with event details and incentives.
  • Local Partnerships: Collaborate with pet-friendly businesses, groomers, and rescue organizations to spread the word.
  • Flyers and Posters: Place promotional materials in vet clinics, pet stores, and dog parks.
  • Word of Mouth: Encourage staff and customers to invite friends and family.

Offer Exclusive Deals and Giveaways

A dog gets washed in a bath tub

To encourage attendance and drive conversions, consider offering:

  • Special discounts for attendees, such as a free first day of daycare or a grooming package discount
  • Membership perks, like discounts on retail items
  • Raffle giveaways featuring free services, pet toys, or gift cards to local pet businesses

Ensure a Smooth Experience

A well-organized event reflects positively on your brand. To ensure everything runs smoothly, have an RSVP system in place to estimate turnout and plan accordingly. Ensure you have enough staff members to give tours, answer questions, and run activities efficiently. Safety should be a priority, so set up clear entry and exit points, provide water stations for pets, and enforce vaccination requirements. Consider hiring a photographer or designating a social media manager to document the event and share highlights online.

Convert Attendees into Customers

A woman uses a phone while hugging her dog

After the event, keep the momentum going by sending thank-you emails with exclusive offers, posting event highlights on social media, and following up with potential customers who showed interest in your services. Encouraging attendees to leave reviews on Google, Facebook, or Yelp can also help boost your online presence and attract future clients.

Gingr’s all-in-one pet-care software can make your open house even more successful by streamlining operations before, during, and after the event! With Gingr, you can:

  • Promote your open house via targeted email campaigns
  • Showcase your services online with easy booking options 
  • Offer membership and package deals to boost customer retention and service utilization
  • Track new leads and nurture them into loyal customers

Ready to grow your pet-care business with Gingr? Book a demo today!