Trust is earned one day at a time when caring for someone else's pet. Communication matters more than ever when parents are away and their pets are at your facility for a stay.
Even for dog parks or daycares, where pets are in your care for a few hours, texting pet parents can be an important part of your business practices. When used thoughtfully, SMS updates build loyalty, streamline operations, and send important updates in the event of an emergency.
Don't Overcomplicate It
Running a pet business means many wagging tails, of course, but also many moving parts. Juggling schedules, training staff, maintaining facilities, and checking in and caring for multiple pups is a lot to keep track of every day! Texting helps keep pet parents in the loop about every update they need to be aware of, and any chance to automate communication will be a big stress reliever for any busy pet-care business owner.
Here are a few essential operational texts you can automate with the right systems in place:
- Reservation reminders are an easy way to reduce no-shows and cancellations. A simple automated SMS can remind parents about upcoming play dates or park visits, helping to maximize capacity.
- Check-in & check-out updates delight pet parents by letting them know when their dog is ready for pickup. This small gesture helps busy clients better manage their day.
- Vaccination reminders play a key role in keeping your facility safe. Timely SMS nudges ensure that vaccinations stay up-to-date—helping protect all the pets in your care.
- Payment reminders gently alert pet parents to outstanding balances, streamlining collections and reducing awkward interactions at pickup.
- Late pickup fees should be communicated promptly to maintain transparency. A quick text explaining any incurred fees avoids surprises and helps maintain goodwill.
- Reservation confirmations or waitlist updates keep pet parents informed about their booking status. If a spot opens up, texting ensures they can respond quickly and secure the reservation.
Build Customer Loyalty
Relationships matter, especially in pet care. Thoughtful SMS messages can deepen loyalty and turn one-time visitors into lifelong clients who trust you to look after their furry companions while they're away.
Here are a few simple but thoughtful messages you can send to pet parents to keep them updated about their furbabies:
- Report cards sent via text after park time or daycare visits make a pet parent's day. A short update and a photo of their pup playing happily are pure magic.
- Birthday greetings show that your business sees each pet as an individual, not just a number. A personalized birthday text goes a long way in creating goodwill.
- Loyalty rewards updates keep your most engaged customers informed about the perks they've earned, driving repeat visits and increasing lifetime value.
- Membership renewals prompted via SMS help ensure no lapse in service—and no missed revenue.
- Feedback requests after a visit invite pet parents to share their experiences. This fosters trust and brings any challenges or issues to the forefront, keeping lines of communication open. It also supports the management of your business's reputation.
Safety & Urgent Communication: Optimize Operations
Safety is non-negotiable when you're looking after someone else's family member. SMS provides a critical channel for communicating with pet parents when timeliness matters most.
These text updates should be sent as soon as possible should any of the following problems arise:
- Behavior issues such as incidents at the dog park or in playgroups should be shared promptly. A text provides a discreet, respectful way to inform pet parents and invite a follow-up conversation.
- Health updates are crucial if a pet isn't feeling well or sustains an injury. SMS ensures the message reaches parents quickly, even if they're in a meeting or can't take a call.
- Feeding issues such as a pet refusing food or water or having a dietary reaction should be communicated clearly. This transparency builds trust and keeps pet parents involved in their pet's care at every step.
- Medication reminders or updates ensure pet parents know when a medication was given, missed, or needs to be refilled—critical for pets on strict health regimens.
- Bathroom incidents , such as accidents or abnormal bathroom behavior, should be shared with sensitivity. Quick updates help pet parents monitor their pets' well-being.
- Emergency alerts regarding closures (due to weather, for example) or broader safety concerns must be shared instantly. Text messages cut through the noise of email and social media, reaching pet parents directly.
- Evacuation or natural disaster notifications are vital for ensuring pet safety and coordinating quick retrieval during unexpected events.
Marketing & Promotions: Maximize Revenue
SMS isn't only for operations—it can also be used as a revenue driver for your pet-care business. Strategic use of text messages can increase customer spending and fill available slots.
Leverage SMS tools for pet-business marketing, such as:
- Special offers are promoted via SMS to create urgency and drive bookings for daycare packages, memberships, or retail items.
- Events & class announcements to encourage participation in training classes, social hours, or member-only events.
- Upsell opportunities are shared via SMS to help fill last-minute openings or promote premium add-on services, boosting your average ticket value.
Customer Experience & Personalization
Sometimes, the smallest gestures make the biggest impact. Personal, thoughtful SMS messages turn everyday interactions into moments of delight.
Consider the following types of messages to send to your newest and most loyal pet parents:
- Welcome new customers with a warm "Welcome to the pack!" text when they visit for the first time. First impressions matter—and this one is easy to automate.
- Thank you notes sent after a visit foster loyalty and encourage referrals.
- Lost item follow-up texts are practical and appreciated. Quickly alerting a pet parent about a forgotten leash, toy, or treat bag shows attentiveness.
- Cute photos or video updates let pet parents feel connected to their pets' day, even from afar. Sharing fun moments builds an emotional connection.
How Gingr Enables SMS Communication
Gingr makes sending SMS updates as easy as a belly rub. With our intuitive Conversations feature, you can access SMS messaging right from the chat bubble icon in your dashboard, or through each owner's profile.
The 2-way SMS chat window displays your entire message history and allows you to compose new messages. You can also include photos or use canned templates for common messages.
All communication is automatically logged to the owner's profile, ensuring complete visibility across your team. Whether sending an individual message or automated reminders, Gingr empowers you to engage pet parents quickly, clearly, and personally.
Best Practices for SMS Success
To ensure your texting strategy delights rather than disrupts, keep these tips in mind:
- Be personal: Use the pet's name and personalize messages whenever possible.
- Keep it concise: SMS is built for brevity.
- Mind the timing: Avoid sending messages outside of reasonable hours.
- Offer value: Ensure each message benefits the customer—don't overdo marketing texts.
- Respect preferences: Allow pet parents to opt-out if they choose.
Example Text Templates
Stuck on what to say? Keep the best practices above in mind, and use the following templates as inspriation when you need it!
- Behavior Update: Hi [Name], just a quick note — [Pet's Name] was a little shy with the other pups today but warmed up nicely after a bit. Let us know if you'd like to chat more! 🐶
- Health Concern: Hi [Name], we noticed [Pet's Name] isn't acting like their usual self — a little [symptom/behavior].Please call us at [Phone Number] when you can.
- Medication Update: [Pet's Name] received their medication at [Time] as instructed. Let us know if you have any updates or changes! 💊
- Pickup Reminder: Hi [Name], just a reminder: Pickup for [Pet's Name] is by [Time] today. Let us know if you're running late! 🐾
- Drop-off Reminder: Looking forward to seeing [Pet's Name] tomorrow! Drop-off begins at [Time]. Don't forget their [toy/food/meds]! 🐕
- Late Pickup Fee: Hi [Name], just letting you know a late pickup fee of $[Amount] has been added to today's visit. Please reach out with any questions.
- Waitlist Spot Available: Good news! A spot just opened for [Date/Time] — would you like us to hold it for [Pet's Name]? First come, first served! 🐶
- Weather Closure: Due to [weather issue], we'll be closed on [Date]. Stay safe, and give [Pet's Name] a cuddle from us! 🌧️
- Policy Update: Hi [Name], just a heads-up — we've updated our vaccination policy. All pups must have current [vaccine name] by [Date]. Details in your email!
- Promotion: This week only: 15% off daycare packages at [Business Name]! 🐾 Book now and save. Details here: [Link]
A Friendly Text Means Trust and Time Saved
At the end of the day, a simple text helps you deliver the kind of communication that builds trust, saves time, and strengthens relationships with pet parents. It's one more way your dog daycare, salon, training facility, park, or daycare can offer pawesome service that pet parents won't forget.
With Gingr, it's simple to make texting part of your daily rhythm—automated where it makes sense and personal where it counts.
Start delighting your customers today with an SMS that makes every experience better. Ready to see how Gingr can help? Join the pack and book a demo today!