You’ve posted a cute dog photo, added a paw pun, and waited for the likes to roll in. Instead of new followers, you get crickets. Sound familiar? Social media has become a crowded, noisy place—and what worked even a year ago may not move the needle today. For pet-care businesses, this can feel frustrating. You know your work is special, and you’re surrounded by furry stars every day. But without the right content strategy, your posts might not reach the pet parents you want to attract.

The good news? Pet-care businesses actually have a built-in advantage: pets are irresistible on camera. With the right mix of TikTok and Instagram trends, you can stop the scroll, boost engagement, and turn your social feeds into a steady stream of new bookings.

Why Social Media Trends Matter for Pet Businesses

Trends aren’t just about staying current; they’re about visibility. Both TikTok and Instagram use algorithm-driven feeds where trending content gets prioritized. That means when you jump on a popular sound, challenge, or style, your chances of landing in front of new pet parents skyrocket.

Here’s why social trends are worth your time:

  • Pet parents are already scrolling. Many of your future clients are on Instagram or TikTok daily, often searching hashtags like #dogboarding, #puppygrooming, or #dogsoftiktok.
  • Trends signal credibility. Posting with trending audio or formats shows your business is modern, approachable, and engaged in the online community.
  • Content drives connection. By participating in fun, authentic trends, you show pet parents what life at your facility is really like—and that builds trust long before a booking.

Think of it this way: every reel or TikTok isn’t just content. It’s a chance to make a first impression.

7 TikTok & Instagram Pet Trends to Tap Into

1. Before-and-After Glow-Ups

Transformation content is everywhere, and pets make it even more satisfying. Groomers can showcase a scruffy pup becoming sleek and shiny. Daycares can highlight the happy exhaustion of a pup after a full day of play. Boarding facilities might show a dog’s first anxious check-in, followed by a relaxed nap in a cozy suite.

2. Day-in-the-Life POVs

People are endlessly curious about what happens behind the scenes. POV (point-of-view) videos let you take them inside. Show what a dog experiences from drop-off to pick-up, or highlight a “day in the life” of a staff member.

This kind of content does double duty: it entertains and educates pet parents about your services. Here's an example from one of our Team Gingr pets, Lucy!

 

3. Trending Challenges & Sounds

TikTok thrives on challenges and viral sounds. Whether it’s the “paw tap” challenge, “if pets had jobs” meme, or the latest dance track, these trends are fast-moving but high-impact. Pet businesses can adapt them by featuring groups of dogs, training exercises, or even staff joining in.

Save trending audios you see on your “For You” page, then brainstorm how to adapt them to your facility.

4. Staff Spotlights with Pets

Your team is part of your brand story. Quick, fun videos introducing staff alongside their favorite furry clients make your business more relatable. For example: “Meet Emily, our daycare lead—she’s a pro at belly rubs and pup snuggles!” Not only do these videos humanize your brand, but they also highlight the passion and care your team brings every day.

5. Quick Tips & Educational Clips

While trends grab attention, value keeps people coming back. Share bite-sized tips on crate training, grooming maintenance, or prepping pets for daycare. Educational posts position your business as a trusted resource, not just a service provider. Think about common things your clients struggle with that you can share expertise on, like how to acclimate a dog to nail trimming:

 

6. Candid & Funny Moments

Sometimes the best content isn’t planned. A dog’s zoomies in the play yard, a cat perched in an unexpected spot, or a pup falling asleep mid-play—these authentic moments perform especially well because they feel real.

7. Pet Parent-Centric Posts

Don’t forget the humans! Showcase happy clients at pickup, share UGC (user-generated content) of pets at home after a stay, or run “caption this” contests with your audience. Involving pet parents directly deepens the relationship and makes them more likely to share your posts.

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How to Capitalize on These Trends

Knowing the trends is one thing—using them strategically is another. Here’s how to maximize your results without spending too much time behind a phone screen:

1. Batch Content Creation

Trends move fast, but consistency matters more than perfection. Set aside a few hours each week to film multiple clips. That way, you always have content ready to post—even on busy days.

2. Use Local Hashtags

Generic hashtags like #dogsoftiktok are saturated. Pair them with location-specific tags (#DenverDogs, #DallasPets) to get in front of nearby pet parents who can actually book your services.

3. Repurpose Content

A single video can live multiple lives: post the full clip on TikTok, a shorter cut on Instagram Reels, and stills from the footage as carousel posts. Repurposing helps you stay active across platforms without triple the effort.

4. Engage, Don’t Just Post

Reply to comments, duet videos, and use polls in Instagram Stories. Social media algorithms reward interaction, and so do people. Think of your posts as the start of a conversation—not the end.

A man uses a phone while sitting with his dog

5. Mix Fun with Promotional

Balance is key. Share educational and funny clips often, but weave in your services naturally. For example, end a grooming glow-up with: “Want your pup to look this pawfect? Book a grooming appointment today!”

From Scrolls to Sales

Social media isn’t just about likes—it’s about building a pipeline of pet parents who know, like, and trust your brand. By staying active on TikTok and Instagram:

  • You grow awareness: More eyes on your content = more potential clients.
  • You nurture loyalty: Pet parents love sharing their pets featured on your feed.
  • You drive revenue: Each post can lead to new inquiries, upsells, and repeat business.

And with tools like Gingr, you can turn that online momentum into seamless bookings, easy upsells, and long-term client relationships.

Ready to take the next step? Gingr helps you cut down on busywork so you can spend more time growing your business (and your social presence). From online booking to memberships to customer engagement tools, we help you turn social followers into lifelong customers.

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