Every day, pet owners use their smartphones and computers to search for information relevant to their pets’ health. While some of these searches are broad—like learning more about symptoms or treatments—many are local in nature. Local search behavior focuses on finding services or businesses close by, making it critical for veterinary practices to appear in these moments. Whether someone is searching for a “veterinarian near me” or “emergency pet care in [city],” these local searches represent high-intent opportunities.
To understand how veterinary clients interact with search across devices, LifeLearn examined patterns similar to Google and Ipsos’ past studies on local consumer behavior. The goal was to identify how veterinarians can better align their digital presence—especially through services like SEO, custom website design, and localized practice marketing—with the real-time needs of pet owners.
How the Research Was Conducted
To gain comprehensive insights, data from diverse pet owner profiles and search interactions were analyzed. This included those using smartphones during different phases of the veterinary care journey—such as finding a clinic, checking business hours, or comparing services. By evaluating how people seek out local veterinary information, we uncovered actionable findings to help practices improve client acquisition and retention.
Key Findings: Local Search Matters Just as Much as General Search
For mobile users, general searches about pet health—like treatment options or cost estimates—are just as frequent as local searches. In fact, over 88% of mobile users rely on search engines to look up both general pet care information and local veterinary services. This means that veterinary practices must optimize their websites and online presence to rank in both types of searches.
Services like LifeLearn’s WebDVM Bundle and SEO ensure that veterinary practice websites are optimized to attract pet owners searching for both general and local care.
Retail Isn’t the Only Sector Influenced by Search—Veterinary Is, Too
The same behavior seen in retail applies to veterinary care. Our data revealed that 56% of mobile users searched for local services before booking an appointment. From checking reviews to verifying if a practice offers feline or canine care, pet owners rely on search to make informed decisions. Practices that want to stay competitive must ensure their practice marketing reflects what potential clients are actively looking for.
What Clients Search for Most: Reviews, Pricing, and Service Info
Reviews, pricing, and service offerings rank at the top of the list when pet owners conduct online searches. Whether comparing practices or looking for emergency services, pet owners want transparency and quick access to information. That’s why LifeLearn’s website design solutions include built-in tools to highlight reviews, service hours, and even online booking—making it easy for prospective clients to act quickly.
Where Pet Owners Search—and When It Matters Most
While searches can happen anywhere, the majority occur when pet owners are at home. Whether they’re researching symptoms late at night or looking for a nearby veterinarian during the weekend, home-based searches dominate every stage of the care journey. Veterinary practices that rely solely on walk-ins or word-of-mouth may miss out on these early, high-intent interactions.
It’s during these at-home moments that a well-optimized veterinary practice website can make all the difference. Features like location-based SEO, mobile responsiveness, and clearly displayed business hours are vital to catching attention when it matters most.
Searches Begin Early in the Client Journey
Our findings confirm that pet owners begin their searches well before they’re ready to book an appointment. Many begin when they first notice a concern, comparing providers and services during the research phase. Practices that want to stay top-of-mind must have a strong digital presence throughout all phases: inspiration, research, decision, and final action.
With LifeLearn’s client retention and new client acquisition tools, your practice can provide consistent messaging across every touchpoint—from initial discovery to post-visit follow-up.
Search Drives Real-World Action
Perhaps the most powerful insight is that search activity leads to tangible decisions. Nearly half of all pet owners took action—like calling a clinic, visiting a website, or booking a service—within one hour of conducting a search. Moreover, 62% said that online search significantly influenced their final decision.
This reaffirms the importance of aligning your veterinary practice website and digital presence with what pet owners are actively looking for: fast-loading pages, clear calls to action, and easy access to critical information like hours, services, and reviews.
Local Ads Work—When They’re Relevant
Pet owners overwhelmingly prefer ads that are personalized to their location. Two out of every three want to see veterinary ads tailored to their city or neighborhood. Even more compelling: 86% took action after seeing a local ad that resonated with their needs.
That’s why LifeLearn’s practice marketing services include location-based advertising options that combine targeted messaging with SEO and reputation management. Our tools help ensure your practice is shown at the right time, to the right audience, with messaging that drives clicks and conversions.
Who Benefits Most from Local Search Optimization?
Veterinary practices with long-standing reputations, a consistent client base, and established locations benefit most from investing in local search strategies. However, even practices with just one or two veterinarians can dramatically improve visibility and engagement through the right digital tools.
LifeLearn’s WebDVM Bundle is specifically designed for practices with limited time and resources. Whether you’re managing everything yourself or have a small team, our tools help amplify your online presence, simplify your workflow, and measure results—all with minimal lift from your staff.
Key Takeaway: Location + Optimization = Growth
Local search isn’t a trend—it’s a cornerstone of how pet owners find care. Optimizing your practice’s online presence across local maps, directories, and mobile search results ensures you meet prospective clients where they are, when they’re ready to act.
Veterinary practices that embrace digital services like SEO, website design, and targeted advertising gain a competitive advantage. With the right approach, you don’t just attract more pet owners—you retain them.
Ready to Grow with Local Search? Let LifeLearn Help
Veterinary practices that understand the power of local search and pair it with smart digital tools are poised for sustainable growth. From our SEO services and mobile-optimized veterinary practice websites to our client retention tools and WebDVM Bundle, LifeLearn delivers everything you need to stand out in your community.
Let’s work together to strengthen your visibility, streamline your operations, and support more pet owners and patients.
Take the next step: Schedule a free consultation to explore how LifeLearn can help you attract new clients, retain loyal ones, and grow your veterinary practice.
