When is the best time to ask a pet owner for a Google review?

Ask at the moment they feel relief: checkout after a smooth wellness exam or vaccine visit, pickup after a dental, or during the 24–48 hour post-op check-in when the pet is stable. Always offer to text the link.

What should you ask clients to include in a veterinary review?

Ask for one or two specifics: how you handled their pet (gentle restraint, patient with anxious pets), how clearly you explained the plan, whether estimates were clear, and how communication felt during urgent or emergency care.

How do you respond to a negative review without violating privacy?

Keep it general: acknowledge their experience, avoid confirming they’re a client, don’t discuss diagnoses/meds, and invite them to contact your practice manager to review the case privately.

Is it okay to offer a referral incentive at a vet clinic?

Usually yes if it’s a modest thank-you and applied consistently—like a $20 clinic credit toward a future exam or a $20 donation to a local shelter. Avoid anything that feels like pressure during medical decisions.

How do you follow up when someone says they’ll leave a review but forgets?

Send one short text 24–72 hours later with the direct link and the visit type filled in (vaccines, dental, wellness). Keep it friendly and “no pressure,” and don’t send more than one reminder unless they reply.

How can you get more referrals if you’re too busy to answer the phone?

Make it easy for happy clients to share a booking link, and make sure new-client calls get answered quickly—especially after hours and during emergencies. Tools like SkipCalls can capture those calls and book appointments while you’re with patients.

Review & Referral Scripts

Review & Referral Request Scripts for Veterinarians

Pet owners decide fast—especially after an emergency or a scary symptom. The right review and referral scripts help you capture that gratitude while it’s fresh, without sounding salesy, and without pulling you away from patients when your hands are gloved and you’re mid-procedure.

Google review request after a wellness exam (front desk checkout)

Use when the client is paying for a routine visit and you just gave clear next steps.

“I’m glad we could get Bella’s wellness exam done today. If you felt cared for and everything was explained clearly, would you mind leaving us a quick Google review? It helps other pet parents find a clinic they can trust. You can mention the wellness exam and how Bella did with the exam—whatever felt most helpful. I can text you the link right now so you don’t have to search for it.”

Tips for this scenario

-Ask right after you summarize the plan (diet, flea/tick prevention, vaccine schedule) so the client remembers the details.
-Make it easy: offer a texted link while they’re at the desk with their phone in hand.
-If the visit was $50–$100, frame the value as “clear answers and calm care,” not price.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

!Asking for a review while the owner is still holding a stressed pet or trying to get a cat back into the carrier—wait until checkout or send a text link after they’re in the car.

!Saying “Leave us a review if you can” without naming the visit type (vaccines, dental, emergency) or what to mention—clients freeze and don’t write anything.

!Only asking happy clients in the exam room but forgetting the next-day follow-up call/text—your highest-gratitude moment is often after the pet eats, sleeps, and seems okay at home.

!Responding to negative reviews with medical details (diagnoses, meds, test results)—that risks privacy and can escalate the conflict.

!Relying on voicemail for review/referral follow-ups during peak times—many pet owners never listen, especially when they’re juggling meds, cones, and work.

Review & Referral Request Scripts for Veterinarians

Google review request after a wellness exam (front desk checkout)

Tips for this scenario

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Explore SkipCalls

Pro Tips

Frequently Asked Questions