Being active on social media is a non-negotiable for most veterinary practices.
It’s a great way to showcase your work while building relationships and trust with new or existing clients.
It can be tricky thinking of inspiration to keep your posts varied and interesting though, so we’ve rounded up 26 veterinary social media ideas to make sure your page stands out.
At R&Co Communications, we have more than 20 years of experience in the veterinary sector.
As one of the leading veterinary PR and marketing agencies we have delivered award-winning campaigns and overseen social media for some of the country’s top vets and referral hospitals.
1. Veterinary patient case studies
Taking followers on the patient’s journey is one of the most popular types of post for vets. Before and after images work particularly well, showcasing how far a patient has come and highlighting the difference your veterinary skills have made.
These posts should explain the original issue, treatment and include an update on how the animal is now.
Try to avoid technical terminology across Facebook and Instagram, but LinkedIn is ideal for sharing more details and scan images which will be of interest to your peers.
When using case studies for veterinary social media posts, it is important to gain written permission from the pet owner before publishing to ensure they are happy with you sharing their pet’s story.
2. National awareness days
One of our favourite social media ideas for veterinary practices is making the most of awareness days. These are an easy win when it comes to planning and should be the basis of your social media planning calendar.
For inspiration on upcoming national and international days, check out our vets and pets marketing calendar.
3. Infographics
Use design apps like Canva or Adobe to create useful graphics to share advice to pet owners. These could be around topics like ‘how to keep your dog cool in summer’ or ‘tips for brushing your dog’s teeth’.
4. Meet the team
Let your clients know a bit more about the staff at your practice by creating posts about each member. From receptionists through to veterinary specialists, write about why they love their job and working at your practice.
5. Practice information
Having some work done to your premises, or are there traffic lights near your practice which clients should be aware of? Use social media platforms to spread the word on access, changes to opening times or any other event that may impact how they can contact you.
6. Cute photo opportunities
Everyone loves a cute puppy or kitten picture, so if a particularly adorable animal comes through the door, get a snap! Make sure you receive the owner’s approval and the pet’s name and age for the post.
7. Behind the scenes
Aside from the day-to-day operations of the practice, it’s important to write about other things your team is doing. From team building days to fundraising events, take some footage and let people know what you are up to!
8. Opening times
Sporadic posts reminding clients of your opening hours are always useful. It’s equally important to post ahead of bank holidays as social media is often the first place clients will go to find this information.
9. Holiday content – Halloween/ Christmas
Key events like Christmas, Halloween, Easter and Bonfire Night are great easy wins to base posts around.
Provide advice and information in your posts, like how to help pets who are scared of fireworks, or festive foods which are toxic to animals.
Signpost clients towards your services with these types of posts too, if they feel they need more advice from a vet or vet nurse.
10. Special offers
You may want to use social media to help highlight an offer you are holding in the practice.
It is also possible to help drive sales, or see the impact of your social media marketing activities, by posting an offer exclusively for social media followers.
11. CPD
When it comes to social media posts for vet clinics, it’s important to also include content your peers may be interested in.
Primarily use LinkedIn to advertise CPD events you are holding, or to shout about recent sessions your team have been part of.
12. Testimonials
If a client is really pleased with an outcome for their pet, then ask if they would mind sharing their thoughts on your practice.
Just a few lines about their experience, and a picture of their pet can make a great post, showcasing real customer opinions and boosting trust among other pet owners.
13. Lost and found pets
Plenty of vet practices will have animals brought in who are found lost or straying. Help reunite them with their owners by creating a post to share.
Follow this up with an update either when they are reunited or collected by the dog warden.
14. Call to action
Increase community engagement by encouraging discussion through calls to action and asking direct questions.
Pet owners love to share pictures of their own animals so encourage people to leave pictures in the comments with a certain theme like – ‘who’s dog has the best puppy dog eyes? Post a picture of your pooch in the comments!’.
15. Adoptions
If you support a specific rescue or are treating an animal that is being cared for by a charity and looking for a home, then help spread the word.
Post about some of the animals available for adoption nearby and call on your followers to share your post too.
16. Training tips
Share some training tips for new dog parents – like how to puppy-proof your home, reading dog body language and positive reinforcement.
You could also post a video of some fun, easy training, like ‘paw’ or ‘fetch’.
17. Enrichment games
Here’s a vet clinic social media idea for rainy days! Share some free and easy enrichment games to help dog owners keep their pets busy.
Alternatively, share some recommended products, how to use them, and some of the benefits.
18. New products or equipment
Another veterinary social media idea is to promote any new state-of-the-art equipment at the practice.
Explain what it is and the benefits, and how it will help local pets, by sharing a video. You could even include a demonstration of it in your content.
19. Prepare your pet for their vet visit
Some animals hate visiting the vets, but there are things both the practice and owner can do to make appointments more positive.
Share some tips on how owners can help their pet ahead of their next visit and make it a calmer experience.
20. Staff pets
Let clients find out more about your team by introducing their pets!
These types of social media posts for vet clinics are a great way of talking about the different animals you can treat at your practice.
21. Favourite dog walks
Nothing beats a bit of local intel, so ask your team to share their favourite walks which you can shout about to your followers.
To increase engagement, you can also ask for tips from your online community.
22. Whitepapers
If one of your team has contributed to a veterinary paper, or received funding to carry out research, then shout about it on social media.
It’s a great way to show the knowledge and expertise you have within your team.
23. Create polls
These can be used just for fun, or to gain information for further marketing activities. Plus, they are an easy win to drive up engagement.
You could ask questions about how much people spend on their pets at Christmas or for Valentine’s Day, or ask more serious questions like the signs of heat stroke in dogs and cats.
24. Events
If your veterinary hospital or practice is holding a charity event or open day, post about it on socials.
This can help drive interest in the event and is a good way of calling for support if you are looking for donations or volunteers.
25. Pet first aid training
Share some pet first aid training advice through a ‘how to’ carousel, or highlight animal first aid events which are being held locally.
26. Trivia
Entertain followers with some interesting animal facts, pet care advice or other quirky, fun bits of information. Everyone loves to learn something surprising!
This could be a regular series or tied to a specific event, such as a national day.
Social media content with bite
At R&Co we’re experts when it comes to veterinary organic social media marketing.
With more than 20 years of experience in the sector, we’re one of the leading veterinary PR and marketing agencies.
Our team has delivered award-winning campaigns and overseen social media for some of the country’s top vets and referral hospitals.
We can make sure your social media presence is optimised to help you grow and deliver your story. Talk to our team to find out more.
