Dog groomers have one clear moment to ask for a Google review, which is when the owner comes to collect and sees their dog freshly groomed for the first time. Owners are usually pleased, and many get their phone out to take a photo anyway, so a review card or stand to tap at that point usually gets more reviews than a link sent days later. Reviews matter in grooming, because people trusting someone new with their dog want to read what other owners say first.
When to ask
Ask at collection, once you've brought the dog out, the owner has had a look and you've told them how the groom went. If they've stopped to take a photo or are making a fuss of the dog, that's the moment. It works the same for mobile groomers when the dog comes out of the van on the owner's driveway.
Avoid asking at drop-off, when the owner is in a hurry and hasn't seen anything yet, or while you're handing over a lead to a dog that's desperate to get home. If the owner is clearly rushed, let the follow-up text do the asking instead.
What to say
- "She's been as good as gold today. If you've got a minute, a Google review would really help us. You can just tap your phone on this card."
- "We're a small salon and most new customers find us on Google, so reviews make a big difference. There's a stand on the counter if you'd like to leave one."
Owners often mention their dog by name in reviews, and sometimes the groomer too. That's useful for anyone reading, because it shows real dogs and real visits.
Cards, stands and stickers in a grooming salon
- A stand on the counter. A Google review stand (£35) by the till or card machine catches owners as they pay and book the next groom.
- A card for each groomer. A Google review card (£30) in the groomer's pocket means they can ask when they hand the dog over, without walking to the counter.
- A sticker in the van. Mobile groomers can put a Google review NFC sticker (£25) on a plastic surface by the van door. Avoid metal panels, as metal stops NFC working.
Each one arrives programmed with your own Google review link, so the owner's phone opens your review page straight away. There's no monthly fee. If an owner's phone doesn't have NFC, Google's own free review QR code on a small printed card is a good backup.
Use your booking reminders too
Many groomers already send a text when the dog is ready to collect, or a reminder before the next appointment. Add a short follow-up after the groom with your review link, sent that evening while the dog still looks its best. It catches the owners who were juggling a lead, a dog and car keys at collection and didn't get round to it. Our guide on sending your review link by text or WhatsApp has wordings you can adapt.
Photos
People choosing a groomer look closely at the photos on a Google profile. Add your own photos of finished grooms regularly, with the owner's permission, and mention to owners that they can add their own photo to their review if they'd like to.
Things to avoid
- Offering a free nail clip, a discount or a treat bag in return for a review. Google doesn't allow incentives, and paying for reviews is illegal in the UK.
- Only asking the regulars or the owners who seem happiest. Ask everyone.
- Asking staff, or their friends and family, to post reviews.
Our article on Google's review rules covers what's allowed.
When an owner isn't happy
Typical complaints in grooming include a coat taken shorter than the owner wanted because it was badly matted, or a dog that came home stressed. Reply calmly, say you're sorry they weren't happy, explain briefly if there was a welfare reason for what you did, and invite them to call you to talk it through. Avoid arguing in public or blaming the owner for the state of the coat, as people reading the review later will judge the salon by your reply. Our guide on how to respond to Google reviews has examples.
Common questions
Should I ask for a review after every groom?
Ask new customers after their first groom, and regulars every so often rather than at every visit. A regular who has never left one can be asked again after a few months.
Can owners add photos of their dog to a Google review?
Yes. Google lets reviewers add photos, and plenty of owners like to show off the finished groom.
Where should a review stand go in a grooming salon?
On the counter where owners pay and book the next appointment, close to the card machine.