How to get more Google reviews for your veterinary clinic
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Google's own advice is to remind pet owners to leave a review with a Google link or QR code, reply to reviews, and value all of them, positive and negative. Any incentive for a review is banned, and so is asking only happy pet owners.
1. Get your review link and QR code
In your Google Business Profile, choose Ask for reviews (or Get more reviews). Google gives you a short link and a QR code to share. Pet owners must be signed in to a Google Account to post.
Free Google review link and QR code maker
2. Ask at the right moment
Ask after a routine visit or once a treated pet has recovered, not straight after bad news.
3. Put the link where pet owners already are
- a QR card at reception
- the vaccination or check-up reminder email
- the follow-up message after treatment
4. Reply to every review
Keep replies short, specific and polite. Don't use them to promote offers, and never share a reviewer's private information.
What to avoid
- Discounts, gifts, free services or prize draws for a review, or for changing or removing one.
- Asking only pet owners you expect to be happy (review gating).
- Pressuring people to review on the spot, giving staff review targets, or asking for specific wording or staff names.
- Reviews by you, staff, family or friends, and bought reviews.
Specific to vets
Use judgement with timing: don't send review requests to owners after a pet has died or after a difficult diagnosis. Ask everyone else the same way.
The law, not just Google
In the US, the FTC's rule on consumer reviews bans fake reviews, buying positive or negative reviews, and suppressing reviews through threats or by hiding negative ones on your own website. In the EU, Directive 2019/2161 added fake reviews to the list of banned commercial practices.
Check your Google Business Profile
Paste your Google Maps link and get a PDF within 24–48 h: profile completeness score, how many negative reviews have no reply, the most repeated complaints with real quotes, and up to 10 fixes in priority order.
Audit my profile for €19 (launch price, €49 from 1 Dec 2026) · See a sample report · Free review link and QR code · Free suspension risk check
More trades: how to get more Google reviews · All local guides
Sources
- Google Business Profile Help: Tips to get more reviews
- Maps user contributed content policy
- FTC: final rule banning fake reviews and testimonials (Aug 2024)
- 16 CFR 465.7: review suppression
- Directive (EU) 2019/2161 (fake reviews added to the EU list of banned commercial practices)
Independent guide by Revunda. Not affiliated with Google. General information, not legal advice.
FAQ
Can I offer a discount for a Google review?
No. Google bans incentives such as payment, discounts or free goods or services in exchange for posting, changing or removing a review, and removes those reviews.
Can I ask only happy pet owners for reviews?
No. Google's policy does not allow merchants to selectively solicit positive reviews or discourage negative ones. Ask everyone the same way.
Where do I find my Google review link?
In your Google Business Profile, use "Ask for reviews" or "Get more reviews" to copy the short link or download the QR code.