Getting Social: 5 Ways Pet Care Businesses Can Use TikTok

TikTok isn’t just for dance challenges and memes—it’s a powerhouse marketing tool for small businesses, especially in the pet care industry. The platform evaluates each video on its own merits, focusing on: 

• User engagement 

• Watch time 

• Relevant content 

This is great news for small businesses because you don’t need a massive follower count or big ad budget to reach new audiences. TikTok’s algorithm can push your content to thousands (or millions) of users in your area based purely on performance, helping you attract new clients and grow your grooming business. 

Quick TikTok stats to chew on: 

• 1.5 billion global users; 170 million monthly active users in the U.S. 

• Available in 154+ countries (SocialPilot) 

• Users spend an average of 53.8 minutes daily on the app, opening it about 19 times a day 

• 50% of TikTok users have made a purchase after seeing something in their feed 

For pet care brands, TikTok is a prime place to: 

• Share credible, educational tips (think: groomers explaining how owners can best prep for appointments or seasonal grooming advice) 

• Tell engaging stories that spark emotional connections 

• Build trust while showcasing your unique personality 

Here’s how to make it work for you. 

1. Post Like a Pro (Consistency Is Key!) 

TikTok moves fast, and consistency helps you stay visible. Many small businesses see results by dedicating 30–60 minutes a day to: 

• Filming quick tips, how-to videos, or seasonal pet care advice 

• Responding to customer comments or questions 

• Jumping on relevant trends before they pass 

Pro posting tips: 

• Optimal frequency for brands: Research shows the sweet spot is 3–5 posts per week. Consistency matters more than sheer volume for long-term growth. 

• TikTok’s own guidance recommends creators aim for 1–4 posts per day to align with how the platform encourages user retention. 

• Flexible but strategic: Buffer suggests that even 1–4 posts per week can outperform daily posting—as long as the content is relevant and high-quality. But newer or smaller accounts might benefit from ramping up to 5+ posts weekly. 

2. Stay Trend-Aware—but Authentic to Your Brand 

Trends come and go quickly, sometimes within days. This means you need to check your Discover page often. Save trending audio or effects that you can adapt to highlight your products or services. 

The trick? Stay on brand. Just because a trend is viral doesn’t mean it’s right for you. Use trends as a creative spark but add your own pet-care twist. 

Why it matters: 

• Short, punchy storytelling is essential: TikTok trends include 10–15-second bite-sized narratives to capture attention fast. 

• Creative storytelling opportunities are broad: TikTok calls it “Brand Chem,” where the platform emphasizes listening and adapting—using stories to build emotional brand bonds. 

• Authenticity is trending: Businesses embracing vulnerable, behind-the-scenes storytelling (like sharing failures) are seeing real engagement. 

3. Harness the Power of (Authentic) Storytelling 

There’s that word again: authenticity. But what does that mean for you as a business owner and creator? Well, simply put: today’s audiences crave what’s real. This means that overproduced videos can feel distant to consumers, while authentic moments build a connection. Show the faces (and paws!) behind your business by introducing your team, sharing your philosophy, and spotlighting customer success stories. 

Why storytelling works:

• High engagement in pet niche: Pet brands average an engagement rate of about 2.8% per view, while some high performers like BarkBox push engagement even higher. 

• Engagement in educational content: Educational TikToks, in general, pull in around 9.5% engagement, outperforming other categories. 

4. Keep It Short and Sweet 

Attention spans on TikTok are short—hook your viewer in the first 3 seconds and stick to one clear idea. 

Best practices: 

• Platforms recommend 10–15-second narratives, especially for snappy storytelling that stops the scroll 

• Use text overlays or captions so viewers can follow along without sound 

• End with a call to action (e.g., “Follow for more pet care tips!”) 

5. Educate (or Entertain) with Authority 

Pet owners love TikTok creators who blend fun with expertise. Share trustworthy tips, playful insights, and educational how-tos to position yourself as a go-to source. 

Why this works: 

• Educational content sees 9.5%+ engagement 

• Some pet influencers earn 7%+ engagement rates, far above TikTok’s average  

• The U.S. pet industry is booming—94 million households now own pets, with spending projected to reach $157 billion in 2025 

TL;DR 

TikTok’s playing field is more level than you think, and you don’t need millions of followers to get noticed. Your pet care business can win big on TikTok with consistent posting, trend-savvy creativity, authentic storytelling, concise messaging, and value-packed content. 

So, grab your phone, brainstorm your first batch of ideas, and hit record—your next customer might be just one scroll away. 

There are only so many hours in the day, and with your focus now including social media strategy, you need a software partner that works behind the scenes for you. With DaySmart Pet dog grooming software, you can streamline operations and manage everything from appointments to pet profiles with ease—so you can get back to posting those *authentic* videos. 

Start your 14-day free trial and experience the difference yourself!