How Pet Groomers Can Get Repeat Customers With Loyalty Cards & Reminders

Bringing in a new customer is just the beginning for a pet business. Real growth happens when pet owners return again for grooming, treats, daycare, or supplies. 

That is why simple retention tools can make a big difference. Loyal pet customers spend 2.5x more on products and services than new customers, according to ZipDo's pet industry statistics. Simple printed materials, such as loyalty cards, appointment reminder postcards, coupon cards, and packaging inserts, can help keep your business top of mind without relying on expensive software or complicated systems.  

This guide covers practical ways pet businesses can use print-based retention tools to encourage repeat visits and build stronger long-term customer relationships. 

Printed materials still help bring customers back because they fit into a pet owner’s daily routine. Loyalty cards motivate people to return for grooming, and printed coupons, reminder cards, and handouts keep your services in their thoughts between visits. These items are a physical reminder for proper pet-care, which includes grooming, daycare, or seasonal follow-ups. Since pet care is often scheduled regularly, good print promotions help your salon stay visible, build stronger relationships, and keep customers coming back. 

So what are the best print products to represent the pet business for recurring customers? 

Loyalty cards work best when they are simple and quick to complete. If rewards take too long to earn, customers often lose interest because the goal feels out of reach. 

It’s better to offer smaller rewards that motivate customers to come back more often. 

Examples of Simple Loyalty Programs That Work 

Here are some popular examples used by pet businesses: 

• Buy 5 grooming appointments, get a free nail trim.   
• After 6 self-wash visits, the 7th wash is free.   
• Buy 8 bags of treats, get 1 free.   
• Spend $50 on pet bakery items and receive a free seasonal treat.   

These types of rewards help customers easily track their progress. 

When a loyalty card is partly filled, it gives customers an extra push to come back. This is known as the "goal gradient effect," where people feel more motivated to finish a task as they get closer to the reward. 

For pet groomers, loyalty cards can also help stabilize scheduling. Customers who know they are working toward a reward are more likely to stay on a regular grooming cycle.  

Make the Loyalty Card Feel Personal  

Adding small touches can make loyalty cards more useful. For example, write the pet’s name on the card, include the next recommended visit date, leave space for staff notes, and use thicker card stock so the card lasts longer in wallets or purses. These details make the card feel helpful instead of just an advertisement. 

A simple way to keep customers coming back is to remind them when it is time for their next visit. 

Reminder systems benefit pet groomers, dog trainers, daycare centers, boarding facilities, and other pet wellness services that rely on regular appointments. Printed appointment reminder postcards can reach customers as they plan their next visit. 

A Simple Reminder System  

You do not need complex software to begin. Many small businesses use this practical approach: 

At Checkout  

Provide customers with a small appointment reminder card that includes: 

• their pet's name 
• the service completed 
• the recommended return timeframe 
• your contact information   

Before the Next Visit  

Send a reminder postcard one to two weeks before the recommended return date. 

For example: 

• "Bella is due for her next grooming appointment soon."   
• "Max's nail trim is coming up next week."   
• "Time for Luna's spring de-shedding treatment."   

This approach is helpful and avoids a sales-driven tone.  

Discounts should encourage good customer habits instead of making people wait for the next deal. Coupon or discount cards work better when they guide customers toward a specific action. 

How to Use Coupon Cards Well 

• Use your promotions to encourage customers to return sooner. 

Example:  
"Come back within 30 days and receive 10% off your next wash."  

• Promote your additional services and exclusive offers 

Example:  
"Try our de-shedding treatment during your next grooming appointment."  

• Give freebies and deals when customers spend more on your services. 

Example:  
"Spend $50 on treats or toys and receive a free pet bandana."  

• Use your coupons to reach out to customers you haven’t seen in a while. 

Example:  
"We miss seeing Charlie. Bring this card back this month for a complimentary nail trim."  

These offers have the most impact when they are timely and feel personal to each customer’s pet. 

If you sell pet products, whether online or in a physical store, adding packaging inserts is a simple way to encourage customers to come back. 

When a customer opens their package, they are usually focused on your brand. A thoughtful insert can help turn a single order into a repeat purchase. 

Helpful Packaging Insert Ideas 

• Reorder reminders 

"Most customers reorder these treats every 30 days." 

• Pet care product tips 

"Store treats in a cool, dry place to keep them fresh longer." 

• Seasonal tips and recommendations 

"Heavy shedding season is starting soon. Ask about our de-shedding services." 

• Special offers for next time 

"Bring this coupon card during your next visit for a free add-on." 

• Educational Mini Guides  

Examples:  

• How often should you trim your dog's nails? 
• How to tell if your dog needs grooming sooner? 
• Tips to help reduce shedding at home 

Useful inserts help keep your business on customers’ minds without coming across as too promotional. 

When you use print materials to bring customers back, it’s important to track how well they work for your business. 

Begin by keeping track of how many loyalty cards are filled, how many reminder postcards lead to bookings, which coupon cards are used most, how often customers come back, and which packaging inserts lead to repeat purchases. 

As time goes on, you might see that reminder postcards bring back more customers, coupon cards get people to return sooner, and loyalty program members spend more overall. 

These insights can help small businesses make better decisions without making things too complicated.