If you’re running a veterinary practice and not using video as part of your marketing strategy, you’re missing a major opportunity to connect with pet owners.
Video is one of the most effective ways to build trust, increase engagement, and grow your online presence. From educational explainers to behind-the-scenes clips, video content helps practices stand out and stay top of mind - especially on social media, where attention spans are short and competition is high.
In this blog post, we’ll explore why video marketing is worth your time, how to make the most of it on social platforms, and practical tips for filming better videos.
Key takeaways:
Video content builds trust and boosts engagement. It helps veterinary practices connect with clients, educate pet owners, and stand out on social media.
You don’t need expensive equipment. With a smartphone and a few simple techniques, you can create effective, authentic videos.
Consistency is key. Posting regularly and aligning content with seasonal topics or client FAQs will help you stay relevant and visible.
Why video content matters for vet practices
Pet owners want to feel confident about where they’re taking their pets - and video builds that confidence quickly. It’s a way to showcase your team, your facilities, and your values in a format that feels authentic and relatable.
Here’s why it works:
Video builds trust: A quick “meet the team” clip or a look behind the scenes can help demystify the clinic experience. Seeing your staff interact warmly with patients helps pet owners feel more comfortable and confident in their choice of vet.
It helps educate clients: Short, informative videos explaining common conditions, treatments, or wellness tips can help your clients make better decisions.
It boosts visibility: Social media algorithms tend to prioritize video content. Videos often receive more views, shares, and engagement than text or static images.
It improves SEO: Hosting video on your website (especially on high-traffic pages) can increase time-on-site and reduce bounce rates, both of which are positive SEO signals.
Social media is built for video - here’s how to use it
If you’re active on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok, video needs to be part of your strategy. And it doesn’t have to be overly produced. In fact, authentic, lightly edited videos often perform better than polished promos.
Here are a few ways to approach each platform:
Instagram & Facebook Reels: These short, vertical videos are ideal for quick tips, pet highlights, or daily snapshots of clinic life. Keep it casual and consistent.
YouTube: Great for longer-form educational content or client testimonials.
Stories and live video: Go live for Q&As, community events, or meet-the-team sessions. Stories are also a great place for showing off happy pets after their visit (with owner consent, of course).
TikTok (if appropriate): Not every clinic needs to be on TikTok, but if your audience skews younger or you have a playful team culture, it can be a great platform for fun, bite-sized content.
Pro tip: Whatever the platform, keep your tone friendly and informative. Aim to answer questions pet owners are already asking.
6 easy video ideas to get you started
Not sure what to film? Start with simple, repeatable formats. You don’t need a big camera setup or a full script - just a clear message and a smartphone.
Here are six ideas that work well for most practices:
Clinic tour: Show new clients what to expect - clean exam rooms, friendly faces, and calm environments.
Meet the team: Introduce vets, nurses, and reception staff. Let them share why they love working with animals.
Pet care explainers: Cover common questions about vaccinations, dental care, parasite prevention, or post-op recovery.
Before-and-after transformations: Think dental procedures, grooming, or recovery stories (with owner consent).
Day in the life: A short montage of a typical day at your clinic helps humanize your team and show your care in action.
Seasonal tips: Share advice for hot weather, cold weather, fireworks season, or tick hotspots in your area.
These types of videos are easy to plan, easy to batch record, and can be scheduled in advance using your social media tools. Check out this blog post for more social media content ideas for veterinary clinics!
Quick tips for filming better videos - even on your phone
You don’t need a production crew to create great video content. With a bit of planning and a few best practices, you can significantly improve the quality of your footage using nothing more than a smartphone.
Here’s how to get better results:
Use natural light: Film near a window or in a well-lit space. Avoid filming in front of bright backdrops (like windows), which can cause your subject to appear dark.
Keep it steady: Shaky footage can be distracting. Use a tripod or prop your phone against a stable surface.
Mind your sound: Try to film in a quiet area. If you’re recording audio, consider using a basic clip-on microphone. Clear audio is just as important as clear visuals.
Frame your subject properly: Hold your phone horizontally for YouTube or websites, and vertically for Instagram or TikTok. Make sure your subject is centered and at eye level.
Keep it short and focused: Aim for 30-60 seconds for social platforms. For educational videos, stay under two minutes unless the topic really demands more.
Add captions: Many viewers scroll with the sound off. Use apps like CapCut, InShot, or Canva to easily add text.
If your practice uses a client portal or automated communication system through your practice management software, these short videos can be embedded into pre-visit instructions, wellness reminders, or post-op care messages. This not only reinforces key information but also builds consistency in how you communicate with pet owners.
FAQS: Video marketing for veterinary clinics
1. What type of videos should a veterinary clinic post on social media?
Veterinary clinics should post a mix of educational, behind-the-scenes, and patient-focused content. Examples include pet care tips, staff introductions, clinic tours, recovery stories, and seasonal health advice. These videos help build trust and engage with pet owners in an authentic way.
2. How can I make professional-looking vet videos using just a phone?
Use natural light, hold the phone steady (or use a tripod), and film in a quiet space. Add captions for accessibility, keep the message clear and concise, and use free apps like CapCut or Canva for basic editing. Good lighting and sound make the biggest difference in perceived quality.
3. Why is video marketing important for veterinary practices?
Video marketing helps veterinary practices increase client engagement, educate pet owners, and build trust. Video content performs better on social media and can also improve website SEO by keeping visitors on your site longer. It’s a powerful way to connect with both current and potential clients.
4. How often should a veterinary clinic post video content?
Aim to post at least one to two videos per month to stay active and consistent. Batch-recording videos in advance can help busy clinics maintain a regular schedule. Tie content to seasonal topics, pet health awareness campaigns, or common client questions.
5. Can I use videos in veterinary client communications or reminders?
Yes. You can embed short videos in client emails, appointment reminders, or post-visit instructions to improve understanding and engagement. If you use practice management software like ABCVet, look for tools that let you automate this process and personalize the content.
Conclusion
Video marketing doesn’t have to be time-consuming, expensive, or intimidating. Start small. Focus on authenticity, clarity, and topics that matter to your clients. You’ll be surprised how quickly video helps build stronger relationships and a more recognizable brand.
Ready to take your clinic’s marketing to the next level? Download our free veterinary marketing guide for practical tips and ideas to grow your practice.