SMS Benchmarks for Pet Services

SMS benchmarks help pet services teams understand how texting supports timely care updates and stronger client relationships. In this guide, we explore the core SMS metrics shaping communication performance across veterinary clinics, groomers, and other pet care providers.

Average Response Rate

The average response rate in pet services is 18 to 28 percent, reflecting how often clients answer text messages from groomers, dog walkers, trainers, or veterinarians.

This range hints at how engaged pet parents feel when they receive updates about appointments, pickup times, or their animals daily care.

Response rate describes the portion of messages that get a reply compared with all texts that successfully reach customers phones.

It is calculated by taking the number of responses, dividing by delivered messages, then multiplying by one hundred to express that share as a percentage.

In pet services, this metric reveals how clearly teams communicate about scheduling, medical reminders, behavior progress, and special instructions.

A steady and healthy response rate usually signals that information is timely, relevant, and easy for busy pet owners to act on.

That reliability supports smoother daily workflows for staff, fewer missed visits, and more consistent routines for the pets themselves.

Average Opt-Out Rate

The average opt-out rate for pet services is 0.4–0.8 percent.

The opt-out rate shows how many people decide to stop receiving your pet care texts compared to how many messages are successfully delivered.

It is calculated by taking the number of opt-outs in a given period and dividing that by the total delivered texts for that same span.

In pet services, this benchmark highlights whether appointment reminders, grooming updates, adoption notices, and wellness tips feel helpful or overwhelming.

Keeping the opt-out rate comfortably within this range supports clear communication with pet owners and keeps messaging welcomed rather than ignored.

Average Click-Through Rate

The average click-through rate in pet services is 9–13% and reflects how frequently pet owners interact with links included in SMS messages.

It captures the portion of delivered texts that result in at least one tap on a trackable URL.

To find click-through rate, divide the total number of link clicks by the number of successfully delivered messages, then multiply the result by 100.

In pet services, this metric reveals how relevant messages are when people explore grooming schedules, review vaccination reminders, confirm daycare bookings, or check training updates.

Average Conversion Rate

The average conversion rate for pet services is 0.9–1.5%, reflecting how many people complete a booking or request after engaging with a message or campaign.

Conversion rate describes the share of recipients who perform a specific outcome such as scheduling grooming, daycare, or veterinary visits after receiving a text or email.

To find this percentage, you divide the number of completed appointments or purchases by the total messages successfully delivered, then multiply by 100.

In pet services, this metric matters because it reveals how clearly messages communicate value, how well they match owner needs, and how effectively they support steady, predictable demand.

Average Delivery Rate

The average delivery rate for pet services is 98–99%, meaning nearly every text message reaches the pet owner as intended.

This high level of reliability supports appointment reminders, grooming updates, veterinary follow ups, daycare notifications, and pickup alerts that help busy owners stay organised.

Delivery rate is calculated by dividing all messages that arrive successfully by the total sent, excluding those blocked by carriers or sent to invalid numbers.

In pet services, this metric matters because staff depend on timely SMS to coordinate care, reduce no shows, confirm bookings, and communicate urgent health or safety information.

Average Open Rate

The average open rate is 98%, which means pet parents almost always read text messages related to pet services.

In this context, open rate describes the percentage of delivered texts that recipients actually view.

It is calculated by taking the number of opened texts, dividing by the number of messages successfully delivered, then multiplying that result by 100.

For pet services such as grooming, veterinary care, walking, and boarding, open rate is crucial because time sensitive messages about appointments, pick up times, medication reminders, or special care instructions must be seen quickly.

High open rates make sure important updates reach owners when they matter most, supporting smoother visits and calmer pets.

Average Time to Read

The average time to read an SMS in pet services is 3 minutes.

Time to read describes how long it takes clients to open and view a text once it lands on their phone.

It is calculated by tracking the seconds between successful delivery and the first open for many messages, then averaging those results.

This metric matters in pet services because quick reading affects grooming schedules, vet appointment confirmations, daycare drop off updates, pickup timing, and urgent health alerts.

Faster attention to messages helps staff coordinate animals safely while keeping owners informed at the right moment.

Average Response Time

The average response time for pet services is 90 seconds, showing how quickly customers usually respond after they receive a text message.

Response time is the period between when a text reaches a customer and when their first reply is recorded.

This timing is calculated by taking every conversation and averaging the gaps between delivered messages and initial responses.

It is especially important in pet services because fast replies support quicker appointment adjustments, prompt updates about pet care, and rapid handling of urgent concerns.

A lower response time means customers stay engaged through SMS, which helps staff make sure pets and owners get timely communication.

Average Bounce Rate

The average bounce rate for pet services is 1–2%, which means only a tiny fraction of text alerts never reach pet owners.

This small share points to reliable customer records and strong message delivery.

Bounce rate is calculated by dividing undelivered SMS messages by all texts sent, then converting that figure into a percentage.

In pet services this metric matters because reminders about vaccinations, grooming slots, and daycare pick ups depend on trustworthy communication.

A low and steady bounce rate helps keep contact lists clean so staff can make sure daily schedules, health updates, and emergency notices are sent without interruption.

Why Are SMS Metrics Important?

In pet services, tracking SMS metrics is like watching the health of your daily communication with pet parents.

These numbers reveal whether messages about grooming visits, pet daycare, or vet check ins are actually reaching phones and being noticed.

Delivery rate and open rate highlight how reliably your updates arrive and how quickly clients pay attention to them.

Response rate shows if owners feel comfortable replying, asking questions, or confirming details.

Conversion and click through rates reveal how often texts lead to booked appointments, extra services, or helpful form completions.

By studying these metrics, pet services can make sure messages stay clear, timely, and genuinely useful.

Overview of Pet Services

The pet services industry relies on fast, dependable communication to coordinate care, respond to urgent requests, and meet high expectations from attentive pet owners.

Clients often want immediate updates and clear information about availability, policies, and operational changes, which makes delayed or missed messages especially frustrating.

SMS offers a direct channel with near universal reach and very high engagement rates, helping pet service providers share time sensitive details in real time.

By delivering concise information straight to customers phones, SMS supports smoother operations, reduces miscommunication, and helps staff stay focused on care activities.

This timely and reliable channel strengthens trust, improves overall customer experience, and keeps pet services aligned with increasingly mobile first client behavior.

SMS Use Cases in Pet Services

SMS helps pet services deliver fast, personal updates that reduce owner anxiety and streamline daily workflows.

Text messaging provides a reliable, immediate channel for confirmations, care updates, and time-sensitive health alerts.

 Appointment confirmations and reminders cut no-shows by sending curbside check-in codes and short pre-visit intake links.

 Pickup and drop-off texts share real-time status, estimated wait times, and contactless release instructions so owners can plan arrivals.

 Medication, refill, and vaccination reminders help make sure pets stay on schedule and let clients request refills or quick follow-up by text.

 Boarding and grooming updates send photos, behavior notes, and pickup readiness alerts to keep owners informed and reduce callback time.

FAQs About SMS Benchmarks for Pet Services

How can pet services use SMS to keep pet owners informed about appointments?

Pet services can send quick SMS reminders for upcoming grooming sessions, vet visits, or daycare drop-offs. This helps pet owners stay organized and reduces missed appointments.

SMS can also be used to confirm bookings and notify clients about any schedule changes. This creates a smoother experience for both the business and the pet owner.

What kinds of pet updates can be shared through SMS during daycare or boarding?

Staff can text brief updates like when a dog has been fed, walked, or participated in playtime. These simple messages reassure owners that their pets are safe and cared for.

Photos or short descriptions can be linked from the SMS to show pets enjoying their stay. This strengthens trust and encourages repeat visits.

How can SMS help pet services manage last-minute changes or emergencies?

SMS allows pet services to quickly reach owners if a pet becomes ill or needs urgent attention. Fast communication helps owners respond promptly and make informed decisions.

It is also useful for notifying clients about unexpected closures or delays. This keeps everyone aligned without relying on phone calls or emails.

How should pet services use SMS to promote new offerings without annoying clients?

Pet services can send occasional texts about new grooming packages, training classes, or seasonal services. Messages should be relevant to the pets and previous services the owner has used.

Businesses should avoid sending messages too frequently and always include clear value for the recipient. This makes clients more receptive and comfortable staying subscribed.