AI Didn’t Replace SEO, But It Did Change the Rules: How Pet Businesses Can Future-Proof Their Websites Now
- ekrorkx
- 1 day ago
- 6 min read
Updated: 56 minutes ago
If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by how fast the online world is shifting, especially when it comes to AI, search, and how people are finding and booking businesses, you’re not alone.
Between AI overviews popping up in Google, social media feeling like a never-ending hamster wheel, and constant algorithm updates, it’s easy to wonder:
“Is my website even relevant anymore?” Or worse: “Do I need to start over?”
If your site is collecting dust, still running on strategies from 2018, or looks great but isn’t pulling in the right people, you’re exactly who this post is for.
The good news? After digging into the latest research, learning from SEO experts, and seeing what’s working (and what’s not) for our pet business clients, I’m actually excited about what’s coming next. Why? Because…
Your website is still your biggest SEO power move.
You just need to know how to use it in today’s online world.
Let’s break down what’s changing, what that means for your pet business, and the simple but strategic updates you can make to future-proof your website.
Subscribe & download the episode to your device: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube
How AI Overviews Are Changing Google Search Results for Pet Business Owners
If you’ve searched for anything on Google lately, you’ve probably seen AI Overviews at the top of your results. These are those little summaries that give you the answer right away, no clicking needed.
And if you’ve thought, “Well, there goes my website traffic!”
You’re not alone. I’ve totally had that moment, too.
But here’s what the data says:
A recent report from Kevin Indig at Growth Memo found that pages without AI overviews get twice the pageviews compared to ones with AI summaries. So yes, traffic is shifting, but not equally across the board.
Why Local Pet Businesses Still Have SEO Opportunities
For niche or local businesses like pet sitters, dog walkers, or dog trainers, you’re actually in a really great spot.
AI overviews haven’t fully taken over local search (yet), which means there’s still a huge opportunity to get found through helpful, clear, and strategic website content that speaks directly to your ideal clients.
But because AI is here to stay, it’s time to start adjusting your website now so you become the go-to solution for local pet parents searching for exactly what you offer.
Why Your Pet Business Website Is More Important Than Ever
Here’s the wild part.
Your website is no longer just about getting clicks. It’s about training the AI bots.
Google is scanning your site to figure out:
What you offer
Who you serve
Where you’re located
Whether you’re credible
How Clear Website Content Helps You Rank Higher
If your homepage is vague or your services page is trying to jam in 15 keywords per sentence, Google isn’t going to know how to categorize you.
Think of it like introducing yourself to someone new, but mumbling the whole time.
You’re not wrong. You’re just not clear. And clarity wins online.
AI is getting better at understanding search intent and nuance. That means when someone searches for a dog trainer in Kansas City who uses positive reinforcement and works with leash-reactive dogs, Google and AI will favor the businesses that clearly say:
That’s who they help
That’s what they do
That’s where they’re located
And here’s proof (via content, reviews, social media, etc.)
If your website reflects exactly who you help and how, you’ll start showing up as the perfect fit for the right clients.
From Domain Authority to Brand Authority: The New SEO Focus for Local Pet Businesses
For years, SEO was all about domain authority, which evaluates how many backlinks you have, how old your site is, and other technical factors.
But now? Google is shifting toward overall brand authority.
What Is Brand Authority and Why Does It Matter for SEO?
Brand authority is about showing consistency across everything you do online. Google is looking at:
Your website
Your blogs
Your social media
Your online reviews
Your podcast guest spots
Even your community involvement
If all of those things align and clearly point to you as the expert in your specific area, Google is more likely to recommend you.
If your website says you’re a pet sitter but your Instagram is all random memes and hiking photos, you’re sending mixed signals. But if your website, blog, Instagram, and Google Business Profile all consistently highlight your services, expertise, and local focus, that’s when Google pays attention.
What Google Wants Now: SEO Best Practices for 2025
According to Google’s most recent Search Quality Rater Guidelines, here’s what they’re prioritizing:
First-hand experience
Actual helpfulness
Relevant, easy-to-understand content
Stop Keyword Stuffing and Start Answering Real Questions
No more writing like a robot or stuffing in keywords just to check an SEO box.It’s about answering real questions from real people.
Think about your dream client:
What are they googling late at night when they’re stressing about their dog’s separation anxiety?
What are they typing into search when they need a last-minute sitter for Labor Day weekend?
Those are the questions you should be answering on your website and in your blogs.
4 Simple SEO Updates to Future-Proof Your Pet Business Website
Ready to get ahead of the game? Here are four action steps you can take this week:
1. Audit Your Homepage and Services Pages for Local SEO Clarity
Are you clearly stating what you do, who you serve, and where you’re located? You want to make sure you do this ABOVE the fold which means they see the answer to this before they have to start scrolling through.
2. Write Blog Posts That Answer Local Pet Parent Questions
Skip the generic stuff (i.e. no more posts on ‘why you should hire a professional pet sitter’ please!). Think more strategically and more refined to your local area:
“What’s the best pet sitter in [Your City] for shy cats?”
“How to find a last-minute dog walker in [Your City]”
“The best dog-friendly restaurants in [Your City]”
Want more ideas? We’ve got you covered with our FREE blog post ideas guide for pet businesses. Find step-by-step examples for creating posts that resonate with your audience and make your content creation easier than ever, with specific tips for groomers, trainers, pet photographers, pet sitters, and more!
3. Repurpose Your Content Across All Platforms
Turn your blog posts into Instagram posts, short videos, or podcast episodes to build brand authority everywhere you show up.
4. Track What’s Working With Google Analytics or Client Feedback
Use Google Search Console, Google Analytics, or simply ask new clients: “How did you find us?” The answers will tell you what’s working, what’s not working, and what to focus on or create next.
Want More SEO Help for Your Local Pet Business?
If you’re ready to dive deeper into SEO for your pet business, check out our course: SEO Unleashed.
It walks you through how to optimize your site, write better blogs, and create content that gets found online without having to become a tech expert.
Plus, as part of our podcast episode release on the topic, you can access our podcast listener bonus (in this case… our podcast blog post episode reader lol): Use code PMUPODCAST for 10% off.
Or, grab our free Quick 5-Minute SEO Wins Guide for small but mighty updates you can make today.
Adapt Your SEO Strategy Without Starting Over
I know it can feel like AI and Google are changing the rules every five minutes.But, luckily, this blog post or podcast episode is not about starting over. It’s just about adapting intentionally.
The businesses that stay clear, strategic, and consistent are the ones that will keep showing up in local search results. So instead of stressing about the shifts, lean into them.
Speak directly to your ideal clients.
Show up where it matters.
And make sure your website reflects exactly who you are and how you help.
At the end of the day, pet parents are still searching for your services. You just want to make it easy for them to find you!
