Testimonial Request Sequence for Kennels Email Guide
Why Testimonial Request Sequence Emails Fail for Kennels (And How to Fix Them)
A new client calls, ready to book, then asks for references. Your stomach drops because your best reviews are buried on Yelp, or worse, unwritten.
Many kennel owners understand the power of word-of-mouth, yet struggle to capture those glowing recommendations in an usable format. You know your clients love your services, but getting them to actually write about it feels like pulling teeth.
But imagine a steady stream of heartfelt testimonials, showcasing happy pets and even happier owners. These aren't just feel-good messages; they're powerful social proof that builds immediate trust with potential clients, turning hesitant inquiries into loyal bookings.
This testimonial request sequence is designed to make that a reality. It guides your satisfied clients through a simple, low-effort process, making it easy for them to share their positive experiences and for you to collect the gold you need.
Below are the battle-tested emails crafted to do just that.
The Complete 3-Email Testimonial Request Sequence for Kennels
As a kennel, your clients trust your recommendations. This 3-email sequence helps you introduce valuable tools without sounding like a salesperson.
The Check-in
Ask how things are going and gauge satisfaction
Hi [First Name],
We hope [PET'S NAME] has settled back in comfortably after their time with us. We genuinely care about every pet's experience and want to ensure we're always providing the best possible care.
Was there anything specific you and [PET'S NAME] particularly enjoyed during their stay? Or perhaps something we could do even better next time?
Your honest feedback helps us grow and improve for all our furry guests.
Best, [YOUR NAME]
This email uses the psychological principle of active listening. By genuinely asking for feedback without immediately requesting a testimonial, you build rapport and trust. It lowers their guard, making them more open to sharing positive experiences in the future. It also provides an opportunity to address any minor concerns proactively.
The Request
Ask for a testimonial with specific, easy prompts
Hi [First Name],
Following up on our last chat, we were so happy to hear that [PET'S NAME] had a wonderful stay. It truly means the world to us when our clients and their beloved pets are happy.
We're often asked by new pet parents what makes our kennel different. The best way we can answer is through the experiences of clients like you.
Would you be willing to share a brief testimonial about your experience? Even a few sentences would be incredibly helpful.
Here are a few prompts to make it easy: • What was your biggest concern before bringing [PET'S NAME] to us, and how did we address it? • What did you and [PET'S NAME] enjoy most about our services? • What would you tell another pet parent considering our kennel? You can simply reply to this email with your thoughts.
Thank you so much for considering this.
Best, [YOUR NAME]
This email employs the 'foot-in-the-door' technique, building on the positive interaction from the previous email. It uses social proof by explaining why their testimonial matters (to help other pet parents) and uses specific, low-friction prompts to guide their response, overcoming the common hurdle of 'what do I even say?'.
The Gentle Nudge
Follow up with those who have not responded
Hi [First Name],
Just wanted to gently follow up on our previous email regarding [PET'S NAME]'s stay. We know life with pets can be busy, and finding time for extra tasks isn't always easy.
If you haven't had a chance yet, we'd still be incredibly grateful for your thoughts on your experience. Your feedback genuinely helps other pet parents make informed decisions and helps us continue to improve.
No pressure at all, but if you have a moment, a quick reply to this email would be fantastic. Thank you again for trusting us with [PET'S NAME].
Best, [YOUR NAME]
This email uses the Zeigarnik effect by reminding the recipient of an incomplete task in a non-demanding way. It reduces potential guilt by acknowledging their busy schedule and reiterates the altruistic benefit of their action, making the request feel less transactional and more about community support.
4 Testimonial Request Sequence Mistakes Kennels Make
| Don't Do This | Do This Instead |
|---|---|
✕ Waiting until a client explicitly offers praise in person before asking for a written testimonial. | Proactively integrate testimonial requests into your post-service follow-up, ensuring you capture feedback while the positive experience is still fresh. |
✕ Asking broad, open-ended questions like 'Can you write a testimonial?' without providing any guidance. | Offer specific, easy-to-answer prompts that guide clients to highlight key benefits, such as 'What did your pet enjoy most?' or 'How did we make your trip worry-free?' |
✕ Only collecting testimonials as text on your website, missing other powerful formats. | Encourage clients to share photos or short video clips of their happy pets, or allow them to leave reviews directly on popular platforms like Google or Facebook. |
✕ Collecting testimonials but not showcasing them prominently where potential clients can easily find them. | Feature testimonials on your homepage, service pages, booking confirmation emails, and social media to continuously build trust and demonstrate your value. |
Testimonial Request Sequence Timing Guide for Kennels
When you send matters as much as what you send.
The Check-in
Ask how things are going and gauge satisfaction
The Request
Ask for a testimonial with specific, easy prompts
The Gentle Nudge
Follow up with those who have not responded
Send after a win, project completion, or positive feedback.
Customize Testimonial Request Sequence for Your Kennel Specialty
Adapt these templates for your specific industry.
Beginners
- Focus on collecting short, authentic quotes about the pet's happiness and the owner's peace of mind.
- Ask for testimonials immediately after the first successful, positive stay to build your initial social proof.
- Provide a simple, fill-in-the-blank template to make it incredibly easy for clients to contribute.
Intermediate Practitioners
- Encourage clients to mention specific services they loved, like grooming, training, or special playtimes.
- Request testimonials that include a photo of their pet enjoying your facilities, adding a visual element.
- Use testimonials to address common concerns, like 'My dog usually gets separation anxiety, but not here!'
Advanced Professionals
- Seek detailed testimonials that highlight your unique amenities, specialized care, or specific training outcomes.
- Ask clients to speak to the long-term benefits of choosing your kennel, such as improved pet behavior or consistent well-being.
- Encourage video testimonials where clients can share their story and enthusiasm directly.
Industry Specialists
- Target testimonials that specifically address the unique challenges of their niche, showcasing your expertise in that area.
- Ask clients to describe how your specialized care made a tangible difference for their pet's specific needs or condition.
- Highlight testimonials from veterinary professionals or certified trainers who endorse your specialized services.
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