Creating videos for social media may not be the first thing most veterinary professionals think of when it comes to growing their practice—but maybe it should be.
In an increasingly visual, short-form content world, video offers one of the fastest and most authentic ways to connect with pet owners, build trust, and showcase your team. And it doesn’t have to be complicated or overly polished to work.
To better understand how veterinary teams can harness the power of video, we spoke with Dr. Thompson, co-owner of Blue Oaks Veterinary Clinic and Willow Rock Pet Hospital in the Sacramento area. She’s not a marketing agency. She’s not an influencer. She’s a practicing veterinarian who decided to step in front of the camera—and hasn’t looked back.
Here’s what we learned.
🎥 From “I’m Not Comfortable on Camera” to Content Creator
Dr. Thompson didn’t start out feeling confident about video. In fact, she was very clear:
“I’m not comfortable on camera (lol) but forced myself out of my comfort zone.”
So, what pushed her to try?
“I was inspired by the fun videos I see on social media from other vet clinics and vet tech influencers. Talking about things I’m passionate about—like veterinary medicine—makes it easier.”
You don’t have to be a natural performer. You just have to care about the message. When you speak on topics you’re genuinely excited about—whether it’s flea prevention, post-op care, or why you love your team—it shows. And that’s what pet owners connect with.
💡 Tip: Your First Video Might Feel Awkward. That’s Okay.
Like most people, Dr. Thompson was nervous about putting herself out there. But she didn’t let that stop her.
“I was very nervous, but I’m always one to let myself be uncomfortable to accomplish things I want in life. Same with the videos. I wanted fun content that showed who we are as a team, so I told myself to give it a go.”
And guess what?
“Once I did my first one—and was pleased with how it looked—I got more excited to make more.”
Takeaway: Don’t overthink your first video. It doesn’t have to be perfect; it just has to be real. Think of it like a first exam room visit with a new client: a little nerve-wracking at first, but it gets easier with time and practice.
⏰ “I Thought I Didn’t Have Time for This”
Sound familiar?
Dr. Thompson admitted that lack of time was the biggest reason she didn’t start years ago.
“I had to make a conscious effort to block off time once a week to work with my employee who’s doing the videography. I also hired an extra receptionist to give my videographer more freedom to walk around and get content during our busy days.”
Takeaway: If video matters—and it does—treat it like any other essential clinic task. Assign time, assign a person, and give them permission to be creative. If you don’t have someone who can help film or edit, consider empowering a CSR or assistant who enjoys social media. You don’t need a full video production crew; you just need someone with a phone, time, and a little encouragement.
🏳️🌈 Video as a Reflection of Your Culture
Here’s where Dr. Thompson’s approach becomes even more inspiring. For her, video isn’t just about educating clients—it’s about representing the clinic’s values.
“I’m proud of my fun-loving, diverse staff, and it’s important that our clients and our community know who we are and what we stand for. The current political climate made it more important for me to showcase my clinic as a place where all are welcome, no matter who you love or what pronoun you choose.”
Takeaway: In a sea of generic clinic marketing, showing who you are and what you believe in helps the right clients find you—and stay with you. It builds trust, loyalty, and community. When people feel like your team “gets them,” they’re more likely to follow your advice, keep their appointments, and refer others.
🧠 Empower Your Team to Join In
As Dr. Thompson started having fun with videos, something unexpected happened—her team caught the bug.
“I’ve been pleasantly surprised. When I got excited about making educational videos, my staff did too. Some even took the initiative to make their own about our calming drug options for the 4th of July.”
“It was great, and I posted it right away. We had clients calling and emailing almost immediately after seeing Rebecca talk about Sileo.”
Takeaway: Social media isn’t a solo sport. Invite your team into the process. Feature techs talking about gentle handling, CSRs walking clients through first visits, or assistants sharing enrichment tips for cats. You’ll not only lighten your own load—you’ll increase engagement by giving clients a window into your entire team.
🎯 Bottom Line: Start Small, But Start
You don’t need a script. You don’t need a ring light. You just need your phone, your message, and the willingness to try.
And if you need a little extra push, remember Dr. Thompson’s advice:
“Just do it! I thought it would be much more uncomfortable than it was.”
The results speak for themselves: higher engagement, more client trust, increased visibility—and a team that’s energized and proud to represent their clinic.
✅ Key Takeaways
- Start before you’re ready. You don’t need to be perfectly polished—just genuine.
- Talk about what you love. Passion naturally makes you more confident and engaging on camera.
- Make time intentionally. Set aside even 30 minutes a week and empower someone on your team to help.
- Involve your staff. When you show excitement, others will follow. Video becomes a shared effort, not a solo job.
- Use video to reflect your values. Beyond education, video can communicate who you are as a team and what you stand for.
- Progress beats perfection. Every video you post builds trust and connection with your clients.
Final Thoughts
It’s easy to assume video is for someone else—someone more tech-savvy, outgoing, or media-trained. But as Dr. Thompson’s story shows, video is for anyone willing to be a little uncomfortable for the sake of meaningful connection.
Whether it’s a quick clip explaining a service, a behind-the-scenes look at your team, or a thoughtful message that reflects your values, your voice matters. And in a world filled with noise, authenticity stands out.
Start small. Keep it simple. Show up as yourself. You might be surprised by who shows up to watch.
