Published: August 8, 2025 | For Veterinary Practice Owners
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AI is rapidly changing how consumers search for anything on Google: consumers receive fast answers to their questions and don’t have to scroll down to visit websites for an answer.
You’ve likely used Google’s AI Overview many times without realizing it. Search for almost anything on Google and the AI Overview often appears first—answering your question. It is transforming consumer search behavior for veterinary care in several important ways—both in how pet owners search and how they interact with results. AI search overviews are changing how pet owners discover and choose veterinary care providers online.
Three Key Shifts in Consumer Search Behavior
Google AI is now an answer engine (not just a gateway or listing)
Shift in consumer expectation: Consumers increasingly expect answers, not just links. Instead of clicking through “10 blue links,” users get synthesized responses from AI chatbots or SERP summaries.
Implication for veterinary practices: Your website and content must be created for AI engines and optimized not just to rank, but to be quoted or referenced in AI-generated answers (i.e., zero-click results).
AI Overview sits at the top and speeds decisions
Shift in Google search page location: AI Overviews often appear above traditional listings. For searches like “best veterinary hospital near me” or “what to do if my dog ate chocolate,” the Overview may summarize answers — and even reference specific local veterinary clinics.
Shift in speed: AI Overviews summarize answers in seconds, and many users won’t scroll past that first box.
Implication for veterinary practices: If your hospital’s advice, services, or name shows up there, you’re more likely to be chosen without the user checking multiple sites. If you’re not optimized to appear there, you risk losing visibility to competitors.
AI Overviews accelerate, summarize, and reshape trust & verification
Shift in consumer purchasing: AI tools compare options, summarize reviews, and analyze pros/cons instantly. Consumers spend less time browsing multiple sites and rely more on AI-generated summaries. They cross-check answers and lean toward recognized brands and authoritative sources.
Shift in consumer trust: Pet owners tend to trust what Google highlights in the AI Overview. If Google consistently features your hospital’s content, credibility builds before they ever call. The opposite is also true—if you’re never mentioned, they may call another hospital.
Implication for veterinary practices: Being cited in an AI Overview positions your hospital as a trusted authority on pet health. As availability expands across keywords, ensure your site and content qualify to be listed—creating more chances to be discovered, earn trust instantly, and drive more appointments.
Have SEO or GEO Questions? Cheshire Can Help
Credibility and brand trust are increasingly important in AI-driven search—especially for a veterinary practice. Cheshire’s proven SEO and GEO strategies can help your practice appear in (and gain credibility within) the AI Overview to reduce missed opportunities. Without optimization, your hospital may be invisible when people search urgent, high-intent queries like:
- “emergency vet near me open now”
- “cat vaccinations cost [city]”
- “puppy wellness plan in [city]”
Competitors who are optimized may appear in the AI Overview—winning calls and visits that could have gone to you. Contact us to receive a free AI Overview report and learn how our GEO services can improve your practice’s online performance.