Episode #
96
AI Is Changing How Pet Owners Find You—Everything You Need to Know to Adapt & Thrive
February 05, 2026
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Your Practice Deserves a Marketing Plan as Unique as You Are
To help you navigate the digital landscape more effectively, we’re offering our podcast listeners a complimentary Digital Visibility Audit. Lila Stone, Marketing Advisor at the Veterinary Business Institute and Marketing Director of ekwa marketing, will take a close look at your online presence, local SEO, and competitive environment. You’ll receive a customized plan filled with practical recommendations to enhance your visibility and connect with more clients.
Book your complimentary session here at a time that’s convenient for you
This isn’t a sales pitch—it’s our way of giving back to the veterinary community we truly care about .
In this episode of the Veterinary Business Podcast, host Don Adeesha sits down with Naren Arulrajah, CEO of Ekwa Marketing, to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the way pet owners discover veterinary practices online.
The discussion unpacks the rise of zero-click searches and AI Overviews, where platforms like Google now deliver answers—such as clinic recommendations, reviews, and contact details—without requiring users to visit a website. With Google commanding over 90% of the search market in North America, understanding AI-driven discovery has become essential for modern veterinary practices.
Naren explains what truly drives visibility in today’s search environment, including the importance of E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness), CRUX user experience metrics, and the continued impact of authentic client reviews. He also highlights why Google prioritizes human-generated content in healthcare-related searches and how veterinary practices can optimize holistically without becoming overly dependent on paid advertising.
This episode delivers clear, practical guidance for veterinary leaders looking to adapt their marketing strategies, maintain organic lead flow, and stay competitive as AI continues to reshape search behavior.
🎧 Listen in to learn how to position your practice for success in an AI-driven search landscape—and how a balanced SEO and AEO strategy can help you attract the right clients organically.
Listen to this Episode on
Key Time Stamps
- 00:00 – 03:59 | Intro to AI changing pet owner searches and guest Naren Arulrajah’s background
- 04:00 – 07:59 | Zero-click searches explained: Google’s dominance (30B+ daily uses) and shift to direct info access.
- 08:00 – 11:59 | Google AI Overview, comparison to ChatGPT, and Google’s AI advantages (real-time data, investments).
- 12:00 – 15:59 | Optimization for AI: Human content (EAT), CRUX for UX/speed, avoiding AI-generated text.
- 16:00 – 20:06 | Risks of non-adaptation, reviews’ role, merged SEO/AEO strategy, and action steps (free MSM booking).
Key Takeaways
- Pet owners increasingly use AI queries like “best vet near me,” with Google handling 92% market share in North America via AI Overviews that provide answers without site visits.
- Zero-click searches allow users to get phone numbers, reviews, and services directly from Google, shifting focus from website traffic to lead tracking like calls.
- Google prioritizes human-generated content (EAT: Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness), excellent user experience (CRUX metrics), and avoids AI content to prevent hallucinations in healthcare.
- Reviews remain crucial (aim for 10+), alongside holistic site optimization; failing to adapt leads to fewer organic leads and higher ad costs.
- A well-rounded strategy merges SEO/AEO across Google, ChatGPT, and Perplexity; start with a free marketing strategy meeting at www.veterinarybusinessinstitute.com/msm
Naren Arulrajah
Computer Scientist
CEO of Ekwa Marketing
Founder, Veterinary Business Podcast
Naren Arulrajah is a visionary entrepreneur with a deep commitment to helping veterinary professionals build thriving, sustainable practices. Grounded in a philosophy of service, Naren believes that true success is rooted in empowering others—especially those who care for the health and well-being of animals.
As the CEO and Founder of Ekwa Marketing, Naren leads a team of over 250 digital marketing experts focused on serving the unique needs of independent veterinary practice owners. Ekwa specializes in delivering proven, results-driven strategies tailored for veterinarians, including website optimization, local SEO, reputation management, and digital advertising. With a client retention rate of over 95%, Ekwa has become a trusted growth partner for veterinary clinics across North America.
Naren’s impact on the veterinary industry goes beyond marketing. As the founder of the Veterinary Business Institute and the Veterinary Business Podcast, he has created a hub of knowledge, connection, and inspiration for veterinarians and practice managers. Through these platforms, he brings together experts in veterinary medicine, business, and leadership to equip practitioners with the tools they need to succeed in practice ownership and personal development.
From transforming underperforming practices into high-performing, client-centric clinics to helping aspiring veterinary entrepreneurs turn their vision into reality, Naren’s insights and mentorship have been instrumental in shaping the future of veterinary business success.
A sought-after consultant, speaker, and podcast host, Naren was honored with the 2014 Leadership Initiative Award by AceTech Ontario, recognizing his dedication to innovation, leadership, and entrepreneurial excellence. His journey is fueled by the belief that success is built on collaboration, integrity, and the courage to keep learning and growing—especially in service to those who serve animals.
Connect with Naren:
