Everyone loves their pets, but do those pets belong on your web site? Consider this a public service decision-flow guideline from us to you.
Are you a veterinarian?
Yes? Your dog belongs on your web site.
Are you a gourmet pet food chef?
Yes? Your dog belongs on your web site, especially if your dog is a Prairie Dog. Specialty pet food is hard to find.
Do you run a pet photography studio?
Yes? Your dog belongs on your web site.
Do you own and operate a kennel?
Yes? Your dog belongs on your web site.
Are you a professional dog walker?
Yes? Your dog belongs on your web site.
Do you write children’s books about animals?
Yes? Your dog belongs on your web site.
Are you an accountant, attorney, women’s clothing boutique owner, restauranteur, journalism professor, or any other kind of professional whose business doesn’t have anything at all to do with animals?
Sorry, but no. Your dog doesn’t belong on your web site.
But I love my dog!
Still. No. You don’t need your dog on your web site.
But my dog is so cute!
I believe you. But still no.
But…
Nope. Not on your web site.
This also goes for your cat, your lizard, your guinea pig, your ferret, and your parakeet. If your business has absolutely nothing to do with your pet, leave your pet in your personal life. This means no photos of your pet, no listing your pet on your “about our staff” page, and no blog post called “15 Things I Learned About Accounting from My Boston Terrier.” For dog lovers, this may sound harsh, but for people who are not dog lovers or for people who like dogs but don’t think of them as central to their relationship with your business, the inclusion of such personal information on your site can be jarring. Non-pet-owners in particular cannot make the connection between accounting and dogs, no matter how many things you learned in your pet-human relationship.
Keep your pup in your heart, but leave her off your web site.
Need help including some really relevant information on your site? Let us know! We’re happy to answer your questions on Twitter or Facebook, or via email.