Are Hashtags Still Relevant in 2025? A Practical Guide for Veterinary Practices

Hashtags in 2025 - Still Useful, If You Know How to Use Them

Hashtags in 2025 haven’t disappeared - but they have matured. They’re no longer about chasing viral fame with #cute or #dogsofinstagram. Today, hashtags help your content reach local pet owners, raise awareness of your veterinary services, and connect with animal lovers in your community. In this guide, we’ll explore how vets can use hashtags effectively across Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and TikTok - all without needing a marketing degree.

The Role of Hashtags in Vet Marketing Today

Hashtags now serve more as a categorisation and discovery tool than a shortcut to growth. When used correctly, they can:

• Help local pet owners find your posts
• Signal your content topic to social algorithms
• Support seasonal campaigns and pet health awareness days
• Encourage community engagement

But remember - quality over quantity.

Instagram: A Discovery Engine for Pet Lovers

Instagram remains a key platform for vet clinics, especially when sharing behind-the-scenes moments, client pets, and team culture.

Top Tips for Vets:

• Use 3-5 highly relevant hashtags per post
• Be specific: #ByronBayVet not #pets
• Use the caption (not comments) for your hashtags
• Rotate your hashtags based on the service or content
• Branded hashtags (like #SmithVetCare) can build recognition if used consistently

Post Structure for Instagram:

1. Attention-grabbing opener (pet photo, case update)
2. Add context or value (e.g., tick season tips)
3. Call to action ("Share if your pet hates bath time too!")
4. Line break
5. 3-5 targeted hashtags

Facebook: Focus on Community, Not Hashtag Count 

Hashtags are less prominent on Facebook, but still useful for local discovery and seasonal topics.

Top Tips for Vets:

• Use 1-2 hashtags at most
• Think local or campaign-based (e.g., #NowraVets, #PetDentalMonth)
• Integrate naturally into your sentence

Example Post: "February is #PetDentalMonth! Is your pet due for a check-up? Our #NowraVets are here to help."

LinkedIn: Ideal for B2B and Recruitment Posts

While you may not promote every clinic update here, LinkedIn is great for highlighting professional development, recruitment, or partnerships.

Top Tips for Vet Teams:

• Use 2-3 professional, industry-aligned hashtags
• Avoid casual hashtags (save those for Insta)
• Great for showing team certifications or attending events

Examples:

• #VeterinaryCareers
• #AnimalHealthAustralia
• #PracticeManagement

TikTok: If You’re Game, Go Local and Lighthearted  

Some practices are embracing TikTok for short, lighthearted videos - from team challenges to calming pet anxiety tips.

Top Tips for Clinics:

• Use 3-5 hashtags max
• Mix local + niche + trend (if relevant)
• Avoid generic tags like #fyp

Examples:

• #VetLifeAustralia
• #BrisbaneVets
• #PuppyVaccinationTips

Universal Hashtag Do’s for Vets in 2025

• Use camel case for readability (e.g., #PetHealthNowra)
• Avoid banned or spammy hashtags - check them first
• Create 3-4 go-to hashtag sets for different services
• Monitor what’s working via your insights, not just likes

Hashtags Won't Save a Boring Post

Let’s be clear: even the best hashtags can’t rescue a post with no value. But paired with great content - from pet care advice to client spotlights - they can help it reach the people who need it.

Use them to support your message, not drown it.