Best DaySmart Alternatives for Pet Groomers [2026]

Best DaySmart Alternatives for Pet Groomers [2026]

DaySmart (formerly 123Pet) has been a fixture in the pet grooming industry for well over a decade. It was one of the first platforms built specifically for groomers, and plenty of salons have relied on it for years to manage their appointments, client records, and day-to-day operations.

But here's the thing: the grooming industry has changed a lot since DaySmart first launched. Clients today expect online booking, instant text confirmations, and mobile-friendly everything. They want to request appointments from their phones at 10 p.m. on a Tuesday and get a confirmation before they wake up. And many groomers are finding that DaySmart hasn't quite kept pace with those expectations.

If you've been dealing with a clunky interface, surprise charges for SMS reminders, or a mobile experience that feels like an afterthought, you're not alone. Grooming forums and Facebook groups are full of conversations about switching, and the number of DaySmart alternatives has grown significantly in the last few years.

We researched and compared seven of the best DaySmart alternatives available right now so you can find the right fit for your grooming business, whether you're a solo mobile groomer working out of a van or managing a small team in a brick-and-mortar salon.

Why Groomers Are Looking for DaySmart Alternatives

Before we dive into the options, let's talk about the most common reasons groomers decide to switch. DaySmart isn't a bad platform by any means. It has solid industry knowledge, a reliable core scheduling engine, and the kind of longevity that means they've seen just about every grooming business scenario there is. But several pain points keep coming up in groomer communities:

• Dated interface and UX: The design and user experience feel stuck in an earlier era of software. Navigation can be confusing, common tasks take more clicks than they should, and the overall look doesn't inspire confidence when clients see your booking page.
• SMS reminders cost extra: Text reminders and client messaging aren't included in the base plan. You pay per message or buy a messaging add-on, and those costs add up fast when you're texting dozens of clients daily with confirmations, reminders, and follow-ups.
• Desktop-first design: DaySmart was originally built for desktop computers. The mobile experience has improved over the years, but it still doesn't feel native or intuitive on a phone or tablet. For mobile groomers who run their entire business from an iPad, this is a real problem.
• Slow to adopt modern features: Online booking, client-facing portals, and mobile scheduling all arrived later than competitors. Updates can feel incremental rather than transformative, and some groomers feel like they're always waiting for the feature everyone else already has.
• Setup and migration headaches: Moving your client data into (or out of) DaySmart isn't always smooth. Some groomers report a steep learning curve during setup, and the onboarding process doesn't always feel hands-on enough.
• Higher-tier pricing for basic features: Features that many competitors include in their base plans, like automated notifications, advanced reporting, or certain booking customizations, often require upgrading to more expensive DaySmart tiers. You might sign up for one price and quickly realize you need to pay more to get the tools you actually need.
• Rebranding confusion: The transition from 123Pet to DaySmart left some long-time users confused about what changed, what stayed the same, and whether the platform was still focused on pet grooming or branching into other industries.

If any of that sounds familiar, keep reading. There are solid options that address these exact issues.

What to Look for in a DaySmart Alternative

Before comparing specific platforms, it helps to know what actually matters when evaluating grooming software. Based on conversations with dozens of groomers who've switched platforms, these are the features that make or break the experience:

• SMS and client messaging: Can you text clients directly from the platform? Is it included or an add-on? This is the single biggest cost variable between platforms.
• Mobile experience: Can you run your entire day from a phone or tablet? For mobile groomers this is non-negotiable, and even salon groomers increasingly want to check schedules on the go.
• Online booking: Does the client-facing booking page look professional and work smoothly? First impressions matter, and a clunky booking page can cost you new clients.
• Ease of migration: How painful is it to get your existing client data into the new system? Some platforms make this seamless, others leave you doing manual data entry for a week.
• Pricing transparency: Are the features you need included in the base plan, or will you hit an upsell wall after signing up?

With those criteria in mind, here are the seven best DaySmart alternatives for groomers in 2026.

Quick Comparison Table

Software: Best For vs. Starting Price vs. SMS Included vs. Online Booking vs. Mobile App

• Teddy: Best For: Solo groomers & small teams | Starting Price: Flat monthly rate | SMS Included: Unlimited | Online Booking: Yes (request-based) | Mobile App: Yes
• MoeGo: Best For: Established salons | Starting Price: $69/mo | SMS Included: Limited (paid add-on) | Online Booking: Yes | Mobile App: Yes
• Gingr: Best For: Multi-service facilities | Starting Price: $99/mo | SMS Included: Add-on | Online Booking: Yes | Mobile App: Yes
• GroomPro POS: Best For: In-salon POS focus | Starting Price: $89/mo | SMS Included: Limited | Online Booking: Yes | Mobile App: Limited
• PetExec: Best For: Daycare + grooming combos | Starting Price: $99/mo | SMS Included: Add-on | Online Booking: Yes | Mobile App: Yes
• Pawfinity: Best For: Budget-conscious groomers | Starting Price: $49/mo | SMS Included: Limited | Online Booking: Yes | Mobile App: Limited
• Square Appointments: Best For: Groomers wanting free basics | Starting Price: Free - $69/mo | SMS Included: No (separate service) | Online Booking: Yes | Mobile App: Yes

1. Teddy - Best for Solo Groomers and Small Teams

Price: Flat monthly rate (no per-message fees, no surprise charges)

If the main things driving you away from DaySmart are SMS costs and a clunky interface, Teddy was basically built to solve those exact problems.

Teddy is a modern, all-in-one grooming platform designed specifically for independent groomers and small teams of one to five people. The standout feature is unlimited SMS messaging baked right into the base plan. No per-text charges, no message caps, no worrying about whether that appointment reminder just cost you 15 cents. You can text clients as much as you need to, and the cost stays the same every month.

The interface is clean and intuitive in a way that makes the DaySmart experience feel like a trip back in time. Everything from the calendar view to the client profiles to the booking management feels like software designed in 2026, not software that's been patched and updated since the early 2000s. Most groomers report being comfortable with the system within the first day.

Beyond the basics, Teddy includes digital intake forms so new clients fill out their information before the appointment, service agreements to protect your business, and a client CRM with detailed pet profiles that track breed, temperament notes, grooming preferences, and service history. The Square POS integration means you're not juggling separate systems for payments. And the AI receptionist is a genuinely useful feature: when you're elbow-deep in a squirmy Doodle and the phone rings, the AI picks up, answers common questions, and can even schedule appointments.

Key Differentiator vs. DaySmart

Unlimited SMS included at no extra cost, plus a genuinely modern interface that doesn't require a tutorial to navigate. For groomers who spend a significant amount on DaySmart's messaging add-ons, the savings alone can justify the switch.

Pros

• Unlimited SMS messaging included in every plan
• Clean, modern UI that's easy to learn on day one
• Built for independent groomers, not enterprise chains
• Online booking with a request-based system (you stay in control of your schedule)
• Digital intake forms and service agreements
• Client CRM with detailed pet profiles
• Square POS integration for seamless payments
• AI receptionist handles calls when you're with a dog

Cons

• Newer platform, so the user community is still growing
• Fewer third-party integrations compared to legacy software
• Request-based booking means clients don't get instant confirmations

Best For

Solo groomers and small teams who want a modern, affordable platform with unlimited client communication built in. Especially great if you're tired of watching your SMS costs climb every month on DaySmart.

2. MoeGo - Best for Established Multi-Groomer Salons

Price: Starting at $69/month

MoeGo is the current market leader in grooming software for a reason. It's a feature-rich platform that handles complex scheduling scenarios well, especially for salons with multiple groomers working different shifts, services, and skill sets.

If you're running a busier operation with two or more groomers and need robust reporting, route optimization for mobile grooming routes, and a wide range of integrations, MoeGo delivers across the board. The platform is polished, well-supported, actively developed, and has a large user community that shares tips and workflows in online groups.

The jump from DaySmart to MoeGo will feel like a significant upgrade in terms of interface quality and feature depth. The mobile app is strong, the scheduling tools handle complicated multi-groomer calendars gracefully, and the marketing tools help you stay in front of clients with automated campaigns.

Key Differentiator vs. DaySmart

A significantly more modern interface with a stronger mobile app, better feature depth across scheduling, marketing, and analytics, and a much larger active user community.

Pros

• Comprehensive feature set covering nearly every business need
• Strong mobile app for managing on the go
• Route optimization for mobile grooming businesses
• Active user community with a large knowledge base
• Regular feature updates and improvements
• Good reporting and business analytics

Cons

• SMS messaging costs extra and can add up quickly at scale
• Higher price point, especially for solo groomers
• The sheer number of features creates a steeper learning curve
• Some features feel designed for larger operations than a one-person shop

Best For

Established salons with two or more groomers who need enterprise-level scheduling and analytics. If you've outgrown simple tools and want the most comprehensive business management platform available, MoeGo is the top-tier option. Just budget for those SMS add-on costs.

3. Gingr - Best for Multi-Service Pet Care Facilities

Price: Starting at $99/month

Gingr is built for pet care businesses that go beyond grooming alone. If your facility offers boarding, daycare, training, and grooming all under one roof, Gingr handles that complexity better than most platforms on this list.

It's enterprise-grade software with strong multi-location support, detailed reporting, and the kind of operational tools that larger businesses need to keep things running smoothly across departments. For grooming-only businesses, it's probably overkill and overpriced. But if you're running a full-service pet care operation, it's worth a serious look as a DaySmart replacement.

The customer portal is a strong point. Pet parents can view their upcoming reservations, update vaccination records, and manage their pets' profiles without calling you. That alone can save significant admin time compared to DaySmart's more limited client-facing experience.

Key Differentiator vs. DaySmart

Purpose-built for multi-service pet care with better multi-location management, more sophisticated operational workflows, and a stronger customer-facing portal.

Pros

• Excellent for facilities offering grooming, boarding, daycare, and training
• Handles multiple locations and complex staff scheduling
• Strong reporting and business intelligence tools
• Solid integration options with payment processors and other tools
• Vaccination tracking and health record management
• Good customer portal for pet parents

Cons

• Starting price is steep for grooming-only businesses
• SMS is an add-on cost, not included
• Can feel overly complex if you only offer grooming
• Setup and onboarding takes time due to feature depth
• Interface isn't as modern-looking as newer competitors

Best For

Multi-service pet care facilities that need one platform to manage grooming alongside boarding, daycare, or training. If grooming is just one part of your business, Gingr brings everything together under one system.

4. GroomPro POS - Best for In-Salon Point of Sale

Price: Starting at $89/month

GroomPro POS focuses heavily on the point-of-sale and checkout side of running a grooming salon. If your biggest frustration with DaySmart is the payment and checkout experience, GroomPro addresses that head-on with a system designed to make the end-of-appointment process fast and professional.

It combines scheduling with a built-in POS system that handles retail sales (shampoos, brushes, treats), service payments, tips, package deals, and membership billing. The checkout flow is designed to feel smooth and efficient, which matters when you're trying to wrap up one client and get the next pup on the table without a five-minute fumble at the register.

The retail inventory management is a standout feature for salons that sell grooming products alongside their services. You can track stock levels, set reorder alerts, and see which products are actually moving, which is something DaySmart handles but not as elegantly.

Key Differentiator vs. DaySmart

A stronger, more integrated point-of-sale experience with better retail inventory management, package billing, and checkout workflows.

Pros

• Tight integration between scheduling and POS
• Good retail inventory management for selling grooming products
• Package and membership billing built in
• Professional checkout experience for clients
• Decent reporting on revenue and services

Cons

• Limited SMS capabilities compared to communication-focused platforms
• Mobile experience isn't its strongest area
• Online booking exists but isn't as polished as competitors
• More expensive than some alternatives for what you get
• Smaller user community means fewer online resources

Best For

Grooming salons that also sell retail products and want seamless point-of-sale integrated with their scheduling. If your checkout experience is a priority and retail sales are an important revenue stream, GroomPro specializes there.

5. PetExec - Best for Daycare and Grooming Combos

Price: Starting at $99/month

PetExec is similar to Gingr in that it's designed for facilities that do more than just grooming. Where it stands apart is its strength in daycare management specifically, with tools like daily report cards for pet parents, live webcam integration, and detailed daily activity tracking that makes pet owners feel connected to their dogs throughout the day.

If you run a facility where dogs spend the day in daycare and get groomed during their stay, PetExec handles that combined workflow naturally. The grooming module integrates with the broader daycare management system so staff can see which dogs are scheduled for a groom during their daycare visit without switching between separate tools.

The customer-facing portal is another area where PetExec outshines DaySmart. Pet parents can view report cards with photos, check in on webcams, book services, and manage their accounts. That level of transparency builds trust and reduces the number of calls and texts you handle each day.

Key Differentiator vs. DaySmart

Better daycare-specific features with seamless grooming add-on workflows, a modern customer-facing portal with report cards and webcam access, and stronger pet parent engagement tools.

Pros

• Excellent daycare management with report cards and activity logs
• Grooming scheduling integrates with daycare stays
• Customer portal lets pet parents check in on their dogs
• Good vaccination and health record tracking
• Supports webcam integrations for facility monitoring
• Online reservation system for both daycare and grooming

Cons

• SMS messaging is an add-on expense
• Grooming-only businesses won't use half the features they're paying for
• Interface could use a visual refresh in some areas
• Starting price is high for small grooming-only operations
• Learning curve for initial setup and configuration

Best For

Facilities that combine daycare and grooming services. If dogs are getting groomed during their daycare stay, PetExec makes that workflow seamless while giving pet parents an engaging experience.

6. Pawfinity - Best Budget-Friendly Alternative

Price: Starting at $49/month

Pawfinity is a straightforward grooming management platform that doesn't try to be everything to everyone. It covers the basics well: scheduling, client management, automated reminders, and online booking. It does those core things reliably without burying you in features you'll never use.

If you're leaving DaySmart mainly because of price creep and feature complexity, Pawfinity offers a simpler, more affordable path forward. It won't blow you away with advanced analytics or marketing automation, but it handles the day-to-day needs of most grooming businesses without unnecessary bloat or confusing menus.

The pet profile system is solid for a budget platform. You can track grooming history, note temperament and behavioral quirks, record preferred styles, and flag health concerns. It's not as detailed as what you'd get with Teddy or MoeGo, but it covers what most groomers need to know before a dog gets on their table.

Key Differentiator vs. DaySmart

A simpler, more affordable platform that covers the essentials well without the complexity, tier-gating, or pricing pressure that DaySmart can create.

Pros

• Affordable starting price for budget-conscious groomers
• Simpler interface with less of a learning curve
• Covers core needs: scheduling, clients, reminders, booking
• Pet profile management with grooming history
• Basic reporting and revenue tracking
• No long-term contract required

Cons

• Limited SMS messaging capabilities
• Fewer advanced features than premium competitors
• Mobile experience is functional but not exceptional
• Integrations are limited compared to larger platforms
• Reporting and analytics are basic compared to MoeGo or Gingr

Best For

Solo groomers or small salons on a tight budget who need reliable basics without paying for features they won't use. If DaySmart's pricing has crept up and the complexity feels like overkill, Pawfinity strips things down to what actually matters day to day.

7. Square Appointments - Best Free Starting Point

Price: Free for individuals, $29-$69/month for teams

Square Appointments isn't pet-grooming-specific, but it deserves a spot on this list because so many groomers already use Square for payments. If you have a Square account, you can start using Square Appointments at no extra cost as a solo operator, which makes it the lowest-risk option to try.

It's a general-purpose scheduling and booking tool with a clean interface and reliable performance. You won't get pet profiles, grooming-specific notes, breed fields, or vaccination tracking. But if you mainly need a calendar, online booking, and payment processing all living in one ecosystem, Square keeps things dead simple and surprisingly elegant.

The online booking page is clean and professional looking, which is an immediate upgrade from DaySmart's client-facing booking experience. Clients can see your available times, book themselves in, and receive automated email confirmations without any friction.

The trade-off is that you'll be running a grooming business on generic scheduling software. That works fine when you're just starting out or have a small client base, but most groomers find they eventually need grooming-specific tools and end up migrating to a purpose-built platform.

Key Differentiator vs. DaySmart

A free starting point with seamless payment processing and a modern booking interface, though it trades away all grooming-specific functionality to get there.

Pros

• Free for individual users (hard to beat that price)
• Seamless Square payment integration
• Clean, modern online booking page
• Good mobile app for managing appointments
• Automated email reminders included
• Works well if you're already in the Square ecosystem

Cons

• No pet-grooming-specific features whatsoever (no pet profiles, no breed fields, no grooming notes)
• SMS reminders require Square Marketing, which costs extra
• No intake forms, service agreements, or grooming-specific workflows
• Team plans start adding cost quickly
• You'll likely need additional tools to fill the gaps for grooming-specific needs

Best For

Solo groomers who want a free scheduling and payment solution and don't need grooming-specific software features right now. It's a solid starting point, but most groomers eventually outgrow it and move to a purpose-built platform as their client list and business complexity grow.

How to Choose the Right DaySmart Alternative

Picking new software is a big decision. You're investing time in migration, learning a new system, training your team (if you have one), and trusting the platform with your most important asset: your client relationships. Here's a framework to help you decide.

Start With Your Biggest Pain Point

The reason you're leaving DaySmart should guide where you land next:

• SMS costs eating into your margins? Look at Teddy (unlimited messaging included in every plan) or MoeGo (more messages available in higher tiers).
• Interface frustration and wasted time? Teddy, MoeGo, and Square all offer modern, clean designs that won't make you dread opening your laptop.
• Need multi-service management? Gingr and PetExec handle grooming plus boarding, daycare, and more in a single platform.
• Budget is the driving factor? Pawfinity and Square Appointments keep monthly costs low while covering the basics.
• Need a better POS and checkout experience? GroomPro POS or Square Appointments both put the payment workflow front and center.

Match the Software to Your Business Size

Not every platform fits every operation. Here's a rough guide:

• Solo groomer: Teddy, Pawfinity, or Square Appointments give you what you need without enterprise-level complexity.
• Small team (2-5 groomers): Teddy or MoeGo handle multi-groomer scheduling without being overwhelming.
• Multi-location or multi-service facility: Gingr or PetExec are built for complex operations with multiple revenue streams.

Plan Your Migration

Before you commit, ask each platform about their data migration process. How do you get your client records, pet profiles, and appointment history out of DaySmart and into the new system? Some platforms offer hands-on onboarding assistance where their team helps you import everything. Others give you documentation and leave you to figure it out.

A smooth transition matters more than you might think, especially if you have hundreds or thousands of client records, years of grooming history, and detailed pet notes you can't afford to lose.

Take Advantage of Free Trials

Almost every platform on this list offers a free trial period. Use it with your real data if possible. Book a few real appointments, send some real messages, run through your actual daily workflow. Ten minutes of clicking around a demo isn't the same as a full day of using the software with real dogs on your table and real clients walking through the door.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is DaySmart the same as 123Pet?

Yes. DaySmart acquired and rebranded 123Pet Software. If you used 123Pet in the past, DaySmart is the same company with the same core product underneath. The rebranding confused some long-time users, and many groomers who remember the 123Pet days feel the platform hasn't evolved as dramatically as they hoped under the new name. The core scheduling and client management tools carried over, but the pace of modernization has been a common frustration.

Can I transfer my client data from DaySmart to another platform?

Most modern grooming platforms support data imports through CSV files or direct migration tools. Your best bet is to export your client list, pet profiles, and appointment history from DaySmart as a spreadsheet, then work with your new platform's support team to import it. Some platforms like MoeGo and Teddy offer dedicated onboarding assistance to help with the transition so you don't lose important records like grooming notes, pet temperament flags, or service history. Before switching, always ask the new platform specifically about their DaySmart migration process.

What's the most affordable DaySmart alternative with good SMS?

If affordable messaging is your top priority, Teddy stands out because unlimited SMS is included in every plan with no per-message fees. Other platforms either charge per message, cap your monthly sends, or require a paid add-on for texting capabilities. When you factor in what you're currently spending on DaySmart's base plan plus their SMS add-on charges, a flat-rate platform with unlimited messaging often ends up being more cost-effective overall. This is especially true for groomers who send appointment confirmations, reminders, follow-ups, and general client communications throughout the day.

Do I really need grooming-specific software, or can I use a general tool like Square?

It depends on how you work and how detailed your client records need to be. General tools like Square Appointments handle scheduling and payments well, but they won't track pet profiles, grooming notes, breed-specific information, vaccination records, or service history. If you rely on knowing that Bella the Goldendoodle gets anxious during nail trims, her owner prefers a puppy cut with a clean face, and she's due for her bordetella booster next month, you'll want grooming-specific software that stores and surfaces those details. Most groomers who start with a general tool eventually move to something purpose-built as their client list grows past a few dozen regulars.

Making the Switch: Tips for a Smooth Transition

Once you've picked your DaySmart alternative, a little planning goes a long way toward making the transition painless:

1. Export everything first. Before you cancel DaySmart, export your client list, pet records, appointment history, and any notes or documents. Most platforms accept CSV imports, so having clean spreadsheet files ready makes onboarding faster.
2. Overlap for two weeks. If possible, run both platforms simultaneously for a brief overlap period. This lets you verify your data transferred correctly and gives you a safety net while you learn the new system.
3. Notify your clients. If your online booking link is changing, send a quick text or email letting regulars know. A short message explaining that you've upgraded your booking system and sharing the new link prevents confused clients and missed appointments.
4. Set up your automations first. Before your first full day on the new platform, make sure your appointment confirmations, reminders, and follow-up messages are configured. These are the workflows that keep your business running smoothly, and you don't want gaps.

Final Thoughts

DaySmart earned its place in the grooming industry by being one of the first purpose-built platforms for pet groomers. That longevity and deep industry knowledge are genuinely valuable, and there are salons that have used it successfully for years. We're not here to tell you it's a bad product.

But the software landscape has changed dramatically, and groomers today have options that are more modern, more mobile-friendly, and more transparent with pricing. The days of accepting a dated interface or paying extra for basic text messaging are over when there are platforms built from the ground up with today's expectations in mind.

The best DaySmart alternative for you comes down to what's frustrating you most right now. If it's SMS costs and wanting a fresh, modern interface, give Teddy a serious look. If you need enterprise-level features for a larger multi-groomer operation, MoeGo or Gingr might be the right move. And if budget is the primary driving factor, Pawfinity or Square Appointments can keep costs low while you grow your business.

Whatever you choose, take advantage of free trials before committing. Most of the platforms on this list offer them, and there's no better way to know if a tool fits your actual workflow than using it with your real schedule, your real clients, and the real chaos of a busy grooming day.