Best Dog Grooming Software for Small Businesses

Small grooming businesses have different needs than big chains. You don’t need enterprise complexity or premium pricing. You need software that handles the basics well, doesn’t break the bank, and actually saves you time.

This guide covers the best dog grooming software specifically suited for small businesses — whether you’re a solo groomer, a mobile operation, or a small salon with a handful of staff.

What Small Businesses Need vs. Enterprise

Before diving into recommendations, let’s clarify what “small business” means for grooming software.

You Probably Need

• Simple appointment scheduling
• Client and pet database
• Automated reminders to reduce no-shows
• Online booking so clients can self-serve
• Two-way text messaging
• Basic payment processing

You Probably Don’t Need

• Multi-location management
• Complex role permissions
• Enterprise reporting dashboards
• Inventory management for retail
• Payroll integration

The best small business software does the first list excellently — without charging you for the second.

Quick Comparison: Small Business Options

Teddy
Starting Price: Competitive pricing
SMS Included: Unlimited
Best Feature: Messaging value
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

GrooMore
Starting Price: $39/month
SMS Included: Limited
Best Feature: Low price
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

DaySmart
Starting Price: $29/month
SMS Included: Add-on
Best Feature: Proven reliability
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Easy Busy Pets
Starting Price: $35/month
SMS Included: Limited
Best Feature: Simplicity
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐½

Square Appointments
Starting Price: Free–$65/month
SMS Included: No
Best Feature: Free tier
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

1. Teddy — Best Overall for Small Businesses

Free Trial: 14 days

Teddy was built specifically for independent groomers, and it shows. The platform focuses on what matters most: scheduling, communication, and client management — without enterprise bloat.

The standout is unlimited SMS messaging. While other platforms charge per text or cap monthly messages, Teddy lets you communicate freely. For small businesses where personal communication builds client relationships, this is genuinely valuable.

Key Features

• Unlimited two-way SMS messaging
• Request-based online booking
• Client and pet profiles with full history
• Automated appointment reminders
• Digital intake forms and service agreements
• Square integration for payments
• AI receptionist for missed calls

Pros

• Unlimited SMS saves money on messaging
• Clean, modern interface
• Easy to learn (hours, not days)
• Request-based booking prevents conflicts
• Digital forms included
• Predictable monthly cost

Cons

• Newer platform
• Square-only payment integration
• No native mobile app
• Limited advanced features

Best For

Solo groomers and small teams (1–5 people) who communicate heavily with clients via text. If you’re currently paying extra for SMS or hitting message limits, Teddy solves that problem.

Pricing: Competitive flat pricing with unlimited SMS

2. GrooMore — Best Budget Option

Price: $39/month
Free Trial: 14 days

GrooMore covers the essentials at a competitive price point. It won’t win awards for features or interface polish, but it handles basic scheduling and client management competently.

For small businesses watching every dollar, GrooMore delivers functional software without straining the budget.

Key Features

• Appointment scheduling
• Client and pet database
• Automated reminders
• Online booking
• Basic reporting
• Payment processing

Pros

• Lowest starting price in category
• Covers essential features
• Easy to learn
• Straightforward setup

Cons

• Limited SMS capabilities
• Less polished interface
• Fewer advanced features
• Support can be slow

Best For

Cost-conscious small businesses that need basic scheduling and client management without bells and whistles.

Pricing: $39/month

3. DaySmart — Best for Proven Reliability

Price: Starting at $29/month
Free Trial: 14 days

DaySmart (formerly 123Pet) has been serving groomers for years. The interface feels dated compared to newer options, but the software is reliable and stable.

For small businesses that value proven track record over modern features, DaySmart is a safe choice.

Key Features

• Appointment scheduling
• Client database
• Automated reminders
• Online booking
• Multiple payment options
• Reporting tools

Pros

• Lowest entry price ($29/month)
• Proven reliability
• Good customer support
• Stable platform

Cons

• Dated interface
• SMS costs extra
• Mobile experience is basic
• Modernization lagging

Best For

Small businesses wanting reliable, no-frills software at the lowest price point. Good for those comfortable with traditional interfaces.

Pricing: Starting at $29/month plus SMS add-on

4. Easy Busy Pets — Best for Simplicity

Price: $35/month
Free Trial: 7 days

Easy Busy Pets lives up to its name. The platform focuses on simplicity over features. Setup takes minutes, and the learning curve is nearly flat.

If you just want software that works without complexity, Easy Busy Pets delivers.

Key Features

• Simple scheduling
• Client records
• Automated reminders
• Basic online booking
• Straightforward interface

Pros

• Very easy to learn
• Quick setup
• Clean interface
• Affordable

Cons

• Limited advanced features
• Basic SMS
• May outgrow it quickly
• Fewer integrations

Best For

Solo groomers who want the simplest possible software and don’t need advanced features.

Pricing: $35/month

5. Square Appointments — Best Free Option

Price: Free–$65/month
No trial needed

Square Appointments offers a free tier that includes basic scheduling. If you’re already using Square for payments, the integration is seamless.

The free version is limited, and it lacks grooming-specific features. But for small businesses testing the waters or operating on a minimal budget, it’s a zero-risk starting point.

Key Features

• Basic scheduling
• Client database
• Online booking
• Square payment integration
• Mobile app

Pros

• Free tier available
• Excellent Square integration
• Clean interface
• Good for basic needs

Cons

• Not grooming-specific
• No pet profiles
• Limited SMS
• Advanced features require paid tiers

Best For

Square users who need basic scheduling without additional monthly cost. A good starting point for very new businesses.

Pricing: Free for individuals, $29–$65/month for teams

What to Look for in Small Business Software

1. Pricing Transparency

Beware of hidden costs. Calculate your true monthly expense including:

• Base subscription
• SMS/messaging fees
• Per-user charges
• Payment processing fees
• Add-on features

A $29/month platform that charges for SMS might cost more than a competitively priced platform with unlimited messaging.

2. Appropriate Feature Set

More features isn’t better if you don’t need them. Extra complexity means:

• Longer learning curve
• More things that can break
• Higher costs

Choose software that does what you need — without charging for what you don’t.

3. Messaging Capabilities

For most small businesses, client communication is critical. Look for:

• Two-way SMS texting
• Automated reminders
• Message history
• Unlimited or generous messaging limits

If you’re texting clients 400+ times per month, platforms with unlimited SMS save real money.

4. Ease of Use

You don’t have an IT department. Software should be:

• Intuitive without extensive training
• Quick to set up
• Reliable without constant troubleshooting

Take the free trial and actually use it. If basic tasks feel clunky, that frustration multiplies over months of daily use.

Small Business vs. Enterprise: Feature Comparison

Small Business Needs

• Basic calendar scheduling
• 1–5 groomers
• Revenue basics reporting
• Simple access controls
• No or minimal inventory
• Payment integrations

Enterprise Needs

• Multi-location management
• 10–100+ staff
• Custom dashboards and analytics
• Role-based permissions
• Full retail inventory management
• Payroll, accounting, POS integrations

If your needs fall in the small business category, don’t pay enterprise prices.

Understanding True Monthly Cost

When comparing software, don’t just look at the base price. Factor in:

• SMS costs — Teddy includes unlimited SMS; others charge per message
• Add-on fees — Some features cost extra
• Your messaging volume — Heavy texters save more with unlimited plans

Check each platform’s current pricing page, as rates change. The key insight: platforms advertising lower base prices often cost the same (or more) once you add SMS fees for typical business messaging volumes.

Making the Switch

If you’re currently using paper, spreadsheets, or generic scheduling apps, switching to grooming software typically takes:

Setup Time: 1–3 Hours

• Create account
• Set up services and pricing
• Configure reminders
• Import client list (if you have one)

Learning Curve: 1–2 Weeks

• Basic functions in hours
• Comfortable use in days
• Mastery in weeks

ROI Timeline: 1–2 Months

• Time saved on scheduling
• Reduced no-shows from reminders
• Fewer phone interruptions with online booking

Most small businesses find the software pays for itself quickly — often through reduced no-shows alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the cheapest grooming software for small businesses?

Square Appointments has a free tier. Among paid options, DaySmart starts at $29/month. But factor in SMS costs — cheaper base prices often mean higher total costs.

Do I really need software for a small grooming business?

If you have more than 10–15 regular clients, software saves significant time. Automated reminders alone can reduce no-shows by 30–50%.

Can I switch software later?

Yes. Most platforms let you export client data. Switching is inconvenient but completely doable if you outgrow your first choice.

What if I’m not tech-savvy?

Modern grooming software is designed for non-technical users. If you can use a smartphone, you can use grooming software. Platforms like Teddy and Easy Busy Pets are particularly beginner-friendly.

Should I get software with online booking?

For most small businesses, yes. Online booking fills your calendar while you’re grooming and reduces phone interruptions.

Our Recommendation

For most small grooming businesses, Teddy offers the best balance of features, usability, and value. The unlimited SMS messaging is a genuine differentiator that saves money for communication-heavy businesses.

If budget is your primary concern, GrooMore or DaySmart work well at lower price points — though you’ll likely pay extra for SMS.

If you just need the basics and want maximum simplicity, Easy Busy Pets gets the job done without complexity.

Take the free trials. Test with your actual workflow. The right choice will become clear.