Best Pet Care Management Software [2026]

Best Pet Care Management Software for Small Businesses [2026]

Running a pet care business on spreadsheets and sticky notes works until it does not. Whether you are managing grooming appointments, boarding reservations, daycare check-ins, or training sessions, the right software saves you hours per week and eliminates the scheduling chaos that costs you money.

The challenge is that "pet care management software" covers a huge range of businesses. A grooming salon, a boarding facility, a doggy daycare, and a multi-service pet resort all have different needs. Software that is perfect for one might be a poor fit for another.

This guide reviews the best options for 2026, organized by what each platform does best. We will cover features, pricing, and honest pros and cons so you can find the right match for your specific business.

Quick Comparison Table

Gingr

• Best For: Multi-service facilities
• Services Covered: Grooming, boarding, daycare, training
• Starting Price: $115/mo
• Free Trial: Demo only

MoeGo

• Best For: Mobile groomers
• Services Covered: Grooming (mobile + salon)
• Starting Price: $69/mo
• Free Trial: 14 days

Teddy

• Best For: Grooming-focused small teams
• Services Covered: Grooming scheduling, CRM, SMS
• Starting Price: $49/mo
• Free Trial: 14 days

DaySmart (123Pet)

• Best For: Established grooming salons
• Services Covered: Grooming, basic boarding
• Starting Price: $29/mo
• Free Trial: 14 days

PetExec

• Best For: Boarding + daycare combos
• Services Covered: Boarding, daycare, grooming
• Starting Price: $129/mo
• Free Trial: 30 days

Pawfinity

• Best For: Budget-conscious startups
• Services Covered: Grooming, boarding, daycare
• Starting Price: $25/mo
• Free Trial: 14 days

ProPet

• Best For: Large multi-location operations
• Services Covered: All pet services
• Starting Price: Custom pricing
• Free Trial: Demo only

Square Appointments

• Best For: Simple scheduling needs
• Services Covered: Any appointment-based service
• Starting Price: Free (basic)
• Free Trial: N/A

Pricing as of March 2026. Verify current rates on each provider's website.

1. Gingr — Best for Multi-Service Pet Care Facilities

Starting price: $115/month Best for: Businesses offering grooming, boarding, daycare, and/or training under one roof

If your business does more than one thing, Gingr is the platform most purpose-built for that complexity. It handles the operational chaos of managing multiple service types that share staff, space, and scheduling resources.

Key Features

• Multi-service scheduling: Grooming, boarding, daycare, and training all in one calendar with resource management
• Kennel management: Visual kennel boards showing occupancy, feeding schedules, and medication tracking
• Daycare management: Capacity tracking, check-in/check-out, activity logging
• Online booking portal: Clients can request grooming, boarding, and daycare in one interface
• Vaccination tracking: Automatic expiration alerts and reminders to clients
• Report cards: Send digital report cards to pet parents with photos and notes
• Financial reporting: Revenue by service type, staff performance, occupancy rates
• Integrated payments: Online and in-person payment processing

Pricing

• Gingr Solo: $115/mo — 1 location, core features
• Gingr Team: $195/mo — Multi-staff, advanced reporting
• Gingr Enterprise: Custom — Multi-location, API access

Payment processing fees apply on top of subscription.

Pros

• Best-in-class multi-service management
• Strong boarding and daycare workflows that handle capacity, feeding, and medications
• Digital report cards that clients love
• Vaccination tracking reduces liability
• Solid reporting across all service types

Cons

• Overkill for grooming-only businesses
• Higher price point than grooming-specific tools
• Learning curve is steeper due to feature depth
• Some users report the interface feels dated compared to newer competitors
• No free trial (demo only)

Who Should Use Gingr

Pet care facilities that offer a combination of grooming, boarding, daycare, and/or training. If you are running a multi-service pet resort or a facility with both boarding kennels and a grooming salon, Gingr manages that complexity better than trying to stitch together separate tools.

2. MoeGo — Best for Mobile Groomers

Starting price: $69/month Best for: Mobile grooming vans, mobile-first groomers, and grooming salons that want modern tech

MoeGo has built a strong following, particularly among mobile groomers, because it was designed with the mobile workflow in mind. Route optimization, real-time scheduling adjustments, and client communication tools make it a natural fit for groomers on the road.

Key Features

• Smart scheduling: Drag-and-drop calendar with route optimization for mobile groomers
• Route management: Automatic route planning to minimize drive time between appointments
• Online booking: Client-facing booking page with service selection
• Two-way texting: Communicate with clients directly from the app
• Pet profiles: Breed, weight, temperament, grooming history, and photos
• Payment processing: In-app payments with Square and Stripe integration
• Automated reminders: Text and email reminders at customizable intervals
• Client app: Branded client-facing app for bookings and communication
• Reporting: Revenue tracking, client retention, and staff performance

Pricing

• Essential: $69/mo — 1 user, core features
• Professional: $129/mo — Multi-user, advanced features
• Ultimate: $199/mo — Full feature set, priority support

Pros

• Excellent mobile grooming workflow with route optimization
• Modern, intuitive interface
• Strong client communication tools (two-way texting)
• Client-facing app enhances the professional image
• Active development with frequent feature updates
• Large and engaged user community

Cons

• Route features are wasted if you run a salon-only business
• Price is on the higher side for solo salon groomers
• SMS costs can add up on lower plans (limited message credits)
• Some boarding/daycare features exist but are not as deep as Gingr or PetExec
• Occasional reports of customer support response delays during peak times

Who Should Use MoeGo

Mobile groomers who want purpose-built route and scheduling tools. Also a strong choice for salon groomers who want a modern, app-centric experience and do not mind paying a premium for it. Less ideal for boarding/daycare-heavy businesses.

3. Teddy — Best for Grooming-Focused Small Teams

Starting price: $49/month Best for: Independent groomers and small grooming teams (1-5 people) who need scheduling, CRM, and client communication in one platform

Teddy is a newer entrant that built its platform specifically for independent and small-team groomers. It started as an AI receptionist and expanded into a full scheduling and business management platform. The standout feature is unlimited SMS messaging at no extra cost, which eliminates the nickel-and-diming that some competitors do on text message volume.

Key Features

• Calendar scheduling: Visual calendar with drag-and-drop booking for solo and multi-groomer setups
• Unlimited SMS messaging: Text clients without per-message fees or monthly caps
• Online booking: Request-based booking (you approve before it hits your calendar)
• Automated reminders and notifications: Customizable text and email reminders
• Client CRM: Client profiles with pet details, grooming history, preferences, and notes
• Digital intake forms and service agreements: Paperless new-client onboarding
• Square POS integration: Accept payments through Square
• AI receptionist: Handles basic client inquiries and booking requests automatically

Pricing

• Starter: $49/mo — Core scheduling, CRM, unlimited SMS
• Professional: $79/mo — Full feature set, online booking, AI receptionist

No per-message SMS fees. Payment processing fees through Square apply separately.

Pros

• Unlimited SMS messaging included (no overage charges)
• Clean, modern interface that is easy to learn
• Request-based online booking gives you control over your schedule
• Digital intake forms eliminate paperwork
• Competitive pricing for what is included
• AI receptionist handles after-hours inquiries

Cons

• Newer platform with a smaller user community than MoeGo or DaySmart
• No mobile-specific route optimization features
• Limited boarding and daycare management (grooming-focused)
• Fewer third-party integrations than established competitors
• Currently Square-only for payment processing

Who Should Use Teddy

Solo groomers and small grooming teams who want an affordable, all-in-one platform with strong client communication tools. Particularly good for groomers who rely heavily on text messaging (appointment confirmations, reminders, follow-ups) and want unlimited SMS without tracking usage. Less ideal for multi-service facilities that need boarding or daycare management.

4. DaySmart (formerly 123Pet) — Best for Established Grooming Salons

Starting price: $29/month Best for: Traditional grooming salons with established client bases who want proven, reliable software

DaySmart has been in the pet industry for over a decade under the 123Pet brand. It is one of the most widely used grooming platforms, which means extensive documentation, a large community, and well-tested workflows. It is not the flashiest option, but it is dependable.

Key Features

• Appointment scheduling: Multi-column calendar for managing multiple groomers
• Online booking: Clients can book directly or by request
• Client management: Pet profiles, history, notes, and photos
• Point of sale: Built-in POS with inventory tracking
• Marketing tools: Email campaigns, automated follow-ups, review requests
• Text reminders: Automated appointment reminders via SMS
• Reporting: Revenue, staff productivity, client retention reports
• Multi-location support: Manage multiple salons from one account
• Employee management: Scheduling, commissions, and tip tracking

Pricing

• Basic: $29/mo — 1 user, core scheduling
• Deluxe: $69/mo — Multi-user, online booking
• Premium: $119/mo — Full features, marketing tools

SMS messages may incur additional costs depending on volume and plan.

Pros

• Long track record in the pet industry
• Comprehensive POS with inventory tracking
• Good employee management tools for multi-groomer shops
• Extensive knowledge base and training resources
• Marketing tools (email campaigns, review requests) built in
• Affordable entry-level plan

Cons

• Interface looks and feels older compared to MoeGo and Teddy
• Mobile app experience could be stronger
• Some features require higher-tier plans
• SMS messaging costs can add up at scale
• Customer support responsiveness varies by plan level
• Transition from 123Pet branding has caused some confusion

Who Should Use DaySmart

Established grooming salons with 2+ groomers who want a proven platform with POS and employee management. Strong choice if you need marketing tools like email campaigns and review requests built into your grooming software. Less ideal for mobile groomers or tech-forward solo operators.

5. PetExec — Best for Boarding and Grooming Combos

Starting price: $129/month Best for: Boarding facilities that also offer grooming services

PetExec was built for boarding and daycare facilities first, with grooming scheduling added as a complementary feature. If boarding is your primary revenue stream and grooming is an add-on service, PetExec handles that dynamic well.

Key Features

• Boarding management: Kennel assignments, stay details, feeding and medication schedules
• Daycare management: Capacity tracking, daily check-in/check-out, play group management
• Grooming scheduling: Appointment booking for standalone grooms and boarding add-ons
• Online reservations: Client-facing portal for boarding, daycare, and grooming requests
• Vaccination tracking: Automated alerts for expired or upcoming vaccinations
• Owner communication: Text and email updates, photo sharing during stays
• Financial tools: Invoicing, payment processing, revenue reporting
• Staff management: Shift scheduling, task assignments, and time tracking

Pricing

• Starter: $129/mo — Core features, 1 location
• Professional: $199/mo — Advanced features, multi-staff
• Enterprise: Custom — Multi-location, custom integrations

Pros

• Excellent boarding and daycare management tools
• Medication and feeding schedule tracking for overnight stays
• Client communication during boarding stays builds trust
• Vaccination tracking is thorough and automated
• Strong financial reporting

Cons

• Expensive if grooming is your primary (or only) service
• Grooming features are less refined than grooming-specific platforms
• Steeper learning curve for setup
• Interface is functional but not as modern as newer competitors
• Overkill for businesses without boarding or daycare services

Who Should Use PetExec

Boarding and daycare facilities that also offer grooming services. If overnight stays and daycare are your bread and butter, PetExec handles those workflows better than grooming-centric platforms. Not recommended for grooming-only businesses.

6. Pawfinity — Best Budget-Friendly Option

Starting price: $25/month Best for: New groomers and small businesses watching every dollar

Pawfinity offers a surprising amount of functionality for its price point. It covers grooming, boarding, and daycare basics without the price tag of more feature-rich platforms. For a solo groomer just getting started, it is a practical entry point.

Key Features

• Appointment scheduling: Calendar with color-coded appointments
• Client and pet management: Profiles, notes, grooming history
• Online booking: Basic client-facing booking page
• Invoicing and payments: Built-in invoicing with payment processing
• Automated reminders: Email and text reminders
• Vaccination tracking: Expiration alerts
• Basic reporting: Revenue and appointment statistics
• Boarding module: Basic kennel management for facilities that offer boarding

Pricing

• Solo: $25/mo — 1 user, core features
• Team: $50/mo — Up to 5 users
• Business: $80/mo — Unlimited users, advanced features

Pros

• Most affordable option with decent features
• Easy to learn and set up
• Covers grooming and basic boarding needs
• Good for solo groomers on a tight budget
• Includes vaccination tracking at every tier
• No long-term contracts

Cons

• SMS reminders are limited (may require additional costs for high-volume texting)
• Feature depth does not match MoeGo or Gingr at scale
• Online booking is basic compared to competitors
• Interface design is straightforward but not modern
• Limited integrations with third-party tools
• Smaller support team and community

Who Should Use Pawfinity

New groomers and small businesses that need affordable scheduling and client management software. A solid starter platform that covers the basics without stretching a tight budget. You may outgrow it as your business scales, but it is a practical starting point.

7. ProPet — Best for Large Multi-Location Operations

Starting price: Custom pricing (typically $200+/month) Best for: Large pet care businesses with multiple locations and high staff counts

ProPet is enterprise-grade pet care software built for operations that have outgrown small-business tools. Multi-location management, advanced staff scheduling, and deep reporting make it the choice for businesses managing significant volume across locations.

Key Features

• Multi-location management: Centralized dashboard for all locations
• Advanced scheduling: Grooming, boarding, daycare, and training across multiple facilities
• Staff management: Shift scheduling, payroll integration, performance tracking
• Customer portal: White-labeled client portal for bookings and communication
• Kennel and room management: Visual layout tools for boarding and daycare spaces
• Advanced reporting: Cross-location financial reports, occupancy analysis, staff utilization
• API access: Custom integrations with accounting, payroll, and marketing tools
• Franchise support: Tools for managing franchise operations

Pricing

Custom pricing based on number of locations, staff, and feature requirements. Expect $200-$500+/month depending on scale.

Pros

• Built for scale with multi-location support
• Advanced reporting and analytics
• API access for custom integrations
• White-labeled client portal
• Dedicated account management
• Franchise-friendly

Cons

• Priced out of reach for most small businesses
• Setup and onboarding takes longer than simpler platforms
• Feature complexity can overwhelm smaller operations
• Custom pricing means no self-service sign-up
• Not cost-effective unless you are managing 10+ staff across multiple locations

Who Should Use ProPet

Multi-location pet care businesses with 10+ employees, franchises, or large-scale boarding and daycare operations. If you manage one location with a small team, this platform is more than you need and more than you should spend.

8. Square Appointments — Best for Simple Scheduling Needs

Starting price: Free (basic) / $29/month (Plus) Best for: Solo groomers who want free scheduling and already use Square for payments

Square Appointments is not pet-specific, but it is worth mentioning because many solo groomers already use Square for payment processing. The free tier offers basic scheduling that works for a solo operator who just needs to manage their calendar and take payments.

Key Features

• Appointment scheduling: Online booking with a shareable booking page
• Square payment integration: Seamless in-person and online payments
• Automated reminders: Email and text reminders for upcoming appointments
• Client profiles: Basic contact information and appointment history
• Invoice sending: Send digital invoices for deposits or no-show fees
• Website builder: Simple booking page you can share or embed

Pricing

• Free: $0/mo — 1 user, basic scheduling, reminders
• Plus: $29/mo — Multi-staff, resource management
• Premium: $69/mo — Advanced features, custom permissions

Standard Square payment processing fees apply (2.6% + $0.10 per transaction).

Pros

• Free tier covers basic scheduling needs
• Already integrated if you use Square for payments
• Simple and easy to set up
• Professional booking page included
• Automated reminders on every plan
• No pet industry learning curve

Cons

• No pet-specific features (no pet profiles, vaccination tracking, breed management)
• No grooming-specific workflows (groom type, time allocation by breed)
• Client profiles are basic (no pet history, notes, or preferences)
• Cannot manage boarding, daycare, or kennel operations
• Limited reporting compared to pet-specific platforms
• Free tier is truly basic (1 calendar, limited customization)

Who Should Use Square Appointments

Solo groomers who are just starting out, already use Square for payments, and want free scheduling without pet-specific bells and whistles. It is a bridge tool. Most groomers outgrow it within 6-12 months and move to a pet-specific platform, but there is nothing wrong with starting here to keep costs low on day one.

How to Choose the Right Software for Your Business

Use these decision criteria to narrow your choice:

By Business Type

• Solo groomer (home-based): Teddy, Pawfinity
• Solo groomer (mobile): MoeGo, Teddy
• Grooming salon (2-5 staff): DaySmart, MoeGo
• Boarding facility + grooming: PetExec, Gingr
• Daycare + grooming: Gingr, PetExec
• Multi-service pet resort: Gingr, ProPet
• Large multi-location operation: ProPet, Gingr
• Just starting out (budget): Square Appointments (free), Pawfinity

By Priority Feature

• Route optimization for mobile: MoeGo
• Unlimited text messaging: Teddy
• Multi-service management: Gingr
• Built-in POS with inventory: DaySmart
• Boarding and kennel management: PetExec
• Lowest monthly cost: Square Appointments (free) or Pawfinity ($25)
• Multi-location management: ProPet
• Client-facing app: MoeGo

What to Look for in Any Pet Care Software

Regardless of which platform you choose, make sure it offers:

1. Easy scheduling: If booking an appointment takes more than 30 seconds, something is wrong.
2. Automated reminders: Text and/or email reminders reduce no-shows by 30-50%.
3. Client records: Pet profiles with breed, weight, temperament, and grooming notes.
4. Payment processing: Integrated payments save time at checkout.
5. Online booking: Clients expect to book online in 2026. A phone-only business is leaving money on the table.
6. Mobile access: You need to check your schedule and manage bookings from your phone.
7. Reasonable pricing: The software should pay for itself within the first month through saved time and reduced no-shows.

Trial Before You Commit

Every platform on this list except Gingr and ProPet offers a free trial. Use it. Do not just click around the dashboard and call it a test. Actually book appointments, add clients, send test reminders, and run a report. Use the software for real for at least a week before deciding.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best pet care management software for a small business?

It depends on your services. For grooming-only businesses, Teddy, MoeGo, or DaySmart are strong choices depending on whether you are mobile, solo, or multi-staff. For businesses that combine grooming with boarding or daycare, Gingr or PetExec handle multi-service management better. Pawfinity is the most affordable starting point, and Square Appointments offers free basic scheduling.

How much does pet care management software cost?

Monthly costs range from free (Square Appointments basic tier) to $200+ per month (ProPet and Gingr enterprise plans). Most solo groomers spend $25 - $80 per month. Multi-service facilities typically spend $115 - $200 per month. Payment processing fees (usually 2.5% - 3% per transaction) are separate from subscription costs on most platforms.

Do I need pet-specific software or can I use general scheduling tools?

General scheduling tools like Square Appointments or Calendly work for basic appointment booking, but they lack pet-specific features: pet profiles with breed and temperament data, vaccination tracking, grooming history, and service time estimates based on breed and coat type. Most groomers find that pet-specific software saves enough time to justify the cost within the first few months.

Can pet care software help reduce no-shows?

Yes. Automated text and email reminders are the single most effective way to reduce no-shows, and every platform on this list includes them. Some platforms also support deposits, card-on-file requirements, and waitlist management, which further reduce cancellation losses. Groomers who switch from manual reminders to automated reminders typically see no-show rates drop by 30-50%.

What is the difference between pet grooming software and pet care management software?

Pet grooming software (like Teddy, MoeGo, and DaySmart) is designed specifically for grooming appointment scheduling, pet profiles, and grooming-related workflows. Pet care management software (like Gingr and PetExec) is broader and includes tools for boarding, daycare, training, and multi-service operations. If you only groom, a grooming-specific tool is usually a better fit. If you offer multiple services, look at a broader pet care management platform.

Last updated: March 2026