DaySmart vs 123Pet: What's Actually Different Now?

If you've groomed for more than a few years, you've probably heard both names. Maybe your first salon ran on 123Pet. Maybe a friend swears by DaySmart Pet. And maybe you've wondered whether they're competitors, cousins, or the same thing wearing a new collar.

Here's the short version of DaySmart vs 123Pet: they're the same product. 123Pet Software was renamed DaySmart Pet. The company itself announced it as a new name for the same software.

But "same product" doesn't mean nothing changed, and if you're running an older 123Pet setup, there are a few things worth checking. This article covers the history, what the platform looks like in 2026, current pricing, and how it compares with newer tools. For balance: we make Teddy, a DaySmart competitor, so we've stuck to DaySmart's own published information and independent reviews.

Is 123Pet the same as DaySmart Pet?

Yes. DaySmart's own announcement page is headed "123Pet Is Now DaySmart Pet!" and calls it a new name for the same software. Review sites like Software Advice and Capterra list the product as "DaySmart Pet (formerly 123Pet Software)."

The parent company is DaySmart Software, which also makes scheduling tools for other industries like salons and spas. Bringing 123Pet under the DaySmart brand put it in line with the rest of their products.

A few leftovers from the old name are still around, which is why people get confused:

• The mobile apps have been listed under the "123pet Groom Software" name on the app stores.
• Login links have pointed to both a 123petsoftware.com address and a daysmartpet.com address.
• Desktop downloads still appear in the support resources, a sign of the product's history as installed software.

If you see "123Pet" anywhere today, it's almost certainly the same platform under its old name.

What actually changed

Then: 123Pet

The desktop downloads still listed in DaySmart's support resources point to 123Pet's roots as software installed on a shop computer. It covered the core jobs: appointments, client and pet records, reminders, and payments. Reviewers who've used it for 10 to 20 years show how long that loyal base goes back.

Now: DaySmart Pet

Today, DaySmart Pet is described as cloud-based software with a mobile app, so you can work from any browser rather than one office PC. It has grown to include online booking, integrated payments, digital forms, payroll tools, text marketing, reputation management, and QuickBooks integration on higher tiers.

What hasn't changed is the focus. DaySmart Pet is still primarily grooming software, with boarding and daycare features that independent reviewers describe as more limited than dedicated kennel software.

DaySmart Pet pricing in 2026

DaySmart publishes five tiers. Here's how they break down according to Software Advice's October 2026 listing:

DaySmart offers a 14-day free trial with no contract, setup fee, or card required.

The thing to notice: two-way texting sits on the $149 Deluxe Growth plan. On Basic and Deluxe, you get one-way reminders and notifications. If you want clients to text you back through the system, that's the tier you need.

What users like and dislike

Independent reviews give a fairly clear picture. On Software Advice, DaySmart Pet holds a 4.3 out of 5 from 223 reviews, with some reviewers saying they've used it for 10 to nearly 20 years.

What reviewers like:

• Easy to learn, with a short learning curve for new staff
• Automated reminders that help cut no-shows
• Online booking that brings in more appointments
• Detailed reporting, like client visit history and top spenders
• Long-term reliability

What reviewers dislike:

• Cost, especially add-on fees for small businesses
• Support that's moved toward AI-first, which some find slow
• A mobile app that mobile groomers find weak
• A dense interface with a lot of clicks
• Limited customization of services and settings

None of these are dealbreakers on their own. They describe a mature, dependable platform that shows its age in places.

If you're still on an old 123Pet setup

If your shop has been on the same system for years, it's worth a quick health check:

1. Confirm which version you're on. Log in and check whether you're using the current cloud version or an older installed version.
2. Back up your data. Export your clients, pets, appointment history, and notes. Do this regardless of whether you plan to switch.
3. Check your plan against your needs. Many long-time users are on plans that no longer match how they work. If you text clients a lot, check whether you need two-way texting.
4. Review your payment processing. Reviewers note the payment gateway works with certain systems only. Compare your current rates with alternatives.
5. Ask DaySmart about migration. If you're on legacy software, ask support directly what your path to the current version looks like.

DaySmart Pet vs newer grooming software

How does DaySmart Pet stack up against tools built in the last few years?

If you're weighing a switch, we've covered this in more depth in Teddy vs DaySmart Pet: built for independents vs chains and in our list of DaySmart Pet alternatives.

Should you stay on DaySmart Pet?

Stay if:

• Your team knows it inside out and retraining would cost more than it saves
• You rely on its reporting and QuickBooks connection
• One-way reminders are enough for your clients

Consider switching if:

• You're paying for a higher tier mainly to get two-way texting
• Your mobile groomers struggle with the app
• The interface slows your front desk down every day

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 123Pet the same as DaySmart Pet?

Yes. 123Pet Software was renamed DaySmart Pet. It's the same platform, now under the DaySmart Software brand, and review sites list it as "DaySmart Pet (formerly 123Pet Software)."

Is 123Pet still supported?

The product continues as DaySmart Pet, and DaySmart's support site still lists resources including desktop downloads. If you're running an older installed version, contact DaySmart support to confirm your version and upgrade path.

How much does DaySmart Pet cost in 2026?

DaySmart Pet starts at $29 a month for Basic, with Deluxe at $69, Deluxe Growth at $149, Premium at $199, and a custom-quoted Premium Growth tier. There's a 14-day free trial.

Does DaySmart Pet have two-way texting?

Yes, but two-way texting is included from the Deluxe Growth plan at $149 a month. Lower tiers include automated text and email reminders.

How do I switch from DaySmart Pet or 123Pet to another platform?

Export your clients, pets, appointments, and notes first, then import them into the new system. Many platforms, including Teddy, will import that data for you for free. Our guide on switching from MoeGo or DaySmart walks through each step.

The bottom line

DaySmart Pet and 123Pet aren't rivals. They're the same long-running grooming platform under two names. It's dependable and well-loved by many long-time users, and its $29 entry price is hard to beat. The trade-offs are a busier interface and two-way texting that sits on the $149 tier.

If those trade-offs bother you, it's worth trying something newer side by side. Teddy includes unlimited two-way texting on every plan from $49 a month and imports your DaySmart data for free during a 14-day trial. MoeGo is another modern option, especially for mobile groomers.