What is the cheapest grooming software with SMS included?
Updated
GroomBoard is one of the cheapest grooming tools where SMS is genuinely included rather than billed separately: $19/month (Solo) or $39/month (Salon), flat, with automated text reminders and booking confirmations built in. Most competitors advertise a low base price but charge for texting as an add on or per message, which is where the real cost hides.
When groomers compare prices, the trap is the SMS line item. A platform can show a low base plan and still cost $99 to $149+ once you add the texting package, or outgrow the capped text allotment, that makes reminders actually work. So the honest way to rank "cheapest with SMS included" is to compare the all in price with automated reminders switched on at your real volume.
On that basis, GroomBoard is hard to beat: $19/month for Solo with 250 texts a month included and $39/month for Salon with 600, with no per message fee and no separate texting tier. There is no setup fee and a 7 day free trial with no credit card.
A note on honesty: the allowance is a real number, not a marketing word. A solo groomer texting a confirmation and a day before reminder for five dogs a day uses roughly 200 to 250 texts a month, which is why Solo carries 250. A groomer who sends more adds a pack of 100 texts for $5 a month, and when an allowance runs out texts pause rather than billing an overage. For most groomers the bill is exactly $19 or $39. See the full pricing index below.
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Related questions
Which grooming software hides texting costs?
Does GroomBoard ever charge extra for SMS?
Is there free grooming software with SMS?
More answers
How much does pet grooming software cost?
Dog grooming software costs between $9 and $239 per month in 2026. Groomer specific tools: GroomBoard $9 to $39 per month with 100 to 600 texts included, Groomsoft $29.95 to $39.90 with 100 free texts then prepaid packs, MoeGo $49 to $239 per van or location with texts capped by tier. Facility platforms such as Gingr run $109 to $179 plus setup fees. The monthly total is usually higher than the sticker price once text packs and setup fees are added.
Does dog grooming software work with Square?
Some grooming software integrates with Square and GroomBoard does not. GroomBoard has no Square connection: it does not read Square transactions, push appointments into Square, or settle payments through a Square account. Most groomers who use both keep Square at the counter for card payments and run bookings, pet records, and reminder texts in GroomBoard. Square Appointments on its own is $0, $49, or $149 per location per month and has no pet profiles.
Is there free dog grooming software?
Yes. As of October 2026, ShakeYourTail, Tuft, Doxford and Square Appointments each have a free plan that never expires, and Koalendar works as a free generic scheduler. Every one of them drops SMS reminders or caps your client list, and two tools that show up in "free grooming software" lists, GrooMore and Cuddles, only offer a trial. GroomBoard is not free: Starter is $9 a month with 100 texts included, after a 7 day trial with no card.
What software do dog groomers use?
Dog groomers use grooming specific business software to handle online booking, calendar scheduling, client and pet records, and automated SMS reminders. Common options include GroomBoard, MoeGo, Gingr, DaySmart Pet, and Groomsoft, and independent or mobile groomers often choose a lighter, flat priced tool like GroomBoard from $9/month.