Do I need grooming software or is a spreadsheet enough?
Updated
A spreadsheet can hold a client list and a rough schedule, but it cannot send automated SMS reminders, let clients book online, store pet history, or take card payments: the things that actually save time and reduce no shows. For most groomers past a handful of appointments a week, dedicated software like GroomBoard at $19/month pays for itself by recovering even one no show a month.
Spreadsheets are fine for the very first weeks of a grooming business, when you have a few clients and you remember every appointment. The limits show up fast: a spreadsheet does not text a reminder, does not let a client book at 9pm, does not keep a coat and behavior history per pet, and does not collect payment. Those gaps cost you no shows, evenings spent on phone tag, and lost rebookings.
The break even math is simple. A single no show is often a $50 to $120 loss. If automated SMS reminders prevent even one no show a month, a $19/month tool has already paid for itself several times over, before counting the hours saved on manual confirmations and the bookings captured outside business hours.
GroomBoard is built to be the smallest step up from a spreadsheet that still does these things: a bookable page, automatic reminders, pet profiles, and Stripe payments, set up in about 15 minutes with a 7 day free trial. If you are tracking appointments by hand today, that is the signal you have outgrown the spreadsheet.
Try GroomBoard free for 7 days
Online booking page, SMS reminders, client and pet profiles, and Stripe payments, all in one place. No credit card required to start.
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Related questions
When should I switch from a spreadsheet?
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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.