How do I switch grooming software without losing my clients?
Switching grooming software is more straightforward than most groomers expect: export your client and pet list from your current tool, import the CSV into the new one, rebuild your services and hours, then point your booking link and social profiles at the new page. Active appointments are usually easiest to recreate as they come in rather than backfilling history. With GroomBoard, the import-and-setup path takes most groomers well under an hour.
The fear with switching is losing data or confusing clients, but a grooming migration has only a few moving parts. The essential data is your client and pet records, which nearly every tool can export to CSV. Appointment history is nice to keep but rarely necessary to move — most groomers let history age out on the old tool and start fresh bookings on the new one.
A clean switch looks like this: export clients and pets to CSV, import them into GroomBoard, recreate your service menu and business hours, test your booking page, then update your booking link everywhere clients find it — Google Business Profile, Instagram bio, website, and a one-time text or email to regulars. The old tool can stay active for a week as a safety net while bookings flow to the new page.
Because GroomBoard is self-serve, there is no onboarding call gating the move, and the 14-day free trial means you can build and test the new setup in parallel before you cancel the old subscription. See the migration guide and competitor switch breakdowns below.
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Related questions
Will I lose my client list when I switch?
Do I need to move my old appointment history?
How long does switching take?
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How much does pet grooming software cost?
Most pet grooming software costs between about $20 and $200+ per month, depending on the tier, the number of groomers, and whether SMS texting is an extra add-on. GroomBoard is a flat $19/month (Solo) or $39/month (Salon) with SMS reminders included and a 14-day free trial — no setup fee and no per-message texting charges.
Is there free dog grooming software?
There are a few free or freemium grooming tools, but they typically cap the number of clients, leave out SMS reminders, or fund themselves with ads and paid add-ons. GroomBoard is not free, but at $19/month with a 14-day free trial (no credit card) it usually ends up cheaper than a "free" tool once you add the booking and texting features groomers actually rely on.
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 at $19/month.
Do dog groomers need insurance?
Yes — most working groomers carry general liability insurance plus pet-care (animal bailee) coverage, and it is often required before you can rent salon space or get a business license. For an independent groomer, combined coverage typically runs in the range of $30 to $60 per month, though it varies by location, coverage limits, and claims history.