How long does it take to set up grooming software?
Updated
Most groomers are taking real bookings within 15 minutes of signing up for GroomBoard. The setup is a 6 step wizard, business name, services, hours, booking page URL, optional SMS, optional payments, with no onboarding call required.
Grooming software setup time is one of the most overcounted line items in the industry. Enterprise platforms (Gingr, Daysmart Pet, Pet Sitter Plus) require an onboarding call, a contract, and often a paid implementation package, total time from signup to first booking is measured in days, sometimes weeks. That makes sense for multi location boarding facilities with payroll integration; it does not make sense for a single chair groomer who just wants a calendar.
GroomBoard is built around self serve setup. After signup, the dashboard opens directly into a 6 step wizard: enter your business name, add your services and prices, set your hours, choose a booking page slug (e.g., yourname.groomboard.com/book/yourname), optionally connect Twilio for SMS reminders, and optionally connect Stripe for online payments. Each step has a sensible default, most groomers click through in 8 to 12 minutes. The wizard saves progress, so you can pause and finish later from any device.
The two optional steps are SMS and payments. Skipping them shortens setup to roughly 8 minutes; the booking page is fully functional without either. SMS reminders require a Twilio account (free to create, US numbers $1.15/month) and add about 3 minutes. Stripe Connect for online payments takes another 3 to 5 minutes depending on how fast the verification step runs on Stripe’s side.
For groomers migrating from another platform, importing existing clients via CSV adds 5 to 15 minutes. Past appointments can be backfilled but most groomers find it easier to let history populate naturally as clients rebook. Total realistic time from signup to first booking taken on the new system: 15 minutes for a fresh setup, 30 minutes if migrating client lists.
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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
Is there an onboarding call required?
Can I import my client list from another tool?
Do I need to set up SMS and payments to start?
How long until clients can actually book online?
What if I get stuck during setup?
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 September 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.