What is the best grooming software for a new grooming business?
Updated
For a brand new grooming business, the best software is the cheapest tool that still gets you booked, reminds clients, and takes payment, without enterprise features you will not use in year one. GroomBoard fits this exactly: $19/month (Solo) with a public booking page that doubles as your first website, automated SMS reminders, and a 7 day free trial with no credit card.
In your first year, the bottleneck is getting clients in the door and keeping a half full calendar full, not payroll, inventory, or multi location reporting. Paying $90+/month for a salon platform spends money you need for dryers, shears, and marketing on features you will not touch for a long time.
A new business is best served by software scoped to the essentials: an SEO friendly booking page you can share from Google Business Profile and Instagram, automated reminders so early no shows do not sink a thin schedule, and Stripe pay links so clients can pay by phone. GroomBoard's Solo plan covers all of that at $19/month, about $228/year, often less than two grooms.
It also grows with you: when you hire your first groomer, upgrading to Salon ($39/month, up to five groomers) is one click with your data intact. Start minimal, keep cash for the business, and add features as real demand appears. See the new business breakdown below.
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
Do I need a website to start a grooming business?
How much does grooming software cost for a startup?
What features does a new groomer actually need?
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.