What software do dog groomers use?
Updated
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.
The core job of grooming software is to replace the paper book and the back and forth texting. A good tool gives clients a public link to book themselves, shows you a clean calendar, stores each pet’s breed, coat, and grooming notes, and sends appointment reminders automatically so you stop losing slots to no shows. Some platforms add payments, photo records, and staff payroll on top.
Which tool fits depends on the shape of your business. A large multi location salon may want heavyweight platforms with payroll and boarding modules. A solo or mobile groomer usually wants the opposite, something that runs on a phone, sets up in an afternoon, and does not charge per groomer or per text. The mismatch between those needs is why the market has both $150/month suites and $9 to $19/month focused tools.
GroomBoard is built for the independent and small salon end of that spectrum: online booking, calendar, client and pet profiles, and included SMS reminders, with nothing to install and a flat price. If you are weighing options, the comparison and "best software for" pages below break the choice down by groomer type.
| Software | Built for | Monthly price | Texts included |
|---|---|---|---|
| GroomBoard | Independent groomers and salons of 1 to 5 groomers | $9 to $39 per business | 100 to 600 a month by plan |
| MoeGo | Grooming salons and mobile fleets | $49 to $159 per van, $79 to $239 per location | 200 to 1,350 a month by tier |
| Groomsoft | Grooming shops and mobile groomers | $29.95 to $39.90 per business | 100 on monthly plans, then prepaid packs |
| DaySmart Pet | Grooming, boarding, and daycare | $29 to $199 per business | 500 to 2,500 a month by tier |
| Gingr | Boarding and daycare facilities | $109 to $179 per location plus setup | Add on |
| Goldie | Beauty and personal service appointments | Free to $39.99 per user | 0 to 750 credits |
| Square Appointments | General appointment booking | Free to $149 per location | Reminders included, no pet records |
Prices as published by each vendor, read on their own pricing pages on 16 October 2026.
How does MoeGo compare with DaySmart Pet for pet grooming software features?
MoeGo is grooming first and DaySmart Pet is a broader pet business suite. MoeGo builds around the appointment: online booking, a mobile app with route optimization for vans, two way texting, and a customer portal, priced $49 to $159 per van or $79 to $239 per location as of October 2026. DaySmart Pet, formerly 123Pet, covers grooming plus optional boarding and daycare calendars, with payroll, inventory, and marketing tools, priced $29 to $199 as of October 2026 with 500 to 2,500 texts a month by tier. A mobile groomer usually gets more from MoeGo; a shop that also boards usually gets more from DaySmart Pet; a solo or small salon groomer who wants neither payroll nor route software pays less on GroomBoard.
How does MoeGo pricing compare to DaySmart Pet for small pet businesses?
DaySmart Pet starts lower and MoeGo climbs faster. DaySmart Pet Basic is $29 a month with 500 texts, and its texting suite arrives at the $149 Deluxe Growth tier. MoeGo starts at $49 per van or $79 per location with 200 or 300 texts, and a groomer who texts every client typically lands on the $99 to $149 tier. Both are per van or per location on MoeGo and per business on DaySmart Pet, so a two van operation doubles the MoeGo bill and not the DaySmart one. GroomBoard is $19 for one groomer or $39 for up to five, per business, with 250 or 600 texts.
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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.
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.