Best Pet Grooming Software in 2026

What Makes Great Pet Grooming Software?

Running a grooming business means juggling appointments, tracking pet histories, processing payments, and keeping clients happy. The best dog grooming software handles all of that without making your life harder in the process.

After testing dozens of platforms, we evaluated each one on the features that matter most to working groomers:

• Online booking: Clients should be able to book, reschedule, and cancel appointments without calling you
• Client and pet profiles: Detailed records with breed, temperament, grooming notes, and vaccination history
• Scheduling tools: Visual calendar with drag-and-drop, multiple groomers, and time blocking
• Automated reminders: Text and email reminders that reduce no-shows by 30-50%
• Payment processing: Built-in POS for card payments, tips, and invoicing
• Reporting: Revenue tracking, groomer performance, and client retention metrics
• Mobile access: Full functionality on phones and tablets so you can manage things on the go
• Ease of use: You should not need an IT degree to set it up and run it daily

Price matters too. Some platforms charge $200+ per month, which is hard to justify when you are a solo groomer or small shop. We gave extra points to software that offers real value at fair prices, especially those with free tiers or low-cost starter plans.

Great grooming software lets you focus on what you do best: grooming pets

The 7 Best Pet Grooming Software Platforms in 2026

We ranked these platforms based on features, pricing, ease of use, customer support, and overall value. Here is our complete breakdown.

1. OurPetGroomer — Best Overall

Pricing: Free ($0/mo), Verified ($19/mo), Pro ($49/mo), Featured ($99/mo)

OurPetGroomer was built by groomers who were frustrated with overpriced, clunky software that did not understand their day-to-day workflows. The result is a platform that feels like it was designed by someone who has actually stood behind a grooming table.

The free tier is genuinely useful, not a watered-down trial. You get online scheduling, client and pet profiles, appointment management, and basic business tools at no cost. The Verified plan at $19/month adds payment processing with integrated POS, automated reminders, and a verified listing in the OurPetGroomer directory. Pro ($49/month) unlocks commission tracking, inventory management, employee scheduling, and advanced reporting. Featured ($99/month) gives top placement in search results and premium marketing tools.

One of the biggest advantages is that OurPetGroomer supports both salon and mobile grooming businesses on every plan. Mobile groomers get route planning and on-the-go scheduling without paying extra. The platform also doubles as a client-facing directory, which means pet owners can discover your business through OurPetGroomer's search and book directly.

Pros:

• Generous free tier with real functionality
• Most affordable paid plans in the category ($19/mo to start)
• Built-in POS and payment processing
• Built-in directory listing brings you new clients
• Mobile grooming support on all plans
• No long-term contracts
• Built by groomers who understand the business

Cons:

• Newer platform, so fewer third-party integrations than legacy competitors
• Advanced payroll features only on Pro plan and above

Verdict: OurPetGroomer is the best pet grooming software for most businesses. The free plan alone beats many competitors' paid tiers, and the pricing stays reasonable as you grow. If you are starting a grooming business or looking to switch from expensive legacy software, this is where to start.

2. Gingr — Best for Large Facilities

Pricing: From ~$95/mo (varies by facility size)

Gingr is a well-established platform designed for pet care facilities that offer grooming alongside boarding, daycare, and training. If you run a multi-service pet business with several employees, Gingr has the depth of features to manage it all from one dashboard.

The scheduling system handles complex multi-service bookings well, and the client portal lets pet owners view their pet's stay, check in digitally, and make payments online. Gingr also offers built-in report cards that groomers and daycare staff can send to owners after each visit, which is a nice client retention touch.

Pros:

• Excellent for multi-service pet facilities (grooming + boarding + daycare)
• Digital report cards and client portal
• Strong employee management features
• Good onboarding and training resources

Cons:

• Expensive for grooming-only businesses
• Setup can be complex and time-consuming
• Overkill if you only do grooming
• Long-term contracts on some plans

Verdict: Gingr is a solid choice for larger pet care facilities, but the price and complexity make it a poor fit for standalone grooming salons. If grooming is just one part of your business, it is worth exploring. If grooming is your entire business, there are better and cheaper options.

3. MoeGo — Best for Mobile Groomers (Runner-Up)

Pricing: From ~$79/mo

MoeGo has carved out a strong niche with mobile pet groomers. The route optimization feature is genuinely useful for planning efficient driving routes between appointments. You can drag and drop appointments on a map view, and the software calculates travel time between stops.

The mobile app works smoothly, and you can manage almost everything from your phone, which is essential when you spend your day in a van. MoeGo also includes automated text reminders, online booking, and basic reporting. The interface is modern and easy to navigate compared to some of the older platforms on this list.

Pros:

• Excellent route optimization for mobile groomers
• Modern, clean mobile app
• Automated reminders and online booking
• GPS tracking and real-time updates for clients

Cons:

• $79/month is steep for solo mobile groomers
• No free tier available
• Some salon-specific features feel underdeveloped
• Payment processing fees are on top of the subscription

Verdict: MoeGo is a strong platform for mobile groomers who prioritize route planning. However, at $79/month with no free option, it is harder to justify for newer businesses. OurPetGroomer's free tier includes mobile grooming support, which makes it a better starting point for mobile groomers on a budget.

Salon owners need software that handles multiple groomers, walk-ins, and busy schedules

4. PetExec — Best for Boarding-First Businesses

Pricing: From ~$120/mo

PetExec is a veteran in the pet care software space with a focus on boarding and daycare facilities. The grooming module is functional but clearly secondary to the boarding features. If you run a kennel or daycare that also offers grooming, PetExec handles the multi-service scheduling well.

The platform includes vaccination tracking, feeding schedules, medication reminders, and kennel management. These are lifesavers for boarding businesses but unnecessary for grooming-only shops. The interface feels dated compared to newer competitors, though PetExec has been slowly modernizing its look.

Pros:

• Comprehensive boarding and daycare management
• Strong vaccination and health tracking
• Reliable platform with years of track record
• Good customer support

Cons:

• Grooming features are secondary to boarding
• Interface looks outdated
• Expensive for the grooming features you actually use
• Steep learning curve

Verdict: PetExec makes sense if boarding or daycare is your primary revenue and grooming is an add-on. For grooming-focused businesses, the price is too high and many features go unused. Stick with a grooming-specific platform instead.

5. Groomer.io — Best Budget Alternative

Pricing: From ~$49/mo

Groomer.io is a straightforward, grooming-specific platform that keeps things simple. It handles the basics well: appointment scheduling, client records, reminders, and a basic online booking page. The interface is clean and it does not take long to learn.

Where Groomer.io falls short is in the details. Reporting is limited, there is no built-in POS (you need a separate payment solution), and the customization options for your booking page are minimal. It also lacks employee management tools, so it works best for solo groomers or very small teams.

Pros:

• Built specifically for groomers
• Simple, easy-to-learn interface
• Affordable compared to most competitors
• Mobile-friendly design

Cons:

• No built-in POS or payment processing
• Limited reporting and analytics
• Lacks employee management tools
• No free plan

Verdict: Groomer.io is a decent budget option if you are a solo groomer looking for simple scheduling. But at $49/month without POS, it actually costs more than OurPetGroomer's Verified plan ($19/month) which includes payment processing. The value comparison is hard to ignore.

6. DaySmart Pet (formerly 123Pet) — Best Legacy Option

Pricing: From ~$75/mo

DaySmart Pet, formerly known as 123Pet Software, has been in the grooming software market for over a decade. It offers a comprehensive feature set including appointment booking, client management, POS, inventory tracking, and marketing tools. The platform has evolved over the years from desktop software to a cloud-based solution.

The strength of DaySmart Pet is its maturity. Features are deep and well-tested. Marketing tools like automated birthday messages, appointment reminders, and review requests are built in. The payment processing integrates with Square, which many groomers already use.

Pros:

• Mature, feature-rich platform
• Built-in marketing and email campaigns
• Square integration for payments
• Good inventory management

Cons:

• Interface feels older despite updates
• Customer support can be slow
• Some features locked behind higher-tier plans
• Mobile app has mixed reviews

Verdict: DaySmart Pet is a reliable workhorse that gets the job done. It is a safe choice for established salons that want a proven platform. Newer groomers may find the interface clunky compared to modern alternatives, and the $75+ monthly cost adds up, especially when free and low-cost options now offer similar features.

7. PetLinx — Best Desktop Software

Pricing: ~$300 one-time purchase

PetLinx takes a different approach from everyone else on this list: it is desktop software that you buy once and install on your computer. There are no monthly fees, which appeals to groomers who dislike subscription models. You get appointment scheduling, client records, invoicing, and basic reporting.

The trade-off is significant. Because PetLinx runs locally on your computer, there is no online booking for clients, no cloud access from your phone, and no automatic updates. Backups are your responsibility. If your computer crashes, you risk losing client data unless you have set up manual backups.

Pros:

• One-time purchase with no monthly fees
• Works offline (no internet needed)
• Simple scheduling and invoicing
• Good for groomers who prefer desktop software

Cons:

• No online booking for clients
• No mobile or cloud access
• No automated reminders
• Manual backups required
• Interface is very dated

Verdict: PetLinx is for groomers who specifically want desktop software with no recurring costs. For everyone else, the lack of online booking and mobile access is a dealbreaker in 2026. Clients expect to book online, and you need to manage your business from your phone. A free cloud-based platform gives you more functionality at the same cost: zero dollars per month.

Pet Grooming Software Comparison Table

Here is a side-by-side comparison of the key features and pricing across all seven platforms:

How to Choose the Right Grooming Software

Picking the best dog grooming software depends on your business type, size, and budget. Here is a simple framework to help you decide:

Solo Groomers and New Businesses

Start with a free or low-cost platform. You need scheduling, client records, and reminders. You do not need employee management or enterprise reporting. OurPetGroomer's free plan gives you everything to get started, and you can upgrade as your client list grows.

Small to Medium Salons (2-5 Groomers)

You need multi-groomer scheduling, POS, and basic employee management. Look for platforms in the $19-$79/month range. OurPetGroomer's Pro plan ($49/month) or MoeGo ($79/month) both work well here. Consider whether you need commission tracking and inventory management.

Large Facilities and Multi-Service Businesses

If you combine grooming with boarding, daycare, or training, look at Gingr or PetExec. These platforms handle complex multi-service scheduling and kennel management. Expect to pay $95-$200+ per month, but you get tools designed for high-volume operations.

Mobile Groomers

Prioritize mobile-first design, route optimization, and the ability to manage your entire business from a phone. OurPetGroomer (free with mobile support) and MoeGo ($79/month with route planning) are the top choices for mobile grooming businesses.

Free vs Paid Grooming Software

The gap between free and paid grooming software has narrowed significantly. Five years ago, free tools were barely functional. Today, platforms like OurPetGroomer offer genuinely capable free tiers that handle the core needs of most small grooming businesses.

Here is when free software is enough and when you should consider paying:

Our recommendation: start with a free plan and upgrade only when you hit a specific limitation. There is no reason to pay $100+ per month for software when you are building your client base. For a deeper look at no-cost options, check our guide to free pet grooming software.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Bottom Line

OurPetGroomer is the best pet grooming software for most businesses in 2026. The free plan gives you everything you need to start, the pricing scales reasonably as you grow, and the platform was built by people who actually understand grooming businesses. No other platform offers this combination of features, affordability, and grooming-specific design.

That said, there is no single perfect solution for every business. If you run a large boarding-plus-grooming facility, Gingr or PetExec may better fit your needs. If you are a mobile groomer who wants premium route planning and can afford $79/month, MoeGo is worth a look.

For everyone else, especially solo groomers, small salons, and anyone who is starting out, OurPetGroomer gives you the best value. Start free, see how it works for your business, and upgrade only when you need to. Your grooming software should make your life easier, not drain your bank account.