Whatever the motivation for your research, in this post you'll discover exactly how to choose the right software for your grooming business. We've pulled together a cohesive list of features that any pet grooming business owner can benefit from to help you choose from the platforms you're considering. 

What is pet grooming software?

Pet grooming software typically includes client and service management features so you can more easily book appointments, collect payments, and keep track of when pets are due for their next service.

The solution might only include an online dashboard for the business owner, but ideally there is also a mobile app that clients can use to make or cancel appointments.

The goal of the software is to help the business owner save time on tedious tasks, so they can spend more time growing their business. So, the software should be simple and easy to use. 

What features to look for in pet grooming software
If you're considering purchasing pet grooming software, you should make sure it includes the features that matter to your business. Switching software is a big pain, so it's smart to choose something that you can grow into. The platform should meet your needs now and in the future.

Client management

One of the most important features is client management. You need a centralized view of all of your clients and their pets. You should be able to easily keep track of their contact information, medical information such as vaccine records, and any upcoming appointments. 

Appointment scheduling

Online booking is essential. Clients should be able to book appointments themselves. The software will only show them available time slots, based on your availability. You should be able to set normal working hours and block days off for holidays or vacations too. 

Intake forms

Paper forms are time-consuming. If you collect intake information on paper, you have to type it into your system later. Your pet grooming software should have digital intake forms so that after clients input their details, the information is stored for later use. The intake form should include client contact information as well as pet details and medical history. 

Billing and payments

These days, most clients hate having to carry around a checkbook or send a check in the mail. Credit card payments, however, are ubiquitous. That's why it's so important to offer them. The software you choose should include easy invoice management and a point of sale solution, such as credit card, debit card, and ACH payments. For pet groomers that sell memberships, check that the software offers recurring payments. 

Options for services, packages, and memberships

Every pet grooming business is different. Some offer a flat fee for appointments. Others sell annual memberships that help pet owners save on the cost of grooming. Some offer both mobile grooming and grooming done in the shop. The software you choose should have multiple options for the services that clients can book and pay for, so that you have freedom to strategize the best offers. 

While this isn't an essential feature, it is useful. If you can collect reviews with your software, then you can display the best ones on your website. You can request that clients leave a review after their service. 

Simplified advertising

Do you do any paid advertising for your business? If so, your website needs an easy way to install these codes:

• Facebook Pixel - With the Facebook Pixel, you can measure the success of your ads and show ads on Facebook to anyone who has viewed your website.
• Google Tag ID - Similarly, the Google Tag ID helps you track your campaign success and retarget your website traffic.

It should be as simple as copying the code from Facebook or Google and pasting it into your software.

Notification of daily schedule

Nothing's worse than forgetting to check your calendar and accidentally missing an early client appointment. Your software should give you the option of turning on daily notifications, such as a single notification for that day's entire schedule, and notifications of when a client has checked in. 

Cost of pet grooming software
Because pet grooming software is designed to help you run your entire business, it can be costly compared to simpler software. 

But since it can replace at least half a dozen systems, it is more affordable than piecing together different software or relying on time-consuming, manual processes.

Expect your pet grooming software to cost somewhere between $900 to $2000 per year, depending on the size of your staff. Pet Grooming Software Reviews It's important to read pet grooming software reviews before making a selection from your top options. Easy Busy Pets is rated 4.6 stars on Capterra.