Top 5 Pet Boarding Software Comparison

To help you find the best solution, we've compared five of the top pet boarding software platforms: Animalo, Gingr, Paw Partner, KennelBooker, and MoeGo. Each platform offers a unique set of features tailored to different business sizes and needs, from all-in-one solutions for large facilities to more specialized tools for mobile groomers. This comparison of dog kennel software, pet kennel software, and general kennel software focuses on core functionalities like booking, client management, and pricing. Use the table below for a side-by-side look at their key offerings to find the best kennel software for your needs.

Feature Animalo Gingr Paw Partner KennelBooker MoeGo
Core Focus All-in-One SMBs Large Facilities Client Engagement Smaller Kennels Grooming Focus
Online Booking Advanced Advanced ✅ ✅ Advanced
Vaccination Tracking ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅
Integrated Payments ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅
Mobile App ✅ ✅ ✅ ❌ ✅
Starting Price ~$79/mo ~$129/mo ~$99/mo ~$45/mo ~$39/mo

Animalo

Animalo is designed as an all-in-one platform for boarding facilities, particularly well-suited for small to medium-sized businesses seeking a modern, user-friendly interface. Its strengths lie in combining booking, client management, billing, and reporting into a single, cohesive system, which can help simplify daily operations.

Gingr

Gingr is a feature-rich solution that is popular among larger, high-volume facilities. It offers extensive customization options for everything from services to client communication. For businesses that require robust functionality and have the resources to manage a more complex system, gingr kennel software is a frequently considered option.

Paw Partner

Paw Partner differentiates itself with a strong focus on client engagement and social features. The platform includes tools that allow businesses to share photos and updates with pet owners, aiming to build a community around the facility and enhance the customer experience.

KennelBooker

KennelBooker offers a straightforward and accessible solution that is often a good fit for smaller kennels or new businesses. Its competitive pricing and focus on core functionalities make it an attractive option for owners who need essential tools without a significant investment or steep learning curve.

MoeGo

While strong across pet care services, MoeGo has a particular strength in the grooming space. Its platform includes powerful scheduling and client management tools that are highly effective for grooming appointments, along with robust mobile functionality for businesses that offer services on the go.

Key Features to Look for in Pet Boarding Software

When evaluating kennel management software, focus on core features that automate your most time-consuming tasks and improve client satisfaction. A good dog daycare management software or kennel booking software should handle the administrative details, allowing you to focus more on animal care. Here are the four most critical features to look for.

Online Booking and Scheduling

A key feature is providing clients with 24/7 access to book appointments online. This functionality can significantly reduce administrative workload by minimizing phone calls and manual scheduling. Look for systems that allow you to manage availability for different services like boarding, daycare, and grooming. Automated confirmations and reminders are also important. Data from the American Pet Products Association (APPA) shows that over 70% of Millennial and Gen Z pet owners expect digital communication options. Further research from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) indicates a strong preference for digital reminders, with 41% of pet owners preferring text messages and 33% preferring email.

  • 24/7 client portal
  • Automated reminders and confirmations
  • Multi-service calendars

Client and Pet Management

A centralized database is essential for storing client contact information, pet details (breed, age, behavior notes), and critical health records. Effective kennel manager software should allow for easy tracking of vaccination status, which is vital for the safety of all animals in your care and for regulatory compliance. According to guidance from the USDA APHIS, businesses regulated under the Animal Welfare Act are required to maintain accurate records for all animals for at least one year.

  • Centralized client and pet records
  • Vaccination expiration alerts
  • Behavior and feeding notes

Billing and Invoicing

Integrated payment processing helps streamline cash flow and reduce administrative work. The software should be able to generate invoices automatically, manage prepaid packages or memberships, and securely store client payment information for future transactions. This integration minimizes the need for separate systems and reduces the chance of billing errors. Look for kennel computer software that simplifies these financial tasks.

  • Automated invoicing
  • Package and membership management
  • Secure online payments

Reporting and Analytics

Tracking key business metrics is important for making informed decisions and planning for growth. A good system provides dashboards and reports that show revenue trends, booking patterns, client retention rates, and peak occupancy hours. According to academic resources from the Kellogg School of Management, tracking metrics like customer retention and revenue growth is essential for making informed managerial decisions.

  • Occupancy and capacity reports
  • Revenue and sales dashboards
  • Client retention statistics

How to Choose the Right Pet Boarding Software for Your Business

Selecting the right software involves a careful assessment of your unique business needs, budget, and growth plans. Whether you run a simple kennel or a complex pet business with multiple services, a methodical approach can help. Follow these three steps to make a confident choice.

Assess Your Business Needs

Start by listing your must-have features versus those that are nice to have. Consider the specific services you offer—do you need tools for just boarding, or also for daycare, training, and grooming? Think about how many staff members will need access and what level of permissions they require. Answering these questions can help you narrow down the options and find a platform designed to streamline operations like yours. For instance, a facility that is also a dog grooming business will need specialized scheduling tools.

Consider Your Budget

Understand the different pricing models available, which can include per-pet fees, flat monthly subscriptions, or tiered plans based on features. Be sure to ask about potential hidden fees, such as charges for payment processing, data migration, or premium customer support. It's helpful to calculate the potential return on investment (ROI) not just in revenue, but also in time saved on administrative tasks and the value of increased bookings from a streamlined client experience.

Read Reviews and Compare Options

Read user reviews on independent software comparison sites like Capterra or G2 to get insights from other business owners. Pay attention to comments on ease of use, customer support quality, and reliability. While dog kennel software reviews are helpful, the most effective step is to take advantage of free trials or live demos. This allows you to test the software's user-friendliness and see firsthand if its workflow is a good fit for your team before making a commitment.

FAQ - Your Questions About Pet Boarding Software Answered

What is the best software for a small kennel?

The best software for a small kennel is typically one that is affordable, easy to use, and scalable. Look for platforms with transparent, subscription-based pricing and core features like online booking, vaccination tracking, and basic reporting. Solutions like Animalo or KennelBooker are often favored by smaller businesses because they provide essential tools without the complexity or high cost of enterprise-level systems. Always utilize a free trial to ensure the interface fits your workflow.

Is there free dog kennel software available?

Yes, some free dog kennel software options exist, but they often come with significant limitations. These can include a lack of customer support, restricted features, limited data storage, and potential security risks. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) cautions that free tools may lack adequate security controls and can hinder growth. Furthermore, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) advises businesses that using free software without proper data-handling practices can lead to liability. For a professional business, a paid subscription is often a more reliable and secure choice.

How much does kennel software cost?

Kennel software costs typically range from $50 to over $300 per month. Pricing models vary widely and may be based on the number of pets, staff users, or feature tiers. Some platforms charge a flat monthly subscription fee, while others may have additional costs for payment processing or add-on modules like advanced reporting. It is crucial to request a detailed quote and inquire about any potential hidden fees before committing to a provider.

What is the difference between kennel software and pet sitting software?

The primary difference is that kennel software is designed for managing a physical facility, while pet sitting software is built for mobile services. Kennel software focuses on managing enclosures, on-site appointments, and facility capacity. Pet sitting software, in contrast, often includes features like GPS tracking for dog walks, visit report cards, and scheduling for multiple client homes. Some all-in-one platforms may serve both business types, but their feature sets are typically optimized differently.

Limitations, Alternatives, and Professional Guidance

Research Limitations

It is important to acknowledge that the software landscape changes rapidly, with new features and competitors emerging regularly. User reviews can be subjective and may not reflect every business's experience. This guide is a snapshot based on information available in late 2025. We strongly recommend that you supplement this information by conducting direct testing via free trials, as this remains the most effective way to assess a platform's suitability for your specific operational needs.

Alternative Approaches

For very small or new businesses, a combination of general-purpose tools like Google Calendar for scheduling and QuickBooks for invoicing can serve as a temporary starting point. However, this approach lacks industry-specific features such as vaccination tracking and automated reminders. Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicates that a notable percentage of new businesses fail within their first year, often due to operational inefficiencies. A fragmented system does not scale well and frequently leads to more administrative work as the business grows.

Professional Consultation

Consider consulting with a business advisor or accountant to fully understand the financial implications of a software investment and how it fits into your overall budget. It can also be beneficial to join industry associations like the International Boarding & Pet Services Association (IBPSA). These organizations provide opportunities to connect with other business owners and get firsthand recommendations on what software works well for similar-sized operations, offering valuable real-world insights.

Conclusion

Investing in the right pet boarding software is a foundational step toward building a more efficient, profitable, and professional business. By comparing top platforms, focusing on key features like booking and client management, and assessing your specific needs, you can choose a solution that saves time and enhances pet safety. Ultimately, the goal of pet care business software is to reduce administrative burdens so you can focus on what matters most: providing excellent care for the animals entrusted to you.

Animalo is designed to be the all-in-one solution that grows with your pet care business. Our platform streamlines everything from booking and health tracking to payments, giving you a single source of truth for your operations. Discover how Animalo can help you save time and provide better care.

Explore our features with a 30-day free trial.

References

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  3. U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. (n.d.). Recordkeeping. Retrieved from https://www.aphis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/fs-ac-tech-note-recordkeeping.508.pdf
  4. Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University. (n.d.). Kellogg Insight. Retrieved from https://www.kellogg.northwestern.edu
  5. U.S. Small Business Administration. (2023, March 23). How to Choose the Right Technology for Your Small Business. Retrieved from https://www.sba.gov/article/2023/mar/23/how-choose-right-technology-your-small-business
  6. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024). 1-year survival rates for new business establishments. Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2024/1-year-survival-rates-for-new-business-establishments-by-year-and-location.htm
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  8. Federal Trade Commission. (n.d.). Start with Security: A Guide for Business. Retrieved from https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/start-security-guide-business