What Are the Core Features of Kennel Software?

The most effective kennel software platforms provide a suite of integrated tools designed to automate and simplify the core functions of a pet care business. These features work together to reduce manual effort, minimize errors, and create a seamless experience for both staff and clients. From the moment a client books a stay to the final payment, the software handles the administrative details so you can focus on pet care. Below are the essential features that modern dog kennel software should offer.

Intelligent Booking and Scheduling

This feature automates the appointment process, allowing clients to book services online 24/7 through your website or a client portal. This system can help prevent double-bookings by showing real-time availability and can be configured to manage various service types, from standard boarding to daycare packages and grooming appointments. The benefits include a significant reduction in time spent on phone calls, optimized staff schedules, and increased convenience for clients who can book at their leisure. Furthermore, research on scheduling software suggests it can have a positive impact on staff. For example, a 2-year cohort study published in the National Library of Medicine in 2021 indicated that participatory scheduling software was associated with a reduction in the risk of low employee control over shifts, which can contribute to better well-being and service quality. [1]

Client and Pet Profile Management (Health & Vaccination Tracking)

This function serves as a centralized digital database for all essential information. It holds client contact details and comprehensive pet profiles, which may include medical history, behavioral notes, feeding instructions, and emergency contacts. A critical component is vaccination tracking, which is vital for maintaining the health and safety of all animals in your care. The system can automatically flag expired or upcoming vaccination dates and store digital copies of records. According to the 2024 guidelines from the World Small Animal Veterinary Association, comprehensive vaccination records are a standard for professional kennels and should include the date, vaccine name, lot number, and manufacturer for each vaccine administered. [2] This level of detail is much easier to achieve when managing boarding facility operations with dedicated software.

Integrated Payments and Invoicing

This feature combines billing, invoicing, and payment processing into a single, streamlined system. It allows businesses to generate professional invoices automatically, accept secure online payments for deposits and services, and send automated reminders for outstanding balances. By using a web based kennel software, you can securely store client payment information for recurring charges, such as daycare packages. The primary value of this integration is improved cash flow, a significant reduction in administrative work related to chasing payments, and a more professional and convenient experience for your clients.

Automated Communications (Reminders & Updates)

This feature gives you the ability to automatically send important messages to clients via email or SMS. Common automated communications include appointment confirmations, pre-visit reminders (which can include feeding or medication instructions), and post-visit follow-ups. This automation is highly effective at reducing no-shows and ensuring clients are well-informed. Many grooming and boarding software platforms also allow for sending personalized "pupdates" with photos or videos, which can enhance client engagement and trust while their pet is in your care. This functionality saves staff countless hours of manual communication.

Feature Primary Benefit for Your Business
Intelligent Booking Saves time & improves client convenience
Client/Pet Profiles Centralizes data & ensures safety
Integrated Payments Speeds up cash flow & reduces admin
Automated Communications Reduces no-shows & enhances engagement

7 Data Insights Your Kennel Software Should Provide for Growth

Beyond day-to-day operations, the true power of a modern kennel management system lies in its ability to provide actionable data. By tracking key performance indicators (KPIs), you can move from reactive management to a proactive growth strategy. The right software acts as an analytical engine, revealing trends and opportunities that might otherwise go unnoticed. Leveraging these insights can help you optimize pricing, improve marketing effectiveness, and ultimately streamline kennel operations for better profitability.

1. Occupancy Rate and Future Forecasting

Occupancy rate is the percentage of your available kennels or daycare spots that are filled over a given period. Your software should not only calculate this for past periods but also help forecast future occupancy based on historical data and upcoming bookings. This insight is critical for growth because it helps you identify seasonal trends, manage staffing levels for peak and slow times, and develop targeted marketing campaigns to fill gaps. Consistently high occupancy is linked to reliable service, which is a key driver of customer satisfaction. A study on veterinary services in the National Library of Medicine found that service reliability was the strongest predictor of overall client satisfaction, and managing capacity effectively with kennel reservation software is a major component of providing that reliability. [3]

2. Customer Lifetime Value (CLV)

Customer Lifetime Value (CLV) is a metric that estimates the total revenue your business can reasonably expect from a single customer account throughout your business relationship. A good pet care management system calculates this by analyzing a customer's spending habits, visit frequency, and retention period. This data is invaluable for growth because it helps you identify your most valuable clients. With this knowledge, you can create targeted loyalty programs, offer exclusive perks, and focus retention efforts where they will have the greatest impact. Tracking CLV is strongly associated with business growth; a 2022 analysis by Alida found that more than four in five businesses that successfully tracked CLV reported increased sales. [4]

3. Most Popular Services and Add-ons

This data insight shows you exactly which of your offerings are generating the most revenue. Your software should be able to break down sales by service type (e.g., full-day daycare vs. luxury boarding suites) and by individual add-ons (e.g., grooming, one-on-one playtime, special treats). This information allows you to make data-driven decisions about your service menu. For growth, you can focus marketing efforts on promoting your most popular services, create strategic service bundles to increase the average transaction value, and consider phasing out offerings that are less profitable or popular.

4. Staff Performance and Efficiency

Effective kennel manager software can provide metrics that track staff productivity and performance. This may include data on which staff members handle the most appointments, which groomers complete services most efficiently, or which employees receive the most positive client feedback. This information is crucial for growth as it helps with intelligent resource allocation, identifying team members who may need additional training, and recognizing and rewarding your top performers to boost morale and retention. Staff interactions are a critical touchpoint, and as a quantitative study of pet owners in the National Library of Medicine noted, staff communication satisfaction was a significant predictor of pet-owner commitment and loyalty to a practice. [5]

5. Peak Booking Times and Seasonality

This feature analyzes booking data to reveal patterns in client demand. It helps you identify your busiest days of the week, times of the day, and seasons of the year (such as holidays or summer vacation). Understanding these trends is essential for optimizing your operations for growth. You can adjust staffing levels to match demand, implement dynamic pricing strategies to maximize revenue during peak periods, and create special promotions to attract business during slower times.

6. New vs. Returning Client Ratios

Your software should provide a clear report on what percentage of your business comes from new customers versus repeat clients. A healthy business typically has a strong base of loyal, returning clients while also consistently attracting new ones. This ratio is a key indicator of customer satisfaction and marketing effectiveness. If your returning client rate is low, it may signal an issue with service quality. If your new client rate is stagnant, it might be time to invest more in marketing and outreach.

7. Marketing Campaign ROI Tracking

This insight connects your marketing efforts directly to your revenue. By allowing you to create unique promo codes or track referral sources within the software, you can measure the return on investment (ROI) for specific campaigns. For example, you can see how many bookings were generated from a social media ad, an email newsletter, or a local partnership. This data is vital for growth, as it allows you to stop wasting money on ineffective marketing channels and double down on the strategies that are proven to bring in new business.

Comparing the Best Kennel Software of 2025

Choosing the "best" platform can seem daunting, as the right choice often depends on a business's specific size, operational complexity, and growth ambitions. Some facilities may require a simple, straightforward booking tool, while others need a comprehensive system with deep analytical capabilities. Evaluating the options based on your unique needs is a critical step in finding the right fit. This comparison will explore how leading kennel software solutions like Animalo, Gingr, and ProPet position themselves to serve different segments of the pet care market, helping you identify which might be most suitable for your business.

Feature Animalo Gingr ProPet
Best For All-in-One Growth Large Facilities Basic Management
Pricing Model Tiered Subscription Quote-Based Tiered Subscription
Key Differentiator Growth Analytics Advanced Customization Simplicity
Free Trial Yes (30 days) No Yes (14 days)

Animalo: Best All-in-One Solution

Animalo is positioned as an effective choice for small to medium-sized businesses seeking a comprehensive, all-in-one platform. Its key strength lies in integrating core operational featuresā€”such as booking, client management, and paymentsā€”with powerful growth analytics. This combination is designed for business owners who not only want to streamline their daily tasks but also want to leverage data to increase profitability and customer retention. The user-friendly interface and tiered subscription model make it an accessible yet scalable pet management software solution.

Gingr: Best for Large-Scale Facilities

In many dog kennel software reviews, Gingr is frequently mentioned as a robust competitor, particularly well-suited for larger, multi-location facilities or franchises. Its platform is known for a deep feature set and extensive customization options that can accommodate complex operational workflows. Businesses that require granular control over every aspect of their service, from intricate pricing rules to staff permissions, may find Gingr kennel software to be a strong fit. This level of customization can come with a steeper learning curve and a quote-based pricing model.

ProPet: Best for Basic Kennel Management

ProPet offers a solid, straightforward solution for smaller kennels, startups, or businesses that prioritize core functionality over advanced features. It provides reliable tools for booking, client records, and vaccination tracking without the complexity of in-depth analytics or extensive add-ons. For owners who need a dependable system to move away from manual methods like spreadsheets and paper files, ProPet kennel software can be an accessible and user-friendly entry point into digital management.

FAQ - Answering Your Key Questions

What is kennel software?

Kennel software is a specialized digital tool designed to help pet care businesses like kennels, daycares, and boarding facilities manage their daily operations. It typically includes features for online booking, client and pet information storage, and payment processing. The goal of these systems is to automate tasks and improve efficiency. Many platforms are also equipped to manage grooming and daycare services, making them a central hub for diverse pet care businesses.

What is the best kennel software?

The best kennel software depends on your business's specific needs, size, and budget. For businesses wanting an all-in-one platform with robust features for growth, Animalo is a top choice. Other popular options include Gingr, which is well-suited for large-scale facilities, and ProPet for those needing basic, straightforward management tools. It is generally advisable to assess features and scalability before choosing.

How much does dog boarding software cost?

The cost of dog boarding software typically ranges from $50 to over $300 per month. Pricing models can vary, with some providers charging a flat monthly subscription, while others may base the price on the number of pets, staff users, or bookings. Many companies, like Animalo, offer different tiers to suit businesses of various sizes. Be sure to check for any potential setup fees or long-term contracts.

Is there free dog kennel software?

Yes, some free dog kennel software options are available, but they are often very limited in their capabilities. These free kennel software versions typically restrict the number of clients, pets, or appointments you can manage and may lack crucial features like integrated payments or automated reminders. While they can be a starting point for very small businesses, most growing facilities will likely find they need a paid plan for full functionality.

Limitations, Alternatives, and Professional Guidance

Research Limitations & Implementation Challenges

It is important to recognize that software is a tool, not a universal solution for underlying business challenges. Successful implementation requires a significant commitment to staff training and a willingness to adjust existing operational processes to align with the software's workflow. Data privacy and security are also critical considerations when choosing a provider. Furthermore, the transition to a new system can present obstacles. A 2016 academic paper from the University of Oregon's Scholars' Bank highlighted that a high rate of challenges exist in SME software implementation, reporting that up to "70% of ERP implementations at SMEs were unsuccessful" in meeting their original goals, budget, or timeline. [6] This underscores the need for careful planning and realistic expectations.

Alternative Approaches

For businesses that are just starting or have very simple operations, an alternative to a dedicated all-in-one system might be to combine several simpler, non-specialized tools. For example, a business could use a dedicated online calendar like Calendly for bookings, a spreadsheet program for client data, and an accounting platform like QuickBooks for invoicing. While this approach can be cost-effective initially, it often creates data silos, requires more manual work to keep information synchronized, and lacks the industry-specific featuresā€”like vaccination tracking and detailed pet profilesā€”that are central to a dedicated platform.

Professional Consultation

Before investing in any software, it is advisable for business owners to clearly define their most significant operational bottlenecks and their primary growth goals. Making a list of "must-have" versus "nice-to-have" features can help clarify which platform is the right fit. Most providers offer free trials or live demos, and taking full advantage of these (like Animalo's 30-day free trial) is one of the most effective ways to test a system's usability and functionality in a real-world context. Additionally, consulting with other kennel owners or industry peers can provide valuable insights based on their direct experiences.

Conclusion

In summary, the right software platform can be a transformative tool for a modern pet care business. It helps streamline daily operations, provides crucial data insights for strategic growth, and ultimately enhances the quality and reliability of client care. By automating tasks like booking and payments and centralizing critical health and safety information, these systems free up valuable time for facility owners and staff. Investing in the right kennel software is a foundational step for modernizing, scaling, and future-proofing a pet care business in a competitive market.

If you are looking for an all-in-one solution designed to meet these needs, Animalo offers a comprehensive platform that combines powerful operational tools with actionable growth analytics. Our pet management software is built to help you save time, make data-driven decisions, and provide an exceptional experience for your clients and their pets. Explore how Animalo can transform your operations. Start your 30-day free trial today and see the difference an all-in-one solution can make.

References

[1] National Library of Medicine (2021). The effect of web-based participatory scheduling on work hours and employee health: a 2-year cohort study of the ORFI a randomized controlled trial. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8544422/

[2] World Small Animal Veterinary Association (2024). 2024 WSAVA Vaccination Guidelines. Available at: https://wsava.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WSAVA-Vaccination-guidelines-2024.pdf

[3] National Library of Medicine (2024). The Impact of Service Quality on Customer Satisfaction in Veterinary Services. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11982701/

[4] Alida (2022). Customer Lifetime Value: The Most Important Metric Everyone Overlooks. Available at: https://www.alida.com/the-alida-journal/customer-lifetime-value-the-most-important-metric-everyone-overlooks-1

[5] National Library of Medicine (2019). Pet-owner commitment and the client-veterinarian relationship. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6313907/

[6] University of Oregon, Scholars' Bank (2016). Critical Success Factors in Enterprise Resource Planning Implementation at Small and Medium-sized Enterprises. Available at: https://scholarsbank.uoregon.edu/bitstreams/9b222bbf-02c4-4601-af1d-5a7cba244303/download