Why it matters
A daycare sells days and spaces. A groomer sells appointments. A trainer sells change in a dog's behaviour, usually over several sessions, often paid in instalments, with homework and notes in between. Software designed around one of those businesses handles the others as a variation. That is fine when your business matches the design, and costly in admin when it does not.
Side by side
| All-in-one pet business software | Dog trainer software | |
|---|---|---|
| Built for | Daycare, boarding, grooming, walking and training together | Dog trainers and puppy schools |
| Core unit | A day, a space or an appointment | A client and dog working through a program |
| Programs | Usually packages or credits | Programs of any length, with progress shown on every booking |
| Payment plans | Varies, often memberships or prepaid packages | Instalment plans with dates and reminders |
| Group classes | Often supported as courses | Terms, waitlists, class packs and phone check-in |
| Home visits | Varies | Travel time between visits built into availability |
| Capacity bookings | Strong, the core of the product | Available for board and train or day training |
| Accounting | Often handed to Xero or MYOB | Varies: check for GST invoices, bank matching and a BAS summary |
| Fees | Some add a booking fee per card payment | Varies: compare the all-in card rate |
A general comparison of the two kinds of software, not of any one product. Features vary by provider, so check each tool against your own list.
Which one fits you
Choose pet business software if
- Daycare, boarding or grooming is most of your income
- You run a facility with several staff and rooms or runs to fill
Choose dog trainer software if
- Private sessions, programs and classes are most of your income
- You sell multi-session programs, often on payment plans
- You visit clients' homes and need travel time between bookings
- You would rather not pay for separate accounting software
Questions trainers ask
What is the difference between pet business software and dog trainer software?
Pet business software serves many pet businesses in one product and centres on capacity, appointments and check-in. Dog trainer software centres on sessions, programs, payment plans, class terms, home visits and notes.
Can a dog trainer use daycare or grooming software?
Yes, and it suits trainers who also run daycare or board and train. Trainers who mostly sell sessions and programs often end up tracking programs, payment plans and notes outside the system.
Which should I choose if I run training and daycare?
If daycare or boarding is most of your income, a capacity-first platform may suit you best. If training is most of it, choose trainer software that also handles capacity bookings.
PackOffice is dog trainer software
Programs and payment plans, group classes with check-in, home visit travel time, GST invoices and bank matching, plus board and train by capacity on Studio. Card payments at 2.5% + 30c all in, with no separate booking fee.
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