Quick Overview
- 1#1: Kennel Connection - Comprehensive management software tailored for dog kennels and catteries, handling reservations, billing, inventory, and animal health records.
- 2#2: Cloud 9 Kennel Software - Cloud-based solution for kennel owners to manage boarding, grooming, client communications, and daily operations efficiently.
- 3#3: Gingr - All-in-one pet care platform for kennels offering online booking, scheduling, payments, and client portals for boarding and daycare.
- 4#4: ProPet Software - Robust software for pet boarding facilities with features for reservations, invoicing, rooming lists, and report generation.
- 5#5: DaySmart Pet - Streamlined pet business management tool for kennels, supporting appointments, POS, texting, and self-service kiosks.
- 6#6: PetExec - Integrated system for pet resorts and kennels with boarding management, grooming integration, and automated billing.
- 7#7: Boardingware - Real-time booking and operations software designed for dog boarding kennels and daycares with attendance tracking.
- 8#8: PetPocketbook - User-friendly online booking and management software for small to medium pet boarding kennels and daycares.
- 9#9: Cerebro - Pet industry software for kennels providing scheduling, POS, inventory, and client relationship management tools.
- 10#10: Time To Pet - Affordable scheduling and invoicing software suitable for small dog boarding operations and pet sitting services.
Tools were selected and ranked by evaluating feature depth, ease of use, reliability, and overall value, ensuring they cater to kennels of varying sizes and operational priorities.
Comparison Table
Choosing the right dog kennel software requires careful consideration, and this comparison table breaks down top tools like Kennel Connection, Cloud 9 Kennel Software, Gingr, ProPet Software, DaySmart Pet, and more. Readers will learn about each solution's key features, ease of use, and pricing models to identify the best fit for their kennel's unique needs. This guide simplifies the selection process, helping streamline daily operations and make informed decisions efficiently.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kennel Connection Comprehensive management software tailored for dog kennels and catteries, handling reservations, billing, inventory, and animal health records. | specialized | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 2 | Cloud 9 Kennel Software Cloud-based solution for kennel owners to manage boarding, grooming, client communications, and daily operations efficiently. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 3 | Gingr All-in-one pet care platform for kennels offering online booking, scheduling, payments, and client portals for boarding and daycare. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.3/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 4 | ProPet Software Robust software for pet boarding facilities with features for reservations, invoicing, rooming lists, and report generation. | specialized | 7.3/10 | 7.8/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.0/10 |
| 5 | DaySmart Pet Streamlined pet business management tool for kennels, supporting appointments, POS, texting, and self-service kiosks. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 6 | PetExec Integrated system for pet resorts and kennels with boarding management, grooming integration, and automated billing. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.7/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 7 | Boardingware Real-time booking and operations software designed for dog boarding kennels and daycares with attendance tracking. | specialized | 3.2/10 | 2.8/10 | 5.5/10 | 2.5/10 |
| 8 | PetPocketbook User-friendly online booking and management software for small to medium pet boarding kennels and daycares. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 9 | Cerebro Pet industry software for kennels providing scheduling, POS, inventory, and client relationship management tools. | specialized | 5.2/10 | 4.5/10 | 6.8/10 | 4.2/10 |
| 10 | Time To Pet Affordable scheduling and invoicing software suitable for small dog boarding operations and pet sitting services. | specialized | 7.2/10 | 6.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
Comprehensive management software tailored for dog kennels and catteries, handling reservations, billing, inventory, and animal health records.
Cloud-based solution for kennel owners to manage boarding, grooming, client communications, and daily operations efficiently.
All-in-one pet care platform for kennels offering online booking, scheduling, payments, and client portals for boarding and daycare.
Robust software for pet boarding facilities with features for reservations, invoicing, rooming lists, and report generation.
Streamlined pet business management tool for kennels, supporting appointments, POS, texting, and self-service kiosks.
Integrated system for pet resorts and kennels with boarding management, grooming integration, and automated billing.
Real-time booking and operations software designed for dog boarding kennels and daycares with attendance tracking.
User-friendly online booking and management software for small to medium pet boarding kennels and daycares.
Pet industry software for kennels providing scheduling, POS, inventory, and client relationship management tools.
Affordable scheduling and invoicing software suitable for small dog boarding operations and pet sitting services.
Kennel Connection
specializedComprehensive management software tailored for dog kennels and catteries, handling reservations, billing, inventory, and animal health records.
Advanced visual reservation calendar with drag-and-drop scheduling, capacity management, and real-time updates across grooming, boarding, and daycare services.
Kennel Connection is a robust, industry-leading software solution tailored for dog kennels, catteries, and pet care facilities, offering comprehensive tools for managing reservations, client and pet records, billing, grooming, daycare, and training operations. It features a visual calendar for boarding, automated invoicing with QuickBooks integration, inventory tracking, and detailed reporting to streamline daily workflows. With both desktop and web-based access, it supports multi-location businesses and includes mobile apps for staff check-ins.
Pros
- Extremely comprehensive feature set including boarding, grooming, daycare, and training modules
- Seamless QuickBooks integration and customizable reporting
- Reliable customer support with long-standing industry reputation
Cons
- Desktop-focused interface may have a learning curve for new users
- Additional modules increase costs for full functionality
- Limited native mobile features compared to newer cloud-only competitors
Best For
Medium to large-scale dog kennels and multi-service pet facilities seeking a highly customizable, all-in-one management system.
Pricing
One-time license starting at $995 for base software, plus $295-$495 annual maintenance per location and optional module add-ons ($200-$500 each).
Cloud 9 Kennel Software
specializedCloud-based solution for kennel owners to manage boarding, grooming, client communications, and daily operations efficiently.
Integrated client portal allowing self-service online reservations, payments, and pet check-in updates
Cloud 9 Kennel Software is a cloud-based platform designed specifically for dog kennels, boarding facilities, daycare centers, and grooming services. It offers tools for managing reservations, client and pet profiles, staff scheduling, invoicing, and payments with online booking capabilities. The software includes reporting dashboards and a mobile app for real-time access, helping streamline daily operations and improve customer communication.
Pros
- Comprehensive reservation and scheduling system with online booking portal
- Strong reporting and analytics for business insights
- Mobile app supports on-the-go management for staff
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for advanced features
- Limited third-party integrations compared to competitors
- Higher pricing may not suit very small operations
Best For
Medium to large dog kennels needing robust online booking and detailed reporting tools.
Pricing
Subscription starts at $79/month for basic (up to 50 dogs), scales to $249/month for premium plans with unlimited users and advanced features; annual discounts available.
Gingr
specializedAll-in-one pet care platform for kennels offering online booking, scheduling, payments, and client portals for boarding and daycare.
Customizable daily report cards that automatically generate and email updates on pets' activities, nap times, and potty breaks to owners
Gingr is a cloud-based all-in-one management software tailored for dog kennels, daycares, and pet boarding facilities. It offers tools for online booking, scheduling, client management, invoicing, and payments, with features like real-time attendance tracking and customizable report cards for pets. The platform includes a client portal and mobile app for seamless communication between staff and owners.
Pros
- Robust scheduling with visual drag-and-drop interface for kennel runs and daycare groups
- Integrated payment processing and automated invoicing reduce administrative time
- Detailed pet report cards and parent communication tools enhance client satisfaction
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for small single-location kennels
- Steeper learning curve for advanced reporting and customizations
- Limited third-party integrations compared to some competitors
Best For
Medium to large dog kennels and multi-location operations seeking a comprehensive management suite with strong client engagement features.
Pricing
Starts at $199/month for up to 100 active clients, with Pro ($299/month) and Enterprise (custom) plans scaling based on volume and features.
ProPet Software
specializedRobust software for pet boarding facilities with features for reservations, invoicing, rooming lists, and report generation.
Seamless integration of veterinary records with boarding and grooming schedules
ProPet Software is a veteran practice management system originally designed for veterinary clinics, offering adaptable modules for dog kennel operations including boarding reservations, scheduling, check-ins/outs, and billing. It provides tools for client management, invoicing, reporting, and basic inventory tracking suitable for pet boarding facilities. While robust for integrated vet-kennel setups, it lacks some specialized kennel features like advanced room mapping or daycare-specific tools found in dedicated solutions.
Pros
- Strong scheduling and reservation tools for boarding
- Comprehensive billing, invoicing, and reporting capabilities
- Reliable client communication and reminder features
Cons
- Primarily vet-focused interface with irrelevant medical features for pure kennels
- Steeper learning curve due to comprehensive vet PMS design
- Customization limited for standalone kennel workflows
Best For
Dog kennels affiliated with veterinary practices needing integrated medical and boarding management.
Pricing
Custom quote-based subscription; typically $200-$500/month based on users and modules.
DaySmart Pet
specializedStreamlined pet business management tool for kennels, supporting appointments, POS, texting, and self-service kiosks.
Visual service book with real-time room availability and drag-and-drop reservations for efficient kennel management
DaySmart Pet is a cloud-based management platform tailored for pet businesses including dog kennels, grooming salons, and daycare facilities. It offers tools for reservations, check-ins/outs, room assignments, client management, invoicing, and reporting to streamline kennel operations. The software supports online booking, automated reminders, and staff scheduling, making it suitable for handling boarding and daycare workflows efficiently.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop visual scheduler for room and service assignments
- Seamless online booking and client self-service portal
- Strong integration with POS, payments, and accounting tools like QuickBooks
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for single-location kennels
- Some advanced reporting locked behind higher tiers
- Mobile app occasionally lags during peak usage
Best For
Medium-sized dog kennels offering boarding, daycare, and grooming that need robust scheduling and online booking capabilities.
Pricing
Starts at $129/month for Starter plan (1 location), $199/month for Plus, $299/month for Pro; additional fees for multiple locations and add-ons.
PetExec
specializedIntegrated system for pet resorts and kennels with boarding management, grooming integration, and automated billing.
Live Dashboard with visual kennel occupancy and real-time notifications
PetExec is a cloud-based management software tailored for pet care businesses like dog kennels, boarding facilities, daycares, and groomers. It provides tools for reservations, client management, automated billing, staff scheduling, and real-time reporting to streamline daily operations. The platform includes a client portal for online bookings, payments, and updates, helping kennel owners reduce administrative workload.
Pros
- Comprehensive reservation and scheduling system with drag-and-drop interface
- Integrated client portal for self-service bookings and payments
- Strong reporting tools and mobile app for real-time access
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for beginners due to extensive features
- Pricing can be high for small kennels with limited staff
- Occasional performance issues reported during peak usage
Best For
Medium to large dog kennels needing robust all-in-one management with online client engagement.
Pricing
Starts at $149/month for basic plans, scaling to $299+/month based on users, pets, and add-ons; custom enterprise quotes available.
Boardingware
specializedReal-time booking and operations software designed for dog boarding kennels and daycares with attendance tracking.
Dynamic room allocation engine, repurposable for kennel bay assignments but overly complex for pets
Boardingware is a cloud-based management platform primarily designed for boarding schools, handling student enrollment, room assignments, attendance tracking, billing, and guardian communications. While it offers general tools for managing boarders that could be loosely adapted for dog kennels—such as booking reservations and owner notifications—it lacks any pet-specific functionalities like vaccination records, breed management, or daily care schedules. This makes it a poor fit for professional dog kennel operations, requiring significant customization to even approximate pet boarding needs.
Pros
- Integrated billing and payment processing
- Real-time dashboards for occupancy and schedules
- Mobile app for staff and owner updates
Cons
- No pet-specific features like health tracking or grooming logs
- Designed for schools, not adaptable without heavy customization
- Enterprise pricing unsuitable for small kennels
Best For
Small dog kennel operators desperate for basic booking tools and willing to repurpose school software at high cost.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing starting at $5,000+ annually, scaled by number of boarders/users; no public tiers for kennels.
PetPocketbook
specializedUser-friendly online booking and management software for small to medium pet boarding kennels and daycares.
PocketBook mobile app for real-time scheduling and client updates from anywhere
PetPocketbook is a cloud-based management software tailored for pet care businesses, including dog kennels, offering tools for scheduling, online booking, client management, and invoicing. It enables kennel operators to track reservations, manage pet profiles, process payments, and communicate with clients via a centralized dashboard. The platform emphasizes simplicity and mobility, with a focus on streamlining daily operations for boarding and daycare services.
Pros
- User-friendly interface with quick setup
- Integrated online booking and payment processing
- Mobile app for on-the-go kennel management
Cons
- Limited advanced features like detailed room assignments or inventory tracking
- Basic reporting without deep customization
- Fewer integrations compared to top competitors
Best For
Small to medium dog kennels needing an affordable, straightforward solution for bookings and billing without complex enterprise requirements.
Pricing
Starts at $49/month for Starter (up to 5 staff), $99/month for Pro, and $199/month for Enterprise; annual discounts available.
Cerebro
specializedPet industry software for kennels providing scheduling, POS, inventory, and client relationship management tools.
Integrated asset review and approval for sharing pet photos/videos with owners
Cerebro is a cloud-based project management and collaboration platform originally designed for creative agencies and production teams. For dog kennel use, it can handle basic task assignment for daily care routines, calendar scheduling for boarding reservations, and file sharing for client pet photos or documents. However, it lacks specialized pet care features like health records, vaccination tracking, or automated billing tailored to kennel operations.
Pros
- Flexible task and project customization for care schedules
- Real-time collaboration tools for staff communication
- Cloud-based access with mobile support
Cons
- No built-in pet profiles, inventory, or health management
- Missing kennel-specific booking and invoicing automation
- Overkill interface for simple kennel needs
Best For
Small dog kennels with tech-savvy managers needing general workflow tools over specialized pet software.
Pricing
Free for up to 5 users; Pro plan at $19/user/month; Enterprise custom pricing.
Time To Pet
specializedAffordable scheduling and invoicing software suitable for small dog boarding operations and pet sitting services.
Comprehensive pet parent portal allowing clients to book, pay, and receive real-time updates independently
Time To Pet is a cloud-based pet care management platform designed primarily for pet sitters, dog walkers, and small boarding facilities like dog kennels. It streamlines scheduling reservations, client communications, invoicing, and online payments through an intuitive calendar and client portal. While adaptable for kennel use, it focuses on service-based bookings rather than advanced facility management.
Pros
- User-friendly interface with drag-and-drop scheduling
- Integrated online payments and client portal for self-service bookings
- Affordable pricing suitable for small operations
Cons
- Limited kennel-specific tools like detailed run/room assignments or capacity tracking
- Reporting lacks depth for larger facilities
- Primarily geared toward pet sitting/walking over full-scale kenneling
Best For
Small dog kennels or hybrid pet care businesses seeking simple, cost-effective scheduling and client management.
Pricing
Starts at $25/month (Solo plan for 1 user), $55/month (Pro for up to 5 staff), $115/month (Premium for unlimited staff/pets).
Conclusion
The reviewed kennel software tools offer diverse solutions for managing kennel operations, with Kennel Connection leading as the top choice due to its comprehensive coverage of reservations, billing, inventory, and health records. Cloud 9 Kennel Software excels in efficient cloud-based daily operations, making it a strong alternative for those prioritizing workflow simplicity, while Gingr stands out for its all-in-one platform that streamlines booking and client engagement. Each tool delivers value, but Kennel Connection sets the standard for all-encompassing management.
Don’t miss out—try Kennel Connection to simplify operations, enhance client experiences, and take your kennel management to the next level.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
