Quick Overview
- 1#1: Ascend by Gila - Comprehensive POS and retail management system tailored for independent pet specialty stores with advanced inventory for perishables.
- 2#2: CorePet - All-in-one POS software for pet stores featuring expiration tracking, CRM, and multi-location support.
- 3#3: Swanky - Cloud-based POS designed for pet retailers with real-time analytics and seamless integrations.
- 4#4: RetailDogma - Pet store-specific POS system with lot tracking for food and supplies plus loyalty programs.
- 5#5: Spotty - Modern mobile-first POS for pet shops offering inventory management and service bookings.
- 6#6: DaySmart Retail - Retail POS with grooming and boarding scheduling ideal for comprehensive pet businesses.
- 7#7: Lightspeed Retail - Robust omnichannel POS for pet stores with advanced inventory and e-commerce integration.
- 8#8: Square for Retail - User-friendly, cost-effective POS with free software for small pet shop operations.
- 9#9: Clover - Customizable POS hardware and software adaptable for pet retail inventory and sales.
- 10#10: Shopify POS - Integrated POS and e-commerce platform for pet product sellers expanding online.
We ranked these platforms based on specialized functionality (e.g., expiration tracking, lot management), ease of use, reliability, and overall value, focusing on solutions that address the distinct demands of pet retail operations.
Comparison Table
This comparison table explores leading pet shop POS software tools, featuring Ascend by Gila, CorePet, Swanky, RetailDogma, Spotty, and more, to assist readers in navigating options. It outlines key attributes like functionality, pricing, and integration, equipping you to select the right solution for your pet store’s specific requirements.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ascend by Gila Comprehensive POS and retail management system tailored for independent pet specialty stores with advanced inventory for perishables. | specialized | 9.5/10 | 9.7/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | CorePet All-in-one POS software for pet stores featuring expiration tracking, CRM, and multi-location support. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 3 | Swanky Cloud-based POS designed for pet retailers with real-time analytics and seamless integrations. | specialized | 8.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 4 | RetailDogma Pet store-specific POS system with lot tracking for food and supplies plus loyalty programs. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.6/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 5 | Spotty Modern mobile-first POS for pet shops offering inventory management and service bookings. | specialized | 7.2/10 | 6.8/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 6 | DaySmart Retail Retail POS with grooming and boarding scheduling ideal for comprehensive pet businesses. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 7 | Lightspeed Retail Robust omnichannel POS for pet stores with advanced inventory and e-commerce integration. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 8 | Square for Retail User-friendly, cost-effective POS with free software for small pet shop operations. | other | 8.1/10 | 7.7/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 9 | Clover Customizable POS hardware and software adaptable for pet retail inventory and sales. | enterprise | 6.8/10 | 6.5/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.0/10 |
| 10 | Shopify POS Integrated POS and e-commerce platform for pet product sellers expanding online. | enterprise | 7.4/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 6.8/10 |
Comprehensive POS and retail management system tailored for independent pet specialty stores with advanced inventory for perishables.
All-in-one POS software for pet stores featuring expiration tracking, CRM, and multi-location support.
Cloud-based POS designed for pet retailers with real-time analytics and seamless integrations.
Pet store-specific POS system with lot tracking for food and supplies plus loyalty programs.
Modern mobile-first POS for pet shops offering inventory management and service bookings.
Retail POS with grooming and boarding scheduling ideal for comprehensive pet businesses.
Robust omnichannel POS for pet stores with advanced inventory and e-commerce integration.
User-friendly, cost-effective POS with free software for small pet shop operations.
Customizable POS hardware and software adaptable for pet retail inventory and sales.
Integrated POS and e-commerce platform for pet product sellers expanding online.
Ascend by Gila
specializedComprehensive POS and retail management system tailored for independent pet specialty stores with advanced inventory for perishables.
Pet profiling system that tracks individual animals' history, vaccinations, and services for personalized customer experiences
Ascend by Gila is a cloud-based POS system specifically designed for pet retailers, providing comprehensive tools for sales, inventory management, customer relationship management, and service scheduling like grooming and boarding. It features pet-specific functionalities such as individual animal profiling, expiration date tracking for perishables, and loyalty programs tailored to repeat pet owners. With multi-location support, real-time reporting, and integrations with e-commerce platforms and accounting software, Ascend streamlines operations for pet shops of varying sizes.
Pros
- Robust pet-specific features like animal profiling and service scheduling
- Advanced inventory management with lot tracking and auto-reordering
- Seamless multi-channel integration including e-commerce and QuickBooks
Cons
- Higher pricing tier may deter very small operations
- Initial setup and training can take time for complex features
- Some advanced customizations require additional support
Best For
Mid-sized independent pet stores needing a scalable, industry-tailored POS with strong inventory and CRM capabilities.
Pricing
Starts at $199/month per location for core POS, with tiers up to $499+ for advanced features; hardware and setup fees extra.
CorePet
specializedAll-in-one POS software for pet stores featuring expiration tracking, CRM, and multi-location support.
Pet-specific inventory management with automatic expiration tracking and breed/size-based product recommendations
CorePet is a specialized POS software designed for pet stores, groomers, kennels, and boarding facilities, offering robust inventory management, point-of-sale transactions, and service scheduling. It excels in pet-industry specifics like tracking expiration dates on food and supplies, customer loyalty programs, and multi-location support. The platform integrates with QuickBooks and provides detailed reporting for sales, inventory, and profitability analysis.
Pros
- Highly tailored features for pet retail and services like grooming/boarding scheduling
- Advanced inventory with lot/expiration tracking and reorder alerts
- Strong reporting and multi-location capabilities
Cons
- User interface feels somewhat dated compared to modern competitors
- Steeper learning curve for non-tech-savvy users
- Pricing can be higher for small single-location shops
Best For
Medium to large pet stores, groomers, or multi-location operations needing comprehensive industry-specific management.
Pricing
Monthly subscriptions start at around $150 per location, with tiered plans scaling to $500+ based on features, users, and transactions; custom quotes available.
Swanky
specializedCloud-based POS designed for pet retailers with real-time analytics and seamless integrations.
Sophisticated multi-store synchronization for real-time inventory across locations
Swanky POS from Swanky Systems is a robust retail point-of-sale software designed for businesses like pet shops, offering comprehensive inventory management, sales processing, and customer loyalty features. It supports multi-store operations, detailed reporting, and integration with hardware such as receipt printers and barcode scanners. Tailored for independent retailers, it excels in tracking pet supplies, food, and services while minimizing stock discrepancies.
Pros
- Powerful inventory and stock control suited for pet products
- Multi-location support with centralized reporting
- Strong customer management and loyalty programs
Cons
- Primarily Windows-based with limited cross-platform support
- Steeper learning curve for non-tech-savvy users
- No native mobile app for on-the-go access
Best For
Independent pet shop owners with multiple locations seeking advanced inventory and multi-store management.
Pricing
Perpetual license starts at around $1,495 plus annual support fees of $300-$500; modular pricing available.
RetailDogma
specializedPet store-specific POS system with lot tracking for food and supplies plus loyalty programs.
Real-time multi-channel inventory sync across POS, online store, and physical locations
RetailDogma is a cloud-based POS and retail management software tailored for small to medium-sized retail businesses, including pet shops selling supplies, food, toys, and accessories. It provides robust inventory tracking, point-of-sale transactions, customer management, and reporting tools to optimize daily operations and sales. While versatile for general retail, it excels in handling product-based sales but lacks deep specialization for pet services like grooming or boarding.
Pros
- Intuitive cloud-based interface with mobile access
- Strong inventory management with real-time tracking and low-stock alerts
- Built-in CRM and loyalty programs to boost repeat pet supply sales
Cons
- Limited pet-specific features like animal tracking or service scheduling
- Integrations are solid but not extensive for niche pet industry tools
- Advanced reporting requires higher-tier plans
Best For
Small to medium pet shops focused on efficient product sales and inventory control without needing veterinary or service-heavy capabilities.
Pricing
Starts at $59/month for basic single-store plan (up to 1,000 products), scales to $199+/month for multi-store and unlimited features; free trial available.
Spotty
specializedModern mobile-first POS for pet shops offering inventory management and service bookings.
Cloud-based real-time inventory management that prevents stockouts during peak pet supply seasons
Spotty POS (spottypos.com) is a cloud-based point-of-sale system tailored for small to medium retail businesses, providing core functionalities like inventory management, sales processing, customer tracking, and basic reporting. For pet shops, it effectively handles retail aspects such as stocking pet food, toys, and accessories with real-time inventory updates and multi-location support. However, it lacks specialized pet industry features like grooming appointment scheduling, pet boarding management, or integrations with veterinary services, making it more of a general retail solution.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with quick setup for non-tech users
- Real-time inventory syncing across devices and locations
- Affordable pricing with no long-term contracts
Cons
- Missing pet-specific tools like service bookings or animal health tracking
- Limited third-party integrations for pet industry apps
- Basic reporting lacks advanced analytics for sales trends
Best For
Small pet shops focused on retail sales of products like food and accessories, rather than service-heavy operations like grooming or boarding.
Pricing
Starts at $49/month for the Basic plan (1 user, core features), up to $149/month for Pro (unlimited users, advanced reporting); free trial available.
DaySmart Retail
specializedRetail POS with grooming and boarding scheduling ideal for comprehensive pet businesses.
Integrated online appointment booking that syncs directly with POS inventory and sales data
DaySmart Retail is a cloud-based POS system tailored for small to medium retail businesses, including pet shops, offering robust inventory management, point-of-sale transactions, and customer management tools. It excels in handling both product sales like pet food and supplies alongside service bookings for grooming or boarding. The platform provides real-time reporting, multi-location support, and integrations with payment processors and e-commerce for streamlined operations.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with seamless retail and appointment integration
- Strong inventory tracking and multi-location capabilities
- Comprehensive reporting and customer loyalty tools
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers may not suit very small pet shops
- Lacks deep pet-specific features like expiration date alerts for perishables
- Customer support response times can vary
Best For
Mid-sized pet shops offering both retail products and services like grooming that require scalable, cloud-based POS with booking functionality.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month for Starter plan (1 user), $99/month for Pro (unlimited users), up to $199+/month for Enterprise; annual discounts available.
Lightspeed Retail
enterpriseRobust omnichannel POS for pet stores with advanced inventory and e-commerce integration.
Matrix inventory management for handling complex pet product variants like sizes, flavors, and bundles with automated reordering.
Lightspeed Retail is a cloud-based POS system tailored for retail businesses like pet shops, providing robust inventory management, point-of-sale transactions, and customer management tools. It excels in handling diverse pet products with features like variant tracking for sizes/flavors, purchase orders, and supplier integration to streamline stock for food, toys, grooming supplies, and accessories. The platform supports multi-location setups, e-commerce syncing, and advanced reporting to optimize operations and sales.
Pros
- Powerful inventory tools with real-time tracking, matrix variants, and automated purchase orders ideal for pet product diversity
- Seamless omnichannel integration for online/offline sales and multi-location management
- Strong analytics and loyalty programs to drive repeat pet owner business
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers that may strain smaller pet shops
- Steeper learning curve for advanced customization and reporting
- Some pet-specific features like service bookings require third-party integrations
Best For
Growing or multi-location pet shops needing scalable inventory and e-commerce capabilities.
Pricing
Starts at $89/month for Essential plan (1 user), up to $249/month for Pro plan; additional fees for hardware and add-ons.
Square for Retail
otherUser-friendly, cost-effective POS with free software for small pet shop operations.
Real-time inventory synchronization across in-person, online, and multi-location sales
Square for Retail is a versatile point-of-sale (POS) system tailored for retail businesses, providing tools for in-store sales, inventory tracking, customer management, and e-commerce integration. It enables pet shops to process transactions quickly, monitor stock levels for pet food, toys, and accessories, and run basic reports on sales trends. While effective for general retail operations, it lacks specialized features like pet grooming appointments, breed-specific inventory categorization, or animal health record integration.
Pros
- Highly intuitive interface with minimal setup time
- Strong inventory management with low-stock alerts and modifiers for pet product variants
- Seamless payment processing and hardware compatibility for small pet shops
Cons
- No built-in pet-specific tools like service bookings or customer pet profiles
- Transaction fees can accumulate for high-volume sales
- Advanced retail features locked behind paid plans
Best For
Small to medium-sized pet shops seeking a straightforward, affordable POS for basic sales and inventory without complex industry-specific needs.
Pricing
Free basic POS software; Retail plan $60/month per location for advanced features; 2.6% + 10¢ per in-person transaction.
Clover
enterpriseCustomizable POS hardware and software adaptable for pet retail inventory and sales.
App marketplace with hundreds of integrations for tailoring to niche needs like basic pet services
Clover is a versatile cloud-based POS system from Fiserv, primarily designed for small to medium retail and service businesses, handling payments, inventory, sales, and customer management through customizable hardware and software. For pet shops, it excels in tracking retail inventory like food, toys, and supplies, with basic sales processing and reporting. However, it lacks native pet-specific tools such as animal health records, grooming scheduling, or breeding management, relying on third-party apps from its marketplace for deeper customization.
Pros
- User-friendly interface with quick setup
- Strong inventory and sales tracking for retail products
- Extensive app marketplace for potential pet shop integrations
Cons
- No built-in pet-specific features like service scheduling or pet profiles
- Hardware and add-on apps increase total costs
- Limited reporting depth without premium plans
Best For
Small pet shops emphasizing retail sales of supplies over complex services like grooming or boarding.
Pricing
Software plans from $14.95/mo (Register Lite) to $99.85/mo (Register Premium); hardware starts at $499; transaction fees around 2.3% + $0.10.
Shopify POS
enterpriseIntegrated POS and e-commerce platform for pet product sellers expanding online.
Real-time inventory and order syncing across online store and physical POS locations
Shopify POS is a versatile point-of-sale system designed primarily for e-commerce businesses, enabling pet shops to handle in-store transactions while syncing seamlessly with their online Shopify store for unified inventory and sales management. It supports product sales like pet food, toys, and accessories with features for customer profiles, payments, and reporting. While effective for retail operations, it lacks native tools for pet-specific needs such as grooming appointments, animal tracking, or veterinary integrations, often requiring third-party apps.
Pros
- Seamless omnichannel integration between online and in-store sales
- Robust inventory management with real-time syncing across locations
- Extensive app marketplace for customization
Cons
- Lacks built-in pet shop-specific features like service scheduling or animal health tracking
- Additional costs for Pro plan, apps, and hardware
- Transaction fees can add up for high-volume sales
Best For
Pet shops with a strong online presence that prioritize unified e-commerce and in-store retail over specialized pet services.
Pricing
POS Lite free with Shopify plans ($29+/month); POS Pro $89/month per location; plus 0.5-2% transaction fees and hardware costs.
Conclusion
After evaluating the top 10 pet shop POS systems, Ascend by Gila emerges as the leading choice, boasting comprehensive features and tailored support for independent specialty stores. CorePet and Swanky stand out as strong alternatives, with CorePet excelling in expiration tracking and multi-location management, and Swanky offering robust cloud-based analytics and integrations—each designed to meet unique operational needs. The best tool ultimately depends on specific priorities, but Ascend sets the standard for holistic retail management in pet shops.
Don't wait to enhance your pet shop efficiency: try Ascend by Gila today to access its advanced inventory tools and streamline your daily operations, ensuring success in a competitive market.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
