DaySmart Pet Review 2026: Pricing, Features & Verdict

DaySmart Pet has one of the longest track records in grooming software — many groomers still call it by its former name, 123Pet. Longevity brings a deep feature set and a big install base, but it also raises fair questions about interface age and pricing structure. This DaySmart Pet review looks at what the platform does well in 2026, where it frustrates users, what it truly costs once add-ons are included, and who should consider it. As people who work in this industry, we've kept it practical.

DaySmart Pet at a glance

DaySmart Pet is a mature, multi-service platform supporting grooming, daycare, and boarding. It scales from solo groomers up to multi-location businesses and offers deep features like commission rules and expense tracking on higher tiers. Its main friction points are a texting model that withholds two-way messaging from lower tiers, add-on fees, and an interface that shows its age.

Ratings reflect our editorial assessment based on current features and pricing.

DaySmart Pet pricing in 2026

DaySmart uses a five-tier structure. The entry price is low, but the features groomers rely on most climb the ladder.

Pricing reflects publicly listed rates at the time of writing and can change — confirm on DaySmart's site.

Two cost factors catch groomers off guard. First, two-way texting and text marketing don't come included until the $149 Deluxe Growth tier — the $29 Basic plan can send automated messages but can't hold a real text conversation. Second, add-ons stack up: using an external payment processor adds about $10/month, daycare and boarding calendars run roughly $25/month each, and the website builder is around $15/month. The sticker price and the real price can be quite different.

What DaySmart Pet does well

Multi-service depth

If you groom and board and run daycare, DaySmart handles all three with dedicated calendars. That unified, multi-service capability is a genuine strength for full-service facilities.

Scales to multi-location

Higher tiers add commission rules, expense tracking, and multi-location management — real tools for businesses growing beyond a single shop. DaySmart is built to grow with you.

Established and supported

Decades in the market mean a large user base, established support channels, and a platform that isn't going anywhere. For some owners, that stability is worth a lot.

Where DaySmart Pet falls short

Texting locked behind higher tiers

The biggest practical drawback. Groomers who communicate by text — which is most of them — can't have two-way conversations until the $149 tier. That's a steep entry point for a feature competitors include from the start.

Add-on fees

Calendars, website builder, and external-processor surcharges mean the advertised price rarely matches the final bill. Budget for the extras you'll actually need.

Dated interface and learning curve

DaySmart's age shows in its interface, and new users — especially new staff — often report a steeper learning curve than with modern platforms. Expect more onboarding time.

Who should use DaySmart Pet?

DaySmart is a solid choice if you:

• Run a multi-service facility (grooming + daycare + boarding).
• Operate multiple locations and need commission and expense tools.
• Value a long-established platform and are fine paying for add-ons.

It's likely the wrong fit if you're a solo groomer who mainly wants simple scheduling and unlimited, unrestricted texting without climbing to the $149 tier.

DaySmart Pet alternatives worth trialing

If the texting tier or add-on costs give you pause, compare a couple of alternatives. Teddy includes unlimited two-way texting on every plan from $49/month with no add-on fees and a modern, quick-to-learn interface — a strong fit for grooming-only independents and small teams. For head-to-head detail, see Teddy vs DaySmart Pet. MoeGo is worth a look for multi-van mobile operations, and Gingr for facilities centered on boarding and daycare. Our 8 top picks compared lines them all up.

[INSERT: real quote from a groomer who used DaySmart/123Pet — capturing either the multi-service strength or the texting/interface frustration. Keep it authentic.]

The verdict

DaySmart Pet is a capable, battle-tested platform that earns its keep for multi-service and multi-location businesses that need depth and don't mind add-on costs. Our 3.6 overall reflects strong features held back by a dated interface, a steeper learning curve, and a texting model that pushes real client conversations to the $149 tier. If you're a grooming-only independent who texts constantly and wants a modern, all-in-one tool, trial a simpler, unlimited-texting alternative alongside it before deciding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is DaySmart Pet worth it in 2026?

For multi-service or multi-location businesses that need grooming, daycare, and boarding in one platform, yes. For solo groomers who mainly want simple scheduling and unrestricted texting, the value is weaker — two-way texting starts at $149/month and add-ons increase the cost.

How much does DaySmart Pet cost?

Plans run from $29/month (Basic) to $199/month (Premium), with a custom Premium Growth tier. Note that two-way texting is included only from the $149 Deluxe Growth plan, and calendars, website, and external-processor use carry extra fees.

Is DaySmart Pet the same as 123Pet?

Yes. DaySmart Pet is the rebranded version of 123Pet — the same product line with ongoing development under the DaySmart name.

Does DaySmart Pet include texting?

It includes automated messaging on lower tiers, but two-way texting and text marketing are included only from the $149 Deluxe Growth tier. Competitors like Teddy include unlimited two-way texting on every plan.

What's the best DaySmart Pet alternative?

Teddy for grooming-only independents who want unlimited texting and simple pricing, MoeGo for multi-van mobile fleets, and Gingr for boarding/daycare facilities. Trial the one that matches your business model.

DaySmart Pet remains a strong option for multi-service and multi-location operators. If you groom-only and want unlimited texting without the tier climb or add-on fees, Teddy is worth trialing next to it — a modern, all-in-one platform for independents and small teams.