The Best Pet Grooming Software of 2026: Editor's Picks

The grooming software landscape continues to evolve. Every year brings new features, new competitors, and new reasons to reevaluate what you’re using.

Our editorial team spent the past quarter testing platforms, comparing features, and gathering feedback from working groomers nationwide. These are our top picks heading into 2026.

How We Made Our Selections

We evaluated each platform based on:

• Daily Usability – How it feels in real-world, everyday use
• Core Features – Scheduling, client management, communication
• Value – What you get for what you pay
• Reliability – Uptime, bugs, and support responsiveness
• Groomer Feedback – What users say after months of use

We are not sponsored by any software company. These rankings reflect independent editorial assessments.

Editor’s Pick: Best Overall

Teddy

Why It Won

Teddy excels at the fundamentals that matter most to independent groomers — and does so at a price that remains approachable.

The standout feature is unlimited SMS messaging. While many competitors charge per text or cap monthly messaging, Teddy allows unlimited communication. For groomers constantly texting clients about arrival times, schedule changes, and post-groom updates, this translates into meaningful monthly savings.

The interface is modern and clean without being overwhelming. Most groomers we interviewed felt comfortable within a single day. The request-based booking system helps prevent calendar chaos while still making online booking simple for clients.

Best For

Solo groomers and small teams who rely heavily on texting clients.

Editor’s Pick: Best for Established Salons

MoeGo

Why It Won

MoeGo offers one of the most comprehensive feature sets in the market.

Advanced reporting, marketing automation, staff management, and multi-location tools make it especially attractive for established salons. The mobile app performs well, the user community is active, and updates are frequent and meaningful.

The tradeoff is cost. Pricing escalates quickly, and SMS fees may apply depending on your plan. For solo groomers, it can feel like overkill. For salons with three or more groomers leveraging the full feature set, the premium positioning is justified.

Best For

Busy, multi-groomer salons wanting an all-in-one platform.

Price

Starting around $69/month plus SMS fees.

Editor’s Pick: Best for Multi-Service Facilities

Gingr

Why It Won

If you operate a pet resort offering grooming, boarding, and daycare, Gingr is built for that complexity.

Kennel management, daycare rosters, feeding schedules, vaccination compliance — Gingr handles operational depth that grooming-only platforms simply don’t.

For grooming-only businesses, it’s excessive. For full-service facilities, it’s one of the strongest solutions available.

Best For

Full-service pet care facilities with multiple service lines.

Price

Starting around $99/month.

Editor’s Pick: Best Budget Option

DaySmart (formerly 123Pet)

Why It Won

DaySmart has served groomers reliably for years. It isn’t flashy, but it’s stable and affordable.

At a lower starting price point, it provides essential scheduling and management features without unnecessary complexity. The interface feels dated compared to newer competitors, and SMS typically costs extra, but reliability remains its strongest asset.

Best For

Budget-conscious groomers who prioritize stability over cutting-edge features.

Price

Starting around $29/month plus SMS add-on.

Editor’s Pick: Best for Mobile Groomers

Groomer.io

Why It Won

Groomer.io was built with mobile operations in mind.

Route optimization, mobile-first design, and location-based features make it particularly attractive for groomers traveling between appointments. SMS is included in the base price, helping keep monthly costs predictable.

Support can be limited due to a smaller team, but the mobile-specific tools deliver real value for the right business model.

Best For

Mobile grooming businesses.

Price

Approximately $45/month with SMS included.

Editor’s Pick: Best for Growing Businesses

Pawfinity

Why It Won

Pawfinity balances simplicity with scalability.

Its tiered pricing structure allows groomers to start lean and unlock additional tools as they grow. Marketing automation, loyalty programs, and package management become available at higher levels.

For groomers planning to expand over the next few years, Pawfinity provides room to grow without forcing enterprise pricing upfront.

Best For

Businesses planning to scale.

Price

Starting around $60/month.

Honorable Mentions

GrooMore

A solid budget-friendly option (around $39/month) covering essential features. Good for groomers who want core functionality without advanced add-ons.

PetLinx

One-time purchase (around $299) for groomers who prefer owning software outright. Desktop-based with no cloud features, but subscription-free.

Easy Busy Pets

Simple, affordable, and lightweight. Ideal for non-tech-savvy groomers who want minimal software overhead.

What We’re Watching in 2026

AI-Powered Features

AI receptionists — like the one built into Teddy — signal the direction of the industry. Expect more AI-driven scheduling, automated responses, and workflow assistance.

Mobile-First Design

Groomers increasingly manage their business from their phones. Platforms prioritizing mobile experience will continue gaining traction.

Integration Ecosystems

Software that integrates smoothly with payment processors, accounting tools, and marketing platforms will have long-term advantages.

Choosing the Right Software

There is no universal “best” — only the best for your situation.

• Solo groomer, heavy texter: Teddy
• Established salon needing depth: MoeGo
• Multi-service facility: Gingr
• Tight budget: DaySmart
• Mobile groomer: Groomer.io
• Scaling business: Pawfinity

Most platforms offer free trials. Use them seriously:

• Book test appointments
• Send reminders
• Process mock payments
• Explore reports

What feels intuitive for one groomer may frustrate another.

Our Methodology

For this review, we:

1. Used each platform for at least two weeks
2. Interviewed 50+ groomers actively using these systems
3. Compared full feature sets and total monthly costs
4. Evaluated customer support responsiveness
5. Considered long-term company viability

Editorial independence is non-negotiable. We accept no payment for inclusion or placement.

Final Thoughts

The grooming software market is more competitive than ever — and that’s good news for groomers.

Our overall pick, Teddy, stands out for value and fundamentals. Unlimited SMS at an affordable price is compelling for independent groomers who rely heavily on text communication.

That said, the best software is the one that fits your workflow.

Take the free trials. Trust your hands-on experience.

Questions about any of these platforms? Reach out to our editorial team.