Investing in kennel software can feel like buying a brand-new dog bed: at first, you may wonder if it’s necessary, but once you see how comfortable it is, you won’t look back. Let’s weigh the pros and cons to help you decide if the investment is worth it.
Understanding the Investment
Subscription & setup costs
Most software charges a monthly or yearly fee. Some offer tiered plans, so you can start small and expand later. Look out for setup fees or training costs.
Time for implementation
Implementing new software takes time. There’s data entry, staff training and perhaps a learning curve, but the payoff often outweighs the initial effort.
Training and support
Quality customer support matters. Choose a platform that offers onboarding sessions, tutorials and responsive help channels.
Tangible Benefits
Reduced administrative time
Automation frees you from manual scheduling, invoicing and reminder tasks. More automation means more time for tail wagging and human-dog interaction.
Improved accuracy & compliance
Software keeps vaccination records, medication schedules and feeding notes organized, reducing mistakes and ensuring compliance with health requirements.
Better customer service & communication
Automatic reminders and customer portals keep pet parents informed and reassured. Happy customers are loyal customers.
Intangible Benefits
Professional image & brand trust
A sleek booking experience and timely communications demonstrate professionalism, building trust in your brand.
Data-driven decision making
Reports and analytics show occupancy rates, revenue trends and seasonal patterns, helping you make informed decisions.
Employee satisfaction
Simplified processes make work less stressful. When staff know what they’re doing and why, morale goes up.
ROI Calculation for Small Businesses
- Estimating time savings: Add up hours spent on administrative tasks now and compare them to the streamlined process with software.
- Revenue impacts & upsells: Better organization can lead to more bookings and the ability to offer add-on services like grooming or training.
- Long-term scalability: Investing early sets you up for future growth. When you’re ready to expand, your software can grow with you.
Conclusion: Is It Worth It?
For many small businesses, the time savings, reduced errors and improved customer experience more than justify the subscription cost. While spreadsheets and basic tools may work initially, they often lack essential features like vaccination tracking and reporting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is kennel software and who needs it?
Kennel software is a specialized management system designed for pet boarding facilities, kennels, and multi-service pet businesses. It automates booking, scheduling, client communication, and record-keeping. Small kennels with even 5-10 runs benefit significantly because the software eliminates manual spreadsheets, reduces booking errors, and provides professional client communication.
How much does kennel software typically cost?
For small pet businesses, kennel software typically costs between £29-£69 per month ($35-$85 USD) for entry-level plans that cover essential features like booking, scheduling, and client management. Mid-tier plans ($100-$150/month) add features like automated marketing, advanced reporting, and multi-user access.
What are the essential features of kennel management software?
Essential features include online booking (24/7 customer access), automated email and SMS reminders to reduce no-shows, basic pet profile management with vaccination tracking, simple run/kennel assignment, payment processing with deposits, and a client portal where owners can view bookings and update pet information.
How long does it take to set up kennel software?
For small kennels, expect 1-2 weeks from purchase to full operation. Initial setup takes 3-5 hours and can be done in one sitting. Staff training for small teams (1-5 people) requires 1-2 hours per person, usually accomplished in one training session.
Ready to see if kennel software is right for your business? Explore our complete kennel software guide for features, pricing, and platform comparisons, or start your free trial today.
