Kennel Software That Saves You 15+ Hours Per Week
Transform overnight chaos into calm, profitable operations. Fill more kennels, collect deposits automatically, and give pet parents the peace of mind they’re paying for.
Visual suite management
Secure bookings instantly
Peak season & discounts
The Hidden Cost of Manual Kennel Management
It’s Friday afternoon before a bank holiday weekend. The phone hasn’t stopped ringing. Mrs. Patterson wants to extend her Labrador’s stay by two nights. Mr. Chen is asking whether you received his dog’s vaccination certificate. And somewhere in the pile of papers on your desk is the booking form for a family of three dogs arriving in an hour—but you can’t remember which suites you assigned them.
Meanwhile, your whiteboard calendar is a mess of crossed-out names, arrows, and sticky notes. Did someone already confirm that Border Collie for the luxury suite? Is the medication fridge stocked for the diabetic Schnauzer arriving tomorrow? And when exactly was the last time you actually took a weekend off?
This is the reality for most kennel owners operating without proper software. The average boarding facility spends 20+ hours every week on administrative tasks that have nothing to do with caring for the dogs in their charge. That’s essentially a part-time salary spent on phone tag, paperwork shuffling, and firefighting preventable problems.
The phone never stops. Every booking request, every availability check, every “can we change our dates?” requires a phone call or email chain. You’re spending more time scheduling than supervising. And when you miss calls because you’re actually caring for dogs? Those potential customers book with your competitor down the road.
Double-booking disasters. With paper calendars or basic spreadsheets, it’s not a matter of if you’ll double-book a suite—it’s when. The result? A frantic phone call to a customer who’s already en route, an angry review online, and a reputation hit that takes months to recover from.
Vaccination record chaos. You know the vaccinations are important. You know the liability if something goes wrong. But when pet parents are rushing to drop off before their flight, and the records are “somewhere in my email,” how often do you let it slide? One kennel cough outbreak can cost thousands in refunds and destroy your reputation overnight.
Lost revenue hiding everywhere. That no-show last weekend? £200 you’ll never recover. The customer who stayed once and never returned? You never followed up. The premium suites sitting empty while standard runs are full? No data to show you the pattern. Industry research shows kennels using manual processes experience 23% more no-shows and 35% longer payment collection times.
There’s a better way. One that doesn’t require hiring more staff, working more hours, or becoming a technology expert. It starts with software built specifically for boarding facilities like yours.
Everything Your Boarding Facility Needs in One Place
PetCare’s dog boarding software was built by people who understand the unique challenges of overnight pet care. From the moment a customer discovers your facility to the happy reunion at pick-up, every step is streamlined, automated, and designed to delight.
8 Features That Transform How You Run Your Kennel
📅 24/7 Online Booking System
Your customers don’t stop thinking about their holiday plans at 5pm. Neither should your booking system. Our online booking portal lets pet parents reserve their dog’s stay anytime—at 10pm while planning their trip, or at 6am before the school run.
Customers see your real-time availability by room type and date. They select their check-in and check-out dates, choose from standard kennels, premium runs, or luxury suites, add any extras like grooming or extra walks, and secure their booking with an automatic deposit payment.
The moment they book, both you and your customer receive confirmation emails with all the details. No phone tag. No back-and-forth emails. No missed opportunities from calls you couldn’t answer.
Reduce phone calls by 60%. Our customers consistently report that online booking eliminates the majority of their enquiry calls. Those remaining calls are typically complex situations that genuinely need your expertise—not routine availability checks.
[Screenshot: Online booking calendar showing room availability by type and date selection]
[Screenshot: Visual occupancy dashboard showing suite status with colour-coded availability]
🏠 Intelligent Capacity Management
Your kennel isn’t just empty or full—it’s a complex puzzle of different room types, sizes, and configurations. One night you might have luxury suites available but standard runs fully booked. The next week, it’s the opposite.
Our kennel management software gives you a visual dashboard showing exactly what’s happening across your entire facility. See which rooms are occupied, reserved, or available at a glance. Colour-coded displays make it impossible to miss a potential overbooking situation.
Define your capacity rules once—10 standard runs, 6 premium rooms, 4 luxury suites—and the system enforces them automatically. Whether a booking comes through at 2am online or from your front desk, the rules apply consistently.
Waitlist management fills cancellations automatically. When someone cancels a booking for the bank holiday weekend, waitlisted customers are notified in order. First to respond gets the slot. You capture revenue that would otherwise be lost.
💉 Automated Vaccination Tracking
An unvaccinated dog in your kennel isn’t just a health risk to other guests. It’s a liability nightmare, a potential outbreak waiting to happen, and an insurance claim you don’t want to file. Yet tracking vaccination records manually is one of the most error-prone tasks in kennel management.
PetCare.Software tracks every required vaccination for every pet: rabies, DHPP, Bordetella, kennel cough, and any others you specify. Pet parents can upload vaccination certificates directly through their portal. Your staff can scan paper records at check-in.
Automatic expiry alerts notify both you and pet parents before vaccinations lapse. 30 days, 14 days, 7 days before expiry—whatever intervals you choose. Most owners appreciate the reminder and arrive with updated records.
Booking prevention is the real protection. When someone tries to book with expired vaccinations, the system blocks completion until records are updated. This happens whether they’re booking online or your newest staff member is processing them at the front desk. Consistent enforcement, every time.
[Screenshot: Vaccination tracking dashboard showing pet records with expiry dates and status indicators]
[Screenshot: Staff scheduling calendar with shift assignments and task lists]
👥 Staff Scheduling & Task Management
Overnight boarding means round-the-clock responsibility. Morning feeding, afternoon walks, evening medication rounds, night checks—every shift needs the right people doing the right tasks at the right time.
Our drag-and-drop schedule builder makes creating weekly rotas simple. See at a glance who’s working when, identify gaps in coverage, and ensure proper staffing levels for the number of dogs in your care. Set your required staff-to-dog ratios and receive alerts when scheduled coverage falls below safe levels.
Daily task checklists ensure nothing gets forgotten. Each shift has standardised tasks: feeding routines, medication administration, kennel cleaning, exercise schedules, and overnight checks. Staff members see their tasks clearly and check them off as completed. You see real-time progress without having to ask.
Mobile access means your team doesn’t need to trek back to the office to check the schedule or log completed tasks. Everything happens from their smartphones, right there in the kennels where they’re actually working.
💳 Payment Processing & Invoicing
Every kennel owner knows the frustration: the no-show who never paid a deposit, the customer who “forgot” their card at pick-up, the invoice sitting unpaid for weeks because you forgot to follow up. Cash flow problems aren’t just annoying—they threaten your business.
Automated deposit collection secures bookings instantly. Configure your deposit as a flat fee or percentage, and customers pay when they book. The funds hit your account, the booking is confirmed, and your no-show rate drops dramatically.
Multi-night pricing handles the complexity of boarding stays. Charge different rates for weekends versus weekdays, peak season versus off-peak, or offer discounts for extended stays. Set up your rules once and pricing calculates automatically for every booking.
QuickBooks and Xero integration means no more double-entry. Payments sync automatically to your accounting software, invoices reconcile themselves, and month-end takes minutes instead of hours. Reduce payment collection times by 50% with automated reminders that chase overdue invoices so you don’t have to.
[Screenshot: Invoice management showing automated deposit collection and payment tracking]
[Screenshot: Customer communication hub showing automated messages and photo updates]
💬 Customer Communication Hub
Pet parents worry. They’re entrusting you with a family member, often while they’re enjoying a holiday. The kennels who thrive are those who keep their customers informed, reassured, and delighted throughout the stay.
Automated booking confirmations go out instantly with all the details: dates, room assignment, pricing, drop-off instructions, and what to bring. Reminder emails and SMS messages ensure customers arrive on time and prepared. No-shows drop when customers receive timely reminders.
Post-stay photo reports are the feature pet parents rave about. Snap photos of their dog playing, sleeping, or enjoying their stay. Send them through the app with a quick note. These updates transform worried pet parents into loyal advocates who tell everyone about your facility.
Review request automation captures feedback at the perfect moment—right after a happy reunion. Prompt customers to leave reviews on Google, Facebook, or TripAdvisor when their satisfaction is highest. More positive reviews mean better visibility and more new customers finding you.
🐕 Pet Health & Behaviour Logs
Every dog is unique. Bella needs her anxiety medication with dinner. Max is allergic to chicken. Charlie doesn’t get along with small dogs. Ruby needs a quiet kennel away from the entrance. Remembering these details for dozens of guests is impossible without a system.
Digital pet profiles store everything you need to know: feeding requirements (food type, portion size, feeding times), medication schedules (dosages, timing, administration notes), behavioural information (temperament, triggers, preferences), and special care instructions.
Care logging with timestamps creates a complete record of each stay. When medications are given, when meals are served, when exercises happen—all logged with who did what and when. This isn’t just good practice; it’s protection for your business and peace of mind for pet parents.
Incident documentation ensures proper handling when something happens. Log details, attach photos if needed, record actions taken, and share professional reports with pet parents. Thorough documentation protects everyone involved.
[Screenshot: Pet profile showing feeding schedule, medications, and behaviour notes]
[Screenshot: Business dashboard showing revenue, occupancy trends, and key metrics]
📊 Business Intelligence & Reporting
You can’t improve what you don’t measure. Most kennel owners have a general sense of how business is going, but lack the data to make strategic decisions. Which room types generate the most revenue? When should you hire another staff member? Where are you leaving money on the table?
Revenue analytics show exactly where your income comes from. Break it down by room type, service add-ons, seasonal periods, or customer segments. Identify what’s driving growth and what’s underperforming.
Occupancy trends reveal patterns in demand. See which dates fill months in advance and which consistently have availability. Use this data to adjust pricing, plan promotions for slower periods, or make informed decisions about facility expansion.
Customer lifetime value helps you identify your most valuable clients and understand what keeps them coming back. See which customers haven’t returned in a while and might benefit from a re-engagement campaign. Data-driven marketing replaces guesswork.
Why Kennels Choose PetCare.Software
Generic software isn’t designed for the unique needs of overnight pet care. PetCare.Software understands multi-night stays, feeding schedules, medication tracking, and the specific workflows that make boarding facilities successful.
🏆 Trusted by 500+ Kennels Worldwide
Join hundreds of boarding facilities who’ve transformed their operations with PetCare
“We reduced admin time from 25 hours to about 8 hours per week. The automated deposits alone have cut our no-shows by 40%. I actually took my first proper holiday in three years because the system handles bookings while I’m away.”
Sarah Mitchell
Owner, Happy Tails Kennel • Denver
“The vaccination tracking has been worth every penny. We had a kennel cough situation two years ago that cost thousands. Since implementing PetCare, we haven’t had a single compliance issue. Zero. The peace of mind is priceless.”
James Chen
Director, Riverside Pet Resort • Portland
“Our revenue is up 25% year over year, and we haven’t added any new kennels. The online booking captures customers we were losing before—people who couldn’t call during our hours. The waitlist feature alone fills cancellations automatically.”
Maria Santos
Owner, Paws Paradise Boarding • Miami
“Running three locations was chaos before PetCare. Different systems at each site, no unified reporting, constant miscommunication. Now everything’s in one place. I can see all three facilities from my phone. Staff scheduling conflicts down 90%.”
Kevin O’Brien
CEO, Canine Country Club • Chicago (3 locations)
⚡ Get Started in 30 Minutes or Less
Switching software sounds daunting. But we’ve helped hundreds of kennels make the transition smoothly. Most are fully operational within a week—many in just a few hours.
Start Your Free Trial
Sign up in 5 minutes with just your email. No credit card required.
Configure Your Facility
Add your rooms, pricing, and services. Our wizard guides you through.
Import Your Data
Upload existing customers from spreadsheets. We help with complex migrations.
Train Your Team
Add staff accounts. Video tutorials and live support get everyone up to speed.
Go Live
Start accepting online bookings and watch your admin time disappear.
Free onboarding call included. Every new customer gets a complimentary session with our team to ensure a smooth transition.
No long-term contracts. Cancel anytime. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Simple, Transparent Pricing That Grows With You
No hidden fees. No per-booking charges. Just straightforward monthly plans.
Starter
For small kennels getting started
- Up to 20 rooms/kennels
- Online booking system
- Vaccination tracking
- Customer portal
- Email support
Professional
For established boarding facilities
- Up to 50 rooms/kennels
- Everything in Starter, plus:
- Staff scheduling & tasks
- SMS notifications
- Payment processing
- Business reporting
- Priority support
Enterprise
For large or multi-location operations
- Unlimited rooms & locations
- Everything in Professional, plus:
- Multi-location management
- Advanced analytics
- QuickBooks/Xero integration
- API access
- Dedicated account manager
✓ 14-day free trial — No credit card required
✓ 30-day money-back guarantee — Full refund if not satisfied
✓ Save 20% with annual billing — Pay yearly and get two months free
Frequently Asked Questions
What is kennel software?
Kennel software is a digital management platform designed specifically for pet boarding facilities. It handles overnight stay bookings, room/suite assignments, vaccination tracking, feeding schedules, medication administration, payment processing, and customer communication. Unlike general booking tools, kennel software understands multi-night stays, capacity management, and the unique needs of overnight pet care.
How much does kennel software cost?
Kennel software typically ranges from £49-£249 per month depending on features and facility size. Most providers offer tiered pricing based on the number of kennels or rooms you manage. PetCare.Software offers plans starting at £59/month for small facilities with a free 14-day trial to test all features. The software typically pays for itself through reduced admin time and increased bookings.
What features should I look for in kennel software?
Essential features include: 24/7 online booking with real-time availability, automated deposit collection, room/suite assignment management, vaccination tracking with expiry alerts, feeding and medication scheduling, multi-night booking calculations, peak season pricing controls, staff scheduling, customer communication tools, and business reporting. For boarding facilities, look for extended stay discounts and add-on service management.
Is cloud-based kennel software secure?
Yes, reputable cloud-based kennel software uses enterprise-grade security including encryption of data in transit and at rest, secure data centres with redundant backups, regular security audits, and GDPR compliance. Cloud systems are often more secure than local computers because they’re maintained by dedicated security teams and receive automatic updates.
Can kennel software integrate with my website?
Yes, PetCare.Software provides multiple integration options. Embed our booking widget directly into your existing website to display real-time availability, or use our hosted booking page branded with your logo and colours. The system works with any website platform including WordPress, Wix, Squarespace, and custom sites. Setup typically takes under 30 minutes.
How long does implementation take?
Most kennels are fully operational within one week or less. Basic setup takes 2-4 hours to configure your rooms, services, and pricing. Importing existing customer data typically adds a few hours depending on your records. We provide complimentary onboarding support and can assist with data migration from spreadsheets or other software systems.
Do you offer training and support?
Yes, comprehensive training and support are included at no additional cost. Every new customer receives a free onboarding call with a product specialist. Our support team is available via email, live chat, and phone. We maintain an extensive video tutorial library covering every feature with step-by-step instructions for you and your staff.
Can I import my existing customer data?
Absolutely. PetCare.Software includes an import tool that accepts data from spreadsheets (Excel, CSV) and can migrate data from many other kennel software systems. Customer names, contact information, pet details, and vaccination records can all be imported. Our support team provides assistance with complex migrations at no extra charge.
What happens if I need to cancel?
We offer month-to-month subscriptions with no long-term contracts required. Cancel anytime through your account settings, and we provide a 30-day money-back guarantee on your first month. Before cancellation, you can export all your data including customer lists, booking history, and pet records. Your data belongs to you.
Does it work on mobile devices?
Yes, PetCare.Software is fully mobile-responsive. Access the complete system from any smartphone or tablet through our optimised web interface. We also offer dedicated mobile apps for iOS and Android that provide quick access to daily operations: viewing bookings, checking pets in and out, logging feeding and medications, and managing staff tasks.
How does online booking work?
Customers visit your booking page to view real-time availability by room type. They select check-in and check-out dates, choose their preferred suite or kennel, add any extras like grooming or extra walks, enter pet details, and pay their deposit online. Bookings confirm instantly with automatic emails to both you and the customer. The calendar updates immediately to prevent double-booking.
Can customers book add-on services?
Yes, add-on services like grooming, training sessions, extra playtime, premium bedding, and special meals can all be offered during the booking process. Configure which add-ons are available, set pricing, and customers select them at checkout. Add-on revenue is tracked separately in reporting so you can see which services drive the most additional income.
Does it handle deposits and payments?
Yes, PetCare.Software includes integrated payment processing. Collect deposits at booking (configurable as flat fee or percentage), charge remaining balances at check-in or check-out, and send automatic payment reminders. We integrate with major payment processors including Stripe and accept all major credit cards. Payments can sync with accounting software like QuickBooks or Xero.
Can I create custom forms for my kennel?
Yes, create custom intake forms to collect emergency contacts, veterinarian details, feeding instructions, medication requirements, behavioural notes, and any other information you need. Digital waivers and service agreements can be presented for electronic signature during booking. Forms can be required or optional and customised for different service types.
Is there a limit to how many pets I can manage?
Limits depend on your subscription plan and are based on the number of rooms or kennels rather than pet profiles. You can have unlimited pet profiles in the system regardless of plan. Our Starter plan supports up to 20 rooms, Professional up to 50 rooms, and Enterprise plans have no limits. Plans can be adjusted as your facility grows.
Explore More Pet Care Software Solutions
PetCare.Software offers specialized management tools for different types of pet care businesses. Whether you’re running a kennel, daycare, boarding facility, or cattery, we have solutions tailored to your specific needs:
Related Software Solutions
Kennel Software — Comprehensive kennel management for mixed-use facilities. Includes all boarding features plus day kenneling, drop-in services, and flexible capacity management across different service types.
Dog Daycare Software — If you run daycare alongside boarding, explore daycare-specific features including group play management, high-volume daily check-ins, activity scheduling, and parent report cards designed for same-day services.
Cattery Software — Cat boarding has unique requirements. Our cattery software addresses feline-specific needs including quiet zone management, stress-reduction protocols, separate feeding areas, and accommodations for cats with special behavioral requirements.
Helpful Resources for Boarding Facility Owners
- Kennel Software with Online Booking: Simplifying Reservations — Learn how 24/7 online booking transforms customer experience and dramatically reduces your phone workload
- Affordable Kennel Management Systems: Budget-Friendly Solutions — Discover how to get professional-grade software that pays for itself without straining your budget
- Managing Multiple Boarding Locations Seamlessly — Best practices for multi-location operations and unified management across facilities
- Is Kennel Software Worth It? Costs vs. Benefits Analysis — Calculate the real ROI of kennel management software for your boarding business
- View Our Pricing Plans — Compare plans and find the perfect fit for your facility’s size and needs
📚 Resources for Kennel Success
How to Choose Kennel Software: 12 Essential Features
A comprehensive guide to evaluating kennel software options.
Kennel Management Best Practices Guide
Expert tips for running a successful boarding facility.
Case Study: Happy Tails Kennel Increased Revenue 25%
How one kennel transformed their operations with PetCare.
Free Download: Kennel Software Buyer’s Checklist PDF — 50+ questions to ask when evaluating solutions
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Boarding Software
What is dog boarding software?
Dog boarding software is a specialized management platform designed for pet boarding facilities that automates reservations, handles check-ins and check-outs, manages vaccination records, processes payments, and tracks kennel availability in real-time. It replaces manual booking systems and spreadsheets with integrated digital solutions that improve operational efficiency, reduce errors, and enhance the customer experience for both facility owners and pet parents.
How much does dog boarding software typically cost?
Dog boarding software typically costs between $39 and $150 per month, depending on features, facility size, and number of locations. Entry-level plans start around $39-$59/month for basic booking and kennel management features, while mid-tier solutions ($69-$99/month) add payment processing, automated reminders, and reporting. Enterprise solutions for multi-location facilities or those needing advanced features like POS integration, payroll, and custom workflows can range from $100-$200+ per month.
Do I need dog boarding software for a small facility?
Yes, even small boarding facilities benefit significantly from management software. Software saves 10-15 hours per week on administrative tasks by automating bookings, reminders, and payment collection, which typically justifies the $39-$69/month cost for small operations. Additionally, online booking capabilities can increase bookings by 20-30% by allowing pet parents to reserve and pay 24/7, and the software ensures you never miss critical vaccination expirations or double-book kennels, reducing liability risks.
What are the most important features in dog boarding software?
The most essential features are online booking with calendar management, vaccination tracking with automatic expiration alerts, secure payment processing with deposit capabilities, kennel/run assignment to prevent overbooking, and automated email/SMS reminders for bookings and pickups. Additional valuable features include owner portals for self-service, staff scheduling tools, waitlist management, reporting and analytics, and integrations with accounting software and payment processors.
Can dog boarding software help prevent overbooking?
Yes, boarding software prevents overbooking through real-time kennel inventory management that automatically updates availability across all booking channels (website, phone, walk-in). When a kennel or run is booked, the system immediately marks it as unavailable and can also account for blocked dates, maintenance periods, and different kennel types. This eliminates the double-booking risks that commonly occur with manual calendars, spreadsheets, or paper-based systems, ensuring you never accept more dogs than you have space for.
How does vaccination tracking work in boarding software?
Vaccination tracking allows you to upload and store digital copies of vaccination records (rabies, DHPP, bordetella, etc.) for each pet, set expiration dates based on your facility’s requirements, and automatically flag pets with expired or missing vaccinations before check-in. The system can send automated reminders to pet owners 30-60 days before vaccinations expire, prevent bookings for pets with outdated records, and generate compliance reports. This ensures your facility maintains health standards, reduces disease transmission risks, and simplifies inspections by keeping all documentation organized and accessible.
Is dog boarding software difficult to learn and use?
Modern dog boarding software is designed to be user-friendly, with most staff becoming proficient within 2-3 days of regular use. Most platforms offer intuitive drag-and-drop interfaces for kennel assignments, straightforward booking workflows, and mobile-responsive designs that work on tablets and smartphones. Reputable providers include onboarding training, video tutorials, help documentation, and responsive customer support to help you get started. The time invested in learning the software is quickly recovered through reduced administrative work and fewer booking errors.
Can boarding software integrate with my accounting system?
Yes, most professional boarding software platforms offer integrations with popular accounting systems like QuickBooks, Xero, and FreshBooks. These integrations automatically sync payment data, invoices, and financial transactions, eliminating manual data entry and reducing accounting errors. Some platforms also offer built-in accounting features for revenue tracking, expense management, and tax reporting. When evaluating software, ask specifically about accounting integrations if this is important for your workflow, as integration quality and available features vary by platform.
What’s the ROI of investing in dog boarding software?
Most boarding facilities see positive ROI within 2-4 months through three main benefits: time savings (10-15 hours per week freed from administrative tasks), revenue increases (20-30% more bookings from 24/7 online booking and reduced no-shows via automated reminders), and cost reductions (fewer booking errors, lower payment processing fees, and reduced labor costs). For a typical facility, software costing $69/month can generate $500-$1,000 in additional monthly value through efficiency gains and increased bookings, representing a 7-14x return on investment.
Does boarding software work offline or require internet connection?
Most modern boarding software is cloud-based and requires internet connectivity to access full features, sync data, and process online bookings and payments. However, many platforms offer offline capabilities or mobile apps that allow you to view schedules, check in pets, and record notes without internet, automatically syncing data once connectivity is restored. Cloud-based systems offer advantages like automatic backups, access from any device, and no local server maintenance, but ensure your facility has reliable internet or a backup connection for uninterrupted operations.
Ready to Fill More Kennels and Reduce Admin Hassle?
Join 500+ kennels already saving time, increasing bookings, and delighting pet parents with PetCare.Software.
✓ 14-day free trial · ✓ No credit card required · ✓ Cancel anytime
Questions? Our team (fellow dog lovers, naturally) is here to help.
Call: 0800 123 4567 · Email: hello@petcare.software
