Kennel Software vs Dog Boarding Software (2025): What’s the Difference?

If you’re running a pet care business, you’ve probably seen both kennel software and dog boarding software advertised — often side by side. While they sound similar, they’re built for slightly different needs.

Last updated: December 17, 2025

This 2025 comparison explains the key differences, overlapping features, and how to choose the best platform for your facility.

Overview

Both kennel and boarding software systems help pet care facilities manage bookings, payments, and pet information. However, each platform has been developed with specific business models in mind.

• Kennel software — Built primarily for canine-focused operations that manage runs, shared spaces, and recurring stays.
• Dog boarding software — Designed for broader boarding facilities — including dog, cat, or mixed operations — with a focus on customer experience and automation.

What Is Kennel Software?

Kennel software focuses on operational control. It’s ideal for traditional kennels, working dog facilities, or multi-run boarding businesses that need to assign and monitor specific spaces.

Typical capabilities include:

• Run and suite allocation
• Feeding, medication, and exercise schedules
• Vaccination and health tracking
• Occupancy management
• Staff task lists and cleaning schedules

Advanced systems like PetCare.Software Kennel Manager include real-time dashboards to track pet status and auto-generate feeding reports for each run.

What Is Dog Boarding Software?

Dog boarding software expands beyond the kennel model. It focuses more on bookings, payments, and customer engagement — offering online reservations, digital report cards, and integrated messaging.

It’s ideal for facilities that emphasize customer communication and flexibility, such as boutique pet hotels or daycare hybrids.

Core features include:

• Online bookings and check-ins
• Owner portal and photo updates
• Deposit and invoice automation
• Multi-pet and shared room management
• Marketing and loyalty integrations

In short, kennel software focuses on operations, while boarding software focuses on experience.

Key Differences Explained

Feature Comparison

Most modern tools blend both functionalities. For example, PetCare.Software supports:

• Run management (kennel view)
• Online booking (boarding view)
• Integrated payments and deposits
• Health record tracking
• Staff task automation
• Owner photo updates

So even if you start as a kennel, you can easily scale into full-service boarding with the same system.

Pricing Comparison

• Kennel Software: $49–$129/month
• Dog Boarding Software: $79–$179/month

The difference usually comes from the customer communication and marketing tools included in boarding-focused systems.

Which Is Right for You?

Here’s a quick guide:

• Choose kennel software if you manage many runs, prioritize staff efficiency, and need granular control.
• Choose dog boarding software if you prioritize online bookings, owner communication, and customer experience.

Not sure which one to choose? With PetCare.Software, you don’t have to. It’s built for both models — with flexible modules that adapt as your business grows.

Compare Plans & Start Free

FAQs

Is kennel software only for dog facilities?

Mostly yes, but some tools like PetCare.Software support catteries and small animals too.

Can I switch from kennel to boarding software later?

Yes — most cloud systems can migrate your data or expand with additional modules.

Does kennel software include online payments?

Some do, but boarding-oriented systems tend to include more robust payment gateways and customer self-service portals.

Which is easier to use?

Dog boarding platforms often have a more modern interface and customer-facing tools. Kennel software can be more functional but less polished.

Final Thoughts

Both kennel and dog boarding software make your business more efficient — they just emphasize different goals. Kennel tools focus on backend operations, while boarding systems elevate the customer experience.

The ideal choice? A flexible system that combines both — like PetCare.Software.

{
“@context”: “https://schema.org”,
“@type”: “Article”,
“headline”: “Kennel Software vs Dog Boarding Software (2025): What’s the Difference?”,
“description”: “Compare kennel software vs dog boarding software in 2025. Learn the key differences, features, and pricing to choose the best system for your pet business.”,
“author”: { “@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “PetCare.Software” },
“publisher”: {
“@type”: “Organization”,
“name”: “PetCare.Software”,
“logo”: { “@type”: “ImageObject”, “url”: “https://petcare.software/wp-content/uploads/logo.png” }
},
“mainEntityOfPage”: “https://petcare.software/kennel-software-vs-dog-boarding-software/”,
“datePublished”: “2025-10-07”,
“dateModified”: “2025-10-07”
}

{
“@context”: “https://schema.org”,
“@type”: “FAQPage”,
“mainEntity”: [
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “Is kennel software only for dog facilities?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “Mostly yes, but some tools like PetCare.Software support catteries and small animals too.”
}
},
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “Can I switch from kennel to boarding software later?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “Yes — most cloud systems can migrate your data or expand with additional modules.”
}
},
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “Does kennel software include online payments?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “Some do, but boarding-oriented systems tend to include more robust payment gateways and customer self-service portals.”
}
},
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “Which is easier to use?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “Dog boarding platforms often have a more modern interface and customer-facing tools. Kennel software can be more functional but less polished.”
}
}
]
}

Recommended resources: American Kennel Club (AKC), ASPCA.