Integrating An Online Booking System for Kennels, Doggie Daycares and Groomers

When I talk to owners of boarding facilities for pets, usually multi-faceted companies that offer boarding, daycare, and grooming as well as retail sales, the main question I get asked regularly is if online booking is that important for their business. And I have very strong feelings about this answer

YES

In fact, it is very important. It is almost 2024. People want to make their reservations online. They want to do it when you aren’t answering your phone. They want to do it from their bed, or car, or wherever is convenient. If you aren’t giving them that option, then you are missing out on bookings.

Reasons why some boarding facility owners shy away from online booking

There are several reasons why a kennel might choose not to offer online booking:

1. Personalized Service: Some kennels prioritize a personalized touch in their customer service. They may prefer to have direct interactions with pet owners over the phone or in person to understand specific requirements and preferences for each pet.
2. Complex Bookings: For kennels that deal with complex scheduling or special services, they may find it challenging to automate certain aspects through online booking systems. Some facilities offer specialized care, medical attention, or specific accommodations that may require personalized coordination.
3. Limited Availability: Kennels with limited capacity may prefer to manage bookings internally to ensure they do not exceed their capacity or overcommit. This helps avoid potential scheduling conflicts and ensures that each pet receives adequate attention and care.
4. Technology Constraints: Some kennel owners or staff members may not be comfortable with or accustomed to using online booking systems. Implementing and maintaining such systems might require additional training or resources that the kennel may not be ready to invest in.
5. Security Concerns: Kennels may have concerns about the security of sensitive customer and pet information in online systems. Fear of data breaches or unauthorized access could be a factor in the decision not to offer online booking.
6. Customized Services: Kennels that provide specialized or customized services may find it challenging to capture the full range of options through an online booking platform. Direct communication allows for a more thorough understanding of the customer’s needs.
7. Preference for Direct Communication: Some kennel owners prefer direct communication with customers to build a relationship and ensure a clear understanding of expectations. This direct interaction may be seen as more effective in addressing specific questions or concerns.
8. Cost. Probably one of the biggest drawbacks to offering online booking, and not just for kennels but for any business offering online booking, is cost. These services aren’t free, but in my opinion they are worth the cost in the revenue they can generate.

Benefits of offering online booking for kennels and doggie daycares

Offering online booking for dog boarding facilities presents a lot of advantages, significantly streamlining processes and elevating the overall customer experience. The convenience for pet owners is number one, as they can effortlessly schedule boarding reservations at any time and from any location. This 24/7 accessibility not only caters to varied schedules but also minimizes the administrative workload for facility staff by automating data entry and reducing the need for manual paperwork.

Additionally, you can add in other necessities like signing waivers, uploading vaccination certificates and more.

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Getting Started

There’s no need to reinvent the wheel when it comes to online booking for dog boarding reservations. There are lots of companies that offer this software that you can use in your facility and integrate into your website. Here are a few I’ve researched to get you started.

1. Kennel Booker: Kennel Booker is a comprehensive pet care management software designed to streamline the operations of kennels, catteries, and pet boarding facilities. This software facilitates efficient booking management, allowing pet owners to schedule appointments, make reservations, and manage their pets’ stays seamlessly. Kennel Booker also includes features such as online payments, client communication tools, and detailed pet profiles. With an intuitive interface, it simplifies day-to-day tasks, helping businesses stay organized and provide excellent care for their furry clients.
2. Run Loyal: Run Loyal is a versatile pet business management software designed to cater to the needs of dog daycare centers, pet grooming salons, and training facilities. This software automates various aspects of business operations, including appointment scheduling, customer relationship management, and point-of-sale transactions. Run Loyal also offers features for staff management, inventory tracking, and marketing tools to help businesses grow and thrive. Its user-friendly interface and customizable features make it a valuable tool for pet service providers aiming to enhance efficiency and customer satisfaction.
3. Paw Partner: Paw Partner is a comprehensive software solution designed for pet businesses, including dog daycares, grooming salons, and training centers. This software facilitates easy appointment scheduling, client communication, and billing processes, streamlining the overall management of pet-related services. Paw Partner also offers tools for staff management, vaccination tracking, and customer relationship management. With its cloud-based system, users can access information from anywhere, enhancing flexibility and accessibility. Paw Partner contributes to the smooth operation of pet businesses by providing a centralized platform for various administrative tasks.

Which one should you use?

Unfortunately, I can’t answer that for you. The truth of the matter is, you and your team will be the ones who have to use it and manage it, so the best one is the one that works best for you. All of the offer online demos that allow you to learn more about how they work. I recommend you take a look at the offerings, try out the demos, and see which one you like the best. Take your time and really explore all the features and benefits of each system before you make the choices on which one to use.

How do 3rd party booking systems integrate with your website?

A common question I get is how these systems will integrate with your existing website. It varies depending on what system you use. Most will include either a script that you embed in your website or else they will have a link that you add to a button for booking. We are happy to help you set up this integration once you’ve decided on a booking system to use.