Choosing dog grooming software in NZ and Australia
Yes, we make grooming software, so read this with that in mind. But the honest version of this guide is more useful to you than a sales page, so here is how the options actually differ and the questions worth asking before you commit your client list to any platform.
Updated July 2026
What actually matters in grooming software
- Online booking that clients actually use. The whole point is bookings arriving while you groom. The booking page needs your real availability, your real prices by size and coat, and no account creation hoops.
- SMS reminders that work locally. Reminders are the single biggest no show killer. Check the platform sends from local numbers and check what each message costs.
- Pet records, not just client records. Vaccination status, coat notes, behaviour flags and groom history per pet.
- Payments and deposits. Card on file for no show fees and deposits for long appointments protect your income.
- Honest total cost. Subscription plus SMS charges plus payment margins. Get the whole number before comparing.
The landscape for ANZ groomers
Most grooming software is built in North America. MoeGo and Gingr are the big international names, both capable platforms with deep feature lists, both priced in US dollars and both designed first for the US market. DaySmart Pet and PawPartner sit in the same category. For an ANZ salon the practical questions are the unglamorous ones: does SMS send reliably from local numbers, does the money side work with NZ and Australian processors and GST, and is support awake when your Tuesday goes wrong.
Lumi is the local option: built in New Zealand for NZ and Australian grooming salons specifically. Pricing is in NZD with GST included and published openly, from $49 to $179 a month on four transparent tiers with a 14 day free trial and no demo call required. Bookings, SMS, pet records, payments through Stripe or Square, Xero sync and a client portal are all in the box, and salons on Lumi are listed in our find a groomer directory where local dog owners can book them directly.
Questions to ask any vendor before you commit
- Can I see full pricing without booking a sales call?
- What does each SMS reminder cost me, in my currency?
- Can I export my client and pet data if I leave?
- How does the booking page handle my pricing by size and coat?
- Does it handle GST correctly on invoices and reports?
- What happens to my no show fees: who collects, and what is the margin?
Any platform confident in its product will answer all six in writing. If the answer to the export question is vague, walk away, whatever you choose. Your client list is your business.
Try before you migrate
The real test of grooming software is a fortnight of actual use: set up your services, put your real price list in, take a few live bookings and see whether your clients find it easy. Lumi's free trial runs 14 days with no credit card, which is enough to run that test properly. If you are starting from scratch rather than switching, our guide on starting a grooming business in NZ covers the setup order that saves pain later.
Frequently asked questions
What does dog grooming software actually do?
At minimum it replaces the paper diary: online bookings, a calendar and client records. Good grooming software also sends automatic SMS and email reminders, stores pet records including vaccination status, takes payments and deposits, and handles rebooking so your regulars stay regular.
How much does grooming software cost?
Most platforms charge a monthly subscription per salon, typically somewhere between about $30 and $200 plus depending on features and team size. Watch for per SMS charges and payment processing margins on top of the subscription, and be wary of platforms that hide pricing behind a demo call.
Is Lumi only for New Zealand salons?
Lumi is built and supported in New Zealand and works for Australian salons as well. Pricing is in NZD with GST included, SMS reminders use local numbers and support runs on NZ hours.