We're currently building a website for a dog daycare business in Sydney. During the project, our client needed an off the shelf booking solution that was cost effective and built in Australia. After researching various pet daycare software options, they decided to go with PetManager.com.au.
The Queensland based platform handles bookings for doggy daycare, boarding and grooming services. It currently says it processes 'over 9 million pet nights' booked across Australian pet businesses.
Why Our Client Selected This Pet Boarding Software
| Decision Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Australian ownership | Local company understands Australian market needs |
| Monthly fees | AUD monthly pricing |
| Local business hours support | 8:30AM to 5:30PM |
| Australian requirements | GST integration and public holiday scheduling built in |
| Speed | Rapid page loading |
Core Features for Doggy Daycare Operations
Booking Management
The pet daycare software includes:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Automatic pricing | Calculates costs based on pet size, breed and dates |
| Visual calendar | Drag and drop scheduling interface |
| Capacity management | Track availability across different areas |
| AM/PM booking slots | Flexible half day options |
| Split bookings | Pets can move between services during stay |
Customer Records
The database stores:
| Data Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Customer information | Contact details and emergency contacts |
| Pet profiles | Health records and vaccination tracking |
| Automated reminders | Email alerts for vaccination expiries |
| Media storage | Photo uploads and pet postcard feature |
| Pricing categories | Different rates for customer types |
Staff Management
| Feature | Function |
|---|---|
| User accounts | Multiple staff with role based permissions |
| Roster templates | Recurring schedule management |
| Staff calculator | Optimal staffing based on pet numbers |
Pricing That Worked for Our Client
| Plan | Monthly Cost (AUD ex GST) | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Starter | $45 | Up to 10 runs |
| Standard | $65 | Up to 30 runs |
| Deluxe | $85 | Unlimited runs |
| Multi Site | $220 | Multiple locations |
Our doggy daycare client chose the Standard plan. The 30 day free trial let them test it properly before committing.
Integration Requirements
For our website build, these integrations were important to our client:
Xero
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Two way sync | Connects with existing accounting |
| Automatic recording | Invoices and payments sync |
| GST handling | Australian tax system ready |
Stripe
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Online payments | Direct customer transactions |
| Card acceptance | Major credit cards supported |
| Auto recording | Payments tracked in system |
Website
| Feature | Status |
|---|---|
| Booking widget | Available for embedding |
| API access | Currently in development |
| Mobile responsive | Works on all devices |
Limitations We Found
During implementation for our dog daycare business client, we noted:
| Limitation | Impact |
|---|---|
| No MYOB/QuickBooks | Limited accounting options |
| Web based only | No mobile apps, which is more a + than - |
| Customisation | Limited design flexibility |
| API development | Still in progress |
Technical Implementation
From a web design & development perspective:
| Aspect | Experience |
|---|---|
| Widget integration | Simple embed process |
| System reliability | Good uptime record |
| Responsive design | Works across devices |
| Updates | Regular feature additions |
Would We Recommend for Other Dog Daycare Businesses?
For small to medium Australian pet boarding software needs, PetManager.com.au provides good value.
It's particularly suitable if you require:
| Requirement | PetManager Suitability |
|---|---|
| Xero accounting | Excellent integration |
| Australian support | Local timezone coverage |
| Standard features | Comprehensive coverage |
| Limited budget | Cost effective solution |
Larger operations or those needing extensive customisation should evaluate whether the current feature set meets their requirements.
If you are a small backyard operator or dog walker and don't want to pay monthly fees, you could look at a really basic WooCommerce system integration with calendar functionality, though the outlay for initial development (if you can't manage it yourself) might negate the benefits. This approach would give you basic booking capabilities, payment processing through PayPal or Stripe, and simple scheduling without recurring costs. Alternatively, you might consider starting with free tools like Google Calendar for scheduling combined with a simple contact form on a basic website, then upgrading to a paid solution once your business grows and the monthly fees become justified. Many small operators find that a hybrid approach works well initially, using free scheduling tools for regular clients while maintaining a simple online presence for new customer acquisition.
Need a Website for Your Pet Care Business?
We specialise in creating websites for pet care businesses that integrate with booking systems like PetManager.com.au. Our WordPress development ensures your customers can easily find information and make bookings online.
We build responsive sites that work perfectly on all devices, showcasing your facility while maintaining a professional appearance that builds trust with pet owners.
Learn more about our WordPress development Sydney services or view our custom website packages designed for Australian pet businesses.