PawScheduler / DaySmart Pet alternative

A DaySmart Pet alternative for solo groomers

Updated September 30, 2026 · By the PawScheduler team

DaySmart Pet (formerly 123Pet) has four tiers at $29, $69, $149 and $199 a month, with payroll, retail and daycare and boarding calendars. PawScheduler is simpler for one groomer: a free plan, then $19.99 to $79.99 a month. Two-way texting is on DaySmart's $149 tier and on PawScheduler's $49.99 Growth plan. If you have staff, payroll, boarding or a full daycare facility, DaySmart is the better fit.

PawScheduler vs DaySmart Pet at a glance

What you're comparingPawSchedulerDaySmart Pet
Entry priceFree, up to 50 appointments a month$29 a month (Basic, single user), 14-day free trial
Paid tiers$19.99, $49.99, $79.99$69 (Deluxe), $149 (Deluxe Growth), $199 (Premium)
Two-way textingGrowth plan, $49.99Deluxe Growth plan, $149
UsersOne groomerBasic is single-user. Deluxe supports up to 3 users.
Payroll and commissionsNoYes
Retail POS and gift cardsNoYes (gift cards on Deluxe)
Daycare and boardingDaycare scheduling with drop-off and pick-up times from Basic ($19.99). No boarding.Yes, as $25 a month add-on calendars
PaymentsStripe, your own account, no PawScheduler cut (Pro)Built-in integrated payment processing
AI booking by textYes, on ProNot listed on its pricing page

Competitor details verified in September 2026 from the vendors' own pricing pages, help centers and public review sites. Plans and prices change, so confirm with each vendor before you decide.

What DaySmart is good at

DaySmart Pet has been around for over a decade and is a dependable, established platform. It covers grooming, daycare and boarding calendars, payroll, commissions, retail, and reporting in one system, and its entry price is low. Some reviewers describe the interface as dated, and some note extra charges for messaging or certain add-ons on the way up the tiers.

The cost of texting is the thing to compare

The headline price is rarely what a groomer ends up paying. Automated reminders, two-way texting and marketing tools are what cut no-shows, so look at which tier they sit on and how many messages each tier allows. On DaySmart that pushes many groomers toward the $149 tier. On PawScheduler, email reminders start on Free (your first 25 appointments a month) and are unlimited on Basic ($19.99). Text reminders from your own business number, with a two-way inbox, start on Growth ($49.99).

When to stay with DaySmart

If you have employees to pay, run boarding or a full daycare facility, or sell retail at a counter, DaySmart does things PawScheduler intentionally doesn't. If you groom alone, most of that is cost you don't use.

Common questions

Is PawScheduler cheaper than DaySmart Pet?

For a solo groomer, usually. PawScheduler is free up to 50 appointments a month and its top plan is $79.99. DaySmart starts at $29 a month and rises to $69, $149 and $199 as you add users and features.

Which plan has two-way texting?

On DaySmart Pet it is part of the $149 Deluxe Growth plan. On PawScheduler it is on the $49.99 Growth plan, which also adds a dedicated business number.

Does PawScheduler have payroll or a point of sale?

No. PawScheduler is built for one groomer and does not include payroll, commissions, retail POS or gift cards.

Is there a free trial for DaySmart Pet?

DaySmart lists a 14-day free trial. PawScheduler's free plan has no time limit, up to 50 appointments a month.

Try it on your real schedule

The free plan covers up to 50 appointments a month. No credit card.

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