POS System for Dog Grooming: 11 Must-Have Features

Your pet grooming business is growing. 

You love giving your four-legged clients a fresh new makeover, but lately, you’ve been overbooked. The influx of new clients means that the notebook or Excel spreadsheet you’ve been using to keep track of your clients just isn’t working anymore. It’s clunky, difficult to manage, and doesn’t offer personalized communication with your clients.

What’s the best alternative? A point of sale (POS) system for dog grooming.

Whether you’re a budding groomer, have an established clientele, or want to expand, you need POS software to help manage it all. This includes building relationships with clients, sharing information about your services or special announcements, and even implementing a loyalty program.

In this blog, we’ll explore why a POS system is the missing piece to your operations and highlight the 11 must-have features to look for in a POS system for dog grooming.

The Advantages of a POS System for Dog Grooming

Regardless of the type of business, a POS system is a critical tool for running one successfully. It shows you exactly where your money is being spent, the amount of sales you're making, and so much more. 

A POS system gives you a snapshot of your business’ overall health. Nearly 70% of small to mid-sized business owners use a POS system, and for good reason. Here’s why you need one for your grooming salon:

• Streamlined transactions: Speed up checkouts and reduce errors with an efficient payment system. Instead of handing out paper receipts, go digital by sending pet owners electronic receipts so they can track their spending on grooming services and pet supplies.

• Inventory management: Are you waiting until you’re out of stock to reorder items? A POS system for dog grooming can manage inventory for you by alerting you to low stock and automatically creating new purchase orders of grooming supplies like shampoo and slicker brushes. 
• Client management: You know all your furry clients by name, but what about their owners? A POS system for dog grooming can help you better manage clients by adding in detailed notes about them and their dog like Fido’s allergy to blueberry cologne or Luna’s dislike for the handheld blow dryer. 
• Appointment scheduling: A great POS system makes scheduling simple for you and your pets. With the right setup, dog owners can book appointments online, so they’re not stuck waiting on hold or playing phone tag. Your calendar updates automatically, so you won’t have to worry about double-booking or missing a grooming session.
• Sales reports and analytics: With an advanced POS system, you’ll get auto-generated reports that show how your grooming business is doing without all the manual work. Say goodbye to spending hours creating reports by hand. Instead, you’ll get insights into everything from your inventory levels to how frequently your clients book grooming sessions and their total spending, all in one place.
• Employee management: Easily track employee hours, manage commissions for sales of pet products or grooming services, and evaluate staff performance. This streamlines administrative tasks and helps ensure your team is motivated and fairly compensated. 
• Customer loyalty programs: Create and manage loyalty programs to reward your repeat customers. For example, offer discounts on pet food or grooming services for every five visits or X points accumulated, encouraging clients to return and keep their pets happy and healthy. 
• Payment processing: Provide a range of payment options to accommodate all your customers, from credit and debit cards to mobile payments. This flexibility ensures a smooth checkout experience for everyone, whether they're buying premium pet food or a new collar. 
• Enhanced security: Safeguard sensitive customer and payment data with secure payment processing systems and encryption. This protects both your clients' personal information and your business from potential fraud.

A POS system isn’t just a nice-to-have — it’s a must-have for keeping your grooming salon running smoothly. It gives you a clear view of your finances, streamlines your processes, and keeps both you and your clients happy. 

From handling transactions and managing inventory to scheduling appointments and tracking sales, the benefits are huge. 

Related Read: Is Pet Grooming Profitable? 7 Key Factors

11 Must-Have Dog Grooming POS Features

Now that you know why you need a POS system, it’s important to know what features to look for when choosing one. There are thousands of options out there and sorting through them can be daunting. To help, here are 11 features to look for in a POS system for dog grooming.

1. Intuitive Appointment Scheduling

When picking a POS system for your pet grooming business, choose one with an integrated grooming calendar. It makes managing appointments straightforward by syncing bookings directly with your calendar. This helps streamline scheduling, prevent overbooking, and keep up with the increasing demand for your services.

Plus, having the calendar built into your POS system means you can avoid the expense of third-party scheduling subscriptions. It’s a smart move — saving you money and simplifying your workflow. 

Automated reminders via email or SMS can also reduce no-shows and keep your schedule organized. And letting clients book their own appointments online is a convenient way to give them control and make scheduling easier.

2. Detailed Pet Profiles

Detailed pet profiles are a valuable tool for managing your pet grooming business. With in-depth customer profiles, you can add detailed notes and information about both your customers and their pets. 

This feature lets you notate specific preferences or pet behaviors that could potentially be dangerous for you, the dog, or your grooming staff. Plus, these profiles automatically attach to a client's grooming appointment, allowing you or your staff to see any relevant notes at a quick glance.

The integration of reporting and analytics into these profiles allows you to track interactions and purchase history, making personalization easier. 

By understanding each customer’s unique needs and preferences, you can offer a more tailored experience that keeps happy customers coming back. This detailed insight helps you provide a more engaging and customized service, enhancing the overall experience for your clients and their pets.

3. Inventory Management

Keeping your inventory in check is key to ensuring your entire operation runs smoothly. Your grooming POS system should feature real-time inventory tracking to help you manage stock levels for both your e-commerce site and physical locations.

This feature helps prevent running out of essential supplies like sensitive dog shampoo or those adorable dog bandanas your furry clients love. Some must-have inventory management features include:

• Automatic purchase orders: Look for a system that can automatically generate purchase orders for pet supplies based on criteria like minimum stock levels. You’ll just need to review the PO and hit send.
• Min/max stock tracking: Your POS system should monitor inventory levels to keep them within a set range. For example, if your deshedding shampoo drops below the minimum threshold, the system should automatically trigger a reorder to prevent running out before replacements arrive.
• Customizable barcodes: Barcode scanning helps reduce mistakes and miscounts during inventory checks. When you receive a new shipment of pet supplies, simply scan the items into your POS system to keep your inventory accurate and up to date.

With these inventory management features, you can keep your grooming supplies well-organized and avoid running low on essentials. This helps you provide a reliable service to your clients and keeps your business running smoothly.

4. Integrated Payment Processing

Today, there are multiple ways to pay, from cash to digital wallets and everything in between. 

Efficient payment processing is key for a smooth checkout experience at your dog grooming business. Make sure your system supports all payment methods, including credit and debit cards, mobile payments, and digital wallets. You don’t want to lose business just because you’re “cash only.” 

It’s also important that the system uses encryption and meets payment industry standards to protect your clients' information. Providing detailed invoices and receipts for each grooming appointment helps you keep clear financial records and ensures a hassle-free payment process. This way, you can concentrate on pampering your furry clients while keeping your business’ finances in order.

5. Client Management Tools

When looking for a POS system for your grooming business, make sure it includes a loyalty program. 

For example, eTailPet has Astro Loyalty — the most popular pet loyalty program — built in. This makes sure customers keep coming back by offering rewards for repeat visits, such as free grooming services or pet products. 

Choose a POS system that also tracks customer grooming sessions and provides valuable insights into buying patterns and preferences. This data allows you to tailor your marketing efforts and improve customer service.

6. Reporting and Analytics

When selecting a POS system for your pet grooming salon, choose one with comprehensive reporting features that cater specifically to your salon's needs. A well-rounded reporting suite lets you manage and analyze your grooming business, helping you run your grooming business more effectively.

Sales reports show you how much your salon is bringing in. They also provide insights into your total sales and what you make after expenses. Inventory reports help keep track of your stock — what's coming in, what's going out, and how much it's all worth. This ensures you have a clear picture of your grooming supplies and can avoid running out of critical items like dog cologne and grooming tools.

7. User-Friendly Interface

Your POS system should be straightforward and user-friendly for your grooming team. Look for a system with a customizable dashboard and intuitive navigation to ensure that your staff can easily get the hang of it. 

Solid training and support are essential to help your team get up to speed quickly. The goal is to have your staff concentrating on pampering your adorable furry clients and making them look their best, rather than struggling with a complicated POS system.

8. Integration With Other Tools

When choosing a POS system for your dog grooming salon, look for one that integrates seamlessly with various tools to streamline your operations. Also, consider integrations with email marketing tools like MailChimp or Constant Contact, which can help you run effective campaigns to engage and retain your clients, as well as share updates such as when your salon will be closed or when you’re accepting new grooming clients.

9. Scalability

As your dog grooming business expands, it's important that your POS system can grow along with you. Look for a system that offers flexibility and can be upgraded with add-ons like custom doggie dye jobs or special shampoo treatments. 

If you’re planning to open additional locations, ensure the system can manage multiple sites and support omnichannel selling. This will help you keep all your operations synchronized, whether you’re running a single pet grooming salon or several, and make sure your business scales smoothly and efficiently.

10. Website Builder 

A built-in website builder is a valuable feature for any grooming business looking to expand its online presence. With this tool, you can create a professional-looking website where clients can learn about your services, book appointments, and even shop for pet products. 

An integrated website builder ensures that your online and in-store operations are seamlessly connected, providing a cohesive experience for your clients.

11. Data Security

It seems like a major company faces a data breach every few months, and if you’ve ever been affected, you understand the importance of protecting both your own information and your clients'. 

For your dog grooming salon, your POS system should include strong security features. Look for options with data encryption, user access controls, and regular backups. These protections help prevent unauthorized access to your sensitive information and ensure that your clients’ data remains safe. Prioritizing these security measures helps you maintain client trust and keep your grooming business secure from potential threats.

Related Read: How To Grow Your Pet Grooming Business in 7 Steps

eTailPet: The Ideal POS System for Your Dog Grooming Business

With these 11 must-have features, you’re well on your way to choosing a POS system that not only meets your current needs, but supports the growth and success of your pet grooming business. 

Take the time to evaluate your options, and you'll find a system that makes managing your operations smoother and more efficient. Want even more help in picking a POS system? We have the perfect recommendation. 

eTailPet is designed with groomers in mind. It offers seamless integration of grooming services so you never miss a client. Plus, with online appointment booking, your clients can schedule grooming services at their own convenience directly from your website. 

eTailPet’s inventory management ensures you’re always stocked up on essentials like ear cleaner, toothpaste, shampoos, towels, and everything in between. Our loyalty program and customer relationship management (CRM) features help you build and maintain strong relationships with your clients, encouraging repeat business and keeping your operations running smoothly.

Ready to see how eTailPet can manage your busy grooming schedule? Schedule a free demo and explore how these features can work for you.