10 Must-Have Pet Store POS Features

GUIDE

Are you in the market for pet store point of sale (POS) software?

Before spending your hard-earned cash on a generic retail solution, it’s best to have a clear idea of which features and functionality are most important to your pet business. POS software is a big investment — and your business’ success relies on it — so you want to feel confident in your decision.

Lucky for you, we created a checklist for you to use as a tool on your buyer journey. As you go through the list, check off the capabilities you currently have and the ones you’d like to add. This will help you stay laser-focused on your needs and goals.

Share your email below to download the checklist and follow along with this guide!

The Key Benefits of Using a Pet-Specific POS System

Today’s POS systems do more than just ring up transactions — especially since cash-only businesses are few and far between. Most solutions will help you process payments, manage inventory, and store customer data.

But if your POS wasn’t built for pet retail, it will fall short in ways you may not realize — until it’s too late.

How To Choose Your Pet Store POS System

Selecting the right POS system for your pet store can be overwhelming, especially with so many options on the market. Use these steps to guide your decision:

Identify your business needs:

Look at the daily tasks in your store that could be easier or more efficient. Are you struggling with inventory accuracy, managing appointments, or tracking customer preferences?

Identify your goals:

Think about what you want to achieve. Do you plan to expand? Add grooming or training services? Sell online? Your POS should support your future plans, not just your current needs.

Research POS providers:

Check out online reviews, ask other pet store owners what they use, and compare providers. Focus on those offering features tailored to pet retail.

Evaluate features and pricing:

Make sure the system has the capabilities you need — like inventory management, pet profiles, and service scheduling — and that it fits your budget.

Request a demo:

Seeing the software in action can help you understand how it will work in your store. Use the demo to ask questions, explore features, and involve your staff if needed.

10 Must-Have Pet Store POS Software Features

Now that you understand the benefits and how to evaluate POS systems, let’s dive into the 10 must-have features for your pet store POS system.

1. Pet-Specific Inventory Management

Pet stores carry a wide range of products — food, toys, grooming supplies, medications — and often across multiple pet types.

A general POS may not be built to handle that complexity. A pet-focused system should let you search by pet type, monitor expiration dates on items like raw food, and send low-stock alerts so you can reorder before you run out.

When your in-store and online inventory are connected, you’ll avoid double-selling and keep your shelves stocked with what customers need.

2. Customer Relationship Management (CRM)

Your customers aren’t just shopping for themselves — they’re shopping for their pets. With a pet-specific CRM, you can store detailed information about both the customer and their animals.

That means knowing their pet’s name, age, breed, allergies, and favorite products. You’ll be able to make recommendations that feel personal and keep customers coming back.

3. Integrated Pet Loyalty Programs

Loyalty programs are a smart way to reward repeat customers.

A POS that offers built-in loyalty tools or connects with services like Astro Loyalty makes it easy to track points, send rewards, and encourage return visits. When customers feel appreciated, they’re more likely to stick with your store.

4. Membership & Subscription Management

Many pet owners prefer to put everyday supplies — like food, litter, or supplements — on a subscription plan.

Look for a POS that can manage recurring orders and automated billing. It helps you keep revenue steady and ensures customers don’t run out of the products their pets depend on.

5. Pet Service Scheduling & Management

If your store offers grooming, training, or wellness services, your POS should help you manage appointments in one place.

Customers should be able to book online, and your team should be able to see each pet’s visit history, preferences, and any special notes. This keeps things organized and helps your staff deliver a better experience.

6. Unified E-Commerce Integration

More pet owners are shopping online — and they still expect the same quality service. A good POS will sync your online store with your in-store inventory, so customers can see what’s available in real time.

Features like curbside pickup or local delivery give customers more flexibility, while you get full visibility into every sale.

7. Payment Processing & Charitable Giving

Pet stores often support local rescues or community causes. A POS that offers donation options at checkout — like roundup features — can make giving easy for customers.

Look for a system that also supports contactless payments, digital wallets, and tips for service staff, so every transaction is simple and secure.

8. Smart Ordering System

Instead of guessing what to restock, use a POS that looks at your sales trends and makes suggestions. It should generate purchase orders automatically and help you manage vendor relationships in one place.

That means less time spent on paperwork and fewer out-of-stock surprises.

9. Pet Industry-Specific Reporting

Standard reports only go so far. A pet-specific POS should give you more detailed insights, like sales by pet type or product trends by category.

You’ll be able to spot what’s working, what’s slowing down, and how customer behavior is shifting — so you can make better decisions faster.

10. Scalability & Support

If you’re planning to add services, launch a second location, or just want room to grow, your POS should support that.

Choose a cloud-based system with multi-location tools and a support team that knows pet retail. When questions come up, you want answers from someone who understands how your business works.

If you know what to look for, you’ll avoid costly issues later, like switching your POS later, or being stuck with one that doesn’t scale.

Find Your Perfect Pet Store POS With eTailPet

eTailPet is built specifically for pet retailers, offering all the features you need in one system. It covers everything from pet-specific inventory management to customer relationship tools that help you cater to both pets and their owners.

You don’t have to take our word for it — we’ve put together a checklist of must-have features so you can quickly compare and decide what’s right for your store. Download the checklist now and see for yourself!

Download the checklist

10 Must-Have Pet Store POS Features

Follow along with the checklist:

Good luck on your pet store POS buyer journey!