An honest, side-by-side comparison to help you decide what's right for your Australian pet business.
RunLoyal will build you a branded app in the app stores, which we don't do. It charges a setup fee and puts SMS, memberships and kiosk behind paid add-ons, so the real bill lands well above the headline. If a branded app is what you're buying, buy theirs. If you want SMS, memberships and kiosk in the box, they're already in ours.
Purpose-built for Australian pet businesses. No compromises.
No subscription, no setup fee, no per-feature add-ons. Pay only when you earn.
AU Stripe at 1.70% vs ~5.4% international fees. No $499 setup or $100-239+/month in add-ons.
All on one plan. No add-ons.
SMS, packages, courses, staff access all included. No per-feature monthly charges.
Not just dogs. Groom, walk, board, and train every pet type with full multi-species support.
Double Fee Alert for Australian Businesses
Australian businesses pay USD subscription, add-on fees, setup fee, AND international payment processing fees
*Subscription waived as a bonus reward: Pro at $7,500+/mo, Max at $20,000+/mo in card payments
US-based software simply can't match these Australian-specific advantages.
| Payment Processing | RunLoyal | Petboost |
|---|---|---|
| Card-Not-Present Rate | ~5.4% + $0.30 USD (US Stripe + intl card + FX conversion) | 1.7% + $0.3 + 1.2-1.4% booking fee |
| SMS Payment Links | ❌ Not available | ✅ 1.2-1.4% Petboost + 1.7% + $0.3 Stripe |
| Monthly Subscription | $119-339 USD/month + add-ons ($25-99/month each) | $65/month (waived at $7,500+ in card payments) |
| Setup Fee | $499 USD (required) | $0 |
| Stripe Entity | US Stripe | Stripe AU (localised) |
| SMS Functionality | RunLoyal | Petboost |
|---|---|---|
| SMS Availability | ⚠️ Paid add-on: $25 USD/mo for 2-way texting | ✅ Included with Business Pro, Flex & Max plans |
| Included SMS Credits | 2,000 messages/mo with add-on. $0.01/msg overage | Generous monthly credits included |
| Base Plan Notifications | ✅ Email + app push notifications included. SMS requires add-on | ✅ SMS notifications included in plan |
| SMS Payment Links | ❌ Not available | ✅ One-tap payment via SMS |
| Australian Phone Number | ❌ US numbers only. AU not confirmed | ✅ Australian number with Communications Booster |
| Currency | USD. Base plans $119-339/mo + $25/mo SMS add-on | AUD (no conversion fees) |
| Total Cost for SMS | $119-339/mo base + $25/mo SMS add-on = $144-364 USD/mo minimum | Business Pro/Max plan + optional Communications Booster (AUD) |
There are limited scenarios where RunLoyal may suit you better:
Purpose-built for Australian pet businesses with a design-first approach our customers rave about:
From large daycares to solo groomers, businesses Australia-wide
An honest look at how each platform handles key functionality.
RunLoyal vs Petboost
Base software cost
Petboost saves $1,188-3,588 USD/year on subscription alone
$119-339 USD/month per location
$65/month (waived at $7,500+ in card payments)
One-time onboarding cost
RunLoyal requires a mandatory setup fee
$499 USD (required)
$0
Monthly appointment caps per tier
RunLoyal appointment limits require higher tiers as businesses grow
500-5,000 per month (varies by tier)
Unlimited
Mobile staff app access
RunLoyal limits staff mobile access per plan tier
1-10 licences per tier; additional $10/month each
Unlimited staff access
Appointment scheduling system
Both strong; Petboost has AI-assisted scheduling
Calendar with drag-and-drop, colour coding
Magic Schedule + Quick Force dual modes
Card payment rates for Australian businesses
Significant savings for Australian businesses with Petboost
~5.4% + $0.30 USD (US Stripe + international card + currency conversion)
1.7% + $0.3 (AU Stripe local)
One-tap payment links via SMS
Petboost differentiator
Two-way text messaging with clients
RunLoyal charges extra for SMS texting
$29/month add-on (2,000 messages; $0.02 per additional)
Progressive automation controls
Petboost offers granular control vs basic reminders
Basic automated reminders and notifications
6-level progressive automation
Prepaid packages and recurring memberships
Petboost includes memberships; RunLoyal charges $99/month extra
Packages included; memberships require $99/month add-on
Packages with visual coffee-card tracking + full membership system included
Training course and class management
Petboost includes course management; RunLoyal charges extra
$39/month add-on (group-based services)
Pet data depth and attributes
Petboost significantly deeper pet data
Basic profiles with custom tags and notes
2,000+ attributes: allergies, preferences, behavioural traits
Support for non-dog pets
RunLoyal brands itself as "dog business" software
Dog-centric (branding, features, marketing)
AI-powered capabilities
Different AI focuses; RunLoyal Scout AI is well-developed for report cards
Scout AI (report cards, messaging, insights, vaccination verification)
AI-assisted scheduling, marketing intelligence
App store presence
RunLoyal has native apps; Petboost uses PWA approach
Progressive web app (add to home screen)
Self-service facility check-in
Both offer counter self-service. RunLoyal charges $39/month per kiosk licence; Petboost Kiosk Mode is included
Kiosk Mode on any tablet, included
Integrated VoIP calling
RunLoyal has integrated VoIP; niche facility feature
Facility camera feeds in app
RunLoyal supports facility cameras accessible via their app
Payroll, timesheets, commissions
RunLoyal deeper staff management (paid add-on); use dedicated payroll software with Petboost
Basic staff assignment
In-app retail product sales
Both sell products in-app. RunLoyal's Loyal Cart is a $25/month add-on; Petboost includes products and has no stock control
Products on invoices and in-store, no stock control
Automated review requests
RunLoyal automates the sending. External Reviews no longer carries a standalone price and is only listed inside the Growth ($140/mo) and Pro ($239/mo) bundles. Petboost's requests are sent per appointment by a person
Manual review requests by SMS or email, included
Drag-and-drop kennel/room map
RunLoyal has visual kennel management
Multiple business locations
Both support multi-location; Petboost via Enterprise
Yes (Enterprise)
Business analytics and insights
Different strengths; Petboost more prescriptive with domain-specific insights
Detailed financial, occupancy, capacity reports
50+ InsightCards, forecasting, geographic intelligence, marketing ideas
Third-party connections
RunLoyal charges for Mailchimp; Petboost connects to Xero via Stripe Bank Feeds
Mailchimp ($25/month + $199 setup)
Xero-ready via Stripe Bank Feeds, Stripe, more coming
Australian tax compliance
Required for Australian businesses
Occupancy-based pricing adjustments
RunLoyal adjusts by occupancy as a $39/month add-on. Petboost Dynamic Pricing is included and prices by date instead: public holidays, weekdays, date ranges such as school holidays, and per-pet rates
Holiday, weekday, date-range and per-pet rates
Feature Comparison RunLoyal vs Petboost | R RunLoyal | P PetboostAustralian-Built |
|---|---|---|
Monthly SubscriptionBase software cost Petboost saves $1,188-3,588 USD/year on subscription alone | $119-339 USD/month per location | $65/month (waived at $7,500+ in card payments) |
Setup FeeOne-time onboarding cost RunLoyal requires a mandatory setup fee | $499 USD (required) | $0 |
Appointment LimitsMonthly appointment caps per tier RunLoyal appointment limits require higher tiers as businesses grow | 500-5,000 per month (varies by tier) | Unlimited |
Staff App LicencesMobile staff app access RunLoyal limits staff mobile access per plan tier | 1-10 licences per tier; additional $10/month each | Unlimited staff access |
Booking EngineAppointment scheduling system Both strong; Petboost has AI-assisted scheduling | Calendar with drag-and-drop, colour coding | Magic Schedule + Quick Force dual modes |
Payment Processing (AU)Card payment rates for Australian businesses Significant savings for Australian businesses with Petboost | ~5.4% + $0.30 USD (US Stripe + international card + currency conversion) | 1.7% + $0.3 (AU Stripe local) |
SMS Payment LinksOne-tap payment links via SMS Petboost differentiator | ||
2-Way SMSTwo-way text messaging with clients RunLoyal charges extra for SMS texting | $29/month add-on (2,000 messages; $0.02 per additional) | ✅ Communications Booster add-on (dedicated AU number, 2-way inbox) |
Lifecycle AutomationProgressive automation controls Petboost offers granular control vs basic reminders | Basic automated reminders and notifications | 6-level progressive automation |
Packages & MembershipsPrepaid packages and recurring memberships Petboost includes memberships; RunLoyal charges $99/month extra | Packages included; memberships require $99/month add-on | Packages with visual coffee-card tracking + full membership system included |
Course / Group TrainingTraining course and class management Petboost includes course management; RunLoyal charges extra | $39/month add-on (group-based services) | ✅ Native course management with templates and enrolment |
Pet ProfilesPet data depth and attributes Petboost significantly deeper pet data | Basic profiles with custom tags and notes | 2,000+ attributes: allergies, preferences, behavioural traits |
Multi-Species SupportSupport for non-dog pets RunLoyal brands itself as "dog business" software | Dog-centric (branding, features, marketing) | ✅ All species supported |
AI FeaturesAI-powered capabilities Different AI focuses; RunLoyal Scout AI is well-developed for report cards | Scout AI (report cards, messaging, insights, vaccination verification) | AI-assisted scheduling, marketing intelligence |
Native Mobile AppsApp store presence RunLoyal has native apps; Petboost uses PWA approach | ✅ Branded iOS + Android apps | Progressive web app (add to home screen) |
Kiosk Check-InSelf-service facility check-in Both offer counter self-service. RunLoyal charges $39/month per kiosk licence; Petboost Kiosk Mode is included | ✅ Express kiosk ($39/month add-on per licence) | Kiosk Mode on any tablet, included |
Phone SystemIntegrated VoIP calling RunLoyal has integrated VoIP; niche facility feature | ✅ LoyalVoice (add-on) | |
Camera IntegrationFacility camera feeds in app RunLoyal supports facility cameras accessible via their app | ✅ ($25/month + $99 setup) | |
Staff ManagementPayroll, timesheets, commissions RunLoyal deeper staff management (paid add-on); use dedicated payroll software with Petboost | ✅ Payroll, timesheets, tips, commissions ($39/month add-on) | Basic staff assignment |
Retail POSIn-app retail product sales Both sell products in-app. RunLoyal's Loyal Cart is a $25/month add-on; Petboost includes products and has no stock control | ✅ Loyal Cart ($25/month add-on) | Products on invoices and in-store, no stock control |
Review ManagementAutomated review requests RunLoyal automates the sending. External Reviews no longer carries a standalone price and is only listed inside the Growth ($140/mo) and Pro ($239/mo) bundles. Petboost's requests are sent per appointment by a person | ✅ External Reviews add-on (Growth or Pro bundle) | Manual review requests by SMS or email, included |
Visual Facility MapDrag-and-drop kennel/room map RunLoyal has visual kennel management | ✅ Available | 🚧 Considering |
Multi-LocationMultiple business locations Both support multi-location; Petboost via Enterprise | ✅ Per-location pricing | Yes (Enterprise) |
ReportingBusiness analytics and insights Different strengths; Petboost more prescriptive with domain-specific insights | Detailed financial, occupancy, capacity reports | 50+ InsightCards, forecasting, geographic intelligence, marketing ideas |
IntegrationsThird-party connections RunLoyal charges for Mailchimp; Petboost connects to Xero via Stripe Bank Feeds | Mailchimp ($25/month + $199 setup) | Xero-ready via Stripe Bank Feeds, Stripe, more coming |
GST ComplianceAustralian tax compliance Required for Australian businesses | ❌ No Australian GST support | ✅ Native GST-compliant invoicing |
Dynamic PricingOccupancy-based pricing adjustments RunLoyal adjusts by occupancy as a $39/month add-on. Petboost Dynamic Pricing is included and prices by date instead: public holidays, weekdays, date ranges such as school holidays, and per-pet rates | ✅ Occupancy Based Pricing ($39/month add-on) | Holiday, weekday, date-range and per-pet rates |
Last updated: January 2026 • Based on publicly available information
We do fewer things exceptionally well rather than many things adequately. Our customers consistently tell us our design and user experience is miles ahead. Here's where we've intentionally focused elsewhere:
Progressive web app (add to home screen) works well; native apps add complexity
Self-service kiosk mode lets customers check in on a tablet at the front desk, with a passcode to exit kiosk mode
Use dedicated camera systems
Use dedicated phone systems
Petboost Report Cards ship on every plan: session notes, a photo gallery, who the pet played with, a star rating and a rebook prompt, sent by SMS or downloaded as a PDF. They are built from the notes and photos your team adds, not written by AI.
Petboost sells products as retail line items you add to an appointment invoice or sell in-store. What we do not do is stock control: no stock levels, reorder points or cost of goods. Use dedicated retail software (Square, Shopify) for stock.
Use dedicated payroll software (Xero, MYOB)
Focus on service delivery first
Static pricing with packages and discounts
| Feature | Status | Our Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Native iOS/Android apps | Considering | Progressive web app (add to home screen) works well; native apps add complexity |
| Kiosk check-in/out | ✅ Available | Self-service kiosk mode lets customers check in on a tablet at the front desk, with a passcode to exit kiosk mode |
| Camera integration | Focused elsewhere | Use dedicated camera systems |
| Built-in phone system (VoIP) | Focused elsewhere | Use dedicated phone systems |
| AI-written report cards | Focused elsewhere | Petboost Report Cards ship on every plan: session notes, a photo gallery, who the pet played with, a star rating and a rebook prompt, sent by SMS or downloaded as a PDF. They are built from the notes and photos your team adds, not written by AI. |
| Retail POS/inventory | Focused elsewhere | Petboost sells products as retail line items you add to an appointment invoice or sell in-store. What we do not do is stock control: no stock levels, reorder points or cost of goods. Use dedicated retail software (Square, Shopify) for stock. |
| Staff payroll/timesheets | Focused elsewhere | Use dedicated payroll software (Xero, MYOB) |
| Visual kennel/room map | Considering | Focus on service delivery first |
| Occupancy-based dynamic pricing | Focused elsewhere | Static pricing with packages and discounts |
If any of these are dealbreakers today, RunLoyal may be better suited for your current needs.
Based on typical Australian pet business transaction volumes.
* For illustrative purposes only, based on industry averages. Your actual costs may vary.
| Cost Type | RunLoyal | Petboost |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Subscription (Sprint + typical add-ons) | ~$6,535-9,122 AUD (~$4,668-6,516 USD) | $780/year (waived at $7,500+/mo) |
| Setup Fee (Year 1) | ~$699 AUD ($499 USD) | $0 |
| Subscription FX/Foreign Tx Fees (~10%) | ~$654-912 AUD | $0 (AU-based) |
| Payment Processing (Online 80% on $300K GMV) | ~$12,960 AUD (5.4% + $0.30 USD) | ~$4,080 (1.7% + $0.3) |
| Payment Processing (Card-Present 20%) | ~$3,240 AUD | ~$1,020 (1.7% + $0.1) |
| Total Annual Cost | ~$24,088-26,933 AUD | ~$5,100 |
You may be paying twice with RunLoyal
$119-339 USD/month subscription + $25-99/month per add-on + $499 setup fee (plus FX fees for Australian cards), plus us stripe: 2.9% + $0.30 base + 1.5% intl card + 1% fx = ~5.4% (vs petboost 1.7% + $0.3 + 1.2-1.4% booking fee). With Petboost, you pay $65/month (waived at $7,500+ volume) and competitive AU payment processing rates.
What You Keep Instead of Paying in Fees
~$18,988-21,833/year
Based on $500K GMV, 80% online transactions
* For illustrative purposes only, based on industry averages. Your actual savings may vary.
Enter your numbers and see
Business Pro starts at -/month with 0 appointments included. Business Max at -/month gives you unlimited appointments.
Total customer payments (all methods)
Appointments you expect each month
Reminders and notifications sent
What percentage of payments go through card on file?
Subscription waiver impact: Your total revenue ($10,000) would qualify for a subscription waiver, but only $8,000 goes through card on file. Increase card payments to $0 to unlock the waiver.
At 100 bookings/month, Business Pro would cost $45/month. Max costs $45/month, which is $0/month more but includes unlimited appointments.
20 of your 100 appointments are paid without card on file
$1 in fees saves $408 in hidden costs
Annual impact: $4,892/year in recoverable losses
Business Pro includes 0 SMS/month. Most businesses never hit these limits. You've set 300 SMS/month. You'll need 3 SMS Power-Up Packs ($45).
Save $636+ per month compared to typical competitors.
All plans include SMS Power-Up Packs at $15 for 100 additional SMS if needed.
* Estimates based on $10,000 total revenue (80% card on file), 100 appointments, and 300 SMS. Hidden cost estimates use industry averages for no-show rates, cancellation losses, and admin time. Actual costs vary.
Enter your business numbers and compare total costs including international card and currency conversion fees.
See exactly what you save with Petboost
Up to 500 appointments/month. 1 staff app licence. SMS is $29/mo add-on.
If platform fee built into pricing: $0/mo
Annual savings: $9,050
Compared to RunLoyal Jog at 100 transactions/month
RunLoyal pricing from their pricing page. Verified 2026-08-24. USD converted to AUD at current exchange rates.
Petboost fits your business. Whether you're a one-person mobile groomer, running a large facility with multiple staff and spaces, or managing several locations at once.
One-person operations with streamlined scheduling and automated payments.
3-10 staff with resource management, shared calendars, and team coordination.
Multi-space daycare and boarding, high-volume salons, and busy multi-service businesses.
Multi-location groups and franchises running every site from one HQ dashboard.
It's easier than you think. Here's what to expect if you decide to move from RunLoyal.
Customer Data
Export available; import assistance provided
Booking History
Historical records can be imported
Package Balances
Migrated by our team
Timeline
2-4 weeks typical
If you're using a Stripe WisePOS-E terminal with RunLoyal, you can bring it across to Petboost. No new equipment needed.
We're here to help. We provide migration assistance for businesses switching from RunLoyal.
Contact us for a migration assessmentFrom large daycares to solo groomers, businesses Australia-wide
Still unsure? Book a no-pressure demo and we'll help you figure out if we're the right fit, even if that means recommending someone else.
Honest about change
Switching to any new system is a big adjustment. Buttons are in different places, naming might be different, and the muscle memory you have built does not transfer overnight. We tell every customer the same thing: give it 4 to 6 weeks. Then, one day, you realise it is so much better.
Common questions about switching and comparing these platforms.
Purpose-built features for every type of pet business.
Last verified: 24th August 2026 | Pricing and features sourced from www.runloyal.com
Exchange rate: AUD figures converted at 1 USD = $1.4 and 1 GBP = $1.91, the European Central Bank via Frankfurter rate as at . Rates move daily, so the AUD amounts above are indicative; we re-check them every week.
Found an error? Let us know and we'll correct it promptly.
RunLoyal® is a registered trademark of its respective owners. This comparison is based on publicly available information and is not affiliated with or endorsed by RunLoyal.
