What This Guide Covers
Technology is changing how pet businesses run. The businesses that embrace it are growing. The ones that don't are struggling.
This guide covers the 6 technology trends shaping Australian pet businesses in 2026.
Trend 1: Online Booking Is Now Essential
Over 70% of consumers now prefer to book online rather than by phone, email, or in person, according to industry research. Nearly 95% of appointments in service businesses are now self-scheduled by clients.
What this means for you:
If customers can't book online, they go to a competitor who offers it. The "call to book" model is dying. Younger pet owners expect to book on their phone, any time, without talking to anyone.
| Booking Method | Customer Preference 2025-2026 |
|---|---|
| Online (anytime) | 70-75% |
| Phone call | 15-20% |
| Walk-in/Other | 5-10% |
Source: SimplyBook.me Global State of Bookings 2025, Apptoto 2025 Scheduling Trends
How Petboost Helps
Self-service booking through Petboost means customers book 24/7. Over 70% of bookings happen outside business hours. You wake up to a full calendar instead of voicemail.
Trend 2: Payment Automation Eliminates Admin
The days of chasing invoices are ending. Automation is taking over.
What leading businesses are doing:
- Card on file required at booking
- Pre-authorisation before appointments
- Auto-charge when appointments complete
- Automated payment reminders
The result? Zero time chasing money. Our customers report significant time savings on payment admin tasks.
How Petboost Helps
With Petboost payments, auto-pay charges the customer's card shortly after you complete the appointment (with a 30-minute buffer for adjustments). No invoicing, no reminders, no awkward conversations. Money lands in your account automatically.
Trend 3: Smart Scheduling Improves Capacity
Smart scheduling rules are helping businesses fill more slots.
What smart scheduling does:
- Prevents overbooking automatically
- Suggests optimal appointment times
- Fills gaps when cancellations happen
- Tracks capacity in real-time
Businesses using smart scheduling report improved capacity utilisation by reducing gaps and preventing overbooking.
How Petboost Helps
Petboost scheduling uses smart booking rules to handle complexity automatically. Set your rules once, and the system enforces them.
Trend 4: Mobile-First Is the Default
Your customers live on their phones. Your staff live on their phones. Your software should too.
What mobile-first means:
| Feature | Desktop Only | Mobile-First |
|---|---|---|
| Full functionality | ✓ | ✓ |
| Use anywhere | ✗ | ✓ |
| Quick updates | Slow | Instant |
| Staff flexibility | Low | High |
The businesses still tied to desktop computers are falling behind.
How Petboost Helps
Petboost works identically on mobile and desktop. No features missing, no different workflows. Run your entire operation from your phone.
Trend 5: Integration Replaces Separate Tools
Using 5 different tools that don't talk to each other is ending. Businesses want everything connected.
The integration checklist for 2026:
- Booking → Calendar → Payments (all connected)
- Customer data flows automatically
- Reporting pulls from all sources
- Accounting software connectivity via payment processor bank feeds (Xero, QuickBooks)
Every manual data entry step creates errors and wastes time.
How Petboost Helps
Petboost connects scheduling, payments, customer management, and reporting in one platform. Payments flow through Stripe, which offers Bank Feeds to Xero and QuickBooks for automatic categorisation. No double entry.
Trend 6: Customer Experience Wins Over Price
Competing on price is a race to the bottom. Smart businesses compete on experience.
What excellent experience looks like:
- Easy online booking with real-time availability
- Automated reminders without being spammy
- Self-service rescheduling and cancellation
- Transparent pricing (no surprises)
- Simple payment (card on file, one-click)
Pet owners compare you to Uber and Airbnb. If they can make booking seamless, why can't their groomer?
Your Action Plan
Technology adoption is no longer optional. Here's where to start:
| Priority | What to Do | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Online booking | Immediate customer convenience |
| 2 | Payment automation | Biggest time savings |
| 3 | Automated reminders | Reduces no-shows |
| 4 | Mobile access | Operational flexibility |
Start with booking and payments. Get those right, and everything else becomes easier.
The Bottom Line
The Australian pet industry is modernising fast. This isn't about replacing the human touch. It's about freeing you up to focus on what you do best: caring for pets and building relationships.
Ready to Modernise Your Business?
Petboost brings online booking, payment automation, and mobile-first operations together. Built for Australian pet businesses.
Start your free 14-day trial →
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