Already using Collar?
Australian businesses save A$1,200-5,000+/year switching from Collar
An honest, side-by-side comparison to help you decide what's right for your Australian pet business.
Why businesses choose Petboost
Purpose-built for Australian pet businesses. No compromises.
Built for Australian Businesses
AUD pricing, GST-ready, No FX Fees
1 system, 1 plan, multi-category
Grooming, daycare, boarding, walking, training. All included.
All on one plan. No add-ons.
Most actions in 1-2 clicks!
Minimal digging. No endless menus
Easy for Pet Owners
Avg. time to book less than 2 min
The Facts at a Glance
Collar
collar.app- Founded
- ~2021 (estimated)
- Headquarters
- England & Wales, UK
- Focus
- Multi-vertical pet services + Vet
- Est. Customers
- Unknown (newer entrant)
- Pricing
- Monthly subscription (A$100-415/month) with service listing limits
Double Fee Alert for Australian Businesses
- •A$100-415/month subscription with service listing limits (3/6/12 services)
- •UK-based payment processing: 2.9-5%+ (vs Petboost 1.7% + $0.3 + 1.2-1.4% booking fee)
Pay subscription AND face service limits (upgrade required as you grow)
Petboost
Built in Sydney- Founded
- 2022
- Headquarters
- Sydney, Australia
- Focus
- Multi-vertical pet services
- AU Presence
- Native (built in Sydney)
- Pricing
- $65-240/mo + 1.2-1.4%or $0 with card volume*
*Subscription waived as a bonus reward: Pro at $7,500+/mo, Max at $20,000+/mo in card payments
Built for Australian Businesses
US-based software simply can't match these Australian-specific advantages.
Payment Processing
Payment Provider
Card-Present Rate
Card-Not-Present Rate
SMS Payment Links
Terminal Compatibility
| Payment Processing | Collar | Petboost |
|---|---|---|
| Payment Provider | Stripe-based (assumed) | Stripe AU (native) |
| Card-Present Rate | Unknown | 1.7% + $0.1 + 1.2-1.4% booking fee |
| Card-Not-Present Rate | Unknown | 1.7% + $0.3 + 1.2-1.4% booking fee |
| SMS Payment Links | Unknown | ✅ 1.2-1.4% Petboost + 1.7% + $0.3 Stripe |
| Terminal Compatibility | Unknown | Stripe WisePOS-E |
SMS Functionality
SMS Bundling
Included SMS Credits
Additional SMS Packs
Currency
Australian Phone Number
In-App Chat Fallback
SMS Payment Links
Support Timezone
| SMS Functionality | Collar | Petboost |
|---|---|---|
| SMS Bundling | ✅ Bundled in all plans with monthly allowances (GBP pricing) | ✅ Included with Business Pro & Max plans |
| Included SMS Credits | Essential: 500/mo, Premium: 1,500/mo, Business: 2,000/mo | Generous monthly credits included |
| Additional SMS Packs | 4.99 GBP per 500 messages (Premium/Business only) | Credit packs in AUD, never expire |
| Currency | GBP. UK-first pricing. FX conversion fees for AU businesses | AUD (no conversion fees) |
| Australian Phone Number | ⚠️ Not confirmed. UK-focused platform | ✅ Australian number with Messaging Pro |
| In-App Chat Fallback | ✅ Collar Chat auto-switches between in-app and SMS | ✅ 2-way messaging via Messaging Pro |
| SMS Payment Links | ❌ Not available | ✅ One-tap payment via SMS |
| Support Timezone | UK (GMT/BST). Your 3pm AEST = their 4-6am | AEST/AEDT |
Consider Collar only if
There are limited scenarios where Collar may suit you better:
- UK-based pet businesses wanting local UK support
- Businesses wanting native iOS/Android mobile apps for pet owners
- Multi-location/franchise operations needing enterprise features
- Vet clinics (Collar specifically targets vets)
- Businesses wanting gym-style membership UX with native apps
- Operations needing route management for mobile services
Petboost?
Purpose-built for Australian pet businesses with a design-first approach our customers rave about:
- Australian pet businesses wanting local support and compliance
- Multi-service operators needing unlimited services (no 3/6/12 service caps)
- Businesses wanting to avoid A$100-415/month subscription fees
- Owners who value granular automation control (not all-or-nothing)
- Solo operators or small teams looking for simple, modern software
- Anyone wanting transparent pricing without service listing limits
From large daycares to solo groomers, businesses Australia-wide
Where Each Platform Excels
An honest look at how each platform handles key functionality.
Feature Comparison
Collar vs Petboost
Pet Owner Booking Experience
Self-service booking flow for pet owners
Petboost works instantly from browser; Collar requires app download and account setup
Native iOS/Android app with account creation
Passwordless phone login, progressive info collection, 24/7 booking in under 2 minutes, no download required
Pet Profile Visibility (Owner)
What pet owners can see and manage about their pets
Both offer pet profile visibility; Petboost accessible without app download
Pet profiles visible in native app
Full pet profile with vaccinations, care notes, family pets, emergency contacts
Service Listing Limits
Number of services you can offer
Collar caps services: Essential=3, Premium=6, Business=12. Petboost is unlimited.
3/6/12 services depending on plan
Unlimited services included
Monthly Subscription
Base software cost
Collar: A$100 (Essential), A$205 (Premium), A$415 (Business)
A$100-415/month
$65/month (waived at $7,500+ in card payments)
Booking Engine
Core scheduling functionality
Both strong booking systems
Comprehensive scheduling
Magic Availability Check + Quick Create dual modes
Payment Processing
Card payment rates
Petboost transparent AU rates
Stripe-based (rates not disclosed)
1.7% + $0.1 + 1.2-1.4% booking fee (AU Stripe)
SMS Payment Links
One-tap payment collection via SMS
Petboost differentiator
Native Mobile App
iOS/Android apps for pet owners
Collar has native apps
Full screen web app (PWA)
Memberships
Recurring revenue programs
Both offer memberships; different UX approaches
Gym-style memberships
Full membership system with recurring billing, usage tracking, and overage handling
Package Management
Prepaid credits tracking
Petboost excels here
Unknown
Coffee-card visual + 24/7 self-service
Course Management
Group training courses
Petboost purpose-built
Unknown
Native courses with templates
Pet Attributes
Pet profiling tags
Petboost comprehensive library
Unknown
2,000+ pre-built attributes
Route Optimisation
Mobile service routing
Collar ahead for mobile
Collar Route™
Vet Support
Veterinary clinic features
Collar unique positioning
Dedicated vet vertical
Multi-Location
Multiple site management
Collar ahead currently
Native + Enterprise franchise
Coming 2026
E-Commerce
Product sales
Collar has product sales
Built-in product sales
Space Hire/Parks
Venue rental bookings
Collar unique positioning
Dedicated vertical
Staff Management
Team scheduling and payroll
Collar more comprehensive
Schedules, timesheets, pay
Team member management
Analytics
Business reporting
Both comprehensive. Different approaches: Petboost prescriptive, Collar traditional.
30+ reports + Collar Insights™
50+ InsightCards, forecasting, geographic intelligence, marketing ideas engine + Xero via Stripe Bank Feeds
Marketing Tools
Email campaigns, promotions
Collar built-in marketing
Built-in marketing suite
Basic
In-App Chat
Customer messaging
Both supported
SMS Notifications
Automated reminders
Both supported
Intelligent SMS delivery
AU-native SMS (+61)
Accounting Integration
Accounting software sync
Stripe auto-syncs to Xero/QuickBooks
Unknown
Via Stripe bank feeds
Feature Comparison Collar vs Petboost | C Collar | P PetboostAustralian-Built |
|---|---|---|
Pet Owner Booking ExperienceSelf-service booking flow for pet owners Petboost works instantly from browser; Collar requires app download and account setup | Native iOS/Android app with account creation | Passwordless phone login, progressive info collection, 24/7 booking in under 2 minutes, no download required |
Pet Profile Visibility (Owner)What pet owners can see and manage about their pets Both offer pet profile visibility; Petboost accessible without app download | Pet profiles visible in native app | Full pet profile with vaccinations, care notes, family pets, emergency contacts |
Service Listing LimitsNumber of services you can offer Collar caps services: Essential=3, Premium=6, Business=12. Petboost is unlimited. | 3/6/12 services depending on plan | Unlimited services included |
Monthly SubscriptionBase software cost Collar: A$100 (Essential), A$205 (Premium), A$415 (Business) | A$100-415/month | $65/month (waived at $7,500+ in card payments) |
Booking EngineCore scheduling functionality Both strong booking systems | Comprehensive scheduling | Magic Availability Check + Quick Create dual modes |
Payment ProcessingCard payment rates Petboost transparent AU rates | Stripe-based (rates not disclosed) | 1.7% + $0.1 + 1.2-1.4% booking fee (AU Stripe) |
SMS Payment LinksOne-tap payment collection via SMS Petboost differentiator | ||
Native Mobile AppiOS/Android apps for pet owners Collar has native apps | Full screen web app (PWA) | |
MembershipsRecurring revenue programs Both offer memberships; different UX approaches | Gym-style memberships | Full membership system with recurring billing, usage tracking, and overage handling |
Package ManagementPrepaid credits tracking Petboost excels here | Unknown | Coffee-card visual + 24/7 self-service |
Course ManagementGroup training courses Petboost purpose-built | Unknown | Native courses with templates |
Pet AttributesPet profiling tags Petboost comprehensive library | Unknown | 2,000+ pre-built attributes |
Route OptimisationMobile service routing Collar ahead for mobile | Collar Route™ | |
Vet SupportVeterinary clinic features Collar unique positioning | Dedicated vet vertical | |
Multi-LocationMultiple site management Collar ahead currently | Native + Enterprise franchise | Coming 2026 |
E-CommerceProduct sales Collar has product sales | Built-in product sales | |
Space Hire/ParksVenue rental bookings Collar unique positioning | Dedicated vertical | |
Staff ManagementTeam scheduling and payroll Collar more comprehensive | Schedules, timesheets, pay | Team member management |
AnalyticsBusiness reporting Both comprehensive. Different approaches: Petboost prescriptive, Collar traditional. | 30+ reports + Collar Insights™ | 50+ InsightCards, forecasting, geographic intelligence, marketing ideas engine + Xero via Stripe Bank Feeds |
Marketing ToolsEmail campaigns, promotions Collar built-in marketing | Built-in marketing suite | Basic |
In-App ChatCustomer messaging Both supported | ||
SMS NotificationsAutomated reminders Both supported | Intelligent SMS delivery | AU-native SMS (+61) |
Accounting IntegrationAccounting software sync Stripe auto-syncs to Xero/QuickBooks | Unknown | Via Stripe bank feeds |
Last updated: January 2026 • Based on publicly available information
Our Focused Approach
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:
| Feature | Status | Our Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Native iOS/Android apps | Considering | Full screen web app works well; native apps add complexity |
| Route optimisation | Focused elsewhere | Use Google Maps; we focus on service delivery |
| Multi-location management | 2026 | Single-location focus first |
| Vet clinic support | Focused elsewhere | Different market with different regulatory needs |
| E-commerce/product sales | Focused elsewhere | Focus on service bookings |
| Space hire/park rental | Focused elsewhere | Niche vertical |
| Staff payroll | Focused elsewhere | Use dedicated payroll software (Xero, MYOB) |
| UK localisation | Considering | Australia-first focus |
If any of these are dealbreakers today, Collar may be better suited for your current needs.
Real Cost Comparison
Based on typical Australian pet business transaction volumes.
* For illustrative purposes only, based on industry averages. Your actual costs may vary.
| Cost Type | Collar | Petboost |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Subscription (Premium tier) | A$205/month = A$2,460/year | $780/year (waived at $7,500+/mo) |
| Service Listing Limits | Limited to 6 services (Premium) | Unlimited services |
| Payment Processing (~$300K GMV) | Unknown rates | ~$5,610 (1.7% + $0.3 + 1.2-1.4% booking fee) |
| Petboost Booking Fee (on $300K GMV) | N/A | ~$4,200 (1.2-1.4%) |
| Total Annual Cost (incl. transaction fees) | A$2,460+ (subscription + processing unknown) | ~$10,590 (incl. $780/year subscription if applicable) |
You may be paying twice with Collar
A$100-415/month subscription with service listing limits (3/6/12 services), plus uk-based payment processing: 2.9-5%+ (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 Could You Save?
Calculate your potential savings
Your savings depend on your business size and payment volume. Use the calculator below for a personalised estimate.
Which plan is right for you?
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.
💡 Consider Business Max
At 100 bookings/month, Business Pro would cost $45/month. Max costs $45/month, which is $0/month more but includes unlimited appointments.
Business Pro
Hidden Costs of Non-Card Payments
$408/mo20 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
Generous SMS Limits
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).
Your Savings
Save $636+ per month compared to typical competitors.
Quick Plan Comparison
Business Pro
- • -/month (waived at -+ card payment volume)
- • 0 appointments included
- • -/appointment after 0
- • 0 SMS/month included
- • - transaction fee
Business Flex
- • -/month (waived at -+ card payment volume)
- • 0 appointments included
- • -/appointment after 0
- • 0 SMS/month included
- • - transaction fee
Business Max
- • -/month (waived at -+ card payment volume)
- • Unlimited appointments
- • No per-appointment overage fees
- • 0 SMS/month included
- • - transaction fee
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.
Calculate your potential savings
Enter your business numbers and compare total costs including international card and currency conversion fees.
Cost Comparison Calculator
See exactly what you save with Petboost
Collar
Up to 3 service listings. 1 site. UK Stripe: int'l card + FX fees apply.
Petboost
If platform fee built into pricing: $0/mo
Annual savings: $8,460
Compared to Collar Essential at 100 transactions/month
Collar pricing from their pricing page. Verified 2026-03-22.
From solo operators to
busy multi-service businesses
Petboost fits your business. Whether you're a one-person mobile groomer or running a large facility with multiple staff and spaces.
Solo Superstars
One-person operations with streamlined scheduling and automated payments.
- 1-tap booking management
- Automated invoicing & receipts
- After-hours self-service booking
- SMS reminders on autopilot
Growing Teams
3-10 staff with resource management, shared calendars, and team coordination.
- Multi-staff scheduling
- Per-resource capacity limits
- Team permissions & roles
- Shared customer database
Large Operations
Multi-space daycare and boarding, high-volume salons, and busy multi-service businesses.
- Bulk operations & admin
- Multi-space capacity tracking
- Volume pricing available
- Advanced automation rules
Making the Switch
It's easier than you think. Here's what to expect if you decide to move from Collar.
Migration Complexity
Customer Data
Export available; import assistance provided
Booking History
Not migrated; you set up your own schedule (typically 2-4 hours)
Package Balances
Migrated by our team
Timeline
2-3 weeks typical
Keep Your Existing Hardware
If you're using a Stripe WisePOS-E terminal with Collar, you can bring it across to Petboost. No new equipment needed.
We're here to help. We provide migration assistance for businesses switching from Collar.
Contact us for a migration assessmentWhich Is Right for Your Business?
Collar may suit you if:
- You're UK-based and want UK support
- You're a veterinary clinic
- Native iOS/Android apps are important
- You need route optimisation for mobile services
- You rent out dog parks, paddocks, swimming pools, or event spaces for pets
- You need franchise/multi-location management today
- You want 30+ built-in reports without needing external analytics tools
- Your business already uses Collar's gym-style membership UX and doesn't want to switch
Petboost?
- You're an Australian business wanting local support
- Payment processing costs matter to your bottom line
- You want to earn $0/month (waived at $7,500+) (pay only when you earn)
- Transparent pricing is important to you
- You value comprehensive pet attributes
- You're multi-service or planning to expand verticals
From 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
The little bit of pain is generally 4 to 6 weeks. Then it clicks.
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.
Collar vs Petboost FAQs
Common questions about switching and comparing these platforms.
Explore Petboost by Service Type
Purpose-built features for every type of pet business.
Ready to see Petboost in action?
Start your 14-day free trial, then activate Business Pro for 21 days with 0% booking fees. Only pay Stripe processing fees.
Last verified: 22nd March 2026 | Pricing and features sourced from collar.app
Found an error? Let us know and we'll correct it promptly.
Collar® is a registered trademark of its respective owners. This comparison is based on publicly available information and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Collar.