An honest, side-by-side comparison to help you decide what's right for your Australian pet business.
Collar ships native mobile apps and a vet integration that we don't have. It bills in pounds and caps how many services you can list on each tier, so an Australian business pays a conversion for a shorter list. If a native app in the store matters to you, buy theirs. If your service list keeps growing, Petboost doesn't cap it.
Purpose-built for Australian pet businesses. No compromises.
AUD pricing, GST-ready, No FX Fees
Grooming, daycare, boarding, walking, training. All included.
All on one plan. No add-ons.
Minimal digging. No endless menus
Avg. time to book less than 2 min
Double Fee Alert for Australian Businesses
Pay subscription AND face service limits (upgrade required as you grow)
*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 | 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 | Collar | Petboost |
|---|---|---|
| SMS Bundling | ✅ Bundled in all plans with monthly allowances (GBP pricing) | ✅ Included with Business Pro, Flex & 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 Communications Booster |
| In-App Chat Fallback | ✅ Collar Chat auto-switches between in-app and SMS | ✅ 2-way messaging via Communications Booster |
| SMS Payment Links | ❌ Not available | ✅ One-tap payment via SMS |
| Support Timezone | UK (GMT/BST). Your 3pm AEST = their 4-6am | AEST/AEDT |
There are limited scenarios where Collar 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.
Collar vs Petboost
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
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
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
Base software cost
Collar bills in GBP: £49 Essential, £99 Premium, £199 Business. AUD shown is converted at the audit rate of 1 GBP = 1.91 AUD
~A$94-380/month (£49-199 GBP)
$65/month (waived at $7,500+ in card payments)
Core scheduling functionality
Both strong booking systems
Comprehensive scheduling
Magic Availability Check + Quick Create dual modes
Card payment rates
Petboost transparent AU rates
Stripe-based (rates not disclosed)
1.7% + $0.1 + 1.2-1.4% booking fee (AU Stripe)
One-tap payment collection via SMS
Petboost differentiator
iOS/Android apps for pet owners
Collar has native apps
Full screen web app (PWA)
Recurring revenue programs
Both offer memberships; different UX approaches
Gym-style memberships
Full membership system with recurring billing, usage tracking, and overage handling
Prepaid credits tracking
Petboost excels here
Unknown
Coffee-card visual + 24/7 self-service
Group training courses
Petboost purpose-built
Unknown
Native courses with templates
Pet profiling tags
Petboost comprehensive library
Unknown
2,000+ pre-built attributes
Mobile service routing
Collar ahead for mobile
Collar Route™
Veterinary clinic features
Collar unique positioning
Dedicated vet vertical
Multiple site management
Both support multi-location; Petboost via Enterprise
Native + Enterprise franchise
Yes (Enterprise)
Product sales
Both sell products; Collar adds a fuller storefront
Built-in product sales
Products on invoices and in-store, no stock control
Venue rental bookings
Collar unique positioning
Dedicated vertical
Team scheduling and payroll
Collar more comprehensive
Schedules, timesheets, pay
Team member management
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
Email campaigns, promotions
Collar built-in marketing
Built-in marketing suite
Basic
Customer messaging
Both supported
Automated reminders
Both supported
Intelligent SMS delivery
AU-native SMS (+61)
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 bills in GBP: £49 Essential, £99 Premium, £199 Business. AUD shown is converted at the audit rate of 1 GBP = 1.91 AUD | ~A$94-380/month (£49-199 GBP) | $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 Both support multi-location; Petboost via Enterprise | Native + Enterprise franchise | Yes (Enterprise) |
E-CommerceProduct sales Both sell products; Collar adds a fuller storefront | Built-in product sales | Products on invoices and in-store, no stock control |
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
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:
Full screen web app works well; native apps add complexity
Magic Optimise in Travel orders a day's run (up to 25 stops) with per-leg drive times, an ETA window and a Get Directions hand-off. It is an optional add-on in closed beta, not a general plan feature yet
Different market with different regulatory needs
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 for inventory.
Niche vertical
Use dedicated payroll software (Xero, MYOB)
Australia-first focus
| Feature | Status | Our Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Native iOS/Android apps | Considering | Full screen web app works well; native apps add complexity |
| Route optimisation | ✅ Available | Magic Optimise in Travel orders a day's run (up to 25 stops) with per-leg drive times, an ETA window and a Get Directions hand-off. It is an optional add-on in closed beta, not a general plan feature yet |
| Vet clinic support | Focused elsewhere | Different market with different regulatory needs |
| Retail stock control | 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 for inventory. |
| 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.
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$189/month = ~A$2,268/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$94-380/month subscription (billed in GBP 49-199) 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.
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 3 service listings. 1 site. UK Stripe: int'l card + FX fees apply.
If platform fee built into pricing: $0/mo
Annual savings: $7,764
Compared to Collar Essential at 100 transactions/month
Collar pricing from their pricing page. Verified 2026-08-17.
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 Collar.
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
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 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: 17th August 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.
