Already using RunLoyal?
Australian businesses can save over $16,000/year compared to RunLoyal when factoring in subscription, add-ons, setup fees, and payment processing.
An honest, side-by-side comparison to help you decide what's right for your Australian pet business.
$0/Month, $0 Setup
No subscription, no setup fee, no per-feature add-ons. Pay only when you earn.
Save $16,000+/Year
AU Stripe at 1.70% vs ~5.4% international fees. No $499 setup or $100-239+/month in add-ons.
Everything Included
SMS, packages, courses, staff access all included. No per-feature monthly charges.
All Species Welcome
Not just dogs. Groom, walk, board, and train every pet type with full multi-species support.
The Facts at a Glance
RunLoyal
www.runloyal.com- Founded
- 2018
- Headquarters
- Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Focus
- Dog-centric pet care (boarding, daycare, grooming, training, dog parks)
- Est. Customers
- Unknown (2M+ appointments processed)
- Pricing
- Monthly subscription ($99-299 USD/month per location) + $499 setup fee + paid add-ons
Double Fee Alert for Australian Businesses
- •$99-299 USD/month subscription + $25-99/month per add-on + $499 setup fee (plus FX fees for Australian cards)
- •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)
Australian businesses pay USD subscription, add-on fees, setup fee, AND international payment processing fees
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
Consider RunLoyal only if
There are limited scenarios where RunLoyal may suit you better:
- US-based dog boarding and daycare facilities wanting a branded native app
- Larger facilities needing iPad kiosk check-in and digital wall displays
- Businesses wanting an integrated phone system (LoyalVoice)
- Dog parks and dog bars with membership models
- Multi-location US facilities comfortable with per-location pricing
- Businesses already invested in Mailchimp for email marketing
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 (grooming + walking + daycare + training + boarding)
- Businesses wanting to avoid monthly subscription fees and setup fees
- Owners who value transparent, all-inclusive pricing without per-feature add-ons
- Solo operators or small teams looking for simple, modern software
- Multi-species pet businesses (not dog-only)
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
RunLoyal vs Petboost
Monthly Subscription
Base software cost
Petboost saves $1,188-3,588 USD/year on subscription alone
$99-299 USD/month per location
$65/month (waived at $7,500+ in card payments)
Setup Fee
One-time onboarding cost
RunLoyal requires a mandatory setup fee
$499 USD (required)
$0
Appointment Limits
Monthly appointment caps per tier
RunLoyal appointment limits require higher tiers as businesses grow
500-5,000 per month (varies by tier)
Unlimited
Staff App Licences
Mobile staff app access
RunLoyal limits staff mobile access per plan tier
1-10 licences per tier; additional $10/month each
Unlimited staff access
Booking Engine
Appointment 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 Links
One-tap payment links via SMS
Petboost differentiator
2-Way SMS
Two-way text messaging with clients
RunLoyal charges extra for SMS texting
$29/month add-on (2,000 messages; $0.02 per additional)
Lifecycle Automation
Progressive automation controls
Petboost offers granular control vs basic reminders
Basic automated reminders and notifications
6-level progressive automation
Package Management
Prepaid package credits
Petboost packages included; RunLoyal memberships are a paid add-on
Packages included; memberships require $99/month add-on
Self-service 24/7 purchase with visual coffee-card tracking
Course / Group Training
Training course and class management
Petboost includes course management; RunLoyal charges extra
$39/month add-on (group-based services)
Pet Profiles
Pet 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 Support
Support for non-dog pets
RunLoyal brands itself as "dog business" software
Dog-centric (branding, features, marketing)
AI Features
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
Native Mobile Apps
App store presence
RunLoyal has native apps; Petboost uses PWA approach
Progressive web app (add to home screen)
Kiosk Check-In
Self-service facility check-in
RunLoyal has kiosk; Petboost focuses on mobile self-service
Phone System
Integrated VoIP calling
RunLoyal has integrated VoIP; niche facility feature
Camera Integration
Facility camera feeds in app
RunLoyal supports facility cameras accessible via their app
Staff Management
Payroll, timesheets, commissions
RunLoyal deeper staff management (paid add-on); use dedicated payroll software with Petboost
Basic staff assignment
Retail POS
In-app retail product sales
RunLoyal has in-app retail; Petboost recommends Square/Shopify for retail
Review Management
Automated review requests
RunLoyal review feature is a paid add-on
Visual Facility Map
Drag-and-drop kennel/room map
RunLoyal has visual kennel management
Multi-Location
Multiple business locations
RunLoyal supports multi-location
Reporting
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
Integrations
Third-party connections
RunLoyal charges for Mailchimp; Petboost has Xero included
Mailchimp ($25/month + $199 setup)
Xero, Stripe, more coming
GST Compliance
Australian tax compliance
Required for Australian businesses
Dynamic Pricing
Occupancy-based pricing adjustments
RunLoyal has occupancy-based pricing (paid add-on)
Feature Comparison RunLoyal vs Petboost | R RunLoyal | P Petboost🇦🇺Australian-Built |
|---|---|---|
Monthly SubscriptionBase software cost Petboost saves $1,188-3,588 USD/year on subscription alone | $99-299 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) | ✅ Included |
Lifecycle AutomationProgressive automation controls Petboost offers granular control vs basic reminders | Basic automated reminders and notifications | 6-level progressive automation |
Package ManagementPrepaid package credits Petboost packages included; RunLoyal memberships are a paid add-on | Packages included; memberships require $99/month add-on | Self-service 24/7 purchase with visual coffee-card tracking |
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 RunLoyal has kiosk; Petboost focuses on mobile self-service | ✅ Express kiosk ($39/month add-on per licence) | |
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 RunLoyal has in-app retail; Petboost recommends Square/Shopify for retail | ✅ Loyal Cart ($25/month add-on) | |
Review ManagementAutomated review requests RunLoyal review feature is a paid add-on | ✅ ($49/month add-on) | |
Visual Facility MapDrag-and-drop kennel/room map RunLoyal has visual kennel management | ✅ Available | 🚧 Considering |
Multi-LocationMultiple business locations RunLoyal supports multi-location | ✅ Per-location pricing | 🚧 Coming 2026 |
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 has Xero included | Mailchimp ($25/month + $199 setup) | Xero, 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 has occupancy-based pricing (paid add-on) | ✅ ($39/month add-on) |
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 | Progressive web app (add to home screen) works well; native apps add complexity |
| Multi-location management | FY26 | Single-location focus first to nail the core experience |
| Kiosk check-in/out | Focused elsewhere | Focus on mobile self-service instead |
| Camera integration | Focused elsewhere | Use dedicated camera systems |
| Built-in phone system (VoIP) | Focused elsewhere | Use dedicated phone systems |
| AI report cards | Focused elsewhere | Focus on pet profiles and communication |
| Retail POS/inventory | Focused elsewhere | Use dedicated retail software (Square, Shopify) |
| 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.
Built for Australian Businesses
US-based software simply can't match these Australian-specific advantages.
Payment Processing
Card-Not-Present Rate
SMS Payment Links
Monthly Subscription
Setup Fee
Stripe Entity
| 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 | $99-299 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
Appointment Reminders
2-Way SMS
SMS Payment Links
Push Marketing
AU Number Compatibility
| SMS Functionality | RunLoyal | Petboost🇦🇺 |
|---|---|---|
| Appointment Reminders | ✅ Automated email + app notifications (included) | ✅ Native AU support |
| 2-Way SMS | $29/month add-on (2,000 messages included) | ✅ Included |
| SMS Payment Links | ❌ Not available | ✅ One-tap payment via SMS |
| Push Marketing | ✅ Via app and email; SMS requires paid texting add-on | ✅ Full AU SMS marketing campaigns |
| AU Number Compatibility | US numbers only | Native +61 support |
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 | RunLoyal | Petboost🇦🇺 |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Subscription (Sprint + typical add-ons) | ~$6,732-9,382 AUD (~$4,668-6,516 USD) | $780/year (waived at $7,500+/mo) |
| Setup Fee (Year 1) | ~$719 AUD ($499 USD) | $0 |
| Subscription FX/Foreign Tx Fees (~10%) | ~$673-938 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 | ~$24,324-27,239 AUD | ~$5,100 |
You may be paying twice with RunLoyal
$99-299 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
~$16,000-22,000/year
Based on $500K GMV, 80% online transactions
* For illustrative purposes only, based on industry averages. Your actual savings may vary.
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.
How much customers pay you via card
Appointments you expect each month
Reminders and notifications sent
💡 Consider Business Max
At 100 bookings/month, Pro would cost $45/month (including $0 in overage fees). Max costs $45/month, which is $0/month more but includes unlimited appointments.
Business Pro
Hit -/month in card payments and your monthly fee is waived
Generous SMS Limits
Pro includes 0 SMS/month, Max includes 0. Most businesses never hit these limits. You've set 300 SMS/month. You'll need 3 SMS Power-Up Packs ($45).
When to Upgrade
At your current revenue, Business Max becomes better value at ∞ appointments/month. You're at 100. Pro includes $0 in overage fees, but is still $0 cheaper than Max.
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 Max
- • -/month (waived at -+ card payment volume)
- • Unlimited appointments
- • No per-appointment overage fees
- • 0 SMS/month included
- • - transaction fee
Both plans include SMS Power-Up Packs at $15 for 100 additional SMS if needed.
* Estimates based on 100 transactions averaging $100 each, 100 appointments, and 300 SMS. Actual costs vary based on transaction volume, average ticket size, appointments, and SMS usage.
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
RunLoyal
Up to 500 appointments/month. 1 staff app licence. SMS is $29/mo add-on.
Petboost
If platform fee passed to customers: $0/mo
Annual savings: $8,714
Compared to RunLoyal Jog at 100 transactions/month
RunLoyal pricing from their pricing page. Verified 2026-03-23. USD converted to AUD at current exchange rates.
From solo operators to
multi-van fleets
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
Dog walking van fleets, multi-space facilities, and high-volume businesses.
- Fleet/van management
- 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 RunLoyal.
Migration Complexity
Customer Data
Export available; import assistance provided
Booking History
Historical records can be imported
Package Balances
Manual reconciliation recommended
Timeline
2-4 weeks typical
Keep Your Existing Hardware
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 assessmentWhich Is Right for Your Business?
RunLoyal may suit you if:
- You're a US-based dog boarding/daycare facility
- You want native branded apps in the App Store and Google Play
- Kiosk check-in and camera feeds are important to your business model
- AI-generated report cards (Scout AI) would save significant staff time
- You need an integrated phone system (LoyalVoice)
- Budget for $389-543+ USD/month + processing is manageable
Petboost?
- You're an Australian business wanting local support
- Payment processing costs matter to your bottom line
- You want $0/month, $0 setup pricing (pay only when you earn)
- You prefer transparent, all-inclusive pricing without per-feature add-ons
- You value granular automation control
- You serve multiple pet species (not dog-only)
- SMS payment links and Australian SMS are important
- You need unlimited appointments and staff without tier-based caps
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.
RunLoyal 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% Petboost fees. Only pay Stripe processing fees.
Last verified: 23rd March 2026 | Pricing and features sourced from www.runloyal.com
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.