Already using Scout?
Scout is a great US-built dog walking app. See how it compares for Australian pet businesses.
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
Scout
www.scoutforpets.com- Founded
- ~2016
- Headquarters
- Chicago / Cleveland, USA
- Focus
- Dog walking, pet sitting, boarding, daycare, and grooming
- Est. Customers
- ~1,100+ companies worldwide
- Pricing
- Monthly subscription ($33-39 USD/month + $15-18/staff member)
Double Fee Alert for Australian Businesses
- •$33-39 USD/month base + $15-18/month per staff member (all in USD with FX conversion for AU businesses)
- •US Stripe processing: 2.9% + $0.30 USD (vs Petboost 1.7% + $0.3 + 1.2-1.4% booking fee via AU Stripe)
Australian businesses pay USD subscription + per-staff fees + US payment processing + FX conversion on everything
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 Gateway
Card Rate
SMS Payment Links
Subscription Model
Per-Staff Fees
| Payment Processing | Scout | Petboost🇦🇺 |
|---|---|---|
| Payment Gateway | Stripe (US) | Stripe (AU) |
| Card Rate | 2.9% + $0.30 USD (plus FX conversion for AU) | 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 |
| Subscription Model | $33-39 USD/month + $15-18/staff member | $65/month (waived at $7,500+ in card payments) |
| Per-Staff Fees | $15-18/month per active staff member | $0 (unlimited staff included) |
SMS Functionality
SMS Availability
Notification Method
SMS Payment Links
Requires App Download
Australian Phone Number
| SMS Functionality | Scout | Petboost🇦🇺 |
|---|---|---|
| SMS Availability | ❌ No SMS capability. Push notifications and email only | ✅ Native AU SMS with Sinch Australia |
| Notification Method | Push notifications via native apps + email | ✅ SMS + email (no app download required) |
| SMS Payment Links | ❌ Not available | ✅ One-tap payment via SMS |
| Requires App Download | ⚠️ Yes (for push notifications to work) | No. SMS works on any phone |
| Australian Phone Number | ❌ No SMS capability | ✅ Australian number with Messaging Pro |
Consider Scout only if
There are limited scenarios where Scout may suit you better:
- Dog walking and pet sitting businesses (their core origin)
- Mobile/field-service operators who need continuous GPS route tracking and photo check-ins
- Businesses wanting native iOS and Android apps for staff and pet parents
- Companies needing integrated payroll for staff members
- US-based pet care businesses wanting US support
- Teams that need structured visit fields (feeding, meds, bathroom) and continuous GPS route maps for pet parents
Petboost?
Purpose-built for Australian pet businesses with a design-first approach our customers rave about:
- Australian pet businesses wanting local support and AU payment rates
- Multi-service operators who also do grooming, training courses, and packages
- Businesses wanting $65/month (waived at $7,500+ in card payments) transparent pricing with no per-staff fees
- Facility-based operations (boarding, daycare, grooming studios)
- Owners who want comprehensive pet attribute libraries and customer profile management
- Businesses that want SMS payment links to collect outstanding invoices
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
Scout vs Petboost
Pet Owner Booking Experience
Self-service booking flow for pet owners
Scout has dedicated native apps; Petboost has a frictionless web-based flow with no app download required
Native iOS/Android app for pet parents with service requests, scheduling, and payment management
Passwordless phone login, progressive info collection, smart eligibility filtering, 24/7 booking in under 2 minutes
GPS Walk Tracking
Continuous location tracking of pet walks with route maps
Scout offers continuous route tracking; Petboost captures GPS at check-in/checkout and from photos
GPS check-in/checkout + photo locations on Magic Map (point-in-time, not continuous route)
Photo Check-Ins & Report Cards
Photo updates and end-of-service summaries for pet parents
Both have report cards. Scout adds structured fields (feeding, meds, bathroom, mood). Petboost uses free-form notes with photos and location data.
Report Cards with customer-facing notes, photos, team member details, and Magic Map. Auto-generated and visible in pet owner portal.
Pet Attributes Library
Pre-built tags for allergies, grooming prefs, behavioural traits
Petboost has a structured attribute library; Scout has free-text pet bios
Pet bios with behaviour, routines, feeding, medications
2,000+ pre-built attributes with 8+ categories
Pet & Owner Profiles
Comprehensive profile hub with tabs for appointments, packages, sales, settings & paperwork
Petboost has more structured profile management; Scout is more lightweight
Pet profiles with photos, bios, birthday/anniversary tracking
8 organised tabs with per-customer policy overrides & collaborative management
Payroll Management
Staff payment tracking and reporting
Scout has integrated payroll; Petboost does not have payroll features
Staff Mobile App
Native mobile app for staff in the field
Scout has dedicated native apps; Petboost uses a responsive web interface
Responsive web app (mobile-optimised)
Group Walk Scheduling
Scheduling multiple pets from different households together
Scout supports group walks natively; Petboost does not
Automated Billing
Invoice generation and payment processing
Both automate billing; Scout has more billing customisation (weekly/bi-weekly/monthly cycles, smart charges)
Payment Processing
Transaction rates and payment methods
Australian businesses using Scout pay US Stripe rates plus FX conversion. Petboost uses AU Stripe.
2.9% + $0.30 USD via Stripe (US rates)
1.7% + $0.3 + 1.2-1.4% booking fee (AU Stripe)
SMS Payment Links
One-tap payment collection via text message
Petboost can send payment links via SMS; Scout relies on automated credit card charging and email invoices
SMS Notifications
Text message reminders and alerts
Scout uses push notifications through their mobile apps; Petboost uses SMS
Push notifications via native apps (not SMS)
Multi-Service Support
Handling different service types in one system
Both support multiple services; Petboost has more structured service configuration
Course Management
Training courses with sessions and enrolment
Petboost has training course management; Scout does not
Package Management
Pre-paid packages for regular clients
Petboost has self-service packages; Scout offers custom per-client discounts
Per-client custom discounts (packages "coming soon")
Calendar Integration
Sync with external calendar apps
Scout staff can sync appointments to external calendars; Petboost does not offer this
Digital Agreements
Electronic service agreements and signatures
Both support digital agreements
Accounting Integration
Export to accounting software
Scout has direct QuickBooks and Xero integrations; Petboost connects to Xero via Stripe Bank Feeds
Prevent Early Check-In
Ensuring staff arrive at scheduled times
Scout has a feature to prevent staff checking in before appointment time
Lead Collection
Capturing potential customer enquiries
Scout has dedicated lead management; Petboost captures leads through booking
White-Label / Branded App
Fully branded mobile experience
Scout offers a white-label app option; Petboost does not have a branded app
Feature Comparison Scout vs Petboost | S Scout | P Petboost🇦🇺Australian-Built |
|---|---|---|
Pet Owner Booking ExperienceSelf-service booking flow for pet owners Scout has dedicated native apps; Petboost has a frictionless web-based flow with no app download required | Native iOS/Android app for pet parents with service requests, scheduling, and payment management | Passwordless phone login, progressive info collection, smart eligibility filtering, 24/7 booking in under 2 minutes |
GPS Walk TrackingContinuous location tracking of pet walks with route maps Scout offers continuous route tracking; Petboost captures GPS at check-in/checkout and from photos | ✅ Continuous GPS route maps sent to pet parents after each walk | GPS check-in/checkout + photo locations on Magic Map (point-in-time, not continuous route) |
Photo Check-Ins & Report CardsPhoto updates and end-of-service summaries for pet parents Both have report cards. Scout adds structured fields (feeding, meds, bathroom, mood). Petboost uses free-form notes with photos and location data. | ✅ Photo check-in on arrival, detailed report cards (feeding, meds, bathroom), automatically emailed | Report Cards with customer-facing notes, photos, team member details, and Magic Map. Auto-generated and visible in pet owner portal. |
Pet Attributes LibraryPre-built tags for allergies, grooming prefs, behavioural traits Petboost has a structured attribute library; Scout has free-text pet bios | Pet bios with behaviour, routines, feeding, medications | 2,000+ pre-built attributes with 8+ categories |
Pet & Owner ProfilesComprehensive profile hub with tabs for appointments, packages, sales, settings & paperwork Petboost has more structured profile management; Scout is more lightweight | Pet profiles with photos, bios, birthday/anniversary tracking | 8 organised tabs with per-customer policy overrides & collaborative management |
Payroll ManagementStaff payment tracking and reporting Scout has integrated payroll; Petboost does not have payroll features | ✅ Custom pay rates (fixed or percentage), gratuity tracking, payroll reports, per-seniority rates | |
Staff Mobile AppNative mobile app for staff in the field Scout has dedicated native apps; Petboost uses a responsive web interface | ✅ Native iOS and Android apps with notifications, schedule sync, and check-in | Responsive web app (mobile-optimised) |
Group Walk SchedulingScheduling multiple pets from different households together Scout supports group walks natively; Petboost does not | ✅ Multi-household group walks with individual tracking and group photos | |
Automated BillingInvoice generation and payment processing Both automate billing; Scout has more billing customisation (weekly/bi-weekly/monthly cycles, smart charges) | ✅ Hands-free invoicing, adjustable billing periods, prepaid credits, auto credit card charging | ✅ Automated invoicing with Stripe (AU) |
Payment ProcessingTransaction rates and payment methods Australian businesses using Scout pay US Stripe rates plus FX conversion. Petboost uses AU Stripe. | 2.9% + $0.30 USD via Stripe (US rates) | 1.7% + $0.3 + 1.2-1.4% booking fee (AU Stripe) |
SMS Payment LinksOne-tap payment collection via text message Petboost can send payment links via SMS; Scout relies on automated credit card charging and email invoices | ❌ Not available | ✅ Native SMS payment links |
SMS NotificationsText message reminders and alerts Scout uses push notifications through their mobile apps; Petboost uses SMS | Push notifications via native apps (not SMS) | ✅ AU-native (+61), included in plans |
Multi-Service SupportHandling different service types in one system Both support multiple services; Petboost has more structured service configuration | ✅ Walking, sitting, boarding, daycare, grooming, training supported | ✅ Full multi-vertical: boarding, grooming, daycare, training, walking with structured service types |
Course ManagementTraining courses with sessions and enrolment Petboost has training course management; Scout does not | ✅ Native course management with multi-session support | |
Package ManagementPre-paid packages for regular clients Petboost has self-service packages; Scout offers custom per-client discounts | Per-client custom discounts (packages "coming soon") | ✅ Self-service packages, customers buy 24/7 online |
Calendar IntegrationSync with external calendar apps Scout staff can sync appointments to external calendars; Petboost does not offer this | ✅ iCal, Google Calendar, Outlook sync for staff | |
Digital AgreementsElectronic service agreements and signatures Both support digital agreements | ✅ E-sign service agreements with version tracking | ✅ Digital paperwork and consent forms |
Accounting IntegrationExport to accounting software Scout has direct QuickBooks and Xero integrations; Petboost connects to Xero via Stripe Bank Feeds | ✅ QuickBooks Online and Xero integration | ✅ Xero via Stripe Bank Feeds |
Prevent Early Check-InEnsuring staff arrive at scheduled times Scout has a feature to prevent staff checking in before appointment time | ✅ Prevents early check-in to maintain schedule accuracy | |
Lead CollectionCapturing potential customer enquiries Scout has dedicated lead management; Petboost captures leads through booking | ✅ Embeddable contact form, lead tracking, one-click conversion to customer | ✅ Online booking form acts as lead capture |
White-Label / Branded AppFully branded mobile experience Scout offers a white-label app option; Petboost does not have a branded app | ✅ Fully branded pet parent app with your logo and colours ($300/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 |
|---|---|---|
| Continuous GPS route tracking | Focused elsewhere | Scout offers continuous route maps as a signature feature. Petboost captures GPS at check-in/checkout and from photo EXIF data, but does not record the full walking route. |
| Structured visit fields (feeding, meds, bathroom) | Considering | Scout has structured fields for feeding, medication, bathroom, and mood. Petboost Report Cards use free-form customer-facing notes with photos and Magic Map. |
| Native mobile apps | Considering | Scout has dedicated iOS and Android apps for staff and pet parents. Petboost uses responsive web. |
| Payroll management | Focused elsewhere | Scout has integrated payroll with custom rates and gratuity. Not currently planned for Petboost. |
| Group walk scheduling | Focused elsewhere | Scout supports multi-household group walks. Niche feature for dog walking businesses. |
| Calendar integration (iCal, Google, Outlook) | Considering | Scout staff can sync to external calendars. Petboost does not currently support this. |
| White-label branded app | Focused elsewhere | Scout offers a fully branded pet parent app for $300/month. Not currently planned for Petboost. |
If any of these are dealbreakers today, Scout 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 | Scout | Petboost🇦🇺 |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Subscription (Solo) | ~$633-718 AUD (~$396-468 USD) | $780/year (waived at $7,500+/mo) |
| Annual Subscription (Team, 5 staff) | ~$2,472-2,952 AUD (~$1,296-1,548 USD + staff fees) | $780/year (waived at $7,500+/mo) |
| Annual Subscription (Team, 10 staff) | ~$4,320-5,184 AUD (~$2,196-2,628 USD + staff fees) | $780/year (waived at $7,500+/mo) |
| Subscription FX/Foreign Tx Fees (~10%) | ~$63-518 AUD (depending on plan) | $0 (AU-based) |
| Branded App Add-On | ~$5,760 AUD/year (~$3,600 USD) | N/A |
| Payment Processing (US Stripe + FX) | 2.9% + $0.30 USD + FX fees | 1.7% + $0.3 + 1.2-1.4% booking fee |
You may be paying twice with Scout
$33-39 USD/month base + $15-18/month per staff member (all in USD with FX conversion for AU businesses), plus us stripe processing: 2.9% + $0.30 usd (vs petboost 1.7% + $0.3 + 1.2-1.4% booking fee via au stripe). 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
~$1,500-4,500/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.
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, 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
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
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 $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
Scout
Solo operator. Unlimited invoices and clients.
Petboost
If platform fee passed to customers: $0/mo
Annual savings: $7,574
Compared to Scout Solo at 100 transactions/month
Scout pricing from their pricing page. Verified 2026-03-22. 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 Scout.
Migration Complexity
Customer Data
Scout data can be exported. Import assistance provided by Petboost.
Pet Records
Basic pet bios and profiles. May need to re-enter structured attributes in Petboost.
Booking History
Historical bookings typically not migrated. Fresh start in Petboost.
Service Agreements
Re-create service agreements in Petboost. Signed versions archived separately.
Staff Setup
Staff accounts quick to set up. No per-staff fees in Petboost.
Timeline
2-3 weeks typical. Simpler than facility-based migrations.
Keep Your Existing Hardware
If you're using a Stripe WisePOS-E terminal with Scout, you can bring it across to Petboost. No new equipment needed.
We're here to help. We provide migration assistance for businesses switching from Scout.
Contact us for a migration assessmentWhich Is Right for Your Business?
Scout may suit you if:
- Dog walking is your primary or only service
- Continuous GPS walk route maps are essential for your clients
- Structured visit fields (feeding, meds, bathroom, mood) are central to your service offering
- You need native iOS/Android apps for staff and pet parents
- Integrated payroll management is important for your team
- You want a white-label branded app experience
- You're US-based and prefer US support
- Group walk scheduling is a daily workflow
Petboost?
- You're an Australian business wanting local support and AU payment rates
- You're multi-service (walking + grooming + boarding + daycare + training)
- You want to earn $0/month (waived at $7,500+)
- Per-staff fees are a concern as your team grows
- You want SMS payment links for collecting outstanding invoices
- Structured pet attribute profiles (2,000+ attributes) matter to you
- Self-service packages for customers are important
- You prefer SMS notifications over app-dependent push notifications
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.
Scout 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: 21st February 2026 | Pricing and features sourced from www.scoutforpets.com
Found an error? Let us know and we'll correct it promptly.
Scout® is a registered trademark of its respective owners. This comparison is based on publicly available information and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Scout.