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Head-to-head · Kennel Software

Animal Friends OS vs DatCog

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 6 checks side by side
Higher score Animal Friends OS #2 in Kennel Software 9.1/10 14-day trial Free trial✓ 5 of 6 features Visit site
DatCog #4 in Kennel Software 8.6/10 14-day trial Free trial✓ 5 of 6 features Visit DatCog

Animal Friends OS leads on 0 checks, DatCog on 0, and 6 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 6 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreAnimal Friends OS · 9.1/10
  • Free trialboth

Animal Friends OS scores higher on our rubric for kennel software: 9.1 against 8.6 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #4.

Animal Friends OS is the better fit for feature-rich kennels wanting transparent pricing. DatCog is the better fit for small to mid-size kennels needing staff and care tools.

  • Animal Friends OS fits best

    Feature-rich kennels wanting transparent pricing

  • DatCog fits best

    Small to mid-size kennels needing staff and care tools

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Side by side

Feature Animal Friends OS 9.1/10 Visit ↗ DatCog 8.6/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.1 8.6
Ranking #2 in Kennel Software #4 in Kennel Software
Best for Feature-rich kennels wanting transparent pricing Small to mid-size kennels needing staff and care tools
Pricing model Paid Paid
Starting price $690/yr $583/yr
Free plan — —
Free trial 14 days 14 days
Free trial length 14 days · no card needed 14 days · no card needed
Deployment Cloud, Mobile Cloud
Platforms Web, iOS, Android Web
Support Email, Phone Email
Integrations 8 integrations 3 integrations
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market Small business, Mid-market
Features Animal Friends OS 5/6 · DatCog 5/6
Online booking ✓ ✓
Vaccination records ✓ ✓
Automated reminders ✓ ✓
Staff scheduling ✓ ✓
Client portal ✓ ✓
Multi-location support Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Live kennel assignment grid shows real-time occupancy.
  • Tracks feeding, medication and vaccination records with alerts.
  • Online booking, client portal and staff scheduling in one platform.
  • Feed and medication schedules include staff sign-offs and care details.
  • Playgroup relationship rules and separation warnings support safer group care.
  • Client portal, payroll exports, invoices and waitlists cover daily operations.
Cons
  • Starter limits teams to 3 staff members.
  • Monthly marketing-message allowances vary by plan.
  • Broad boarding, grooming and daycare scope may exceed simpler needs.
  • Runs only in a web browser, with no listed desktop or mobile apps.
  • Integrations are limited to Stripe, Xero bank-transfer matching and MYOB export.
  • There is no free plan; access starts at $54 per month after the trial.
Our verdict

Animal Friends OS brings boarding, grooming and daycare operations into a cloud and mobile pet-care management platform. Kennels can manage live kennel and suite assignments, boarding check-in and check-out, per-pet feeding schedules,…

Read the review →

DatCog is cloud-based kennel and cattery management software for boarding, daycare and grooming facilities. It suits small to mid-size operations that need one system for reservations, occupancy, animal care, staffing and client…

Read the review →
  1. Animal Friends OSKennel Software 9.114-day trial
  2. DatCogKennel Software 8.614-day trial

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Animal Friends OS — where it wins

    • Live kennel assignment grid shows real-time occupancy.
    • Tracks feeding, medication and vaccination records with alerts.
    • Online booking, client portal and staff scheduling in one platform.

    Where it doesn't

    • Starter limits teams to 3 staff members.
    • Monthly marketing-message allowances vary by plan.
    • Broad boarding, grooming and daycare scope may exceed simpler needs.

  • DatCog — where it wins

    • Feed and medication schedules include staff sign-offs and care details.
    • Playgroup relationship rules and separation warnings support safer group care.
    • Client portal, payroll exports, invoices and waitlists cover daily operations.

    Where it doesn't

    • Runs only in a web browser, with no listed desktop or mobile apps.
    • Integrations are limited to Stripe, Xero bank-transfer matching and MYOB export.
    • There is no free plan; access starts at $54 per month after the trial.
  • Animal Friends OS9.1/10 · 14-day trial

    A broad kennel workflow suite with clear monthly plans and a 14-day trial.

    Visit siteFull verdict →
  • DatCog8.6/10 · 14-day trial

    A web-based kennel suite combining bookings, care routines, staffing and client billing.

    Visit DatCogFull verdict →

More comparisons

All kennel software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update