Comparison
BarkSuite vs Petboost
Both are Australian dog grooming platforms. Petboost is the better-known name with Xero integration and ABN invoicing baked in; BarkSuite is the newer, leaner option built for solo and small grooming salons that want self-serve client booking without paying $18+ a month from day one.
At a glance
| Feature | BarkSuite | Petboost |
|---|---|---|
| Built for | Australian solo & small grooming salons | Australian groomers, all sizes |
| Starting price | $9 AUD / month (Basic) | $18 AUD / month |
| Free trial | 14-day Pro trial, no card required | Trial available |
| Online booking | 24/7 public booking page included | Included |
| Deposits & cards on file | Included on Pro | Included |
| SMS reminders | Pro plan, usage-based | Included |
| Pet profiles & breed pricing | Included | Included |
| Marketplace listing | Free public profile, indexable | Limited |
| Xero integration | Roadmap | Included |
| Setup time | Minutes — opinionated defaults | Slightly longer setup |
When BarkSuite is the better pick
- You're starting out and want a $9/mo plan instead of $18/mo from day one.
- You want a public marketplace listing so new local clients can find you.
- You'd rather configure a few sensible defaults than a long setup wizard.
- You want one flat AUD price with no per-stylist surcharges.
When Petboost might suit you better
- You need Xero integration today (BarkSuite has it on the roadmap).
- You want ABN-formatted tax invoices generated automatically.
- You're already on Petboost and the workflow fits — switching costs outweigh the price gap.
The short answer
If you want the cheapest Australian-built grooming software with a marketplace listing and a generous free tier, start with BarkSuite. If you need Xero and ABN invoicing on day one and don't mind paying twice as much, Petboost is the safer choice.