About
Tuft is a purpose-built dog grooming software that empowers grooming salons to take back control of their schedules and eliminate manual admin. Pet owners get their own booking app connected directly to the groomer's calendar, allowing them to self-book, reschedule, and manage appointments within rules set by the groomer — no more endless back-and-forth via email or phone. Groomers can list their services with flexible 'from' pricing, set fixed time slots, define deposit rules to slash no-shows by up to 89%, and enable recurring bookings (every 6, 8, or 12 weeks). Every confirmed appointment triggers three automated reminders via push notification, SMS, and email. Pet profiles store breed, coat type, and grooming notes, while breed-based pricing overrides give salons granular control. Digital consent forms are built into checkout so clients sign before the appointment begins. The platform also supports card-on-file for no-show charges, multi-pet and multi-groomer bookings, and four payment methods including card, cash, and SMS payments. A Tuft Marketplace connects groomers with new local clients actively searching for a groomer. A dedicated iOS and Android groomer app lets salon owners manage calendars and bookings on the go. With a generous free plan and an affordable Pro tier, Tuft is ideal for independent groomers and multi-groomer salons alike.
Key Features
- 24/7 Self-Service Booking: Clients book, reschedule, and manage their own appointments via the Tuft app or your website, within rules you define — even while you're mid-groom.
- Automated Reminders: Every confirmed booking triggers three automatic reminders via push notification, SMS, and email, drastically reducing no-shows.
- Deposit Rules & Card on File: Set fixed or percentage-based deposits to cut no-shows by up to 89%. Clients save a card once and authorise future charges for missed appointments.
- Pet Profiles & Breed Pricing: Every pet has a profile with breed, coat type, and grooming notes. Set custom breed-level pricing so your rates always match the work involved.
- Tuft Marketplace: Get discovered by new local clients actively searching for a groomer. Your salon profile appears on the Tuft Marketplace to drive organic bookings.
Use Cases
- An independent dog groomer sets up a Tuft profile to let clients book and pay online 24/7, eliminating phone calls and reducing no-shows with automated reminders and deposits.
- A multi-groomer salon uses Fixed Slots and Groomer Selection so clients can choose their preferred stylist and book into structured time blocks without creating scheduling gaps.
- A grooming business owner leverages the Tuft Marketplace to attract new local pet owners without spending on ads, growing their client base passively.
- A groomer managing 1,500+ dogs uses recurring bookings to schedule every client's 8-week appointment in one tap, keeping their year fully planned with minimal admin.
- A salon with multiple groomers uses Digital Consent Forms built into checkout to capture client sign-off on creative or clip-off grooming before every appointment, avoiding disputes.
Pros
- Drastically Reduces Admin: Self-booking, automated reminders, and digital consent forms eliminate phone calls, emails, and paperwork — groomers report cutting workload by more than half.
- Free Plan Available: A generous free tier lets independent groomers get started with no upfront cost, with Pro features unlocked as the business grows.
- Built Specifically for Groomers: Every feature reflects how grooming businesses actually operate, from breed pricing overrides to recurring booking cadences and multi-pet appointments.
- Captures After-Hours Bookings: 49% of bookings happen when salons are closed. Tuft's 24/7 online booking ensures those clients don't go elsewhere.
Cons
- UK-Focused: Tuft is designed primarily for UK groomers, so some features (SMS reminders, payment integrations) may not be fully available in other regions.
- Key Features Gated Behind Pro: Recurring bookings, SMS reminders, breed price overrides, and the groomer mobile app all require a paid Pro subscription.
- Niche Scope: Tuft is purpose-built for pet grooming and boarding; it's not suitable as a general appointment booking tool for other industries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tuft really free to use?
Yes. Tuft offers a free plan that includes online bookings, pet profiles, automated push and email reminders, and access to the Tuft Marketplace. Pro features like SMS reminders, recurring bookings, breed pricing overrides, and the groomer mobile app require a paid subscription.
How does the Tuft Marketplace work?
When you complete your salon profile, your business becomes searchable on the Tuft Marketplace — a directory where local pet owners actively look for groomers. This gives you organic exposure to new clients without any extra advertising spend.
Can I control when and how clients book?
Absolutely. You set your working hours, services, prices, deposit rules, and available slots. Clients can only book within the boundaries you define, so you stay in full control of your calendar.
How do deposit rules help reduce no-shows?
You can require a fixed or percentage-based deposit at the time of booking. Tuft reports this can reduce no-shows by up to 89%. You can disable deposits for trusted regulars or use them selectively for new or late-cancelling clients.
Is there a mobile app for groomers?
Yes. Tuft offers a dedicated iOS and Android app for groomers on the Pro plan, allowing you to manage your calendar, view bookings, and handle client communication from anywhere.
