6 Things Pet-Care Businesses Should Do Now to Prep for Summer

Right now, your lobby might be quiet, your grooming tubs clean, and your staff sipping their morning coffee in peace. But we both know what’s coming.

Summer is the peak of pet-care chaos—an explosion of boarding reservations, last-minute grooming requests, and overwhelmed staff juggling the heat and the hustle. If you’re waiting until things get busy to prepare, it’s already too late. The good news? You’ve still got time to set your business up for success.

Whether you run a dog daycare, grooming salon, kennel, or all of the above, these six steps will help you maximize profits, avoid burnout, and keep things smooth all summer.

1. Start Hiring Extra Summer Backup

If your plan is to wait until the calendar is packed to start recruiting, you’re already behind. The best teams are built during the quiet seasons. By hiring early, you have time to properly onboard, train, and evaluate new team members before the summer craziness begins.

Even seasonal roles can be a game-changer. Students home for summer, teachers on break, or pet lovers looking for short-term work can bring much-needed flexibility to your schedule. And with the right training, they can make a big impact. Gingr can help you staff smarter by showing you occupancy trends so you know exactly when and where you need coverage—no guesswork required.

2. Roll Out Summer Promotions

Pet parents love a deal—especially when it feels exclusive or seasonal. Creating summer-specific promotions drives bookings and gives your team something exciting to market about. Think summer daycare packages for busy families, multi-service memberships like “Board and Bathe,” or discounts on grooming services relevant to the season (like haircuts or flea and tick treatments).

3. Make Grooming a No-Brainer

Let’s face it—dogs get messier in the summer. More hikes, more swims, more muddy paws. It’s the perfect time to lean into grooming services. But instead of just hoping appointments fill up, now’s your chance to actively promote your grooming availability and upsell where it counts.

Try bundling de-shedding treatments with standard baths or offering flea and tick add-ons for pets spending more time outdoors. Gingr makes it easy to attach these add-ons during the booking process, so your staff can boost revenue without slowing down check-in. Since grooming tends to bring in high margins, even a modest increase in services can significantly improve your bottom line.

4. Get Your Space and Systems Summer-Ready

More bookings mean more foot traffic, more barking, and a lot more potential for things to go off the rails. Take time now to walk through your facility as if you’re a first-time customer. Is the lobby easy to navigate? Are feeding stations and supplies organized? Is it clear who’s doing what?

Don’t just clean—optimize. Schedule a maintenance day to address any wear-and-tear, restock essentials, and prep your spaces for a high volume of pets. This is also a great time to streamline your operational tools. Gingr’s digital whiteboard and pet profiles can help you reduce chaos and eliminate miscommunication—keeping your team aligned and your pets safe.

5. Set It and Forget It (With Automations)

When the phones are ringing off the hook, it’s tempting to put customer communication on the back burner. But when you rely on manual reminders and handwritten notes, things slip through the cracks. That’s where automation shines.

Using pet-care management software, you can schedule automatic email or SMS reminders for reservations, vaccination deadlines, and payments. Want to keep pet parents engaged post-visit? Set up a “thank you” message with a feedback link or coupon for their next visit. These small touches build loyalty and trust—and they happen in the background while your team focuses on care.

6. Implement Seasonal Pricing

Summer is the perfect time to rethink your pricing strategy. Higher demand can justify premium pricing for high-touch services or peak dates, and it’s better to make those changes before you’re flooded with bookings.

Gingr helps you build these price adjustments directly into your system, eliminating awkward checkout moments and manual overrides. You can also introduce fees for late cancels or checkouts—both common during summer. With a few thoughtful tweaks, you’ll protect your profit margins while continuing to deliver top-tier service.

Thrive this summer by preparing your pet-care business for it now. Whether you're a single-location groomer or a multi-site daycare and boarding operation, these steps will help you face the season with confidence and a game plan.

Ready to take the lead this summer? Book a custom demo of Gingr today!