If you own a pet daycare, you’re likely always on the lookout for ways to stabilize revenue and encourage repeat business. Enter memberships—a powerful tool that’s transforming how pet daycares do business. Memberships aren’t just for gyms and subscription boxes; they offer pet daycares predictable income, foster loyalty, and simplify day-to-day operations.

In this guide, we’ll explore why memberships are effective, discuss the best membership models, and how pet-care software makes managing memberships easy.

What Are Pet Daycare Memberships?

Two dogs play outsidePet daycare memberships are subscription plans in which pet parents pay a regular fee—whether monthly, quarterly, or annually—in exchange for daycare services and additional perks. These memberships differ from traditional pay-per-visit models by providing consistent access to services while offering exclusive benefits. For pet daycare owners, memberships are incredibly effective because they generate predictable revenue, foster customer loyalty, and simplify operations.

Predictable revenue means that with recurring payments coming in, you can forecast income with greater accuracy. This not only makes budgeting easier but also helps with long-term business planning. Memberships also create a sense of belonging among pet parents, turning occasional visitors into loyal customers who feel more connected to your brand. Finally, recurring bookings and automated payments reduce administrative tasks, giving you more time to focus on what truly matters—providing the best care for pets.

Best Membership Models for Pet Daycares

Choosing the right membership model can significantly impact your business’s growth. There are several effective models to consider, each offering unique benefits tailored to different customer needs.

Flat Monthly Memberships:

In this model, pet parents pay a set monthly fee for unlimited or a specific number of daycare visits. This model is ideal for regular customers who bring their pets frequently, offering them convenience and cost savings while providing your business with a steady income. For example, a daycare might charge $200 per month for unlimited visits, ensuring a reliable revenue stream.

Tiered Memberships:

A tiered model provides multiple levels of service—often labeled as Bronze, Silver, and Gold—each offering different benefits. This model gives customers flexibility based on their needs and budgets. A Bronze tier might include eight visits a month for $100, while Silver offers twelve visits plus a free grooming session for $150. The Gold tier could provide unlimited visits, priority booking, and additional perks for $250. This structure allows pet parents to choose the plan that best fits their lifestyle while encouraging them to upgrade for added benefits.

Prepaid Packages with Perks:

This structure involves customers paying upfront for a bundle of services, often at a discounted rate. This model is perfect for pet parents who prefer flexibility but still want to save money. For instance, buying ten daycare visits for $180 instead of the regular $200 might come with a free bath, adding value and incentivizing bulk purchases.

Hybrid Models:

Lastly, hybrid models combine daycare with other services like grooming or training. These are excellent for businesses offering multiple services and looking to cross-sell. A hybrid membership might cost $300 per month and include unlimited daycare, one grooming session, and access to monthly training sessions. This not only boosts revenue across services but also provides comprehensive care options for pet parents.

What to Include in Your Pet Daycare Memberships

A dog sets it's paws on a counterTo make your memberships irresistible to pet parents, you’ll want to pack them with value. Here’s what to include, from the essentials to fun add-ins that showcase your business's unique personality:

Core Inclusions:

  • Daycare Visits: Set limits or offer unlimited access, depending on the tier.
  • Priority Booking: Give members first dibs on peak season spots.
  • Discounted Rates: Offer lower prices on additional services like grooming or training.

Perks That Add Value:

  • Free Grooming Sessions: A monthly bath or grooming session sweetens the deal.
  • Exclusive Events: Access to members-only dog socials, training workshops, or seasonal events.
  • Loyalty Rewards: Offer a free month after 12 months of continuous membership.
  • Free A La Carte Items: Does your daycare sell items like frozen Kong treats or pup cups? If so, offer members the option to redeem a set number each month for free.

Pricing Strategies for Membership Tiers

Getting your pricing right is crucial for both profitability and customer satisfaction. Here’s how to approach setting up your membership pricing for a successful launch:

  • Understand Your Costs: Factor in overhead, staffing, and supplies to ensure each membership tier remains profitable.
  • Know Your Market: Research competitors in your area to see what they’re offering and at what price points.
  • Offer Flexible Options: Provide monthly, quarterly, or yearly subscriptions to suit different customer needs.
  • Incentivize Long-Term Commitments: Offer discounts for customers who commit to longer periods, like 10% off for annual memberships.
  • Trial Periods or Introductory Discounts: Attract new customers with a discounted first month or trial package.

Simplify Membership Management with Pet-Care Software

Gingr MembershipsManaging memberships manually can get complicated quickly, giving you unneeded stress and admin work. That’s where Gingr steps in to save the day with easy setup, automated billing, and membership promotion tools. Let's take a closer look:  

  • Automated Billing and Renewals: Say goodbye to chasing payments. Gingr’s membership feature handles billing automatically, ensuring you never miss a payment.
  • Customizable Membership Tiers: Tailor membership plans to fit your business model, whether it’s unlimited daycare or hybrid packages.
  • Self-Service Portals for Pet Parents: Customers can manage their bookings and payments and even update pet information online, reducing your admin workload.
  • Multi-Location Support: Whether you have one daycare location or twenty, Gingr makes managing memberships easy. Our tools allow pet parents to use their membership at any of your locations.
  • Marketing Tools: Promote memberships using built-in email campaigns, SMS reminders, and loyalty programs to keep your customers engaged and coming back.

Memberships are more than just a revenue tool—they’re a way to build lasting relationships with your customers while streamlining your operations. By offering flexible, value-packed membership plans, you’ll foster loyalty and keep your daycare’s tail wagging with success.

Steady income, happy pets. Unlock the power of memberships with Gingr: book a demo today!