Why Data Security Matters More Than Ever in 2026 for Pet-Care Businesses

These days, pet-care businesses aren’t just caring for animals. They’re also managing sensitive customer data, processing thousands of digital payments, storing vaccination records, and running fully cloud-based operations.

That shift has created incredible opportunities for growth, but it also comes with responsibility.

Pet parents expect convenience, transparency, and security in our digital age. And as cyber threats grow more sophisticated, protecting your business and your clients’ data isn’t optional. It’s foundational.

Let’s break down why data security matters more than ever and what pet-care operators should look for in a software partner.

Pet-Care Businesses Are Now Digital Businesses

The modern pet-care facility relies on technology for nearly every part of the customer journey:

• Online booking and reservations
• Digital waivers and contracts
• Vaccination record uploads
• Stored payment methods
• Recurring memberships and packages
• Automated emails and SMS communications
• Staff scheduling and payroll tools

In other words, you’re handling personally identifiable information (PII), financial data, and medical records every single day.

If that data is compromised, the consequences can include:

• Financial losses
• Regulatory penalties
• Damage to your reputation
• Loss of pet parent trust

And in a relationship-driven industry like pet care, trust is everything.

Cyber Threats Are Increasing Across Small Businesses

It’s easy to assume that cybercriminals only target large corporations. Unfortunately, that’s not the case.

Small and mid-sized businesses, including pet-care facilities, are increasingly targeted because attackers assume they may have:

• Fewer internal IT resources
• Less formalized security processes
• Outdated or on-premise systems

According to research from IBM and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce: "Approximately 60% of small businesses rank cybersecurity risks such as phishing and ransomware as major concerns. These findings demonstrate that cyber is no longer just a big business issue; small businesses, which often lack the financial resources to recover from a major breach, are increasingly vulnerable."

If you’re still relying on local servers, paper files, or disconnected systems, your risk exposure increases. Modern cloud-based software, when built correctly, significantly reduces those risks.

But not all cloud software is created equal. If you’ve evaluated software for pet-care businesses recently, you’ve likely seen references to SOC compliance in particular. But what does that actually mean?

SOC (System and Organization Controls) reports are independent audits that evaluate how a company manages data security, availability, confidentiality, and privacy.

These audits are conducted by third-party CPA firms and follow strict standards.

Gingr Pet-Care Business Software Is SOC 1 Type II and SOC 2 Type II Compliant

Gingr has maintained SOC 2 Type II compliance since 2023 and is also SOC 1 Type II compliant, a distinction that reflects ongoing commitment to operational integrity and security controls.

This isn’t a one-time checkbox. Type II compliance means controls aren’t just documented, they’re tested over time. Auditors verify that security processes are consistently followed and effective.

For pet-care businesses, that translates to:

• Verified data protection practices
• Controlled access to sensitive systems
• Secure payment processing workflows
• Ongoing monitoring of infrastructure
• Formalized internal security policies

In short: Independent validation that your software partner takes security seriously.

In an industry where software is powering your reservations, payments, and customer communication, that level of oversight matters.

Why This Matters Specifically for Pet-Care Operators

Let’s make it practical.

Your software likely stores:

• Pet parent names, addresses, and phone numbers
• Emergency contacts
• Credit card details
• Vaccination documentation
• Behavioral notes and health information
• Signed contracts and liability waivers

A breach doesn’t just affect your database. It impacts families and their pets.

And beyond external threats, strong security controls protect against internal risks as well:

• Role-based permissions prevent unauthorized staff access
• Activity tracking improves accountability
• Encrypted systems reduce exposure

When you partner with a SOC-compliant provider like Gingr, you’re building your operations on infrastructure designed to reduce risk from every angle.

Cloud-Based Security vs. On-Premise Systems

Many pet-care facilities started with local software or server-based systems years ago. In 2026, that approach presents challenges:

• Physical hardware failures
• Manual backups
• Limited disaster recovery options
• Inconsistent software updates

Modern, fully cloud-based platforms eliminate many of these vulnerabilities.

Gingr is 100% cloud-based, meaning:

• No on-site server maintenance
• Automatic updates and security patches
• High system reliability (99.998% uptime)
• Infrastructure investments that scale with your growth

That’s especially important during peak seasons, when downtime or payment processing issues can directly impact revenue.

Security Impacts Revenue and Reputation

Data security helps avoid risks, of course, but it's also a key factor to business growth.

When pet parents trust your systems, they’re more likely to:

• Store cards on file
• Enroll in recurring memberships
• Book online
• Use your mobile app
• Upload vaccination records directly

Trust increases adoption of digital tools. Adoption increases efficiency. Efficiency increases revenue.

Gingr supports over 5,000 pet-care facilities with a 99% retention rate , a testament to the reliability and confidence operators place in the platform.

Security is part of that trust equation.

Questions Every Pet-Care Business Should Ask About Software Security

If you’re evaluating your current system—or considering a switch—here are smart questions to ask:

1. Is the software SOC 2 Type II compliant?
2. Is compliance independently audited?
3. How is payment data secured?
4. What access controls exist for staff permissions?
5. How often are systems monitored and tested?
6. What is the disaster recovery process?
7. Is the platform fully cloud-based?

If your provider can’t clearly answer these, that’s a signal to dig deeper.

In 2026, professional pet-care businesses aren’t just judged on how clean their facilities are or how happy the dogs look on Instagram.

They’re judged on:

• How easy booking is
• How smooth checkout feels
• How quickly communication happens
• How confidently customers can trust your systems

Data security underpins all of it.

Protect Your Business. Protect Your Pack.

Your reputation took years to build. Your software should help protect it.

As cyber risks grow and customer expectations evolve, choosing a secure, compliant, cloud-based platform is essential.

Ready to partner with a platform that prioritizes both growth and protection? Book a demo today and see how Gingr helps you operate with confidence, securely, efficiently, and built for the future.