Comparison
PackRunHQ vs Gingr
Gingr is a full platform for established boarding kennels, daycares and grooming salons. PackRunHQ is newer and smaller. It is built for independent owners who want off the spreadsheet without paying for features they won't use yet.
By Travis Barlow, founder of PackRunHQ. Gingr prices and features from gingrapp.com/pricing, checked . Prices change, so check theirs before you decide.
Is PackRunHQ a good Gingr alternative?
PackRunHQ is a good Gingr alternative if you run a small independent facility, care for up to 50 dogs and want to start free in Canadian dollars. Gingr is the safer pick if you need card payments, a mobile app or several locations today.
Gingr is a better fit if
- You need online card payments and a mobile app today
- You run several locations and want enterprise pricing
- You want 80+ built-in reports and marketing tools
PackRunHQ is a better fit if
- You care for up to 50 dogs and price matters
- You're in Canada and want to pay in CAD
- You want a free plan to try with your real week before paying
- You want expired shots caught at check-in, with the override logged
How do PackRunHQ and Gingr compare, feature by feature?
The table below lists what each one offers today. Where Gingr doesn't say, we wrote "Ask Gingr".
Swipe the table sideways to see both columns.
| PackRunHQ | Gingr | |
|---|---|---|
| Boarding price | Free for up to 5 dogs, then $49, $79 or $99 CAD a month by number of dogs | Stay plan US$179 a month with Gingr payments, US$209 without (US$154 / US$179 billed annually) |
| Daycare price | Same plans: daycare and boarding are included together | Play plan US$169 a month (US$142 billed annually) |
| Grooming or training only | Same plans | Spa plan US$109 a month (US$100 billed annually) |
| Free plan | Yes, Puppy plan: up to 5 dogs, no card | None listed |
| Currency | Canadian dollars | US dollars |
| Vaccine check at check-in | Flags missing or expired vaccines at check-in; staff override needs a reason and is logged | PreCheck self-service check-in, listed on every plan |
| Online card payments | Not yet (coming soon). Record cash, e-Transfer and cheque against invoices | Yes, Integrated Payments |
| Pet parent booking | Booking page and portal with your name and prices; you approve each request | Customer portal and mobile app |
| Data import | Send a CSV or spreadsheet and we import clients, pets and vaccines, free for founding facilities | Onboarding included; ask Gingr what's imported |
| Two-step verification | Required on every account | Ask Gingr |
What would a 30-dog boarding and daycare facility pay?
A facility with 30 active dogs, offering boarding and daycare, would be on PackRunHQ Best Friend. Here is what each plan costs at list price.
| Plan | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|
| PackRunHQ Best Friend (up to 50 dogs), billed monthly | CA$79 | CA$948 |
| PackRunHQ Best Friend, billed annually | about CA$66 | CA$790 |
| PackRunHQ Best Friend, founding facility (30% off) | CA$55.30 | CA$663.60 |
| Gingr Stay (boarding), without Gingr payments | US$209 | US$2,508 |
| Gingr Stay, with Gingr payments | US$179 | US$2,148 |
| Gingr Stay, billed annually | US$154 to US$179 | US$1,848 to US$2,148 |
- Gingr picks the plan by service, so any facility with overnight stays is on Stay. Daycare-only is Play at US$169 a month.
- PackRunHQ picks the plan by the number of active dogs. Boarding, daycare and grooming are on every plan.
- Prices are in different currencies, so we haven't converted them. Check today's exchange rate.
What doesn't PackRunHQ do yet?
PackRunHQ is new, so a few things Gingr customers may rely on are not built yet. We list them so you don't find out after you switch.
- Online card payments. You record cash, e-Transfer and cheque payments by hand for now.
- Online waivers that pet parents sign in the portal.
- Text message reminders. Reminders go out by email.
- An app in the app stores. PackRunHQ runs in the browser on a phone, tablet or computer.
- A track record. PackRunHQ launched in 2026 and has no public reviews yet.
When one of these ships, it goes on What's new with the date.
How do I switch from Gingr to PackRunHQ?
Most facilities can switch in four steps.
- Export your clients, pets and vaccine records from Gingr as a CSV or spreadsheet.
- Send the file to support@packrunhq.com. Founding facilities get the import for free.
- Set your required vaccines, kennels and price list in Settings.
- Run one real week in PackRunHQ next to Gingr before you cancel anything.
What should I ask before I switch?
Ask any vendor these questions, us included.
- Which plan covers boarding, daycare and grooming together, and what does that cost each month?
- Does the price change if I don't use your card processing?
- What happens at check-in when a dog's Rabies or Bordetella has expired?
- Will you import my clients, pets and vaccine records, and is that free?
The full checklist is in our guide to choosing dog boarding software. You can also read PackRunHQ vs Paw Partner.