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AI receptionist for pet groomers
For groomers holding a wet doodle with both arms.
A matted shih tzu is on the table, the high-velocity dryer is roaring and the phone is ringing on the shelf. Tactly answers, asks about the dog and finds a slot.
- TactlyHi, you've reached Suds and Shears Grooming. I'm the virtual assistant, and this call may be recorded. How can I help?
- CallerHi, I'm Tamsin. My goldendoodle Biscuit needs a full groom. He's pretty matted around the ears.
- TactlyThanks, Tamsin. Is Biscuit up to date on rabies, and how is he with dryers?
- CallerHe's up to date. He gets a bit nervous.
- Looking up open full groom times
- TactlyMonday at 9:00 am is open, the quieter start of the day. Shall I book Biscuit in?
- Booked: Full groom, Biscuit (goldendoodle, matting, nervous with dryers), Mon 9:00 am
Can an AI receptionist work for pet groomers?
Tactly is an AI receptionist for dog and cat groomers. It answers calls in your salon's name while your hands are full, asks the pet's breed, size, coat condition and temperament, and books grooms, baths and nail trims into open times on your calendar. It answers pricing you choose to share, vaccine rules and drop-off policies from your notes, gives no veterinary advice, and emails you every call.
The problem
Missed calls are missed work.
Grooming is hands-on in the most literal sense. A groomer cannot let go of a dog on the table to answer the phone, and a salon with one or two groomers can go hours without anyone free. Every one of those rings is a client trying to book their dog's next appointment.
Clients rebook on rhythm, every four to eight weeks, and a groomer they cannot reach is a groomer they stop using. New clients are even quicker to move on. A puppy owner looking for a first groom calls a few salons and books with the first one that answers.
Calls it handles
The calls pet groomers get every day.
Rebooking regulars
Returning clients get the next open time for their usual service, and Tactly notes any change, like a shorter cut for summer.
New dogs and cats
Tactly asks breed, weight, coat condition and how the pet does with handling, so you know what is coming before it arrives.
Matting and pricing
Your price ranges and dematting policy are answered from your notes. Anything else becomes a message for the groomer.
Vaccines and drop-off
Required vaccines, pickup windows and late fees are explained exactly as you wrote them.
Setup tips
What to put in your notes.
Tactly answers only from what you tell it. These are the lines that matter most for pet groomers.
- Write your price ranges by size and coat type, and the extra charge for matting if you want callers to hear it.
- Block longer calendar slots for doodles and double-coated breeds, so Tactly never squeezes them into a bath slot.
- List the vaccines you require and say that a pet missing them can still book once records arrive.
Plans for pet groomers
Starter
$49/mo
For a solo owner who mostly needs the missed calls covered.
- 100 AI-answered minutes a month
- Then $0.35 a minute
- Every feature included
- Most popular
Pro
$99/mo
For a busy shop that wants nights, weekends and lunch rushes handled.
- 250 AI-answered minutes a month
- Then $0.29 a minute
- Every feature included
Growth
$199/mo
For a team that sends a large share of its calls to the receptionist.
- 600 AI-answered minutes a month
- Then $0.25 a minute
- Every feature included
FAQ
Questions, answered
Can Tactly tell what size slot a dog needs?
It asks breed, size and coat condition, then books into the service and slot length you defined for that kind of groom.
Will it tell a caller whether their dog's skin issue is serious?
No. It gives no veterinary advice and suggests the caller check with their vet.
Can it handle cat grooming calls too?
Yes, if you groom cats. Write your cat services and any rules, such as sedation not being offered, in your notes.
Will clients still use my salon number?
Yes. Forward the calls you do not answer to your Tactly number, and nobody needs to learn a new one.
Stop sending callers to voicemail.
Set up your receptionist, make a free test call from your own phone, and switch it on when it sounds right.