Hi, how can we help?
Getting Started
Product & Services
Payment & Fees
Account Settings
Privacy & Security
Other Questions
Team Viewer
FAQ
Frequently Ask Questions
I currently have a small cattery, but we plan to expand. Is DCA Kennelworks suitable for me?
Members of our user family range from businesses accommodating 20 pets, using one computer, to multi acre businesses accommodating over 600 Dogs and Cats, using a network of 10 computers. DCA Kennelworks Is the ideal system to manage any size and any type of Pet Boarding business.
You would be hard pressed to find another Pet Boarding industry solution quite like this. From humble beginnings in 1992, DCA Kennelworks has evolved over 32 years.
If we sound proud of our software, well, that’s because we really are!
Simply put – IT WORKS!
Will DCA Kennelworks work on a network?
Yes. However, a separate licence is required for each workstation or file server on which the application is to be used
Will DCA Kennelworks allow us to care for different species of animals?
Yes. Some users accommodate only dogs or only cats, some have mixed Kennels and Catteries, and some accommodate exotic birds, fish, horses, and even snakes.
Setup costs sound expensive. Can I install and configure DCA Kennelworks myself?
No. The correct configuration of DCA Kennelworks is critical to avoid issues, especially during peak periods like Xmas, Easter and school holidays. It’s not a huge cost, but this is one item where you seriously do not want to cut corners.
Pre-existing customer, pet and booking data exist in many different formats, and such data nearly always needs to be imported for immediate use within DCA Kennelworks.
We have a great deal of experience in manipulating, cleansing, and importing data from many different formats to get you going in the shortest possible time. There is no ‘universal importer’ which can do the job cleanly and without problems.
Configuration of accommodation structures, pens, pricelists, discount structures, vet lists, pickup and delivery zones and charges etc can become complex. Support to accomplish these initial tasks correctly is essential to avoid issues later.
The data conversion, system installation and configuration process can take anywhere from 2 to 5 days to complete, dependant on complexity. Training is also provided as part of this process.
Is DCA Kennelworks hard to use?
No. Once the system is correctly installed and configured, day to day operation could not be easier for nearly all skill levels.
Most users are non-technical, and don’t want to struggle to learn a complex system. DCA Kennelworks has evolved over the last 30 years, shaped by Kennel and Cattery owners who have had, and who continue to have, extensive input into the operation of the system. The system works well, and we try hard to keep our users happy.
Can DCA Kennelworks be customised for my business?
Yes. Some options like invoices, booking confirmation headers, customer agreements, pen sheets etc are routinely customised* as part of the initial system configuration process. Additional system customisations or reports and data analyses and extracts are possible. These are quoted as a separate development item. (*Some limitations apply)
Generally, no, unless specifically arranged. We support sites all around Australia and are expanding into New Zealand. We use the industry leading TeamViewer remote support software (free for you to download, and safe to use) to provide timely support wherever you may be located, providing you have a working, stable broadband internet connection available.
Periodic interstate visits are planned occasionally to run education seminars and address specific needs.
Besides, we LOVE to meet our users.
Are there ongoing costs for using DCA Kennelworks?
To maximise affordability, we have recently introduced a new cost structure per workstation or network server.
The cost of a new DCA Kennelworks licence is $75 per month per PC and INCLUDES CRITICAL After Hours and non-critical STANDARD support (inclusion of customised reports or nonstandard requirements billed separately). A minimum subscription period of 12 months applies, payable on commencement. If you prefer, there are other billing options with a one-time payment plus support. However, the new low-cost subscription model, which INCLUDES support, has proven to be a popular and a highly cost-effective option.
DCA Kennelworks requires a current Microsoft 365 licence on each computer. Subscription licences for MS Office 365 are inexpensive (around $130 pa for 6 Devices), obtainable from Officeworks, JB HiFi, and most other software resellers.
You likely already have this software installed.
The life cycle of DCA Kennelworks is dependent on the life cycle of Microsoft 365. When Microsoft ‘sunsets’ (no longer supports) old versions of their products, it’s time to update DCA Kennelworks as well.
The initial data import, configuration, and installation can be complex and can take a little time. Of course, training via TeamViewer is included as well. A very reasonable one-off fee for this service is charged up front with the initial licence fee.
Is DCA Kennelworks an accounting program?
There is some functional overlap between DCA Kennelworks and your favourite accounting software like MYOB, Xero, Quickbooks, Reckon One, Sage etc. However, DCA Kennelworks is NOT designed to be an accounting program. It is a comprehensive, specialised, yet very easy to use ANIMAL BOARDING MANAGEMENT database system specifically designed to support the day-to-day operation of your Boarding Kennels and Cattery.
You do NOT need to be a ‘Computer Whiz’ to use this application. Most of our users are non-techie folks.
DCA Kennelworks produces documents like Invoices, Booking Confirmations, Customer agreements etc, as well as managing payments, receipts, and debtors, and tracking GST collected. This data can then easily be extracted in reports for provision to your accountant to produce your BAS or annual returns.
Of course, it manages and supports the other aspects of running a Pet Boarding business as well, like bookings, room allocations etc
Can DCA Kennelworks support Council, DHS or ATO data requirements?
Councils LOVE (or LOATHE) this system because it can produce comprehensive data to support demands for information or disprove assertions councils sometimes make. Kennel owners can prove and validate their perspective surrounding a dispute or a council issue with minimal trouble.
The ATO has reacted very favourably to the comprehensive and detailed records maintained by DCA Kennelworks, enabling businesses to answer tax related questions quickly, accurately and with minimal effort.
During the Covid pandemic, DCA Kennelworks came to the rescue of more than a few Job Keeper applicants who needed to prove the drop in turnover due to the crisis. The loss of business was quick and easy to demonstrate, resulting in much faster approval of Job Keeper applications.
Can I use DCA Kennelworks over the Internet?
For ease of management and backup, or if you have an intermittent or poor-quality internet connection, DCA Kennelworks does not rely on the internet for its daily operation (except for sending confirmations, invoices, or Terms & Conditions via email). This all happens locally from your desktop or laptop computer.
Having said this, YES – we are able to run DCA Kennelworks in the cloud. There are additional hosting costs associated, but it IS an option if desired.
However, if you simply wish to access your database remotely, for example when you are away on holiday, remote access is possible using a similar method to that used to support your system remotely.
We work weekends. Is after hours support available?
Yes. Priority support for CRITICAL issues is available. Non-critical issues are generally reviewed on the next business day.
Why Choose Us
Your DCA Kennelworks Guides the Way.
At DCA Kennelworks, we offer top-notch facilities, personalized care, and a dedicated support team to ensure your pets’ well-being and happiness.
Customer & Pet Management
Store unlimited, detailed customer and pet records including booking history and notes, medical and vaccination records, financial transactions and more.
System, Security and Other Features
Automatic Backup, high availability cloud servers, unlimited users and user groups – each user can be logged in multiple times.Data security is critical. We work with you to ensure that access to your data is controlled, and that your data is securely backed up.
Data-Driven Insights
checkins/checkouts, in house, dietary, medical, booking deposits, taxi pickups/dropoffs, moving today, financial, customer types and more
24/7 Premium Customer Support
Extensive Reporting – manage customers, pets, arrivals, departures, workflow planning, invoicing and payments, Pet Taxi services and so much more.
Discover all the Features and Benefits Dca Kennelworks Kennel Software Can Bring to Your Business
Off-site (remote) support and telephone support are available to get you going Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm AEST.
Reasonable use of initial and ongoing support services applies.
Remote Acess Available via TeamViewer www.teamviewer.com