Trusthound vs spreadsheets and WhatsApp
Running a dog business on spreadsheets and WhatsApp works, until it doesn't. A fair look at the trade-offs, data protection and when to switch.
Plenty of good dog businesses run on a spreadsheet, a calendar and WhatsApp. It's free and familiar. The costs show up as you grow: chasing payments, scattered records, and clients' details sitting in group chats on personal phones.
As of 20 October 2026. Prices and features change, so check each provider's website for the latest.
Trusthound compared with spreadsheets and WhatsApp
| What we compared | Trusthound | spreadsheets and WhatsApp |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | From €18 a month, plus VAT | Free, or close to it |
| Bookings | Recurring schedules, capacity limits and client requests | Typed into a calendar or sheet by hand |
| Getting paid | Invoices paid by card or SEPA Direct Debit, with automatic reminders | Bank transfers and cash, chased by message |
| Records | Dated, attributed care logs and an inspection pack PDF | Whatever you remember to write down |
| Clients' data | In one secure place, with export and deletion tools | Spread across sheets, chats and personal phonesSource (spreadsheets and WhatsApp, (opens in a new tab)) |
| Messages | Private threads and announcements in your branded app; members never see each other's numbers | Group chats share everyone's phone number with everyone |
Checked 20 October 2026
Data protection still applies
The UK Information Commissioner's Office recommends that organisations strictly control or prohibit using messaging apps such as WhatsApp to share personal information, and says a business using WhatsApp for business purposes is the controller of that information.
WhatsApp Business puts the responsibility on you
WhatsApp's business terms say the business must secure the rights and consents it needs to message customers, and that working out its legal obligations is its own responsibility.
Records are hard to prove later
A note in a chat or a cell in a sheet doesn't show who wrote it or when it changed. Licence inspections and insurance claims tend to need both.
spreadsheets and WhatsApp may suit you better if…
- you have a handful of regular clients and you're happy chasing payments
- you don't need licence records
- you'd rather not pay for software yet
Trusthound may suit you better if…
- you're spending evenings on admin
- you want clients to pay on time without chasing
- you need records you can stand behind
Every product here is used by real dog businesses, and the right choice depends on yours. If anything about another company is out of date or wrong, email woof@trusthoundapp.com and we'll fix it quickly.
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