📝 Overview
Thinking about switching from Desktop to Cloud? This article explains how the move works, what is different, what data can and cannot migrate, and the first actions to take so your team can log in, book, and check out with confidence.
🖥️ Desktop and Could Are Separate Products
DaySmart Pet Desktop and DaySmart Pet Cloud are two different products, not two ways of viewing the same account. They run on separate software, separate logins, separate databases, and separate subscriptions. Having one does not give you access to the other.
| Desktop | Cloud |
Where it runs | Installed on a Windows computer or server | Any browser, plus the mobile app |
What it needs | SQL Server installed and configured | An internet connection |
Getting set up | Contact support before installing | Log in at cloud.daysmartpet.com |
Desktop requires SQL Server, and a first-time installation has to be completed with our support team. See the article below before setting up Desktop on a new computer.
⚠️Please Note:
Moving between the two goes one direction only. We convert Desktop data to Cloud during a migration. We do not convert Cloud data back to Desktop.
🔎 Is Cloud Right for My Business?
Use these guidelines to decide whether Cloud aligns with your operations.
✅ Cloud is a good fit if you:
Want to log in from any device without a local server or remote desktop
Prefer automatic backups, regular updates, and not managing software installs
Focus on day-to-day scheduling, client management, and checkout
Run basic payroll outside of your scheduling software
Do not rely on advanced or custom reports or purchase-order tools
Are open to different, simpler workflows for a cleaner experience
Understand the move is one way and Cloud and Desktop work differently by design
❌ Cloud may not be the best fit if you:
Depend on highly customized reports, complex payroll rules, or purchase orders
Need deep accounting inside the software such as general ledger or P&L
Require tight cross-location reporting that mirrors your Desktop setup
📋 Cloud Fit Check
🧰 Access & Setup
I want to access my software from anywhere, on any device.
I do not want to rely on a local computer, server, or remote desktop.
Automatic backups and updates matter more than full system control.
🗓️ Daily Use
Scheduling, clients, and checkout are my primary needs.
I do not rely on advanced or highly customized reports.
I am okay using other tools for accounting, payroll, or marketing.
📊 Payroll & Reporting
I already run payroll outside of DaySmart Pet.
I do not need salary payroll, deductions, complex commissions, or payroll reports in the system.
I do not rely on P&L, general ledger, or custom reports in the software.
📦 Inventory & Products
Purchase orders, barcode scanning, and reorder alerts are not critical to my workflow.
I can manage inventory manually or with another system if needed.
🏢 Business Structure
I operate a single location, or multiple locations without shared roll-up reporting.
My team size per location is manageable.
🔁 Change Tolerance
I understand Cloud works differently than Desktop.
I am comfortable giving up some advanced features for simplicity and flexibility.
I am okay with a one-way move and cannot switch back to Desktop later.
🎯 Your Results
Mostly checked: Cloud is likely a good fit.
Some checked: Cloud may work, but expect tradeoffs.
Few checked: Desktop is probably the better fit right now.
🧭 The Process
Learn how your data moves and when you can start using Cloud.
Data-grab appointment
Our onboarding team remotely connects to your server and captures a full database backup at your scheduled time.Data conversion and import
We convert your backup for Cloud and import it into your new account. This can take up to 24 business hours. You will receive an email when it is complete with login details and setup tips.Onboarding call (optional)
If scheduled, meet with your Onboarding Manager for training and Q&A.Desktop access window
After we extract your data, your Desktop subscription is canceled. You can keep using Desktop until the end of your current billing period.
⚙️ Platform Differences
Review what changes when you move from Desktop to Cloud so you can plan before switching.
🌤️ What Cloud Introduces
Access from anywhere. Log in on unlimited devices from a browser or the mobile app.
Modern, intuitive interface. Easier to navigate and learn.
No server dependency. Not tied to a local server or single workstation.
Automatic data backups. If a computer fails, sign in on another device.
Online forms. Collect client information digitally.
Integrated payments with surcharging. Use Stripe for processing and surcharges where allowed.
Boarding and daycare tools. Optional built-in modules.
Promotions. Run promos directly in the system.
Ongoing updates. Frequent enhancements and fixes.
🔄 Changes to Expect
🗄️ Database
Stored online versus locally on your physical server
Limited export and import availability on the customer end
🪙 Payroll
No Salary, Deductions, Check Printing, Adjustments, or Dual Commission.
📑 Invoices & Quotes
Not available.
📦 Product Ordering
No Purchase Orders, barcode label printing, or data collector tools.
🧰 Products & Services
Individual pre-paid services cannot be sold. Use Packages.
No Drop Off Window option.
No mass updates for products or services.
Backbar Client must be added manually.
🧮 Accounting
No general ledger or P&L reporting.
Limited to Expenses and Income entries.
🎁 Gift Certificates
Not available. Use Gift Cards.
📊 Reporting
No customizable client report or custom report builder.
Overall reporting is reduced compared to Desktop.
🏅 Loyalty Points
Per-Service/Product is not available.
📆 Appointment Book / Tickets
Daily ticket printouts are not available.
Color codes apply to Service and Appointment Type only.
🛒 Checking Out
Checkout flow is different.
🧾 Receipt Customization
Receipt customization is limited, including logo options.
📣 Messaging & Marketing
You cannot force-send reminders or re-send a reminder that already went out.
Individual texts require 2-way messaging from the inbox.
Fewer segmentation options for campaigns.
📤 What Moves During Migration
Understand which records transfer to Cloud and which do not.
✅ Data we can move from Desktop to Cloud:
Clients
Pets
Employees
Appointments (excludes boarding)
Products and services
Purchase history
Vaccines
❌ Data we cannot move:
Boarding appointments
Payroll
Pictures and documents
Marketing materials
Memberships
Gift certificates
Reports
Settings
🖥️ Desktop Access After Migration
Know what happens to your Desktop software once your Cloud account is ready.
After we import your data into Cloud, we cancel your Desktop subscription.
You can still use Desktop until the end of your current billing period.
A copy of your database remains on your server for your records, and you are responsible for maintaining and securing it.
🚀 First Steps After Migration
Start here to get everyone into the cloud version and moving. Use the Quick Start Guide for the full setup flow.
🔔 Heads-up: For complete, step-by-step setup with visuals and best practices, open the Quick Start Guide for DaySmart Pet and follow the tasks in order.
Log In to Your New Account
Visit cloud.daysmartpet.com and sign in using your usual credentials.
Forgot your password? No problem! Simply click here and enter your login email to receive a password reset link.
Your employee profiles have already been imported, but each team member will need to activate their account before they can log in or appear on your appointment book.
To send activation emails:
Go to Employees → Profile → Employment Setup → Activate
Click Send Activation Email
Start Booking Appointments
Ready to get back to business? Learn how to book, edit, or cancel appointments in the new system with our step-by-step guide:
Managing Appointments
Check Out Customers
Processing sales and payments is easier than ever. Follow this guide to learn how to check out customers in the new cloud version: Checking Out
Need Help? We’ve Got You Covered
We know transitions can bring up questions - and we’re here to help every step of the way.
Visit our New Customer Resource Hub to find tutorials, FAQs, and best practices for getting the most out of your new cloud software.
Contact Support:
💬 Chat: Use the widget on daysmart.com/pet
📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Phone: (734) 577-7804
❓Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Find answers to common questions or additional details that may not be covered in the main instructions.
Will my Desktop data change after the data-grab?
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No. We copy your data during the data-grab. You will continue to have Desktop access until your billing period ends.
How long does conversion take?
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Many imports complete within 24 business hours after the data-grab. We email you as soon as your Cloud account is ready.
Can you move past appointments and purchase history?
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No. Those records do not transfer to Cloud. Keep your Desktop database on your server for historical reference.
Do I need an onboarding call?
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It is optional but recommended. The session speeds up setup and reduces training time.
What if I rely on a feature Cloud does not have yet?
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Review the Platform Differences section carefully. If a missing feature is critical, plan your timing accordingly or adjust workflows before switching.
Is there an app I can use instead of a browser?
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Yes. DaySmart Pet Cloud has a free mobile app for iPhone and Android. See the Quick Start Guide for DaySmart Pet - Mobile App to download it and log in.
Can I use Desktop if I have a Cloud account?
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No. Desktop and Cloud are separate products with separate subscriptions. A Cloud account does not include Desktop access. If Desktop is a better fit for your business, contact support to talk through your options.
Can you move my Cloud data to Desktop?
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No. We only convert data in one direction, from Desktop to Cloud. There is no Cloud to Desktop conversion.
What do I need to run Desktop?
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A Windows computer or server with SQL Server installed. SQL Server has to be set up with help from our support team the first time, and SQL 2019 requires Windows 11 Pro. See Installing SQL Server for details.
