The verdict for dog trainers: Vagaro is solid software, but at $50/month it costs $2,013 over 3 years. Nexa does most of what Vagaro does for $279 once. For solo dog trainers and small teams, Nexa is the better deal.
Nexa: $279. Once. You keep $1,734. And you own it — no more "we're updating our pricing" emails.
| Feature | Vagaro | Nexa |
|---|---|---|
| Invoicing | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scheduling | ✗ | ✓ |
| CRM | ✗ | ✓ |
| Time Tracking | ✗ | ✓ |
| Full Accounting | ✗ | ✓ (SIMPL) |
| Task Management | ✗ | ✓ |
| Price | $50/mo | $279 once or 3 × $99 |
| 3-Year Total | $2,013 | $279 |
| You own it? | No — stop paying, lose access | Yes — forever |
Vagaro plus whatever else you're paying for:
Email yourself this comparison?
The math doesn't lie.
Dog Trainers deal with unique challenges that generic software was not built for: Managing session packages (6-week programs, board-and-train timelines). Clients not doing homework between sessions — slowing progress and creating frustration. Tracking behavioral notes and progress per dog across weeks of training. Scheduling private sessions, group classes, and board-and-train simultaneously. Vagaro charges $50/month on top of these daily realities. The median dog trainer earns $40,000/year — $600/year in software subscriptions is a significant percentage of that income, paid every year, forever.
Nexa is $279 once. Invoicing, scheduling, CRM, time tracking, accounting — all connected, built for dog trainers. You own it like you own your Training leashes, long lines, and slip leads.
You have 4 private sessions and a group class today. Your 10am is a reactive dog — you need to review last week's notes before the owner arrives. Your 2pm is session 4 of a 6-pack and the dog hasn't improved because the owner isn't practicing. Your group class at 5pm has 8 dogs and you need to track progress for each one. You're using Acuity for scheduling, a Google Doc for training notes, and Venmo for payment. The group class payments are a mess — some paid for 6 weeks upfront, some pay per class.
Real dog trainers near you who run their business on Nexa — book directly, no platform fee. Are you a dog trainer? Post your business and get found in your area — $2.99 one-time. Or browse every dog trainer on Nexa →
For solo dog trainers and small teams, yes. invoicing, scheduling, CRM, time tracking, task management, and full accounting — all for $279 once. Vagaro may be better if you have a large team (10+) or need enterprise-specific features.
Vagaro has features like Affordable for salon/spa industry and Online booking marketplace that some businesses rely on. For most solo dog trainers, these aren't dealbreakers.
At $50/month, Nexa pays for itself in 5.6 months. After that: $600 saved every year.
Yes. Nexa is $279 as a one-time payment, or 3 payments of $99 ($297 total). Either way it's a one-time purchase — no subscription, no recurring fees ever.
Own your tools. Stop renting your software.
Get Nexa — $279 Once