Launching a veterinary clinic is both exciting and overwhelming. From choosing the right location to finalizing your business model, the to-do list can feel endless. One of the most important early decisions you’ll make is selecting a practice information management software (PIMS). The right veterinary software impacts nearly every aspect of your clinic—from scheduling and patient records to billing and client communication—and can determine how smoothly your team operates.

With so many options on the market, each offering different features and price points, it can be difficult to know where to begin. Independent start-up clinics in particular have needs that differ from larger chains like VCA or Banfield. Beyond the basics of appointment booking, medical records, and invoicing, you’ll want a cloud veterinary software solution that is intuitive, easy for your team to learn, and integrates seamlessly with tools like your phone system and inventory management.

The right PIMS will streamline your processes, simplify appointment management, and ultimately save your clinic time and money. On the other hand, picking a system that doesn’t fit your needs can create constant headaches—forcing you into clunky, DIY workarounds just to complete basic tasks. As a busy new business owner, the last thing you need is extra frustration slowing you down.

This guide will walk you through the key factors to consider when choosing the best PIMS for startup vet clinics.

What Is Veterinary PIMS (Practice Management Software for Vets)?

Veterinary Practice Information Management Software (PIMS) is a type of practice management software for vets that helps clinics run smoothly day to day. At its most basic, a PIMS handles scheduling, SOAP notes, billing, and client communication—all the essential functions needed to keep a clinic organized.

Traditionally, PIMS were server-based systems used primarily for booking appointments and storing patient records. Today, the best veterinary software solutions are cloud-based, offering greater flexibility, easier access from anywhere, and less time spent on repetitive tasks.

Core features of a modern veterinary PIMS include:

• Appointment scheduling and calendar management
  

• Medical records & SOAP notes
  

• Billing and invoicing
  

• Automated reminders and client communication tools
  
  

But the best systems now go far beyond the basics. Advanced features include:

• Client portals for online booking and payments
  

• SOAP note automation in veterinary PIMS using AI-powered voice dictation
  

• Integrations with diagnostics, imaging, phones, and inventory systems
  
  

In short, the modern veterinary PIMS isn’t just for scheduling and uploading patient records—it’s a central hub that improves efficiency, client satisfaction, and the overall growth of your clinic.

Why Choosing the Best Veterinary Software Matters for Startup Clinics

The veterinary PIMS you choose has a direct impact on your clinic’s efficiency, profitability, and scalability. For startup clinics, this decision is especially critical. New practices often operate with high overhead, limited staff, and multiple competing priorities.

Choosing the wrong practice management system can mean wasted time, missed charges, and steep training curves for your team. But the right veterinary software can help you:

• Reduce missed charges with built-in payment tools
  
  
• Improve client communication with automated reminders and portals
  
  
• Speed up staff training with intuitive, modern workflows
  
  
• Scale as your clinic grows without needing a new system
  

Simply put, selecting the right software for your clinic allows you to focus on patient care and growth, instead of troubleshooting clunky systems.

Cloud Veterinary Software vs. On-Premise Systems: What’s Right for You?

In 2025, the pros of cloud veterinary software far outweigh the downsides of on-premise systems. Cloud-based practice management software gives your clinic scalability, lower upfront costs, secure remote access, and smoother integrations—all essential for growing practices.

On the other hand, on-premise servers come with high installation costs, maintenance headaches, and limited access outside your clinic. It’s no surprise that the majority of leading veterinary PIMS companies now focus on cloud-first platforms.

For startup clinics, the decision here is simple: go with cloud veterinary software.

Must-Have Features in Veterinary Software for Startups

Choosing veterinary practice management software can be overwhelming, especially for startup clinics. While some platforms offer long feature lists, NectarVet focuses on the tools that matter most—features that streamline workflows, save time, and reduce costs—making it a smart choice for growing clinics.

Appointment Scheduling & Client Communication

NectarVet’s scheduling and communication tools let pet owners book appointments after hours, automatically pay deposits, and receive SMS reminders to reduce no-shows. Built-in digital intake forms save staff hours of manual data entry, while unlimited SMS/MMS ensures your team can communicate efficiently without worrying about per-text fees.

Integrated Payments to Reduce Missed Charges

Integrated payment processing is essential for avoiding billing errors. Unlike third-party processors such as PayJunction or ScratchPay, NectarVet’s NectarPay syncs payments directly with medical records. Teams can send remote payment links, build estimates, and set up automated reminders—helping clinics reduce missed charges and improve cash flow.

SOAP Note Automation with NectarNotes

Writing SOAP notes can be repetitive and time-consuming. NectarNotes offers editable templates and AI-powered voice dictation, allowing vets to speak observations directly into the chart. This saves time while maintaining accuracy and completeness in medical records.

AI Tools to Streamline Clinic Operations

NectarVet’s AI features help small teams work smarter, not harder. From automating SOAP notes and generating patient report cards to summarizing client calls and quickly pulling up patient information, these tools reduce administrative burden and allow your team to focus on delivering high-quality care.

Key Integrations to Look For in Veterinary PIMS

The right integrations are just as important as the core features, connecting your PIMS to the tools you rely on every day. Strong integrations save time, reduce errors, and keep workflows seamless. Startup clinics should look for integrations that cover:

• IDEXX – Industry leader in veterinary diagnostics. Direct integration ensures lab orders and results flow instantly into patient records, cutting manual entry.
  
  
• Zoetis – A global animal health provider offering diagnostics and therapeutics. Integration supports faster ordering and more accurate medical record-keeping.
  
  
• Antech – Widely used U.S. diagnostics provider. Automatic result tracking keeps patient files complete and organized.
  
  
• Antech Imaging – Imaging solutions like radiographs and scans feed directly into your PIMS, creating a unified medical history.
  
  
• Twilio – Powers SMS, MMS, and phone features. Enables reminders, two-way messaging, and call logging within your PIMS.
  
  
• Vetcove – Streamlines ordering from multiple vendors. Integration automatically updates inventory levels and reduces errors.
  
  
• Mango Phones – Veterinary phone system that links call logs, voicemails, and links directly to client records for better communication.
  

Together, these integrations cover diagnostics, imaging, communications, and inventory management. For startup clinics, they aren’t just nice-to-have—they’re critical for efficiency, cost savings, and client satisfaction. NectarVet integrates with all of these tools, connecting them with your scheduling, billing, and AI features to streamline every aspect of clinic operations.

Checklist: How to Choose the Best PIMS for Startup Vet Clinics

When comparing different veterinary PIMS, keep this checklist handy to make sure you’re choosing the best veterinary software for your startup clinic:

• Cloud-based (not server-based) for flexibility, scalability, and lower costs

• Easy to use with minimal staff training required

• Appointment scheduling + client portal for online booking and deposits

• Automated reminders (SMS/email) to reduce no-shows

• Unlimited SMS/MMS messaging so you can easily share updates and photos with clients

• Integrated payment processing with remote links and auto-charges

• Built-in estimates and invoicing for transparent client communication

• Digital SOAP notes with templates and AI voice dictation

• AI veterinary software features like smart note-taking, assistants, and report card

• Core integrations with IDEXX, Zoetis, Antech, imaging, phones, and inventory systems

• Transparent pricing with no hidden server or licensing fees

• Scalability so the PIMS grows with your practice

If a system doesn’t check most of these boxes, it’s probably not the right choice for a startup veterinary clinic.

Why NectarVet Is the Best Choice for Startup Clinics

Launching a veterinary clinic is challenging, and choosing the right software can make all the difference. NectarVet was built specifically for new and independent practices, combining intuitive workflows, AI-powered tools, and seamless integrations to save time, capture more revenue, and let your team focus on patient care.

Key Features for Startup Clinics

• Easy to Use – Intuitive workflows mean staff can learn quickly without long training sessions.

• AI Veterinary Software Built In – Tools like NectarNotes (AI SOAP notes), Ask Coco (AI assistant), and automated report cards reduce admin work.

• Integrated Payments with NectarPay – Send remote links, automate charges, and reduce missed payments.

• Seamless Integrations – IDEXX, Zoetis, Antech, imaging, inventory, and phones all connect directly.

The NectarVet Startup Program

To support new clinics, NectarVet offers a New Clinic Program designed to help you launch with confidence:

• 50% Lower Rates – Keep overhead low while you build your client base.

• No Setup or Training Fees – Get up and running in under 15 minutes with white-glove onboarding and 24/7 support.

• Worry-Free Technology – Fully cloud-based, secure, and backed up automatically, so your data is always protected and accessible.

• Community & Expert Access – Join a cohort of startup clinics and learn from veterinary business experts.

With these tools and support, NectarVet helps startup clinics reduce stress, streamline operations, and grow efficiently from day one.

Conclusion

Startup clinics need software that grows with them, not against them. NectarVet provides intuitive workflows, AI-powered tools, seamless integrations, and dedicated startup support—all designed to help your clinic run efficiently from day one. With the New Clinic Program, you can launch faster, save on costs, and access expert guidance whenever you need it.

Take control of your clinic’s success today—book a demo and see why NectarVet is the PIMS built for veterinary startups in 2025.

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AI has vastly expanded the scope of the modern vet. In the treatment office, developments in AI diagnostic tools mean general practitioners are now equipped with the scope of specialist care. More powerful and accessible technologies enable veterinary caregivers to be more proactive about their patient's preventative care. Online software platforms have streamlined workflows and how vets interact with clients and patients. In this article, we’ll look at how AI is reshaping the veterinary industry in the direction of efficiency and customer convenience.

What Are Veterinary AI Products?

Veterinary AI products run the gamut. They include applications to aid in specialized diagnosis, note-taking, predictive and preventative care, and pathology readings to aid in specialized diagnosis, note-taking programs, predictive and preventative care, and pathology readings. These applications can simplify time and labor intensive processes by automating them. Communicating with customers, record keeping, managing inventory and analyzing data can be streamlined with AI.

What Are the Benefits of Veterinary AI Products?

AI can expedite the speed at which veterinary professionals can examine, diagnose, and treat illnesses  For example, radiology AI can now read x-rays and generate written reports automatically.  This benefits vets by saving them time and most importantly it benefits their patients who can receive care more quickly..  As vets and vet managers know, a number of traditionally manual vet functions take up valuable time. This could be anything from waiting for radiology results to come back to carrying out a pathology reading. AI applies code to delegate this work to technologies instead of practitioners. Radiology AI can read X-rays and generate written reports automatically. This saves practices time and labor and expedites the speed at which they can examine, diagnose, and treat illnesses.

What Are Top Veterinary AI Products on the Market?

The market for veterinary AI products is diversifying quickly, with a mix of highly specialized tools and “full-service” products more generalized in their function. Full-service software programs like NectarVet do just that–equip veterinary practices with tools to automate across the board, from diagnosis to inventory management to customer communication. What full-service software qualifies as the top will depend on the needs of a given practice. 

Scribe apps (such as ScribeNote, ScribbleVet, Co.Vet) can now reduce the time it takes to write SOAP notes, and enable vets to move more quickly between patients. Some apps can also provide differentials and other diagnosis to consider based on a patient's symptoms and medical history.

NectarVet uses AI voice dictation to record entire exams or to record quick observations after exams so vets can get their SOAPS done more quickly. It also offers an AI assistant with access to a patient’s records so vets can quickly get up to speed on a patient's medical history.

AI monitoring devices like “smart collars” track a pet’s vital signs around the clock for to-the-minute updates. These primarily preventative technologies help with early intervention by indicating disruptions to healthy behavior patterns.

Another AI development,  the "Smart Tissue Autonomous Robot, STAR for short, performed laparoscopic surgery on a pig multiple times and was noted to outperform human surgeons. Although not on the market yet, STAR speaks to the science fiction-like capabilities we’re likely to see at vet offices in the not-so-distant future.

Diagnostics

Radiology applications can now read diagnostic images and scan for issues, serving as a second set of eyes rather than a replacement for competent veterinary care. NLP’s, or Natural Language Processors, can expedite the research process for vets who wish to consult the medical literature while confirming a hunch. Cellular analyzers offer vets ways to prep patient samples for quantitative feedback in as short as ten minutes.

Workflow automation platforms

For modern veterinary practices, automating repetitive workflows help vets provide better care by giving them more time to spend with their patients AND help practices be more profitable by improving efficiency . Full-service software platforms like NectarVet provide various ways to streamline how you work. These include automated syncing with other veterinary technologies, voice-dictating SOAPS, and AI assisted client communications. A client portal makes it easy to automate appointment scheduling, deposit collection, rx refills, and access to vaccination / medical records.

Predictive Care

Predictive Care refers to preventative steps vets can take to stay ahead of serious illness. As in human medical care, these sensible pre-emptive steps often alleviate the need for expensive interventions down the road. “Smart collars” monitor pets around the clock for signs of irregularities. If detected, vets can then investigate for signs of an underlying cause before the problem worsens.  Predictive care has “shown signs of progress in anticipating the spread of Lyme disease outbreaks” or “spotting the early signs of lameness in sheep.” Again, these early-stage interventions empower vets to act before the problem becomes incurable.

What Are Pros of Veterinary AI Products?

The pros of veterinary AI are many. If thoughtfully implemented, AI can help vet practices minimize all kinds of inefficiencies. They can better manage inventory and more carefully deploy staff, or sharpen their diagnostic capabilities. 

What Are Cons of Veterinary AI Products? 

Because veterinary AI is still in the early stages of development, both veterinary staff and customers are wary of it. AI is known to “hallucinate” or generate an incorrect or mistaken response. Anyone who uses AI in their practice must always verify AI’s responses with clients and other records.

Concerns on scribe apps relate to worries AI use may lead to inaccurate records of crucial patient data. 

There are also potential worries related to data security. The more a company automates its processes, the more it risks security breaches–at least in theory. 

Another con of using and implementing AI products relates to the time and expense of training staff to work with and operate by new procedures. They may be happy with the workflows they’re used to rather than new ones that incorporate AI. 

What Are Trends in Veterinary AI Products? 

As a first step, many veterinary practices have begun incorporating some kind of note-taking app. Automating these intake records frees up practitioners to work quicker and smarter. But the broader trend is toward more comprehensive automation. AI can significantly reduce lost revenue due to cancellations. So many practices have partially automated their appointment booking process. Larger practices looking to get ahead of the curve have begun implementing full-service software with across-the-board automation.

How Do You Choose the Right Veterinary AI Products for Your Practice? 

To choose the right veterinary AI products, pair the needs of your practice to NectarVet. 

NectarVet offers time-saving and efficiency-enhancing features that stand out from other platforms. 

If you’d like to learn more about how to incorporate AI into your veterinary practice with NectarVet and how you can save time while boosting revenue, book a free demo on the website, NectarVet.com.

Nectarvet is a full-service software option for vet practices. They help vets streamline administrative and operational tasks with an easy-to-navigate Practice Information Management Systems (PIMS). Heska Diagnostics specializes in providing vets with modern diagnostic tools. Their goal is to help vets employ AI and digital tools that improve the speed and accuracy of treatment. Integrating the two will allow vets who want the resources of both Heska and Nectarvet to easily sync – for a combination of efficient workflows and high-tech diagnostics. 

What Is Heska?

Heska is a pet healthcare company that provides veterinary practices with state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and treatments. These include immunotherapy treatments, diagnostic AI and digital imaging tools, vaccines, and data services. Heska’s goal is to equip local vet practices with modern diagnostic imaging and tests that improve the speed and accuracy of treatment. In 2023, Heska was acquired by Antech. 

Heska Features

Heska connects vets with a broad range of features. Their Element Series in itself offers a versatile toolkit of functions that spans chemistry, hematology, and more. The Element Series also contains analyzers used to measure antigen and antibodies. Heska’s AI Microscope guarantees sharp images as well as easy storing for record-keeping. This facilitates imaging of fecal and urine samples with built-in cover slips to reduce sanitary concerns. 

Heska Diagnostic Tests

Beyond its Element product line, Heska equips vets with specialized diagnostic equipment for broad-spectrum testing. A Lyme test, an FIV/FelV test, a heartworm test, and a cancer blood test all reduce the time it takes to rule out worst-case scenarios and hone in on a probable diagnosis. As one example, the trūRapid Heartworm Antigen test delivers results in just 10 minutes. As the prognosis for heartworm is time-sensitive, this puts vet care in a more proactive treatment position.

Heska Imaging Options

Heska’s Cuattro series of products, which were put under the Antech brand, supplies vets with a wide range of imaging capabilities. This includes HD Radiography, regular and equine ultrasound, digital imaging, and an imaging Picture Archiving and Communications (PACS) platform. PACS enables vets to seamlessly log important data they may need to revisit or share at a later date. More generally, a diverse portfolio of imaging options means vets are in a position to probe underlying causes as they treat each patient.

Heska Allergy Testing Tools

Allergy testing is an exacting science. To help vets out with it, Heska offers the following specialized tools:

1. Allercept Test  

Heska’s patented Allercept test is a serum allergy assessment fitted with special IgE (immunoglobin E) receptors for high levels of sensitivity. This along with easy results interpretation brings precision to the fine-tuned science of allergy testing.

2. FRT (Food Reaction Test)

Heska’s FRT aids vets in understanding an animal’s food sensitivities. By looking at how an animal’s immune system reacts to the proteins in different foods they allow vets to recommend dietary limitations.

Heska Laboratory Services

Heska’s Laboratory Services are wide-ranging. They offer a full panel of blood diagnostics, including both chemistry and hematology. In addition, their set of specialty analyzers are equipped to test for blood clotting and coagulation. Like their other tests, these give vets specialist precision from the convenience of their local office. Vets and their staff can also reach to Heska for external lab support as well.

Heska Point-of-Care Analyzers

A point-of-care (POC) analyzer yields on-the-spot results. Heska’s set of POC analyzers includes: 

• The Element POC, a handheld diagnostic device for electrolyte and other key measures
• The Element i+ Immunodiagnostic Analyzer, an online platform for rapid testing.
• The Element AI Microscopy, for imaging feces and urine samples with built-in sanitary slides.

Instead of wait times for tests, these devices mean a vet can confirm or eliminate a hunch in minutes. This better serves the vet and may save the client money as well.

How Does NectarVet Integrate with Heska?

Nectarvet integrates with Heska by allowing clients to sync their administrative software with their diagnostic tools. This helps vet practices avoid entering data twice and having to transfer records manually. It also allows them to integrate normally separate systems like their record keeping and their client communications portal – which helps cut down on repetitive tasks and workflows.

To learn more about how NectarVet integrates with Heska and can save your practice time and money, book a demo today. 

What is Cornerstone Vet Software?

Cornerstone is one of the three largest, original software platforms built for the veterinary industry, originally built back in 1985 by IDEXX. It offers practices options to streamline their workflows and operating processes via modern software options. It’s a partial, integrated, and server-based solution, as compared to the many all-in-one cloud-based options now available. Cornerstone also integrates with IDEXX’s diagnostic and imaging tools.

Overview of Cornerstone Vet Software’s Key Features

Cornerstone Vet Software, an integrated software solution from IDEXX, promises streamlined workflow via several core features, including diagnostic integration, inventory management, and electronic medical records (EMR), for reliable access around the clock. Cornerstone can aid vet practices looking to automate or semi-automate their procedures and processes, such as invoicing workflows.

How Cornerstone Supports Veterinary Practice Management

Cornerstone helps veterinary practices in several ways. It combines administrative and clinical functions like scheduling, electronic medical records, and invoicing into one platform. It integrates with IDEXX diagnostic equipment and laboratories, allowing veterinarians to order lab requests on the platform while also viewing results within the system. Practices can also customize medical record templates and produce a wide range of reports to help with clinical and business decisions.

Cornerstone Vet Software Pricing Breakdown

Subscription Plans and Pricing Options

Cornerstone doesn’t advertise its pricing for plans on its website. But Capterra lists it at $420 a month.

Additional Costs of Cornerstone Vet Software

Practices who sign up for Cornerstone will pay more than a monthly fee. They can expect to pay fees for server maintenance and data backup. There may be implementation fees and the cost of training or retraining staff on the platform.
There are also added fees for additional software. For example, practices can integrate more communication features onto the platform with VitusVet but will expect to pay for that service.

Free Trial and Support Options

Cornerstone offers a brief, 15-day free trial period for potential clients, during which trial clients gain access to a full-time support team.

Common Use Cases for Cornerstone Vet Software

How Cornerstone Assists Small and Large Veterinary Practices

Some benefits of Cornerstone apply regardless of scale. Its robust medical template does not depend on practice size. Ease of adoption, however, depends on the size of a practice. A small, tight-knit team may be able to integrate quicker around a new set of practices, while a multi-location practice may need time. Weigh the size of your vet practice carefully before considering Cornerstone.

Benefits for Managing Medical Records

Cornerstone allows users to customize electronic medical records, where they can access information from diagnosis to tests to medicine.

Cornerstone for Practice Managers

For practice managers, Cornerstone represents an organizational tool. They can use it to support a paperless environment while streamlining operations. In the case of a multi-location practice, managers access patient records.

Cornerstone Vet Software Reviews: What Customers Are Saying

Cornerstone Vet Software Reviews and Feedback

Feedback on Cornerstone runs the gamut from praise for the integrations and customization to frustration with system crashes and a click-heavy interface.

Pros and Cons of Cornerstone Vet Software

Popular pros include how Cornerstone integrates different functions and connects with other IDEXX platforms like diagnostics. Others include how practices can connect with patients and customize medical records. There are several cons. Some have found Cornerstone to be difficult to learn while others have described its interface as not user-friendly. Hardware support is not free, which is an added expense for practices.
Other complaints concern limited functions overall and a lack of education around system capabilities. As a partial software solution, integrating with other software can prove time-intensive, especially for smaller vets with limited personnel.

Comparison with Other Practice Management Software

Relative to other practice management software, Cornerstone offers a fairly limited menu of functions, and limited training in what those functions are. It may be more suitable to small vet practices with limited needs, some managers have concluded.

Cornerstone Vet Software: Training and Support

Some customers have noted that training failed to make clear the full suite of features Cornerstone offers, limiting its use in the case of existing clients.

Cornerstone Vet Software Training Overview

Tutorials and Support Resources

Cornerstone offers training tutorials in addition to access to live customer support. Their help team is broken down into departments to better address your specific needs, whether it be with older models, end-of-period needs, or something else.

Help with Scheduling and Managing Vaccinations

For help scheduling vaccinations, Cornerstone offers automated reminders on the practice side, and direct notifications for clients.

When NectarVet Might Be Right For You

If Cornerstone doesn’t sound like the right fit for you, consider NectarVet, an all-in-one software solution with easy-to-access features and support. If you’re interested and want to learn more about Nectar, click here.

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What is Shepherd Vet Software?

Shepherd Veterinary Software offers many standard features of vet practice management software. This includes: an interface designed for intuitive navigation, a robust suite of automation tools, SOAP medical record workflow, and an interactive client portal, with medical histories, RX refill modules, vaccine certificates, and more.

Overview of Shepherd’s Key Features

Whether as a practice manager, pet owner, or vet practitioner, your first contact point with Shepherd will be its online interface. By matching the workflow of your practice, including how you process patients, Shepherd connects you with highly legible records from patient info to medical histories.

How Shepherd Streamlines Practice Management

Shepherd can reduce many of the routine tasks of running a veterinary practice through automation. For example, it updates SOAP medical records automatically.
Shepherd improves the vet experience for pet owners too. They can access their pet’s medical history and prescription information through a customizable client portal.

Shepherd Veterinary Software Pricing Breakdown

Subscription Plans and Pricing Tiers

Shepherd offers users different tiers of pricing based on the number of doctors in a practice. A one-doctor practice pays $299 a month. Each additional one costs $99 more. Practices with four or more doctors would have to contact Shepherd for pricing.

Is There a Free Trial or Demo Available?

Shepherd offers free software demos and free trial accounts.

Hidden Costs to Be Aware Of

There are potential hidden costs to know of before signing with Shepherd.
Users may pay higher fees to use the Shepherd payment processing platform. They may also pay more than the advertised subscription of $299 or more if they opt for a different payment processor.
Shepherd also has a data migration fee, which it is known to waive. But there are two catches:

• The amount practices can migrate is limited. For example, they don’t include older invoices, past reporting data, or attachments. This can lead to higher costs when they’re manually transferred.
• If your practice enrolls and leaves the platform, Shepherd may make you pay the data migration fee that was initially waived.

Common Use Cases for Vet Shepherd Software

How Small Clinics Benefit from Shepherd

Small-scale clinics benefit from Shepherd by expediting their record-keeping, Rx data, and SOAPs in accordance with Shepherd’s streamlined workflow model.

Features That Make Shepherd Vet Ideal for Mobile Vets

Mobile vets can benefit from a single point of entry for client information. An online presence can facilitate patient-to-vet communication, especially during periods of busy travel. Shepherd also allows users to apply multiple taxes by ZIP code, which could be helpful for a mobile vet serving several cities.

Vet Software Reviews: What Customers Are Saying

Positive Feedback from Veterinary Professionals

Customers have praised Shepherd’s cost, ease of use, and staff training. The user interface is straightforward, even for first-time vet software users, according to online feedback.

Common Complaints or Issues Reported

Dissatisfied customers have highlighted a number of issues with Shepherd’s software. One gripe with SOAP is that every letter in SOAP requires users to open a different tab. (Most veterinary practice software enables all of this information to be entered in one place.) Another common complaint is that entering prescriptions in Shepherd involves navigating between different tabs and pages in a click-heavy process.

Is Shepherd Vet Software the Right Choice for Your Practice?

Pros and Cons of Choosing Shepherd

Pros of Shepherd include its low cost and staff training. Cons involve bugs and usability issues in its interface and its finance modules for practitioners, which require users to toggle back and forth between tabs.

Key Factors to Consider Before Making a Decision

Before committing to software, always weigh the key factors, like cost, convenience, and long-term benefits. Some will meet your specific needs, others won’t, especially now that the marketplace is crowded with competitive options.

When NectarVet Might Be Right For You

As an alternative to Shepherd Vet, consider NectarVet, an all-in-one software solution customizable to your needs, with state-of-the-art diagnostic, medical, financial, and communications tools and a team available for technical support. If you’d like to learn more about Nectar, click here.

If you’re a veterinarian, you know very well how challenging it can be to run a successful clinic. You’ve got standard patient care; you’ve got administrative tasks. It can all feel a bit overwhelming. That’s why there is such a range of helpful productivity tools on the market, allowing you to save time, streamline your operations, and take even better care of the animals entrusted to you.

In this article, we’ll look at some of the best productivity apps available.

Why Veterinarians Need Productivity Apps

As a veterinarian, you’re forced to handle a wide array of responsibilities. You diagnose and treat pet patients. You manage staff. You run the business! It’s no wonder that some vets worry about inefficiencies in their operations. Productivity apps exist to help you manage those inefficiencies.

Common Inefficiencies in Veterinary Practice

While inefficiencies occur in all businesses, some common ones occur in veterinary practices. They include miscommunication between staff, inaccurate drug dosage calculations, and disorganized scheduling, which can result in double bookings and no-show appointments.

The Impact of Saving Time on Animal Health and Clinic Operations

Productivity apps help you save time. In a veterinary clinic, this can be critical. When you’re able to calculate a drug dosage more quickly, you can do a better job at getting the pet the care they need. When you can swiftly share clinical data, you’re less likely to make mistakes. Patient outcomes improve, and so do client satisfaction and overall clinic efficiency.

Top 7 Productivity Apps for Veterinarians in 2025

Now let’s take a look at the best productivity apps on the market in 2024.

Plumbs

Plumbs is an essential app for accurate drug calculations, offering quick access to updated drug dosages and formulas and helping clinic staffers administer medications more safely. Having such a reliable resource can go a long way toward ensuring pet patient safety and producing better health outcomes.

VetPDA Calcs

VetPDA Calcs is a tool for quick calculations, offering more than 20 calculators for anesthesia dosages, fluid rates, and more, allowing your team to perform calculations quickly and accurately.

Pet Poison Helpline

The Pet Poison Helpline app is ideal for small animal veterinarians, allowing for fast responses to toxic ingestions. It helps you respond more quickly and effectively to toxicity cases, affording easy access to data on harmful substances.

Vet-Anatomy

Vet-Anatomy is a rich visual reference for small animal anatomy, offering high-quality images for vet professionals. This reliable app is perfect for educational and diagnostic purposes.

ViralVet

ViralVet is a unique app that creates a community platform for veterinary professionals to share and discuss rare cases – ideal for fostering learning, teamwork, and camaraderie within this highly specialized field. The ability to share diagnostics and insights with fellow professionals can do wonders for patient outcomes.

Todoist

Todoist is a task management app that creates helpful to-do lists for veterinary teams, helping you assign and track tasks and ensure that nothing is overlooked during busy clinic days.

Merck Veterinary Manual

The Merck Veterinary Manual is a pocket guide to diseases, a trusted resource for veterinarians that provides up-to-date information on diseases, symptoms, and treatments. This app makes sure vets can easily access the latest information.

LifeLearn

LifeLearn’s ClientEd tool is a valuable resource for veterinarians to access and share easy-to-understand pet health information. It helps you share educational materials with your clients, deepening your relationship with them and empowering these devoted pet owners to make better choices about the care of their animals.

How to Choose the Right App for Your Veterinary Team

There are a lot of apps to choose from, which is why it’s important to pick one that most aligns with the specific needs of your practice.

Consider Your Practice's Specific Needs

To decide which app your practice will benefit from, take stock of your practice’s particular needs. Do you need more support with dosage calculations? Or with managing your team? Or with staying on schedule? By identifying the areas in need of improvement, you can figure out which app most directly addresses your needs.

Ensure Ease of Use for the Whole Veterinary Team

When making your decision, be sure to check with your team! Pick an app that will be easy for them to use and help them do their work.

Conclusion: Boost Your Practice’s Efficiency in 2025 with NectarVet

In 2025, there are many ways to streamline your veterinary practice. By choosing the right app, you can optimize operations and do an even better job for the pets you serve.

If you’re looking to take your practice to the next level, NectarVet might be right for you. This cloud-based veterinary software is easy and intuitive to use and has everything you need to boost profitability and provide better care to the animals you love.

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If you’re a veterinary practitioner, you’ll know apart from offering medical care to animals, you have a second job: managing the many logistical details that crop every day. These details enable informed, sensitive, and modern animal care.  

All-in-one software platforms such as NectarVet have grown in popularity in answer to the growing set of needs veterinarians face. NectarVet added another tool to streamline diagnostic work through its partnership with Zoetis. Zoetis is an animal health diagnostic company that offers veterinarians several tools, including virtual lab services. 

Zoetis Diagnostics and Lab Features

Zoetis’ goal is to equip animal healthcare providers with diagnostic tools that offer informed, specialist-level diagnosis. With its online lab, Zoetis connects providers to a platform of integrated services, such as AI analytics, expert specialists, and point-of-care analyzers. 

Key Diagnostic Tools Offered by Zoetis Diagnostics

Zoetis Diagnostics boasts a unique portfolio of tools that are integrated and provide a broadly-informed diagnosis. One example is the AI-powered Vetscan Imagyst which offers five testing functions in one tool. Veterinarians and their teams can also use Vetscan Imagyst to analyze:

• Fecal matter 
• Urine sediment
• Dermatology diagnostics
• Blood smear samples
• Cytopathology specimens

Advanced Lab Capabilities for Veterinary Clinics

Part of what makes Zoetis uniquely useful is its integrations. Its online lab combines state-of-the-art A.I. diagnostic tools with live support teams. Vetscan Hub, which is available as part of the online lab, consolidates important data and devices on a single platform for optimal workflows.

The Benefits of Zoetis’ Diagnostics for Vet Practice Owners

Streamlined Diagnostic and Reporting

Zoetis’ Diagnostics expands the capabilities of practitioners many times over numerous veterinary practice owners. By offsetting what can be a heavy logistical load, you’ll set your practitioners up to do what they do best: animal care. With Zoetis’ streamlined diagnostic capabilities, your veterinarians will spend less time waiting for test results and shrink the gap between consultation, follow-up visits, testing, and accurate diagnostics. 

Increased Efficiency and Accuracy in Treatment

Zoetis' portfolio of integrated diagnostic tools helps veterinary practitioners multiply the speed at which they can diagnose a full range of conditions. Access to support teams to answer questions and troubleshoot issues helps put any animal in your care on the fast track to full recovery. 

About Zoetis Diagnostics and Labs 

What Does Zoetis Reference Laboratories Offer?

Adding any of the technologies available in Zoetis Reference Laboratories to your diagnostic toolkit gives practitioners the data they need to provide their patients with holistic treatments. Users can order tests for most species, from canines to livestock. It also connects with other diagnostic tools, products, and services with ZoetixDx, an online, integrated platform. 

Zoetis Acquisition of Abaxis: Expanding Diagnostic Capabilities

Overview of Abaxis and Its Diagnostic Portfolio

As an expansion to its diagnostic portfolio in 2018, Zoetis added Abaxis, a medical device maker of point-of-care blood testing devices. Abaxis offers team training specific to blood work compliance, customer service customer retention counsel, and more. As with Zoetis, Abaxis is founded on the principle that by educating vets and vet owners, their practices will thrive.

New Capabilities Added to Zoetis

Abaxis expanded Zoetis’ stake in the veterinary diagnostic market, which was expected to grow by more than 50% from 2017 to 2022. The acquisition of Abaxis a portfolio of point-of-care diagnostic instruments to Zoetis product line. 

How Does NectarVet Integrate with Zoetis Labs

The goal for any all-in-one veterinary care software platform is to provide for all needs. Through its partnership with Zoetis, NectarVet connects veterinarians to integrated diagnostic tools online that streamline workflows on the diagnostic side. Learn more about how you and your team can save time and resources with NectarVet’s all-in-one platform.

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Technological advancements have revolutionized the veterinary industry. Cloud-based software is helping vets everywhere to modernize their practices. If you’re wondering about how it can help your veterinary practice, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best cloud-based vet software options on the market today, and help you figure out which is best for you and your needs. 

What is Cloud-Based Veterinary Software?

Cloud-based veterinary software is a tool that more and more vets are taking advantage of. It allows you to manage your operations online, with no need for physical servers or software installations on individual devices. When you use the cloud, your information is available to you wherever you have an internet connection, thus affording you greater flexibility. Because you’re no longer stuck retrieving information from particular computer drives, your business has a greater capacity to grow, and you can be more assured that your information is safe and secure. 

Benefits of using cloud-based software for vets

Using cloud-based software as a vet comes with a range of benefits, including: remote access and accessibility from any device, lower IT costs, improved security, automatic data backups, and software updates automatically being deployed. With the cloud, you can access your information from anywhere, even while on the road. You can get rid of expensive hardware and servers. And you can take advantage of the robust security services afforded by the cloud.  

How cloud-based software improves client communications

To be a good vet, you need to be able to communicate with your clients. That’s a huge part of the business. When you use the cloud, you can set up client portals, set automated reminders, and use message systems that help you communicate with your beloved pet owners. The cloud is already a great way to streamline the client experience, allowing you to share test results with simplicity and ease. 

Saving time with cloud-based veterinary practice management

Using cloud-based technology is helpful for another reason: It saves you a lot of time! Whether it’s scheduling appointments, processing payments, or managing inventory, the cloud helps you automate much of this workflow. It also enables you to seamlessly track the clinic’s performance, thus allowing you to focus on what you really care about: caring for your clients and their dear pets.  

H2: Top Cloud-Based Veterinary Software in 2025

When it comes to cloud-based veterinary software, options abound. Let’s take a look at some of the best options in 2025. 

Overview of the best software solutions

Vetspire

Vetspire bills itself as the cloud-based solution that “lets veterinarians be veterinarians.” It’s intuitive to use and boasts a slick interface. Vetspire is popular because of its reporting tools and ability to adapt based on the needs of particular practices, making it the top choice for corporate groups with multiple locations. 

EzyVet

EzyVet is popular among speciality and emergency clinics due to its integration with Smart Flow and robust feature set. It offers a range of management tools, including scheduling, patient records, billing, and inventory management. It also integrates well with diagnostic tools and laboratories. 

NectarVet

NectarVet is your go-to software to simplify practice management for general practice clinics. A highly intuitive option specially designed by veterinary teams, it offers the most end-to-end set of cloud-based software tools in a single streamlined platform: AI-powered SOAP generation, automated inventory with VetCove integration, 2-way SMS and client portal, and more.

Neo

IDEXX’s Neo is an easy-to-use option that offers the essential tools you’ll need to grow your practice. It’s considered simpler than its EzyVet counterpart for smaller practices and provides easy integration with IDEXX’s diagnostic systems. Its brilliant, simple interface helps you streamline functionality. 

Digitail

Digitail is another cloud-based platform whose distinguishing feature is that it’s designed to enhance client experience, including through its downloadable Pet Parent App. 

Provet Cloud

Provet Cloud is a simple, no-frills solution for multi-national practices and includes centralized billing and reporting. It’s good at integrating with diagnostic labs and it includes telemedicine and automated client reminders. ‍

Shepherd Vet

Designed by vets for vets, Shepherd Vet is an intuitive cloud-based management software. It focuses on saving time and enhancing care. Some of its key features include 2-way SMS and client portal. 

Comparison of pricing and subscription models

Pricing varies depending on which software provider you use. 

Shepherd

Shepherd has low subscription fees and doesn’t charge for data migration in exchange for migrating a limited subset of data (no invoice or report data). But its payment processing fees are high.

Vetspire

Vetspire’s pricing depends on the size of the practice, with a fixed price per month per the total number of full-time veterinarians on the staff. They offer 3 tiers of data migration packages, from low-touch to high-touch and varied fees.

ezyVet

EzyVet’s price goes up based on the number of users, or the number of full-time veterinarians who will be accessing the software. It has high fees for data migration fees but lower ones for subscription. It also charges per text message sent and users can expect to pay additional subscription fees for module add-ons.

Digitail

Digitail uses a monthly subscription model that charges per veterinarian. Also, expect to pay add-on fees for modules like voice dictation.

Provet Cloud

Provet Cloud has a monthly subscription fee that varies based on the size of the practice and how many veterinarians will be using the software. You incur additional costs for certain features. ‍

NectarVet

NectarVet is considered affordable for small practices, and it also offers advanced features that can be a big help to smaller practices in need of customizable solutions. Its fees for data migration and subscription fall in the middle of the pack. It offers different tiers of pricing based on the clinic size. NectarVet also offers low card processing fees. 

Key features to look for in cloud-based vet software

When you’re trying to figure out which kind of cloud-based vet software will work best for you, keep some of these features in mind: 

• Appointment scheduling services
• Automated client reminders
• Comprehensive medical record management
• Inventory tracking 
• Billing and invoicing 
• Client portals 
• Communication tools
• Telemedicine support
• Integration with diagnostic labs

Reviews of Popular Cloud-Based Veterinary Software

What users are saying about different platforms

Opinions on these softwares are a mixed bag! As you might expect, vets’ opinions on particular softwares depends on the specific needs of their practice and how well each software meets those needs.

User feedback on client communication tools

Most cloud-based vet software gives you the ability to message with clients, to share reminders, and to post information in client portals. Vets love the ease that these features bring into their relationship with their clients. 

How to Choose the Best Cloud-Based Software for Your Practice

Key factors to consider in practice management software

Finding the right cloud-based software for you really depends on the specifics of your business. If you have a smaller practice, for example, you can use a simpler cloud-based system; larger clinics, though, tend to need more complex features. Then you should think about the specific needs of your practice. Do you want to prioritize easy client communication? Inventory management? Do you have a big need for telemedicine? All of these facts should be taken into account when you’re deciding. 

Integration with existing systems and client management tools

This is vitally important: You need to be sure that your cloud-based software integrates with your existing systems and client management tools. Software that promises seamless integration with diagnostic labs, payment processors, and so on, will save you a lot of time and cut down on possible errors. 

Cost-benefit analysis of cloud-based solutions

No matter the business you’re in, cost-benefit analyses are important. There are tradeoffs to any decision. Yes, if you invest in cloud-based software, you can expect to pay fees–often monthly subscription fees. But the benefits abound. You save time, reduce costs, and connect more effectively with your clients. For these reasons and more, investing in a cloud-based solution may be worth the price. 

Why Consider NectarVet

NectarVet is an affordable cloud-based software that includes all the features you could possibly want as a vet. But the appeal of NectarVet goes beyond that. It’s really about the team in place that stands ready to help you with all of your needs and get you set up with the kind of software your clients will love. 

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For a veterinary practice to thrive, it needs to be able to maintain a robust and up-to-date schedule. That way, you can keep track of appointments, cut down on no-shows, and generally provide a greater level of care to your clients. But with the range of scheduling software available to you, it’s important to know which features to look out for. In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about scheduling software for vet practices. 

Why Use Vet Appointment Scheduling Software?

Appointment scheduling software is essential for any thriving veterinary practice. It helps keep you organized and on task, and it makes scheduling more convenient for you and your clients. 40% of them will likely book an appointment outside your business hours. Embedding online booking on your website also lowers the barrier for new or current clients to schedule appointments. 

With your operations running smoothly, you can focus on what you really care about: helping your clients and their beloved pets. Let’s take a look at some of the most important benefits of using scheduling software. 

Reducing double bookings and no-shows

Ask any vet: Double bookings are a real problem. There’s nothing worse than having two clients show up for an appointment at the same time. Both leave unsatisfied. But when you invest in top-notch scheduling software, you can cut down on double bookings and no-shows. Good scheduling software typically includes an option to send automated reminders to clients, which cuts down on missed appointments. Moreover, such software helps your internal organization, making sure you never accidentally sign clients up for the same time slot.  

How automated reminders and text messages improve patient care

Automated reminders are a way to send texts and emails to clients ahead of their appointments. These regular reminders reduce no-shows and optimize your time caring for patients and their pets. These reminders can also encourage follow-up visits, which are good for business and, more importantly, good for pet health.  

Saving time with online booking and appointment management

Scheduling software helps you and your clients save time through online booking and appointment management. Furthermore, online booking cuts down on administrative tasks at the office. Booking, rescheduling, canceling, and more can all get done with a few simple clicks, leaving you more time to focus on the work that matters most. 

Top Vet Appointment Scheduling Software for 2025

When it comes to vet appointment scheduling software, options abound. Pay attention to the features that will work best for the needs of your own practice. 

Overview of the best software solutions

There are a lot of great options available to you in 2025. Some include PetDesk, AllyDVM, VetStoria, and Weave. You can check out this article about the best cloud-based software now on the market.  

Comparison of pricing and subscription models

Pricing models depend on a variety of factors, including: how many vets are employed by your practice; the number of people using the service; and whether you decide to get billed on a monthly or annual basis. Be sure to compare pricing tiers based on the needs of your own clinic.  

Vet appointment scheduling software features to look for

You want to be sure your vet scheduling software includes online booking, integration with your management system, and automated text reminders. These are the keys to success, leading to reduced errors and fewer no-shows. 

Key Features of Vet Appointment Scheduling Software

To get the most bang for your buck, it’s important to understand which features your clinic will most benefit from. Here are some to keep in mind: 

Automatic text reminders and notifications

Automated text reminders and notifications make sure your clients are aware of their upcoming appointments, thereby reducing no-shows and keeping everything operating at a high level. 

Scheduling vet appointments online

Online scheduling is a must-have for modern vet clinics. It’s good for clients, who can schedule their appointments with ease, and it’s good for the clinics, where employees can spend more time improving client satisfaction. An average of 40% of appointments are booked outside of business hours.

How to schedule a vet appointment online

Few things are easier than scheduling an appointment online. Clients simply log into the booking portal, pick a slot, and confirm it. Quality software allows you to go back in and modify or cancel your appointments, too.  

Schedule vet appointments online near me

Scheduling systems often use location-based services to help pet owners find nearby clinics with online booking. This feature is particularly useful for new clients searching for convenient veterinary care.

Reducing no-shows with automated reminders

Automated reminders cut back on no-shows by letting your clients know about their upcoming appointments. Such reminders are sent via text or email, allowing clients plenty of time to make plans–or adjust existing plans, as needed. 

Managing upcoming appointments in your practice management system

It’s important to choose a software that is easily integrated with your current practice management system. This allows you to have up-to-date info for every appointment.  

24/7 online booking through client portal

A 24/7 online portal lets clients book appointments at literally any time of day. This improves client satisfaction and cuts the workload for 9-5 office workers in your clinic. 

Deposit collection (to reduce no-shows)

Some platforms ask for payment info at the time of booking, thereby reducing no-shows. Clients who have already made a financial commitment to their appointment are much more likely to show up. 

Customizable scheduling 

Customizable scheduling options allow you to make adjustments based on appointment type, length of appointment, and more. That way, you can see if a client is coming in for a checkup, a surgery, or something more serious. Understanding the types of appointments on your schedule will help your clinic operate at the highest level. 

Digital client forms

Have your clients fill out their information before they arrive. This will speed up intake and reduce no-shows.

Reviews of Popular Vet Appointment Scheduling Software

What users say about ease of online booking

Clients and vet clinics alike love the ease of online booking with products like PetDesk, AllyDVM, VetStoria, and Weave. They love the simplicity of the process and the way it cuts down on needless errors associated with manual booking. But there’s also interest in all-in-one Practice Information Management System (PIMS) like NectarVet, which have all the client communications you need provided in the same platform as your medical records, inventory, and billing so that no integration or extra subscription fees are needed.

Pros and cons of veterinary appointment scheduling software

Any technology you invest in has some pros and cons. Some platforms are better than others; some have features that better align with your needs. It’s important to understand these trade-offs before choosing your preferred platform.  

How to Choose the Right Appointment Scheduling Software for Your Vet Clinic

Factors to consider: online scheduling, automatic texts, and reducing no-shows

When you’re deciding which scheduling software to use, make sure you’re choosing software that includes online scheduling and automated messaging. These features help keep you on schedule while reducing pesky no-shows. 

Vet clinic success stories: saving time and improving patient care

Ask around. Many vet clinics that have adopted scheduling software rave about the ways in which this investment has revolutionized their work. 

“(NectarVet) has increased our efficiency quite a bit, including lower numbers of clicks to get to information, streamlining the scheduling process, streamlining communication process with the text two way SMS messaging, and they just rolled out an actual option to request an appointment that we can approve and then put on our calendar as well,” said Dr. Brittany of Magnolia, TX.

Selecting the right software is a personal matter, depending on the particular needs of your clinic. But make no mistake: such software can make a big difference, helping you help pet parents and their beloved pets. 

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