Top 10 Cloud-Based Veterinary Software for New Practices

Starting a veterinary clinic is exciting, but choosing the right veterinary practice management software (PIMS) can make or break your success. For most new clinics, cloud-based veterinary software is the ideal choice. Cloud solutions are cost-effective, require no heavy IT infrastructure, update automatically, and allow your team to access patient records from anywhere. (Learn more in our guide: [Cloud vs. On-Premise: What’s Best for Startup Vet Clinics?] [INSERT LINK])

Not all PIMS are built the same. Over the years, different generations of software have emerged, each with strengths and limitations. Below, we break down the top 10 cloud-based veterinary software platforms for startups, grouped by era, and highlight what makes them suitable — or less ideal — for new clinics.

Older/Established Cloud PIMS (Early 2000s)

These platforms were some of the first cloud-based veterinary software solutions. Many were acquired by large veterinary diagnostic or supply companies, which means they often come with bundled supplier deals. While they offer stability, their interfaces can feel clunky and innovation tends to be slower.

EzyVet (IDEXX)

• Pros: Highly customizable SOAP templates, integration with SmartFlow digital treatment whiteboards, robust reporting for multi-location or corporate groups.
• Cons for startups: Complex setup requiring backend coding; overkill for small practices without an IT department; slower innovation.
• Best for: Specialty practices or large hospitals needing granular control.

Covetrus Pulse

• Pros: Well-established, more affordable than EzyVet, unlimited SMS messaging, some integrations with supplier/distribution partners.
• Cons for startups: Outdated interface, unintuitive workflows, limited native AI.
• Best for: Clinics seeking a stable platform with supplier perks at a lower cost.

Neo (IDEXX)

• Pros: Simple and user-friendly alternative to EzyVet.
• Cons for startups: Missing essential features like 2-way SMS, online scheduling, and digital client forms.
• Best for: Small clinics that want IDEXX support without needing advanced functionality.

Second-Wave Cloud PIMS (2010s)

These platforms emerged in the 2010s, often with strong marketing materials, educational resources, and active user communities. Many were later acquired by corporate groups, slowing innovation and delaying adoption of AI, online scheduling, and other modern features.

Vetter (DaySmart)

• Pros: Workflow automations improving efficiency, large patient photos, solid accounting system.
• Cons for startups: Click-heavy interface; slower feature rollout after acquisition.
• Best for: Clinics valuing strong educational resources and community support.

Vetspire (Thrive)

• Pros: Smooth checkout flow, recent interface upgrades, scales well for corporate groups.
• Cons for startups: Some system bugs; prescription management can be tricky; more corporate-focused.
• Best for: Clinics planning for rapid growth or multi-location expansion.

Shepherd (Synergy Private Equity)

• Pros: Visually appealing, wide integration partner ecosystem, veterinary-focused brand.
• Cons for startups: Frequent system-wide crashes; more clicks needed to complete workflows.
• Best for: Practices seeking broad integrations and a veterinary-forward brand.

Provet Cloud (Nord Health)

• Pros: European workflow design (e.g., creating new Rx script requires starting a new SOAP); building U.S. presence.
• Cons for startups: Limited U.S. functionality (no client portal, online scheduling, or digital intake forms); still adapting workflows.
• Best for: Clinics open to European-designed software and early adoption.

Newest/AI-Forward Cloud PIMS

Modern PIMS are built for startup-friendly adoption. These platforms prioritize ease of use, AI integration, advanced online scheduling, client portals, telemedicine, and workflow automation. They address common startup pain points that older systems often miss.

NectarVet

• Pros: Comprehensive all-in-one platform: AI features, digital whiteboard, embedded VoIP, online scheduling, client portal, diagnostic/radiology integrations, easy-to-use interface, U.S.-based customer support.
• Cons: Integration suite still expanding; currently more focused on general practices than specialty or emergency.
• Best for: Startup clinics looking for an intuitive, modern PIMS that simplifies operations and scales with growth.

Digitail

• Pros: Strong AI focus, telemedicine, wide integration suite, experimental technologies.
• Cons for startups: Performance challenges with day-to-day workflows (printing, Rx labels, inventory); engineering support offshore.
• Best for: Early adopters wanting cutting-edge AI and telehealth tools.

VetBadger

• Pros: Ideal for mobile practices; features like geo-zoning and referral tracking.
• Cons for startups: Less robust for general practice operations; limited multi-location support.
• Best for: Mobile veterinary practices looking for specialized operational tools.

Why Startup Clinics Should Choose NectarVet

New clinics need a PIMS that’s easy to learn, scales with growth, and includes modern features. Many older or second-wave PIMS provide stability and supplier perks but can be clunky, unintuitive, and slow to adopt AI or online scheduling.

NectarVet is designed with startups in mind:

• Simple onboarding: Your team can get started quickly without heavy IT support.
• Full suite of modern tools: AI features, online scheduling, digital client forms, client portal, and telemedicine.
• Reliable support: U.S.-based customer and engineering teams ready to help.
• Scalable: Grow your practice without switching platforms.

By choosing a startup-friendly cloud-based PIMS like NectarVet, you can focus on what matters most: providing excellent veterinary care while growing your practice efficiently.

Key Takeaways for New Veterinary Practices

1. Ease of Use: Avoid steep learning curves; look for intuitive interfaces and modern design.
2. Essential Features: Ensure your PIMS has 2-way SMS, online scheduling, digital forms, and reporting.
3. Scalability: Choose software that can handle future growth, multiple locations, and integrations.
4. Innovation & Support: AI-forward platforms with strong support reduce headaches for startups.

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