Running a veterinary practice is a labor of love, but it's also a business that needs to thrive. Growing your clinic means more than just providing top-notch medical care; it involves streamlining operations, getting organized, and engaging with pet parents. The right tools can make all the difference, helping you connect with your community without adding hours to your already busy day.

From taming the chaos of managing employee schedules to launching 'purr-fectly' targeted marketing campaigns on social media, modern technology is your best friend. This guide explores powerful veterinary practice management software and strategies designed to help you manage your team, attract new clients, and grow your business. For those committed to scaling, exploring advanced healthcare documentation automation solutions can also dramatically streamline workflows. We'll especially focus on well rounded PIMS solutions that include features such as embedded payments and client communication tools, creating a unified system. For growing a practice, a strong PIMS serves as a foundational CRM, a concept that's getting more critical to understand in the age of AI-enhanced customer relations and the growing role of AI in CRM for automating client interactions.

Let's dig in and find the right tools to help your practice flourish. We'll provide a detailed look at each option, complete with screenshots and direct links to help you make the best choice.

1. IDEXX Neo

IDEXX Neo is a cloud-based veterinary practice management software designed for simplicity and speed, making it an excellent choice for startups, mobile practices, or clinics aiming to minimize IT overhead. Its intuitive, clean interface ensures that team members can get up to speed quickly, with built-in training and guided workflows that claim to make common tasks up to five times faster. This focus on ease of use helps streamline daily operations from check-in to checkout.

The platform’s strength lies in its tight integration with the broader IDEXX ecosystem. Native connections to IDEXX lab and diagnostic equipment automate the process of ordering tests and receiving results directly into patient records, reducing manual entry and potential errors.

Key Considerations:

• Best For: Small to medium-sized practices, mobile vets, and new clinics.

• Pros: Easy to learn, low startup costs, strong vendor support, and seamless diagnostic integration.

• Cons: Limited advanced customization may not suit complex specialty or emergency hospitals.

You can learn more at the IDEXX Neo website.

2. ezyVet (IDEXX)

ezyVet is a robust, cloud-based veterinary practice management software designed for scalability, making it a powerful choice for high-volume general practices, emergency hospitals, and specialty clinics. Its comprehensive feature set is built to automate complex workflows and drive efficiency across a growing business. The platform excels at capturing charges automatically through two-way integrations with diagnostic equipment and third-party services, helping to prevent missed revenue and improve financial accuracy for a healthier bottom line.

Backed by IDEXX, ezyVet boasts an extensive integration ecosystem and 24/7 support, ensuring clinics have the tools and assistance they need to operate continuously. Advanced reporting, inventory management, and customizable communication templates provide the deep functionality that large or multi-site practices require. The focus on automation and integration allows teams to streamline operations from patient care to administration.

Key Considerations:

• Best For: Large, multi-site, specialty, or emergency practices needing a feature-rich, scalable solution.

• Pros: Highly customizable, strong integration capabilities, 24/7 vendor support, and suitable for complex hospital workflows.

• Cons: Higher learning curve due to its extensive features, and pricing is quote-based, requiring direct contact.

You can learn more at the ezyVet website.

3. Covetrus Pulse

Covetrus Pulse is a cloud-based veterinary practice management software that integrates electronic medical records, client communications, payments, and an online pharmacy into a single, unified environment. It is particularly powerful for practices already embedded in the Covetrus ecosystem, as it harmonizes their supply and pharmacy solutions into one seamless workflow. This integration is designed to reduce duplicate data entry and streamline operations from appointment scheduling to prescription fulfillment.

The platform's standout feature is its connected vRxPro online pharmacy, which automatically writes prescriptions back into the patient's record, helping with accuracy and saving time. Embedded AI productivity tools and two-way client messaging further enhance practice efficiency. When considering operational costs, understanding different pricing models is crucial; Passpaw, for instance, offers clear plans that can be seen when you learn more about pricing. Covetrus Pulse provides a comprehensive solution for clinics seeking to leverage their existing vendor relationships.

Key Considerations:

• Best For: Practices heavily invested in Covetrus's supply and pharmacy services.

• Pros: All-in-one platform for Covetrus users, cloud access simplifies workflows, and strong pharmacy integration.

• Cons: Less ideal for clinics outside the Covetrus ecosystem; pricing is not public and requires a demo.

You can learn more at the Covetrus Pulse website.

4. DaySmart Vet (formerly Vetter)

DaySmart Vet, formerly known as Vetter, is a cloud-based veterinary practice management software celebrated for its intuitive workflows and strong focus on client engagement. Its standout feature is real-time collaborative SOAP notes with autosave, allowing multiple team members to work on a patient’s record simultaneously without losing data. This system is designed for small to mid-size companion-animal clinics that need robust functionality without a heavy IT footprint, streamlining everything from scheduling to billing.

The platform excels in connecting the clinic with its clients through integrated email, text, and a dedicated PetCare mobile app. With over 40 third-party integrations, it offers flexibility to connect with the tools your practice already uses. For practices handling travel, integrating these communication tools is key for managing paperwork like the process for a pet health certificate online. The system’s comprehensive reporting tools also provide valuable insights for growing the business and refining client services.

Key Considerations:

• Best For: Small to mid-sized companion animal practices seeking an all-in-one, user-friendly solution.

• Pros: Straightforward and modern user experience, broad functionality, and extensive third-party integrations.

• Cons: Pricing is not publicly listed and requires a demo; may have fewer enterprise-level features.

You can learn more at the DaySmart Vet website.

5. NaVetor (Patterson Veterinary)

NaVetor, developed by Patterson Veterinary, is a US-built cloud-based veterinary practice management software designed for modern workflows. It emphasizes accessibility and connectivity through dedicated staff and client mobile apps, which include features like digital whiteboards and treatment sheets for on-the-go management. This focus on mobile functionality makes it a strong contender for practices that value flexibility and want to empower their teams to work efficiently from anywhere in the clinic.

The platform includes built-in telemedicine, online booking, and boarding modules, aiming to be an all-in-one solution. NaVetor’s transparent, tiered pricing based on user count makes it easy for practices to budget and scale. It also offers numerous integrations for labs and payment processing, streamlining core operations. Incorporating services like pet travel documentation can further enhance a clinic’s offerings, and understanding why pet travel is a smart business strategy can open up new revenue streams that this PIMS can help manage.

Key Considerations:

• Best For: Small to medium-sized clinics seeking a modern, mobile-friendly system with transparent pricing.

• Pros: Strong mobile applications, included telemedicine, transparent tiered pricing, and 24/7 Patterson support.

• Cons: Some add-ons like unlimited messaging come at an extra cost, and it may lack some enterprise-level features for very large hospitals.

You can learn more at the NaVetor website.

6. Provet Cloud (Nordhealth)

Provet Cloud is a robust, cloud-based veterinary practice management software used in over 45 countries, designed to scale with practices of all sizes. From solo mobile vets to large university hospitals, its comprehensive toolset supports complex operational needs. The platform excels in streamlining clinic workflows through powerful scheduling, integrated invoicing, and advanced communication features, making it a versatile choice for a growing practice. Its modern interface is built for efficiency and includes innovative tools for managing every aspect of patient care.

What sets Provet Cloud apart is its built-in Clinical AI, which assists practitioners by summarizing notes and medical histories, saving valuable time. For multi-site operations, its data warehouse and visualization tools provide critical business insights. The system also supports numerous integrations, including Vetstoria and Cubex, ensuring it fits into existing tech stacks. This focus on data and automation makes it a forward-thinking veterinary practice management software solution.

Key Considerations:

• Best For: Practices of all sizes, from single clinics to enterprise-level and university hospitals.

• Pros: Highly scalable, modern UI with AI-assisted documentation, and strong multi-site analytics.

• Cons: Pricing is not publicly listed, and the availability of some integrations may vary by region.

You can learn more at the Provet Cloud website.

7. Hippo Manager

Hippo Manager is a US-based cloud veterinary practice management software focused on delivering core PIMS functionality with an emphasis on affordability and simplicity. It’s built to be accessible from any device, providing essential tools like electronic medical records, invoicing, and inventory management without a steep learning curve. This makes it a strong contender for smaller clinics, mobile vets, or practices prioritizing straightforward operations and predictable costs over complex, feature-heavy systems.

The platform operates on a simple subscription model, often priced per veterinarian, which includes unlimited users, data storage, and comprehensive support and training. This all-in-one pricing structure helps clinics manage their budgets effectively. For practices looking to grow, Hippo Manager provides a solid foundation for client organization. This base can be enhanced with modern marketing tools, like using an animal care clinic chatbot template to automate social media engagement and client inquiries.

Key Considerations:

• Best For: Small clinics, mobile veterinarians, and budget-conscious practices.

• Pros: Predictable, all-inclusive pricing; easy onboarding and strong support; cloud-based accessibility.

• Cons: The interface is simpler and has fewer advanced features than enterprise-level software.

You can learn more at the Hippo Manager website.

8. Shepherd Veterinary Software

Shepherd Veterinary Software is a cloud-based platform designed by veterinarians to mirror the natural flow of a clinical appointment. Its core strength lies in its intuitive, SOAP-driven interface that automatically creates an invoice as the medical record is completed. This unique approach to charge capture helps clinics eliminate missed charges, ensuring that all services rendered are accurately billed without extra administrative effort, making it a standout veterinary practice management software.

The system simplifies daily operations with features like a digital treatment whiteboard, customizable forms, and integrated payment processing. Shepherd prides itself on transparency, offering clear public pricing and a comprehensive package that includes unlimited users, live US-based support, and free data migration. By automating invoicing, practices can free up time to focus on growth initiatives like marketing and improving client communication, perhaps even implementing an animal care clinic chatbot template to handle routine queries.

Key Considerations:

• Best For: General practices seeking an easy-to-use system focused on workflow efficiency and reducing missed revenue.

• Pros: Automated charge capture, transparent all-inclusive pricing, and strong user support with free data migration.

• Cons: Fewer third-party integrations compared to larger platforms, and its feature set is less suited for complex specialty hospitals.

You can learn more at the Shepherd Veterinary Software website.

9. Vetspire

Vetspire is a cloud-based, all-in-one veterinary practice management software that stands out with its modern user experience and robust medical record workflows. Designed by critical care specialists, it offers an intuitive interface with comprehensive tools like dynamic whiteboards and treatment sheets, making it a strong choice for tech-forward clinics and multi-location groups. Its enterprise-level features, including centralized data and granular permission controls, provide the scalability needed for growth.

The platform excels with its open API, enabling powerful analytics and integrations that streamline practice operations. Customizable encounter templates link directly to diagnostics and inventory, reducing manual data entry. For clinics dealing with international pet travel, keeping meticulous records is key, much like how human travelers must track changing EU travel requirements like ETIAS. Built-in communication tools, online booking, and wellness plan management further enhance client engagement and operational efficiency.

Key Considerations:

• Best For: Multi-location groups, specialty/emergency hospitals, and tech-savvy practices.

• Pros: Modern UX, comprehensive hospital-grade workflows, and transparent per-DVM pricing.

• Cons: Premium onboarding comes with implementation fees, and some features are still evolving.

You can learn more at the Vetspire website.

Choosing the 'Best in Show' Software for Your Clinic's Growth

Selecting the right veterinary practice management software is more than an IT decision; it's a strategic move that can significantly impact your clinic's efficiency, client satisfaction, and overall growth. As we've explored, the landscape of options is vast, from comprehensive, all-in-one platforms like IDEXX Cornerstone and ezyVet to cloud-native solutions like Covetrus Pulse and Shepherd. The key is to find a system that not only streamlines your daily operations but also supports your long-term goals.

Your journey to finding the perfect software should start with a clear assessment of your practice's unique needs. A small, growing clinic might prioritize an intuitive interface and affordable pricing, while a multi-location hospital will need robust reporting and advanced inventory management. Consider how modern marketing tools can elevate your client relationships. For instance, leveraging the power of AI in CRM can help you personalize communication, while simple tools like chatbot builders can boost social media engagement and answer common questions instantly.

Don't forget the importance of your internal team's workflow. The right software should simplify tasks like employee scheduling, reducing administrative headaches and allowing your staff to focus on patient care. As you evaluate your options, ask for live demos, check references from similar practices, and map out a clear implementation plan. The goal is to choose a partner, not just a product—a solution that will grow with you.

Ultimately, the best veterinary practice management software will feel like a seamless extension of your team. By automating routine tasks and providing powerful insights, it frees you to do what you do best: provide exceptional, compassionate care to every patient that walks, flies, or slithers through your doors. This technological leap can be the catalyst that transforms your good practice into a great one, setting you up for a future of sustained success and happy, healthy patients.

Ready to streamline one of the most complex administrative tasks in your practice? See how Passpaw integrates with your workflow to simplify the pet travel certification process, saving you time and ensuring your clients are travel-ready. Explore Passpaw today and take the guesswork out of global pet travel.