Top 5 veterinary practice management software solutions: A guide

What is a veterinary practice management software (VPMS)?

Veterinary Practice Management Software (VPMS) is a digital tool designed to help veterinary practices operate more efficiently and provide a higher standard of care. By centralizing essential functions like patient record management, billing, and inventory control, VPMS solutions serve as the technological backbone of modern veterinary practices. In a busy and competitive field, these systems make daily tasks more manageable, allowing veterinarians and their teams to focus on what truly matters—patient care.

With the increasing demand for efficiency, client satisfaction, and operational excellence, many practices are turning to VPMS solutions to streamline processes, reduce errors, and optimize workflow. When combined with a queue management system, as many of WaitWell’s Veterinary partners testify, a VPMS capacity to enhance patient care doubles, by minimizing wait times, improving communication with clients, and automating work to allow staff to focus on essential clinical tasks.

Here’s a closer look at five of the leading VPMS solutions in the market, detailing their features, benefits, and why they stand out among other options.

1. Shepherd

Key highlights:

• Cloud-based with a modern, intuitive interface
• Built-in client communication tools
• Comprehensive medical records management
• Real-time inventory tracking
• Integrated payment processing

Why vets choose it:
Shepherd has carved out a reputation for being one of the most user-friendly and innovative platforms on the market. Designed with simplicity and efficiency in mind, it offers a comprehensive suite of tools that make it easy for practices to manage complex workflows. Shepherd’s cloud-based design ensures that staff can access information from any location, making it ideal for mobile clinics or practices with multiple locations. Integration with WaitWell enhances this efficiency even further, allowing open information sharing between both systems to reduce manual data entry and streamline operations. With client engagement tools, real-time inventory tracking, and instant queue updates, veterinary practices are empowered to stay ahead in client communication and operational efficiency, creating a smoother experience for clients and staff.

2. ezyVet

Key highlights:

• Comprehensive clinical workflows to manage complex cases
• Strong inventory management tools
• Integration with diagnostic imaging services
• Multi-location support for larger practices
• Customizable templates to suit individual practice needs

Why vets choose it:
ezyVet is widely regarded for its ability to support practices of all sizes, from small clinics to large, multi-location setups. Its extensive feature set, which includes tools for clinical workflows, inventory management, and diagnostic imaging, makes it especially appealing to specialty and emergency practices that deal with complex cases. Additionally, ezyVet’s customizable templates allow practices to tailor the software to meet their unique needs, making it a highly flexible and scalable solution for practices that may expand over time.

3. Vetspire

Key highlights:

• AI-powered assistance for >Intuitive workflow design for smoother operations
• Advanced analytics for better insights
• Mobile-friendly interface
• Smart scheduling system that adapts to practice needs

Why vets choose it:
Vetspire’s cutting-edge AI capabilities make it a standout choice for practices looking to leverage data to improve decision-making. By learning from patterns and data within the practice, Vetspire offers actionable insights and optimizations that align with the clinic’s workflow. Veterinary offices that integrate this tool  with WaitWell’s queue management enjoy enhanced efficiency by enabling real-time information sharing, which helps balance scheduled appointments with walk-ins, reducing manual adjustments.. Its mobile-friendly design and emphasis on automation make Vetspire a popular choice among tech-savvy veterinary teams that prioritize innovation and precision.

4. IDEXX Neo

Key highlights:

• Seamless integration with IDEXX diagnostic services
• User-friendly, straightforward interface
• Built-in client communication and engagement tools
• Cloud-based for easy access from any device
• Automated reminders for improved client follow-up

Why vets choose it:
IDEXX Neo is the preferred choice for many practices that already use IDEXX diagnostic services, as the seamless integration streamlines patient testing and diagnostic workflows. Its simple interface and dependable performance make IDEXX Neo an appealing option for practices transitioning from outdated systems. Additionally, the cloud-based accessibility of IDEXX Neo allows veterinarians and staff to access critical patient information on any device, improving both flexibility and productivity. The platform’s automated reminders also help reduce missed appointments, boosting client engagement and follow-up care.

5. AVImark

Key highlights:

• Established track record with over 30 years in the industry
• Detailed financial tracking and reporting
• Comprehensive medical records management
• Extensive customization options
• Strong support network for users

Why vets choose it:
AVImark is a trusted choice for many veterinary practices, particularly those that prioritize reliability and consistency over cutting-edge features. As one of the most established names in the industry, AVImark provides a solid, time-tested solution that has been refined over decades to meet the needs of diverse veterinary practices. Its extensive customization options allow practices to personalize the software to match their specific workflow and requirements, making it a suitable choice for clinics with unique operational needs.

The WaitWell advantage: Enhancing VPMS with queue management

While these VPMS solutions offer unique strengths, integrating them with a queue management system like WaitWell can elevate their functionality even further. WaitWell provides a flexible integration that complements existing workflows and addresses the operational challenges of managing both scheduled and walk-in clients. WaitWell’s advantages include:

• Flexible integration capabilities with leading VPMS systems
• Customizable workflows that adapt to each practice’s needs
• User-friendly interface with real-time updates
• Multi-location support for practices with several branches

Erika Menes, Director of Marketing and Information Systems at East El Paso Animal Hospital, shared her enthusiasm for WaitWell: “Leadership is LOVING this system, our staff is as well. We are so thankful and impressed with the customization of the platform.”

Nick Heger, Experiential Learning Systems Specialist at the University of Manitoba, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the ease of integration. “The integrations with the system have been remarkably easy to use, and our consultants using Teams to book appointments with clients was straightforward to set up and has been easy for the end-users as well.”

Finding the right solution for your practice

The right VPMS can transform veterinary operations, making it easier to manage patient records, appointments, and client communications. Each of the top five VPMS solutions—Shepherd, Vetspire, ezyVet, IDEXX Neo, and AVImark—offers distinct features suited to various practice needs. By pairing a chosen VPMS with a queue management and booking solution like WaitWell, practices can ensure a smoother workflow, minimize waiting times, and provide a more personalized client experience.