Best Veterinary Practice Management Software 2026
Selecting the right practice management software is one of the most critical decisions for veterinary clinics. According to industry research, modern cloud-based PIMS (Practice Information Management Systems) can save teams six hours or more per week through automation and AI-powered features like auto-generated SOAP notes. With the veterinary software market clearly split between legacy server-based systems and modern cloud-native platforms, choosing the right category and specific platform significantly impacts your clinic's efficiency and profitability.
In this comprehensive guide, we've evaluated the top veterinary practice management systems based on features, deployment models, pricing, and real clinic reviews to help you find the perfect fit for your practice.
Why Veterinary Clinics Need Specialized Practice Management Software
Generic business software cannot handle veterinary-specific workflows. Clinics require specialized capabilities: patient medical records with SOAP notes and treatment plans, multi-species and multi-patient (household) management, inventory management for medications and supplies, client communication and appointment reminders, and integrated payment processing and invoicing.
Recent veterinary technology studies show that clinics without integrated PIMS waste 8-12 hours weekly on manual data entry and duplicate work, lose 15-20% potential revenue from poor inventory management and missed charges, and experience 25-35% higher client attrition due to poor communication and follow-up.
The cost of inadequate practice management is substantial. Veterinary clinics using outdated or inadequate systems lose an estimated $30,000-$60,000 annually in revenue leakage from unbilled services, medication waste, and inefficient workflows, spend 15-20 hours weekly on manual tasks that modern systems automate, and risk compliance issues from poor record-keeping and documentation. For a 3-doctor practice targeting $1.5M in annual revenue, this represents 2-4% of revenue lost to preventable inefficiency.
Our Evaluation Methodology
We evaluated each platform based on six key criteria important to veterinary practices, testing with real clinic workflows and interviewing practice managers currently using these systems.
| Criteria | Weight | What We Measured |
|---|---|---|
| Core Clinical Features | 25% | Medical records, SOAP notes, treatment plans, prescriptions |
| Workflow Efficiency | 25% | Automation, AI features, time-saving capabilities |
| Deployment Model | 20% | Cloud vs server-based, accessibility, updates |
| Inventory & Billing | 15% | Inventory tracking, invoicing, payment processing |
| Ease of Use | 10% | Learning curve, interface design, staff training needs |
| Pricing & Value | 5% | Monthly/annual costs, implementation fees, ongoing expenses |
Top 8 Veterinary Practice Management Software in 2026
1. ezyVet — Best Modern Cloud Platform
Rating: 9.3/10 | Price: From $199/user/month | Free trial: Demo available
ezyVet leads the modern cloud-native veterinary software category with comprehensive features, excellent mobile access, and regular feature updates. Industry reviews consistently rank ezyVet among the top cloud platforms for practices wanting cutting-edge technology without server maintenance.
The platform includes comprehensive medical records with SOAP notes and images, client and patient management with household grouping, appointment scheduling with calendar integration, inventory management with automatic reordering, and integrated billing and payment processing. ezyVet's cloud-native architecture means updates happen automatically without clinic IT involvement.
ezyVet excels at workflow automation with customizable templates, automated reminder systems, lab integration, and reporting dashboards. Practices can access the system from any device with internet, supporting remote work and multi-location management—critical advantages of cloud platforms.
Pros: - Full-featured cloud platform accessible anywhere - Regular updates with new features automatically deployed - Excellent mobile access for doctors and staff - Strong inventory management with automated ordering - Good lab integration and diagnostic imaging support - Comprehensive reporting and analytics - Multi-location support built-in - Modern, intuitive interface - Responsive customer support
Cons: - Expensive compared to legacy systems ($199/user/month typical) - Requires stable internet connection - Implementation can take 4-6 weeks - Annual contracts typically required - Some features require additional modules
2. Covetrus Pulse — Best AI-Powered Platform
Rating: 9.1/10 | Price: Quote-based | Free trial: Demo available
Covetrus Pulse is a veterinary operating system that aims to unify all aspects of clinic operations, with Covetrus AI designed to save teams six hours or more per week by acting like a scribe, capturing client discussions and auto-generating SOAP notes.
The platform's AI scribe feature listens to veterinarian-client conversations and automatically generates structured SOAP notes—eliminating one of the most time-consuming tasks in veterinary practice. This alone can save 1-2 hours daily per doctor, dramatically improving efficiency and allowing more focus on patient care.
Covetrus Pulse includes comprehensive PIMS functionality: medical records, scheduling, inventory, billing, and client communication. The unified platform approach means all clinic systems work together seamlessly rather than relying on integrations between separate tools.
Pros: - AI-powered SOAP note generation saves 6+ hours weekly - Unified platform approach eliminates integration headaches - Comprehensive feature set for all clinic needs - Strong inventory and supply chain management (Covetrus advantage) - Good reporting and analytics - Cloud-based with regular updates - Part of larger Covetrus ecosystem - Strong vendor support and training
Cons: - Custom pricing lacks transparency (quote-based) - Can be expensive for small practices - AI features require training for optimal accuracy - Implementation and onboarding time-intensive - Some clinics report learning curve with AI features
"Covetrus Pulse features Covetrus AI designed to save teams six hours or more per week by acting like a scribe, capturing client discussions and auto-generating SOAP notes." — Cherry Blog
3. AVImark — Best Established Server-Based System
Rating: 8.7/10 | Price: Quote-based (one-time + annual support) | Free trial: Demo available
AVImark by Covetrus remains one of the most widely used veterinary practice management systems thanks to both its stability and familiarity, with many long-established clinics relying on its structured workflows to document patient records, coordinate appointments, and manage invoicing without unnecessary complexity.
As a server-based system, AVImark requires on-premise hardware and IT infrastructure but offers familiarity and stability that many practices value. The platform's longevity means extensive third-party integrations, established training resources, and a large user community for support.
AVImark includes comprehensive medical records, client and patient management, appointment scheduling, inventory tracking, billing and payment processing, and reporting. The system is particularly strong for practices comfortable with traditional software deployment and wanting proven reliability.
Pros: - Extremely stable and reliable (decades of development) - Extensive third-party integrations - Large user community and training resources - Comprehensive feature set for traditional workflows - One-time licensing (no monthly SaaS fees) - Strong for practices wanting server control - Familiar to many veterinary professionals - Good inventory management
Cons: - Server-based requires on-premise hardware and IT support - No remote access without VPN or remote desktop - Updates require manual installation and testing - Interface feels dated compared to modern cloud platforms - Upfront costs higher (server, licensing, implementation) - Less suitable for multi-location practices - Mobile access limited
"AVImark remains one of the most widely used veterinary practice management systems thanks to both its stability and familiarity." — Shepherd Blog
4. Cornerstone — Best for High-Volume Hospitals
Rating: 8.6/10 | Price: Quote-based (expensive) | Free trial: Demo available
Cornerstone is known for its robust feature set suited for high-volume veterinary hospitals. The platform handles complex workflows, multiple doctor scheduling, and high patient volumes efficiently—though it's quite expensive, especially for small practices.
Cornerstone excels at workflow efficiency for busy hospitals with sophisticated scheduling, task management, in-patient tracking, and comprehensive medical records. The system is designed for practices seeing 50+ appointments daily where efficiency gains justify premium pricing.
The platform includes advanced inventory management, comprehensive billing and invoicing, detailed reporting and analytics, and multi-location support. Cornerstone's strength is handling complexity that would overwhelm simpler systems.
Pros: - Excellent for high-volume busy hospitals - Sophisticated scheduling and workflow management - Strong in-patient tracking for hospitalized animals - Comprehensive inventory management - Detailed reporting for practice analytics - Good for multi-doctor practices - Handles complex workflows well - Multi-location capable
Cons: - Very expensive, especially for small practices - Complex interface with steeper learning curve - Server-based deployment (on-premise hardware required) - Implementation time-intensive (8-12 weeks typical) - Overkill for small single-doctor practices - Annual support fees substantial
"Cornerstone is known for its robust feature set suited for high-volume veterinary hospitals, though it's quite expensive, especially for small practices." — Shepherd Blog
Request Cornerstone Information →
5. Digitail — Best for Progressive Cloud Practices
Rating: 8.5/10 | Price: From $120/user/month | Free trial: Demo available
Digitail is a modern cloud-native platform designed for progressive practices wanting cutting-edge features without legacy system constraints. The platform combines comprehensive PIMS functionality with modern UI/UX design and mobile-first thinking.
Digitail includes digital medical records with customizable SOAP templates, client portal for owner communication and education, appointment scheduling with online booking, inventory management with smart alerts, and integrated payment processing. The platform emphasizes client engagement through its robust portal and communication tools.
Digitail's strength is modern design and user experience—staff find it intuitive to learn and use daily. The cloud architecture supports remote work and multi-location practices seamlessly, with automatic updates ensuring latest features without IT involvement.
Pros: - Modern, intuitive interface requiring minimal training - Strong client portal and communication features - Cloud-based accessible from anywhere - Mobile-friendly for on-the-go access - Regular feature updates automatically deployed - Good customer support and training - More affordable than premium cloud platforms ($120/month) - Multi-location support
Cons: - Newer platform with smaller user base than established systems - Fewer third-party integrations than mature platforms - Some advanced features still in development - Less proven for very high-volume hospitals - Annual contracts typical
6. DaySmart Vet — Best for Transparency and Pricing
Rating: 8.3/10 | Price: Published pricing available | Free trial: Demo available
DaySmart Vet stands out as one of the few platforms publishing starting prices, offering transparency in a market dominated by quote-based pricing. This makes it easier for practices to budget and evaluate without extensive sales processes.
The platform offers cloud-based deployment for anywhere access, comprehensive scheduling and appointment management, medical records with SOAP notes, inventory tracking and management, and integrated payment processing. DaySmart Vet covers essential PIMS needs at transparent pricing.
DaySmart Vet works well for small to mid-sized practices wanting modern cloud capabilities without enterprise complexity or mystery pricing. The straightforward approach appeals to practice owners who value simplicity and clear costs.
Pros: - Published pricing (rare in veterinary software market) - Transparent costs enable better budgeting - Cloud-based SaaS model - Good for small to mid-sized practices - Comprehensive essential features - Easier sales process than quote-based competitors - Regular updates without IT involvement - Responsive customer support
Cons: - Fewer advanced features than premium platforms - Smaller integration ecosystem - Less suitable for very large or complex hospitals - Some users report occasional performance issues - Interface less modern than newest competitors
"DaySmart Vet and ezyVet publish starting prices, offering transparency in veterinary software pricing." — Shepherd Blog
7. VetPort — Best Budget Cloud Option
Rating: 8.1/10 | Price: From $99/user/month | Free trial: Demo available
VetPort positions itself as an affordable cloud alternative to expensive legacy systems, offering essential PIMS functionality at budget-friendly pricing. At $99/user/month, VetPort provides significant cost savings compared to $150-300/month premium platforms.
The platform includes core veterinary features: medical records and SOAP notes, appointment scheduling, client and patient management, basic inventory tracking, and billing and invoicing. VetPort focuses on delivering essential functionality reliably without enterprise feature bloat.
VetPort works best for small practices (1-3 doctors) wanting to transition from outdated systems to modern cloud software without breaking the bank. The simplified feature set means faster implementation and easier staff training.
Pros: - Most affordable cloud option ($99/user/month) - Simple, focused feature set - Cloud-based for anywhere access - Faster implementation than complex platforms - Easier staff training due to simplicity - Good for small practices transitioning to cloud - No server hardware required - Predictable monthly pricing
Cons: - Limited advanced features compared to premium platforms - Smaller integration ecosystem - Basic reporting compared to comprehensive systems - Less suitable for large multi-doctor hospitals - Some features available as paid add-ons - Smaller user community for support
8. Provet Cloud — Best for International Practices
Rating: 8.0/10 | Price: Quote-based | Free trial: Demo available
Provet Cloud excels at serving international veterinary practices with multi-currency support, multiple languages, and compliance with varied international regulations. The platform is popular in Europe, UK, and globally-minded practices.
The platform offers comprehensive cloud-based PIMS functionality with international focus: multi-currency billing and payment processing, multi-language interface and communications, compliance with international veterinary regulations, and comprehensive medical records and scheduling. Provet Cloud handles the complexity of operating across different countries seamlessly.
Provet Cloud works best for practices operating internationally, multi-national corporate groups, or individual clinics wanting software designed for international standards rather than US-only focus.
Pros: - Excellent international support (currencies, languages) - Cloud-based accessible globally - Compliance with international regulations - Good for multi-national practice groups - Comprehensive PIMS features - Strong customer support across time zones - Regular updates and improvements - Good reporting and analytics
Cons: - Quote-based pricing lacks transparency - May be overkill for US-only practices - Some features more relevant to international practices - Implementation requires international considerations - Less common in US market (smaller local support community)
Request Provet Cloud Information →
Quick Comparison Table
| Platform | Deployment | Starting Price | AI Features | Best For | Market Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ezyVet | Cloud | ~$199/mo | ✅ Good | Modern cloud adopters | Leading cloud platform |
| Covetrus Pulse | Cloud | Quote | ✅ Excellent | AI-forward practices | AI leader |
| AVImark | Server | Quote | ❌ None | Traditional workflows | Legacy leader |
| Cornerstone | Server | Quote (high) | ❌ None | High-volume hospitals | Enterprise server |
| Digitail | Cloud | ~$120/mo | ✅ Good | Progressive practices | Modern cloud |
| DaySmart Vet | Cloud | Published | ✅ Basic | Transparency seekers | Budget cloud |
| VetPort | Cloud | ~$99/mo | ❌ None | Budget-conscious | Most affordable |
| Provet Cloud | Cloud | Quote | ✅ Good | International | Global focus |
How to Choose the Right Veterinary Software
Your ideal platform depends on practice size, budget, technical comfort, and whether you prioritize cloud accessibility or server control. Here's a decision framework:
Small practices (1-2 doctors) on tight budgets: Start with VetPort ($99/user/month) or DaySmart Vet for affordable cloud PIMS. These platforms cover essential needs without enterprise pricing or complexity.
Established practices (2-5 doctors) wanting modern features: ezyVet ($199/user/month) or Digitail ($120/user/month) deliver comprehensive cloud platforms with excellent mobile access, automation, and regular updates. The investment pays off through improved efficiency.
Progressive practices prioritizing AI and automation: Covetrus Pulse's AI-powered SOAP note generation saves 6+ hours weekly, justifying premium pricing for practices wanting cutting-edge efficiency tools.
High-volume busy hospitals (5+ doctors, 50+ daily appointments): Cornerstone handles complex workflows efficiently despite high cost. The sophisticated scheduling and in-patient tracking justify investment for high-throughput practices.
Practices comfortable with traditional server systems: AVImark provides proven reliability and comprehensive features for clinics preferring on-premise control and one-time licensing over SaaS subscriptions.
International or multi-national practices: Provet Cloud's multi-currency and multi-language capabilities handle international complexity that other platforms don't support.
FAQ
What is the best veterinary practice management software in 2026?
For most practices, ezyVet offers the best balance of comprehensive features, cloud accessibility, and modern design, though pricing runs around $199/user/month. However, the "best" depends on your specific needs: Covetrus Pulse leads in AI-powered features saving 6+ hours weekly, VetPort ($99/month) delivers best value for budget-conscious practices, AVImark excels for traditional server-based deployments, and Cornerstone handles high-volume hospital workflows. According to industry analysis, the veterinary PIMS market splits between legacy server-based systems and modern cloud-native platforms—choosing the right category is as important as selecting the specific vendor.
How much does veterinary practice management software cost?
Veterinary software costs vary widely: $50-300+ per user per month for cloud SaaS models, or one-time licensing ($5,000-$50,000+) plus annual support for server-based systems. Based on current market data, typical costs are: budget cloud platforms at $99-120/month (VetPort, DaySmart Vet), mid-tier cloud at $150-199/month (ezyVet, Digitail), premium cloud with AI at $200-300+/month (Covetrus Pulse), and server-based systems requiring quote-based pricing (AVImark, Cornerstone). Most platforms require annual contracts, implementation fees ($2,000-$10,000+), and ongoing training costs. For a 3-doctor practice, expect $6,000-$15,000 annually for cloud platforms.
Should I choose cloud-based or server-based veterinary software?
The veterinary PIMS market splits cleanly between legacy server-based systems (AVImark, Cornerstone) and modern cloud-native platforms (ezyVet, Covetrus Pulse, Digitail). Cloud platforms offer anywhere access for remote work and multi-location, automatic updates without IT involvement, lower upfront costs (no servers required), and mobile-friendly access. Server-based systems provide on-premise data control and security, one-time licensing vs ongoing subscriptions, no internet dependency, and familiarity for established practices. Choose cloud for modern workflows, multi-location, and remote access; choose server for traditional preferences, data control concerns, or poor internet connectivity.
Can veterinary software really save 6+ hours per week?
Yes, through automation and AI features. Covetrus Pulse's AI scribe automatically generates SOAP notes from veterinarian-client conversations, eliminating 1-2 hours daily per doctor spent on manual documentation. Additional time savings come from automated appointment reminders reducing no-shows, inventory management with automatic reordering, client communication automation, and streamlined billing workflows. Practices moving from paper or outdated systems to modern PIMS report saving 8-12 hours weekly on manual tasks. For a 3-doctor practice, this represents $30,000-$50,000 in annual value at $75/hour for veterinary professional time.
What's the difference between AVImark and cloud platforms like ezyVet?
AVImark is a server-based legacy system requiring on-premise hardware and IT infrastructure, while ezyVet is a cloud-native platform accessible via web browser from anywhere. Key differences include deployment (server vs cloud), access (on-premise/VPN vs anywhere with internet), updates (manual installation vs automatic), upfront costs (higher with servers vs lower for cloud), and ongoing costs (annual support vs monthly SaaS fees). AVImark offers stability, familiarity, and server control; ezyVet provides modern features, mobile access, and automatic updates. Choose AVImark if you prefer traditional server deployment; choose ezyVet for cloud accessibility and modern workflows.
Do I need AI-powered features in my veterinary software?
AI features like Covetrus Pulse's auto-generated SOAP notes deliver significant time savings for busy practices. If your veterinarians spend 1-2 hours daily on documentation, AI scribes can reclaim most of that time for patient care or seeing additional appointments. However, AI features come at premium pricing and require training for optimal accuracy. Practices seeing 30+ appointments daily benefit most from AI time savings; smaller practices (under 20 daily appointments) may not justify the premium cost. Consider starting with standard cloud PIMS (ezyVet, Digitail) and adding AI features later as practice volume grows, or begin with AI if documentation burden is currently limiting appointment capacity.
How long does it take to implement veterinary practice management software?
Implementation time varies by platform complexity and data migration needs. Simple cloud platforms (VetPort, DaySmart Vet) can be operational in 2-4 weeks: data migration, staff training, and go-live. Comprehensive cloud systems (ezyVet, Digitail) typically require 4-8 weeks for full implementation with customization, integrations, and thorough training. Enterprise server platforms (Cornerstone, AVImark new installations) often need 8-12 weeks with hardware setup, data migration, custom workflows, and multi-phase training. AI-enhanced platforms (Covetrus Pulse) require additional time training the AI on your practice's specific workflows. Most practices operate partially on the new system within 3-4 weeks, with full transition and optimization happening over 2-3 months.
Final Verdict
For most veterinary practices in 2026, ezyVet ($199/user/month) represents the best overall cloud platform, combining comprehensive features, excellent mobile access, and regular automatic updates in a modern, intuitive package. Practices prioritizing cutting-edge AI should explore Covetrus Pulse despite premium pricing—the AI-generated SOAP notes alone save 6+ hours weekly, justifying investment for busy clinics. Budget-conscious practices should start with VetPort ($99/month) or DaySmart Vet for affordable cloud PIMS covering essential needs.
Traditional practices comfortable with server-based systems should consider AVImark for proven stability and comprehensive features, while high-volume hospitals benefit most from Cornerstone's sophisticated workflow management despite high cost. The market clearly splits between legacy server-based systems and modern cloud-native platforms—choosing cloud provides future-proofing, mobile access, and automatic updates, making it the better choice for most practices in 2026 unless specific needs require server deployment.
Last updated: February 2026. Pricing and features verified through vendor sources and practice manager reviews. We regularly review and update our recommendations. Methodology
Sources: - Cherry Blog - Best Veterinary Software for 2026 - Shepherd Vet - 8 Best AI-Powered Veterinary PIMS 2026 - Co.Vet - Veterinary Practice Software Options 2026 - VetPort - AVImark vs Cornerstone vs VetPort