Veterinary Practice Software Options for 2026 | Clinic Use Cases

Choosing the right veterinary management software shapes how smoothly your clinic runs each day. This guide gives you a clear, unbiased comparison of eight widely used platforms so you can build a confident shortlist without spending hours in demos. It focuses on real clinic needs like scheduling, lab integrations, client communication, and how well each system supports growing workflows.

This list is presented alphabetically, not ranked. Each platform serves a different type of practice.

Platforms covered:

 • Avimark

 • Cornerstone

 • Covetrus Pulse

 • DaySmart Vet

 • Digitail

 • ezyVet

 • Provet Cloud

 • Shepherd

Improve documentation without changing your PMS. Make records faster and more consistent with tools your team can use today.

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Eight Veterinary Management Software Solutions Worth Evaluating

This is an unbiased, alphabetical comparison of eight veterinary management software solutions based on research and real-world use cases.

This comparison is based on information available on each provider’s website as of December 2025 . Veterinary software evolves quickly, so features, pricing, and integrations may change. Always confirm the latest details directly with the vendor before making a decision. We review and update this page once each quarter to keep it as accurate and useful as possible for busy clinic teams.

The veterinary PIMS market splits cleanly between legacy server-based systems (Avimark, Cornerstone) and modern cloud-native platforms (the remaining six). Every platform requires quote-based pricing conversations—only DaySmart Vet and ezyVet publish starting prices. All eight integrate with major diagnostic labs, though with notable variations. Client communication capabilities have become table stakes, but mobile staff access remains surprisingly limited across most platforms.

Platform	Deployment	Ideal for	Notable strength
Avimark	On-premise	Small to mid-sized clinics preferring local control	Long track record, no internet dependency
Cornerstone	Server-based	Medium to large multi-doctor clinics	IDEXX integration, industry standard
Covetrus Pulse	Cloud	General small-animal practices	All-in-one ecosystem with supply chain
DaySmart Vet	Cloud	Solo practitioners, mobile/house-call vets	Simple setup, affordable pricing
Digitail	Cloud	Growing clinics prioritizing client engagement	Modern UX, pet owner mobile app
ezyVet	Cloud	Large hospitals, specialty, equine/mixed	Powerful customization, global support
Provet Cloud	Cloud	Multi-site and enterprise groups	Scalable, strong European presence
Shepherd	Cloud	Independent small-animal and startup practices	Vet-designed, SOAP-focused workflow

This list is not ranked best-to-worst. Each platform serves different clinic sizes, specialties, and operational priorities.

For a deeper look at how practice software fits into your broader clinic operations, see our guide to veterinary practice management.

This information is up-to-date from writing, December 2025.

Avimark: Proven Stability for Practices That Prefer Local Control

Category	Details
Deployment	On-premise. Requires Windows Server Edition with client server architecture and Terminal Services for multi-location access.
Pricing model	Quote-based.
Clinic size sweet spot	Small to mid-sized clinics.
Lab integration	IDEXX, Antech, Zoetis, plus extensive in-house equipment support including Abaxis, Scil, Heska, and others.
What it does well	Avimark has a long track record and broad device compatibility, especially with IDEXX VetLab Station and in-house analyzers. Its locally controlled environment offers predictable performance for teams that prefer server-based setups.
Where it falls short	There is no cloud option. Staff mobile access requires a Windows laptop with manual data syncing. Communication features depend on add-ons, and multi-location setups face constraints like single-site IDEXX VetLab bi-directional limits.
Good for	Clinics that want an on-premise system with strong in-house lab device compatibility.
Not ideal for	Clinics that need cloud access

Many clinics using legacy systems look for tools that simplify documentation without changing their workflows.

CoVet, a dictation software made for veterinarians, works alongside platforms like Avimark and reduces manual typing through structured voice-driven records.

Cornerstone: Industry Standard for Multi-Doctor Clinics

Category	Details
Deployment	On-premise. Requires dedicated servers, VPNs or Remote Desktop Services for multi-location setups. No cloud option.
Pricing model	Quote-based.
Clinic size sweet spot	Medium to large multi-doctor clinics.
Lab integration	IDEXX (primary), Antech, Heska, and Abaxis. Zoetis is not supported.
What it does well	Cornerstone is widely adopted across hospitals and specialty centers and offers deep IDEXX diagnostic integration with mature workflows.
Where it falls short	No staff mobile app. Remote access requires third-party RDP tools. Lack of Zoetis integration limits flexibility, and server-based architecture increases IT needs.
Good for	Clinics relying heavily on IDEXX diagnostics and established on-premise workflows.
Not ideal for	Practices needing cloud flexibility, Zoetis connectivity, or mobile tools.

ITeams using Cornerstone often look for ways to reduce the manual load of creating medical records.

Tools like our veterinary AI scribe integrate alongside existing PMS workflows and help streamline documentation without requiring a system migration.

Covetrus Pulse: All-in-One Cloud Ecosystem for General Practice

Category	Details
Deployment	Cloud-only.
Pricing model	Quote-based.
Clinic size sweet spot	General small-animal practices.
Lab integration	IDEXX, Antech, Zoetis (primary), plus Heska, Abaxis, Scil, and DiaSys.
What it does well	Strong connectivity to Zoetis diagnostics, online pharmacy tools, and supply chain systems. Includes GreatPetCare client portal and bundled communication features.
Where it falls short	Browser-only staff access with no native mobile apps. Telemedicine and some communications rely on Covetrus Comms, creating add-on dependencies.
Good for	General practices wanting a cloud system with strong supply and diagnostics integration.
Not ideal for	Clinics needing native mobile apps or fully integrated communication features.

Many cloud-based PMS platforms still leave a gap in clinical documentation. Our guide on PMS integration explains how tools like CoVet work alongside systems such as Pulse to reduce charting time.

💡 No matter which PMS you choose, most platforms still require manual data entry for things like SOAP notes, discharge summaries, consult reports, and specialty records. CoVet acts as a flexible layer on top, with over 70 templates covering everything from dermatology to dentistry to equine exams. It generates accurate records from voice or uploaded documents, and works inside your existing software.

Explore available templates

DaySmart Vet: Simple, Affordable Cloud Access for Small Practices

Category	Details
Deployment	Cloud-only.
Pricing model	Published starting prices from $116/month for one user up to $565/month for 20 users.
Clinic size sweet spot	Solo and small practices.
Lab integration	IDEXX, Antech, Zoetis, Heska, and Vetology AI.
What it does well	Offers predictable pricing, easy onboarding, and simple cloud access that eliminates server maintenance. Well suited for small or new practices.
Where it falls short	Two-way texting is an add-on. No native mobile app. No telemedicine or offline capability is mentioned, limiting flexibility.
Good for	Solo doctors and small practices wanting an affordable, straightforward cloud system.
Not ideal for	Clinics needing robust mobile tools or multi-location dashboards.

Small teams often look for lightweight tools that reduce administrative workload. Our overview of AI tools for vets shows how documentation support can fit alongside systems like DaySmart Vet.

Digitail: Modern Design Focused on Client Connectivity

Category	Details
Deployment	Cloud-only.
Pricing model	Quote-based.
Clinic size sweet spot	Growing small-animal clinics and multi-location groups.
Lab integration	IDEXX, Antech, Zoetis, Heska, Ellie Diagnostics, Moichor, and Parasight.
What it does well	Offers strong native client communication, including chat, SMS, online booking, and telemedicine. Modern UX and multi-location tools support growth.
Where it falls short	Controlled drug module listed as “Coming Soon.” No offline capability. Browser-only staff access without a native mobile app.
Good for	Clinics wanting a modern all-in-one system with strong client engagement features.
Not ideal for	Clinics needing offline access or built-in controlled drug logging.

Teams that rely on strong client-facing communication often need support capturing detailed records after each visit. Our guide on veterinary clinic software explains how tools like CoVet complement platforms such as Digitail.

ezyVet: Comprehensive Cloud Platform for Complex Operations

Category	Details
Deployment	Cloud-only.
Pricing model	Published starting price around $245/month, with separate implementation fees.
Clinic size sweet spot	Large multi-site hospitals, specialty clinics, universities, and equine/mixed practices.
Lab integration	Deep IDEXX integration, plus Antech, Zoetis, and Sound PACS.
What it does well	Strong enterprise capabilities, advanced multi-location reporting, equine features, and the most robust mobile ecosystem including offline ezyVet Go.
Where it falls short	No published AI features beyond dictation. Multi-language support and uptime guarantees are not documented. Implementation fees add to cost.
Good for	High-volume hospitals and specialty practices needing enterprise-level tools and mobile capabilities.
Not ideal for	Clinics wanting simpler pricing or minimal setup.

💡 Pro Tip: If your practice runs imaging, surgery, or specialty consults, documentation can be a bottleneck, even with a modern PMS. Tools like CoVet offer structured templates for ultrasound reports, procedure summaries, and even necropsies. They help capture complexity without burning time, and slot cleanly into your records.

Provet Cloud: Scalable European Platform With Strong Customization

Category	Details
Deployment	Cloud-only.
Pricing model	Quote-based with monthly + per-user tiers (Optimize, Elevate, Enterprise).
Clinic size sweet spot	Multi-site clinics, referral hospitals, and enterprise groups.
Lab integration	IDEXX, Antech, Zoetis, Laboklin, Covetrus, Scil, and other regional partners.
What it does well	Offers enterprise features like SAML/SCIM, IP restrictions, SLAs, and deep reporting. Provides multi-language flexibility and broad integration coverage.
Where it falls short	Staff mobile app has limited functionality. Client-facing apps rely on third-party tools, and telemedicine also requires external integrations.
Good for	Enterprise groups needing advanced security and scalable cloud workflows.
Not ideal for	Practices needing robust native mobile tools or built-in client apps.

Clinics with complex workflows often need flexible documentation tools. Our page on customizable SOAP notes outlines how CoVet supports structured records that can fit into platforms like Provet Cloud.

Shepherd: Veterinarian-Designed Simplicity for Better Record Keeping

Category	Details
Deployment	Cloud-only.
Pricing model	Quote-based.
Clinic size sweet spot	Independent small-animal clinics and startup practices.
Lab integration	IDEXX, Antech, Zoetis, Ellie, Midwest, and Moichor.
What it does well	Offers simple, built-in tools without add-ons. Includes unlimited two-way SMS, online booking, email templates, and a pet portal at no additional cost.
Where it falls short	No native mobile app. Lacks specialty or large-animal modules. Controlled substance logging requires CUBEX integration.
Good for	Small clinics wanting an easy-to-learn system with strong built-in communications.
Not ideal for	Clinics needing mobile workflows or specialty features.

Clinics that prioritize clean, accurate records often look for ways to reduce after-hours charting. Our post on veterinary burnout explains how documentation tools like CoVet support teams using systems such as Shepherd.

Even with a great PMS in place, recordkeeping is where time gets lost.CoVet plugs that gap, not by replacing your system, but by powering everything from email-ready client summaries to SOAPs, imaging reads, and even ruminant herd health logs.

Veterinary management software options for 2026

There is no single best veterinary management software for every clinic. Each platform fits a different combination of size, workflow, diagnostic ecosystem, and team preference. The most reliable choice is the one that matches how your practice already works and supports the way your staff delivers care. That includes thinking about total cost, implementation time, training needs, and how well the system connects to your labs, imaging tools, and daily communication workflows.

Even with a strong PMS in place, most clinics still lose hours to manual documentation. This is the gap tools like CoVet fill. They work alongside your existing system, creating accurate SOAP notes, summaries, and reports without replacing the software your team already knows.

Shortlist two or three platforms, test them against the realities of your day, and choose the one that reduces friction rather than adding it. The right system gives your team more time with patients and fewer late nights finishing charts.

Give your clinic more time for patients instead of paperwork. CoVet helps you create accurate notes in minutes.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Veterinary Management Software

What is veterinary practice management software?

Veterinary practice management software is the system that supports scheduling, billing, medical records storage, client communication, inventory workflows, and day-to-day clinic operations. It acts as the central hub for appointments, payments, lab results, and patient information.

What's the difference between cloud-based and on-premise veterinary software?

Cloud-based software runs online and updates automatically. It removes the need for servers and allows access from any internet-connected device. On-premise software runs on local servers and offers full control on site, but it requires IT maintenance and limits remote access to VPN or RDP setups.

How much does veterinary management software typically cost?

Most platforms use quote-based pricing. DaySmart Vet publishes pricing starting at $116 per month for one user and up to $565 per month for 20 users. ezyVet lists pricing starting around $245 per month, with separate implementation fees. All other platforms require direct quotes. 

Can I switch from one PMS to another without losing patient records?

Most systems support data migration, but the process varies and can require onboarding fees or technical assistance. Always confirm which data types can be transferred and how long migration will take, since each platform handles this differently.

Do I need separate software for documentation if I have a PMS?

Most PMS platforms offer text fields and templates, but they do not reduce the time or cognitive load of creating SOAP notes, summaries, or specialty records. Many clinics still use an additional documentation tool to speed up charting and reduce after-hours work. 

Which veterinary management software integrates with IDEXX?

All eight platforms in this comparison integrate with IDEXX. Integration depth varies. Cornerstone and ezyVet have the strongest IDEXX connectivity, while all cloud platforms support standard lab result connections.