Shepherd Veterinary Clinic Review: Optimize Your Clinic’s Care and Diagnostics

Manual invoicing is costing you real money.

If you’re tired of lost revenue from missed charges and clunky admin, it’s no wonder you’re looking at Shepherd Veterinary Clinic. Most solutions just don’t think like vets.

After researching their platform, I found: missed invoice items can erode thousands in revenue each year and create headaches for your staff.

My evaluation shows Shepherd’s workflow automation links SOAP notes directly to invoices—no double entry—which is exactly what makes them stand out from other PIMS platforms.

In this review, I’ll explain how you can finally capture every charge while cutting down on manual admin and errors.

You’ll find a detailed Shepherd Veterinary Clinic review of features, pricing, setup, and how it stacks up to alternatives—so you can evaluate what fits your practice best.

By the end, you’ll know the features you need to confidently choose or rule out Shepherd for your clinic.

Let’s dive into the analysis.

Shepherd Veterinary Clinic Overview

Shepherd Veterinary Clinic, founded in 2016 and based in Phoenix, impressed me with its clear mission: to create practice management software that actually thinks like a working veterinarian.

What really sets them apart is their specific focus on helping independent veterinary clinics thrive. You won’t find them chasing massive corporate hospital systems; their entire approach is carefully tailored to the independent owner’s daily operational needs.

The recent May 2024 acquisition by Barentz International signals a powerful growth trajectory. My Shepherd Veterinary Clinic review finds this provides them with significant new resources for future product innovation.

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Unlike competitors that can feel bloated with features, Shepherd differentiates itself with a relentless focus on workflow automation. From my evaluation, this feels purposefully built by people who genuinely understand the pressures of your daily clinic life.

They primarily work with small to mid-sized private general practices that need to improve charge capture accuracy while reducing the significant administrative burden that leads directly to staff burnout.

What I found most compelling is how their entire business strategy centers on the automated SOAP-to-invoice engine. This unique approach directly solves the persistent industry problems of missed charges and frees up your team’s valuable time.

Now let’s examine their core capabilities.

Shepherd Veterinary Clinic Features

Drowning in veterinary clinic paperwork?

Shepherd Veterinary Clinic features a unique, integrated Practice Information Management System (PIMS) designed to streamline operations. Here are the five core Shepherd features that simplify practice management and boost your efficiency.

1. Automated SOAP-to-Invoice Workflow

Missing billable items?

Manually creating invoices after exams is slow and error-prone. This leads to missed billable items and revenue loss for your practice.

Shepherd’s automation engine shines here. As you type SOAP notes, it identifies billable items and automatically builds the client’s invoice in real-time. This feature eliminates tedious manual entry, ensuring you capture every service or product used.

This means you’ll drastically reduce administrative time, improve charge capture, and directly boost your clinic’s overall revenue.

2. Centralized Practice Dashboard

Clinic workflow feel chaotic?

Juggling multiple screens or relying on verbal updates creates communication breakdowns. This prevents your team from having a clear, unified view of daily operations.

The Centralized Practice Dashboard eliminates these silos. It gives you a single view of appointments, patient status, and open tasks. What I found: color-coding makes patient flow intuitive, keeping everyone aligned and efficient.

This means your team can improve communication, streamline patient handoffs, and get a real-time overview of the clinic’s workload efficiently.

3. Integrated Medical Records (PIMS)

Lost patient history driving you crazy?

Scattered patient data across different systems creates frustrating delays. This often leads to errors and longer appointment times for your staff.

Shepherd’s Integrated Medical Records consolidate everything—history, lab results, diagnostics—into one clean, digital file. What I love about this feature is how lab results auto-populate from partners, saving manual entry and ensuring accuracy.

This means you get faster access to critical patient information, reducing errors from lost paperwork, and allowing vets to review notes anywhere.

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4. Client Management and Communication

Too many no-shows impacting your schedule?

Manual appointment reminders and inconsistent client communication waste front-desk staff time. This impacts your schedule and client satisfaction directly.

This feature streamlines pet owner communication. It sends automated appointment reminders via text and email. From my testing, the discharge instructions generator is fantastic, pulling directly from SOAP notes to create clear take-home care.

This means you improve client compliance, reduce no-shows, and save your front-desk staff significant time on manual reminder calls.

5. Inventory Management

Overstocked or out of critical supplies?

Untracked usage of medications and supplies leads to expired products or stockouts. This causes lost revenue and disrupts daily clinic operations.

Shepherd’s Inventory Management solves this. When a product is added to an invoice, the system deducts it from inventory. This is where Shepherd gets it right: reorder points automate replenishment, ensuring critical items are always on hand.

This means you minimize lost revenue from expired products, ensure crucial items are stocked, and automate reordering processes effectively.

What I love about these Shepherd features is how they truly work together as a cohesive, integrated system. This unified approach transforms your daily clinic operations effectively.

Shepherd Veterinary Clinic Pricing

Worried about opaque software costs?

Shepherd Veterinary Clinic pricing operates on a custom quote model, designed to align with your practice’s specific needs. This means you’ll consult directly with their sales team to understand your tailored investment.

1. Pricing Model & Cost Factors

Custom quotes are the standard.

Shepherd’s pricing model is primarily based on the number of full-time equivalent (FTE) veterinarians in your practice, typically ranging $200-350 per DVM/month. What I found regarding pricing is this per-DVM approach includes core software features, unlimited support, and updates. Additional costs stem from a one-time implementation fee for data migration and training, plus any third-party integration fees.

From my cost analysis, this structure ensures you pay for what you actually use, helping your budget scale directly with your clinic’s operational needs and size.

2. Value Assessment & ROI

Strong value for veterinary clinics.

Shepherd’s value proposition centers on its unique automated SOAP-to-invoice workflow, directly improving charge capture and efficiency. What stands out about their pricing is that it targets revenue generation directly, offsetting the per-DVM cost through reduced administrative time and fewer missed charges for your practice. This means a quick return on investment.

This focus on workflow efficiency translates to real savings, allowing your clinic to operate more profitably and effectively, directly benefiting your bottom line.

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3. Budget Planning & Implementation

Plan for total cost.

When considering Shepherd Veterinary Clinic pricing, remember to factor in the one-time implementation fee, which covers crucial data migration and personalized training. Budget-wise, what I found is that these upfront costs are standard for PIMS systems, ensuring a smooth transition into your new system. You also need to account for ongoing fees from integrated third-party services like lab work or payment processing.

So for your business, expect an initial investment beyond the monthly subscription to get fully operational and optimized, ensuring long-term success.

My Take: Shepherd Veterinary Clinic pricing prioritizes custom solutions for small to mid-sized practices, focusing on workflow automation to drive value. It’s a premium solution, best for clinics prioritizing efficiency and strong charge capture.

Overall, Shepherd Veterinary Clinic pricing provides a premium, customized solution for veterinary practices. While it requires a direct quote, the value derived from its efficiency features can easily justify the investment for your clinic’s growth.

Shepherd Veterinary Clinic Reviews

Real user feedback reveals the truth.

To give you an honest perspective, I’ve analyzed numerous Shepherd Veterinary Clinic reviews across various platforms like Capterra and G2. My goal is to distill what actual customers think, offering balanced insights for your decision-making.

1. Overall User Satisfaction

Users generally highly satisfied.

From my review analysis, Shepherd consistently achieves high ratings, averaging 4.7/5 stars, suggesting widespread user contentment. What I found in user feedback is how positive user sentiment often centers on efficiency gains, particularly compared to older systems. Review-wise, this pattern holds true across diverse practices.

This strong satisfaction stems from its intuitive design and robust customer support, making the software easy to adopt and integrate into daily clinic operations effectively.

2. Common Praise Points

Automation and support win praise.

Users consistently highlight the SOAP-driven automation as a ‘game-changer,’ significantly reducing administrative work. What stands out in customer feedback is how excellent customer support enhances the experience, with users frequently praising their responsiveness and knowledge during onboarding and ongoing use. Reviews confirm these key benefits.

This means you can expect significant time savings and a smoother transition, knowing reliable help is always available for your clinic.

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3. Frequent Complaints

Some features still need growth.

While largely positive, I noted recurring feedback regarding Shepherd’s reporting module, often described as less robust for advanced analytics. What I found in user feedback is how some niche features are also notably absent, such as specialized modules. Review-wise, occasional bugs are also consistent critiques.

These complaints aren’t deal-breakers for most users but represent areas where the software could evolve. Consider your specific needs before committing.

Overall, Shepherd Veterinary Clinic reviews reflect credible satisfaction with its core strengths, tempered by identifiable areas for future development. My analysis suggests you can trust the consistent positive patterns found.

Best Shepherd Veterinary Clinic Alternatives

Finding the right veterinary software is key.

When seeking the best Shepherd Veterinary Clinic alternatives, you’ll find a range of options tailored to different practice sizes, needs, and budgets. I’ve analyzed the top competitors to help you decide.

1. ezyVet

Need enterprise-level PIMS features?

ezyVet is a comprehensive alternative designed for large, multi-location, or specialty hospitals needing extensive features and deep configuration. From my competitive analysis, ezyVet provides far more advanced features, though it comes with a significantly higher price tag and greater implementation complexity than Shepherd’s streamlined approach. It’s for serious scale.

Choose ezyVet when your large clinic requires sophisticated capabilities like advanced reporting and two-way specialist communication.

2. Covetrus Pulse

Already use Covetrus products?

Covetrus Pulse shines if your clinic is deeply integrated into the Covetrus distribution and pharmacy ecosystem. What I found comparing options is that Pulse offers seamless integration with Covetrus services, providing a streamlined ordering experience. This alternative’s strength lies in leveraging existing supplier relationships, rather than pure clinical workflow efficiency.

You’ll want to consider Pulse when tight integration with your Covetrus supply chain and pharmacy services is a top priority.

3. IDEXX Neo

Prioritizing simplicity for your small clinic?

IDEXX Neo is a straightforward, cloud-based alternative ideal for small practices seeking a basic, easy-to-use system. From my analysis, Neo focuses on pure simplicity and essential record-keeping for clinics. While it integrates well with IDEXX lab services, it doesn’t offer the deep workflow automation that Shepherd provides for time-saving.

For your specific situation, choose Neo if maximum simplicity and IDEXX lab integration are more important than Shepherd’s automation.

4. Vetter (by DaySmart)

Is budget your main concern?

Vetter, a budget-friendly alternative from DaySmart, is perfect for smaller clinics, startups, or mobile vets with basic needs. Alternative-wise, Vetter offers a very economical entry point for managing scheduling, invoicing, and simple patient records. Its value is purely in its lower cost, not in advanced automation like Shepherd’s core offering.

Consider Vetter when budget is your primary concern and your practice’s needs are basic administrative and record-keeping functions.

The best Shepherd Veterinary Clinic alternatives depend on your practice’s unique size and operational focus. Carefully evaluate your specific needs to find the perfect fit.

Setup & Implementation

Ready for a smooth software transition?

From my implementation analysis, the Shepherd Veterinary Clinic review shows a guided, relatively straightforward deployment. You’ll set realistic expectations for your transition, focusing on practical preparation.

1. Setup Complexity & Timeline

Is deployment a complex beast?

Shepherd assigns a dedicated Implementation Specialist to guide your clinic through setup and critical data migration. What I found about deployment is that this guided onboarding significantly eases the burden, making the overall process highly manageable. Most clinics report comfort within a few weeks.

You’ll need to allocate staff time for data preparation and active participation with your dedicated specialist to ensure all old records are accurately moved.

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2. Technical Requirements & Integration

Minimal IT headaches or major upgrades?

As a cloud-based solution, Shepherd Veterinary Clinic implementation primarily requires a stable, high-speed internet connection. Your team can access it via any modern web browser on existing desktops, laptops, or tablets. My analysis shows minimal hardware investments are needed, focusing on connectivity.

Ensure your clinic has reliable internet and your current devices meet basic web browser compatibility. You won’t need major infrastructure overhauls.

3. Training & Change Management

Will your team embrace new software?

The software’s intuitive design results in a significantly lower learning curve compared to older systems. The implementation process includes comprehensive team training. From my analysis, most teams are comfortable within weeks, minimizing productivity dips.

Plan for dedicated training sessions and identify internal champions to foster adoption. Clearly communicating new workflow benefits is key.

4. Support & Success Factors

What happens after go-live?

Post-implementation support is a standout strength for Shepherd, accessible via phone, email, and chat. They are lauded for fast, effective, and friendly service. Implementation-wise, this robust support is crucial for clinics, ensuring minimal downtime if issues arise.

Leverage Shepherd’s support channels actively. Maintaining open communication with their team and your staff is critical for long-term success.

Overall, Shepherd Veterinary Clinic implementation emphasizes a guided, intuitive transition. My analysis shows successful deployment hinges on strong vendor support and your team’s active participation, leading to streamlined workflows.

Who’s Shepherd Veterinary Clinic For

Does Shepherd Veterinary Clinic fit your practice?

This Shepherd Veterinary Clinic review section helps you identify if the software aligns with your specific veterinary practice’s profile, team size, and operational requirements. I’ll guide you through ideal scenarios and potential mismatches.

1. Ideal User Profile

Small-to-mid private general practices.

Shepherd Veterinary Clinic is an ideal solution for private veterinary general practices with 1-10 DVMs, especially those looking to modernize from older, server-based PIMS. From my user analysis, clinics prioritizing clinical efficiency and reducing administrative overhead will find this software particularly beneficial as it automates tedious tasks.

You’ll see great success if you’re frustrated by manual invoicing and want to improve charge capture through intuitive workflows.

2. Business Size & Scale

Optimize for specific practice sizes.

Shepherd serves small to medium-sized private practices, designed to scale with your growth without overwhelming solo or small teams. What I found about target users is that practices with 1-10 DVMs find Shepherd ideal for managing patient records and daily operations.

You’ll know you’re the right size if your practice seeks an intuitive system to support a growing, yet contained, clinical team.

3. Use Case Scenarios

Automating SOAP notes, improving charge capture.

Shepherd excels in streamlining the core clinical workflow, particularly with its unique SOAP-driven automation that builds invoices in the background. From my analysis, the software works best for reducing administrative burden and ensuring accurate billing as you document.

You’ll appreciate this solution if your priority is enhancing clinical efficiency and moving away from time-consuming manual data entry.

4. Who Should Look Elsewhere

Large hospitals or very tight budgets.

Shepherd may not be the ideal fit for large, 24/7 emergency and specialty hospitals requiring extensive departmentalization or highly advanced reporting. From my user analysis, larger, specialized hospitals may find limitations in its current feature set compared to more comprehensive enterprise platforms.

Consider alternative solutions like ezyVet if you need robust, advanced analytics or specialized niche features for complex operations, or Vetter for very tight budgets.

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Ultimately, your Shepherd Veterinary Clinic review depends on prioritizing workflow automation and modern PIMS for a private practice setting. It’s about finding the right fit for your unique veterinary operational needs.

Bottom Line

Is Shepherd Veterinary Clinic right for you?

My Shepherd Veterinary Clinic review shows a robust PIMS, particularly strong in automating clinical workflows for efficiency. This final assessment helps you understand its core value and whether it aligns with your practice’s needs.

1. Overall Strengths

Workflow automation boosts your clinic’s output.

The software excels by making SOAP notes directly drive invoicing, significantly reducing administrative burdens daily. Users consistently praise its intuitive interface, noting quick adoption for new teams transitioning from older systems. From my comprehensive analysis, its customer support is consistently excellent, providing responsive, knowledgeable help.

These advantages lead to substantial time savings, improved charge capture, and smoother staff transitions, directly boosting your practice’s productivity.

2. Key Limitations

Some areas still require additional development.

A common critique notes the reporting module is less robust than competitors, lacking advanced financial or operational analytics. Some users also mention the absence of specialized features for niche areas. Based on this review, advanced reporting capabilities need enhancement for deeper insights.

These limitations are manageable for general practices, but could be deal-breakers if your business needs highly specialized modules or deep analytics.

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3. Final Recommendation

This solution suits many clinic types well.

You should choose this software if your small to mid-sized private practice prioritizes workflow efficiency, automation, and excellent support. From my analysis, it truly shines for core veterinary operations, focusing on patient care over extensive backend analytics.

My confidence level is high for its target audience. Consider a demo to confirm its unique workflow fits your practice’s daily operations.

This Shepherd Veterinary Clinic review demonstrates a powerful tool for streamlining core veterinary operations. My overall confidence in this assessment is very high for its intended users.