Who we are
We're a software company, but we're in the veterinary business. We've been there for the dewormings, the vaccinations, the 2 a.m. barn calls for a laboring mare, the angry pet owners, the overjoyed pet owners, the exhausted pet owners, and the wriggling litters. We've seen it all, and we're here to remind you: You deserve joy.
What we believe
Vets deserve joy. Joy is why you got into this work in the first place. Remember? It wasn't because...
At Shepherd, we believe vets deserve joy.
Joy is why you got into this career in the first place. Remember? It wasn't because you love staying up late to finish your records or balance your books. It was because, even before you ever understood what a career was, you wanted to help animals. You wanted to be the one to tell a family their best friend is going to be okay, and the shoulder to cry on when it's time to say goodbye. You understood that the bond between a human and a pet has a magic that makes the world a happier place. Being a guardian over that bond is what drives you.
But oftentimes, that joy gets lost in the chaos of running a productive practice. Spending hours catching up on paperwork. Working late to fit in every patient, even when your schedule is already full. Celebrating a new life just moments after witnessing the end of another. Your days start early and never really end because you're constantly wondering what you could have done better, how you could have done more. And somewhere along the line, you forget about you.
You give up so much to be the caregiver you are. Time with family, your emotional health—not to mention paying off student loans. And it's too often you feel you have nothing left to give, yet you tell yourself this is how you should feel. We're here to tell you: it doesn't have to be this hard. Running a business doesn't have to eclipse the love you have for your work. In the midst of the unavoidable lows and overwhelming highs, it's still possible to rekindle your joy.
You deserve to get as much as you give. You deserve to feel peace at the end of the day. You deserve to take home more stories and less stress.
From vet to vet, we're here to remind you: You deserve joy.
Meet our founder
Dr. Cindy Barnes is an experienced emergency vet and medical director of the first 24/7 emergency animal hospital in Northern Arizona.
Dr. Cindy Barnes,
DVM, CVSMT
Dr. Cindy Barnes
Dr. Cindy Barnes knows how difficult it is to run a veterinary practice, provide the best care, and, on top of it all, try to savor life too. With 20+ years in the field and experience as the Medical Director of the first 24/7 emergency animal hospital in northern Arizona, she saw how administrative inefficiencies and clunky software programs worked against her—causing her to spend hours after each shift finishing the day's medical records—instead of for her. Plus, they were wildly expensive.
She knew that there must be a better way and that being a vet—being able to improve the lives of pets and their people—should bring a whole lot more joy.
So she started building Shepherd: veterinary practice management software that intuitively matches how vets and technicians actually operate.
We're driven by making the best vet software out there and making sure you're always supported
Amber P.
Amber P.
HOBBIES
I love just anything outdoors - kayaking, hiking, backpacking, camping. I enjoy daydreaming about home renovations because let’s face it, I am a messy painter and terrible carpenter. I also enjoy a good netflix binge watching day. Oh, and I have been “working on” a 1972 camper renovation for about 634 days… there goes the day dreaming and terrible carpentry skills again ;)
FAVORITE THING ABOUT SHEPHERD
Is “everything” an answer? Honestly though having worked in a practice I know the struggles of the day to day and I love how Shepherd strives to improve their lives as a whole, in and outside of software. Vets (and teams) deserve joy, right?
PETS
Two dogs, but don’t tell one of them I called her a dog. She really is a princess. The other one is a hero dog who saved my son from being bitten by a rattlesnake when he was little. Oh, and like 100 yard birds who eat way too much bird seed.
HOMETOWN
Prescott, Arizona
VETERINARY INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE
Yes, about 10 years in practice. And enough tech experience (minimal) to know I never want to express anal glands again.
SUPERPOWER
To snap my fingers and have dinner cooked #adultlife

Andrew T.
Andrew T.
What do you do outside of Shepherd?
Play video games with my wife and friends. I also enjoy cooking and practicing photography outside
What do you love most about Shepherd?
I love that everyone on the team has veterinary industry experience; starting a company with a foundation like that gives it a solid base
What pets do you have (and how many)?
One 5-year-old cat named Chloe
Hometown:
Vancouver, British Columbia
Veterinary industry experience:
I graduated from the Western University of Health and Science College of Veterinary Medicine
What animal do you think most closely matches your personality?
A friendly cat
What is your dream pet?
Chloe, my cat
If you could have any one superpower, which would you choose?
To be omniscient

Casey S.
Casey S.
WHAT DO YOU DO OUTSIDE OF SHEPHERD?
I love being outside! Living in the Rocky Mountain West provides plenty of opportunity for hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, rockhounding, cross-country skiing, and more. My husband and I have a life goal to see all of our National Parks! Colorado can be pretty cold and snowy in the winter, so I also enjoy quilting and reading.
HOMETOWN
I grew up in Wyoming but have lived in Colorado since 2015.
VETERINAR INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE
Just shy of 7 years at the same hospital where I started at the front desk and worked my way up to Hospital Manager.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT SHEPHERD?
The philosophy; I am passionate about revolutionizing the veterinary industry and improving the lives of people in-hospital any way I can.
WHAT PETS DO YOU HAVE (AND HOW MANY)?
Two dogs, Indiana the puppy princess, and Biscuit the duchess of dog — both perfect rescue mutts. We also have Pawdrey Hepburn, the kitten queen, who doesn’t consider herself a “pet.”
WHAT ANIMAL DO YOU THINK CLOSELY MATCHES YOUR PERSONALITY?
Chickadee! Whatever season, they’re here for it!
WHAT IS YOUR DREAM PET?
Too hard to pick, I want a whole menagerie!
IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY ONE SUPER POWER, WHICH WOULD YOU CHOOSE?
Time warp! I could pause, slow down or speed up time.

Christine H.
Christine H.
HOBBIES
I just had my baby boy a few months ago, so my husband and I have had so much fun hanging out with him (even in the wee hours of the night!!) and bringing him to new places.
FAVORITE THING ABOUT SHEPHERD
The collaborative work environment. I came from a company of over 42,000 employees (yes, you read that right. 42,000!!!), so to be a member of a team that seems more like family than coworkers is really something special.
NUMBER OF PETS
2 dogs and a cat: Meeka, Moo and Beans
HOMETOWN
Charlotte, NC
VETERINARY INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE
7 years in clinic, 2 years in sales
DREAM PET
Toothless from How to Train your Dragon
SUPERPOWER
Easy. Teleportation.

Conor G.
Conor G.
HOBBIES
I raise bison and heritage breed Mangalitsa pigs on my family’s 350 year old farm in Southern Maine. I enjoy spending time with my wife and two young kids- ski bums in the winter, beach bums in the summer.
PETS
Two very friendly mousers and a bunch of laying hens.
HOMETOWN
North Berwick, Maine
VETERINARY INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE
10+ years of experience
SUPERPOWER
Pyrokinesis

Cynthia C.
Cynthia C.
HOBBIES
I enjoy making jewelry; wire bending, beads, stones, etc,..
FAVORITE THING ABOUT SHEPHERD
I love that the entire Shepherd team is like a family and not just a job.
PETS
I have one small min pin mix named Keeva and one long haired cat named Ozzy. Funny thing is my cat is bigger than my dog. He doesn’t know he is a cat.
HOMETOWN
Brentwood, California.
VETERINARY INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE
Yes, I have been in the Veterinary profession since March of 2006.

Evan K.
Evan K.
HOBBIES
I have a mobile recording studio that I use to record bands (mostly rock bands). I also play drums and guitar!
HOMETOWN
Cove, OR
15 MINUTES OF FAME
I was almost in an Oscar Meyer weiner commercial (“Oh I wish I were an Oscar Meyer weiner, that is what I’d truly like to be….”) when I was 3. The minimum age was 4 and the casting director tried to get my mom to lie about my age so that I could be in the commercial (at least that’s what she claims). But she had to stick to her values and refused.

Jessica H.
Jessica H.
HOBBIES
I like to cook, spend time with my family, and kayak. I also love anything on Bravo TV!
FAVORITE THING ABOUT SHEPHERD
Our team is incredible! There is a true sense of family here! We all have the same goal - to help pets, pet parents, and veterinary professionals. I also love that Shepherd can help give teams more time in their day and can support a happier environment!
PETS
I have a Maltese mix named Manolo and a pug mix named Gwendolyn. They are both my secretaries and frequently sleep on the job!
HOMETOWN
Houston, Texas, but my parents are from Colombia! Super proud to be a first generation, born in Texas!
VETERINARY INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE
About 16 years in the industry including veterinary technician experience, practice management, and practice ownership and helping support practice owners with telemedicine, wellness plans, and software!
SUPERPOWER
I would love to be able to adjust someone’s mood. I love it when I can make someone happy!

Kate B.
Kate B.
HOBBIES
Netflix binges, coffee snobbery, fossil hunting, beach days, fishing (fresh and saltwater), and traveling.
FAVORITE THING ABOUT SHEPHERD
The team
PETS
My husband would say too many… but I have a leopard gecko, crested gecko, leucistic Texas rat snake, a corn snake, a gerbil, a syrian hamster, a Betta fish sorority tank, a fiddler crab tank, a jumping spider, and a rescue cat (with the cutest, little back feet).
HOMETOWN
Tyrone, Pennsylvania
VETERINARY INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE
Yep, I was a vet tech for just over a year before coming to Shepherd.
DREAM PET
Black headed python, any tegu, fennec fox, skunk, rainbow boa, red-wing black cockatoo, cheetah, and web-footed / Namib sand geckos
ANIMAL THAT MOST CLOSELY MATCHES YOUR PERSONALITY
Wombat!
SUPERPOWER
Telekinesis - I mean, everything is atoms, right?
15 MINUTES OF FAME
I won the John Phillip Sousa award in high school. I played flute, piccolo, alto and tenor sax.

Kristy S.
Kristy S.
HOBBIES
I enjoy hiking, swimming in the river. Spending time with family and friends, going to local concerts/events with my daughter
PETS
Two black cats Duffus and Spicy, and whatever critters my daughter finds in the yard. Currently a long nosed snake and several tadpoles
HOMETOWN
Scottsdale Arizona, been in Prescott Valley for 21 years
VETERINARY INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE
8 years mostly general practice
ANIMAL THAT MOST CLOSELY MATCHES YOUR PERSONALITY
Definitely a cat
SUPERPOWER
Shapeshifting

Lauren J.
Lauren J.
WHAT DO YOU DO OUTSIDE OF SHEPHERD?
I love all things outdoors, especially off-roading (Jeeps!) and kayaking. I am a yogi wannabee, music lover, and sports enthusiast - especially football. Go Steelers!
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT SHEPHERD?
I love the never-ending pursuit of improvement. The Shepherd team always cares and listens to hospitals to continue making the user experience better and better.
WHAT PETS DO YOU HAVE (AND HOW MANY)?
We have a silly and adorable bearded dragon named Bruni.
HOMETOWN:
I am from West Chester, Pennsylvania, and currently live in Scottsdale, Arizona.
VETERINARY EXPERIENCE:
I graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 2010. Since then, I have owned two veterinary hospitals, growing and transitioning both from paper records to Shepherd. I still own and operate one hospital with a rockstar team of vets and vet techs!
IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY ONE SUPER POWER, WHICH WOULD YOU CHOOSE?
I would choose the ability to speak to animals - imagine the possibilities with my patients!

Lourdes M.
Lourdes M.
PETS
Three dogs. A six year old Chihuahua named Mocha, a five year old German Shepherd named Sheba, and a two year old Husky named Ghost
HOMETOWN
I was born in the Philippines, grew up in Sudi Arabia, and moved to Texas in 2001
VETERINARY INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE
I worked two years as a kennel attendant, seven years as a veterinary technician, and two years as a veteirnary software implementor

Matt V.
Matt V.
FAVORITE THING ABOUT SHEPHERD
I love that I am able to be part of the veterinary industry again, but from a different and less physical aspect. Being part of such an amazing, friendly, and compassionate team is also a huge plus!
PETS
1 dog, 1 hedgehog, 1 turtle, and many many shrimp
HOMETOWN
Staten Island, NY
VETERINARY INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE
I was a vet tech for about 6 years
DREAM PET
Giraffe and a few Great Danes
15 MINUTES OF FAME
Was on VH1’s website for the “Top Ten Best Big Ang Halloween Costumes”

Megan B.
Megan B.
HOBBIES
Chill in my log cabin with my dog pack, where I farm chickens, garden, and watch storms roll in during monsoon season.
FAVORITE THING ABOUT SHEPHERD
I love that it was made by a vet and is super simple and user-friendly. Supporting vets and their teams is at the core of who we are! And the Shepherd team is pretty incredible, too!
PETS
6 dogs (Basset hound, American Bulldog, 2 Pitbulls, Maltipoo, Australian Cattle Dog), 20 chickens, 1 Egyptian Uromastyx
HOMETOWN
Born in Visalia, CA and raised in suburbs of Phoenix, AZ
VETERINARY INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE
Vet tech- GP & ER (6ish years)
DREAM PET
Mermaid (Owning one might be considered slavery, so I guess I would settle for meeting one!)
SUPERPOWER
All the abilities of Mary Poppins! (Dog poop picked up, floor mopped, dishes done with a snap of my fingers!)

Sydney S.
Sydney S.
HOBBIES
I spend time with family and friends. I am frequently found exercising my dog Finn who is a Border Collie mix. I also enjoy trail rides with my horse, Joseph, down gravel roads or taking the family 4-wheeler out for a spin. On Sundays, after church, you will find me cheering on the Dallas Cowboys during football season and spending time with my nephew.
FAVORITE THING ABOUT SHEPHERD
I love how the Shepherd team is truly so focused on improving the lives of veterinary professionals by making their software as seamless as possible, alleviating the stress of managing a business while really trying to enhance patient care.
PETS
I have three pets. One dog named Finn — a Border Collie mix that loves to run and play fetch. I also have one breeding-stock Paint horse named Joseph and one Quarter cross named Cashew.
VETERINARY INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE
I previously worked at a company that sold wearable canine health monitors to veterinary professionals to automate the monitoring of patient vitals post-surgery.
SUPERPOWER
Teleportation. I mean flying is cool, but come on.

Tawnie E.
Tawnie E.
WHAT DO YOU DO OUTSIDE OF SHEPHERD?
Number one favorite hobby of all time is fishing! We just moved from Northern Utah back to AZ and the sport fishing out there is incredible and I miss it everyday! If I am not fishing or hiking, my husband and I are usually just hanging out with our daughter and soaking up the newborn/baby stage!
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT SHEPHERD?
It is so incredibly veterinary user friendly!! For those that have previously worked in any hospital know how crucial it is to have a good software system to not only enhance your practice but to make your life easier and many software systems love to overcomplicate such simple tasks!
WHAT PETS DO YOU HAVE (AND HOW MANY)?
I have two akitas (Tia Mae and Kuma)
HOMETOWN
Born and raised in Las Vegas but spent over half my life in Arizona!
VETERINARY INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE
I’ve been a Vet Tech for about 8 years! I have worked with small practices (1-2 doctors) and larger practices (5-6 doctors) and many relief doctors. I have just about done everything in a clinic setting! (front desk, inpatient and outpatient care, routine surgeries/dentals, emergency surgeries, end of life care, house calls, farm animals, etc). Dentals were my all time favorite thing to do as a Vet Tech, there is nothing more satisfying than cleaning up a tartar filled mouth and giving those furbabies a fresh start
WHAT ANIMAL DO YOU THINK CLOSELY MATCHES YOUR PERSONALITY?
I would say a horse.. I think lol. I am very stubborn but also a free spirit… also I am a huge foodie and would eat all day if it didn’t catch up with me!
WHAT IS YOUR DREAM PET?
My dream pet is a horse! I used to have 3 but had to rehome them due to financial issues. But I have been obsessed with horses my entire life and can’t wait to get another one.. or two… or three :)
IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY ONE SUPER POWER, WHICH WOULD YOU CHOOSE?
Being a breastfeeding momma… honestly, I wish I could pump my milk with the snap of my fingers! Pumping every 2-3 hours throughout the day and night are exhausting, but of course worth it for my little nugget.

These folks make Shepherd (better) — and make it run smooth as a puppy's belly
Alen S.

Alen S.
FAVORITE COLOR
Green
HOBBIES
I enjoy nature
NEVER LEAVE HOME WITHOUT
Cap
WEIRDEST FOOD EVER EATEN AND WOULD YOU EAT IT AGAIN
Bull eggs. Never again.
PETS
Cat
FAVORITE ZOO ANIMAL
Panther
Amer Z.

Amer Z.
FAVORITE COLOR
Blue
HOBBIES
Most often I go to the gym
PETS
I have three cats
DREAM PET
Dog (Husky)
FAVORITE ZOO ANIMAL
Lion
ANIMAL THAT MOST CLOSELY MATCHES YOUR PERSONALITY
Cat
Anja V.

Anja V.
FAVORITE COLOR
Green
WEIRDEST FOOD EVER EATEN AND WOULD YOU EAT IT AGAIN
Sea asparagus. I would eat it again.
ANIMAL THAT MOST CLOSELY MATCHES YOUR PERSONALITY
Dolphin
SUPERPOWER
Time travel
Ante R.

Ante R.
FAVORITE COLOR
Green
HOBBIES
Basketball, TV Shows, Gaming
DREAM PET
Whale
FAVORITE ZOO ANIMAL
Monkey
ANIMAL THAT MOST CLOSELY MATCHES YOUR PERSONALITY
Monkey
SUPERPOWER
Time travel
Danijela D.

Danijela D.
FAVORITE COLOR
Blue
HOBBIES
Enjoy time with my family. I love to be active: long walks, cycling, running. Drinking a lot of coffee.
NEVER LEAVE HOME WITHOUT
Lip balm
WEIRDEST FOOD EVER EATEN AND WOULD YOU EAT IT AGAIN
Snails. Absolutely no
PETS
2 dogs, Hachi and Oliver
FAVORITE ZOO ANIMAL
Tiger
ANIMAL THAT MOST CLOSELY MATCHES YOUR PERSONALITY
Fox
SUPERPOWER
Have summer always with me, wherever I go!
Dario B.

Dario B.
FAVORITE COLOR
All shades of blue, turquoise blue when feeling playful and full of energy, dark blue when sleepy and ready to fly in my dreams.
NEVER LEAVE HOME WITHOUT
A lunchbox, or to be precise, a lunch bag. My wife is an excellent cook and I always bring homemade food to work. Missing it makes my day go all wrong.
Domagoj S.

Domagoj S.
HOBBIES
Play guitar in a band, play video games and play in general
ANIMAL THAT MOST CLOSELY MATCHES YOUR PERSONALITY
Chimpanzee
SUPERPOWER
Immortality
Elma S.

Elma S.
FAVORITE COLOR
Black
HOBBIES
Study
NEVER LEAVE HOME WITHOUT
Phone
DREAM PET
Cat
Fran J.

Fran J.
FAVORITE COLOR
Navy Blue
NEVER LEAVE HOME WITHOUT
Phone, earphones and of course my wallet.
PETS
One angry little Tibetan spaniel
FAVORITE ZOO ANIMAL
I am always fascinated by giraffes' long necks.
Ivan D.

Ivan D.
FAVORITE COLOR
Blue
HOBBIES
Music listening and gaming.
PETS
One cat
Krunoslav A.

Krunoslav A.
FAVORITE COLOR
Green
HOBBIES
Working on pet projects, driving my quad bike, enyoing craft beer and hanging with friends
NEVER LEAVE HOME WITHOUT
Keys to my home :)
PETS
None but I’d love to own cat and dog when I get a place of my own
DREAM PET
Ferret
FAVORITE ZOO ANIMAL
Lion
ANIMAL THAT MOST CLOSELY MATCHES YOUR PERSONALITY
Squirrel
SUPERPOWER
Ability to manipulate time
Mario K.

Mario K.
FAVORITE COLOR
Black
HOBBIES
Watching soccer
NEVER LEAVE HOME WITHOUT
Phone
WEIRDEST FOOD EVER EATEN AND WOULD YOU EAT IT AGAIN
Blood sausage. No.
DREAM PET
Dog
FAVORITE ZOO ANIMAL
Snake
ANIMAL THAT MOST CLOSELY MATCHES YOUR PERSONALITY
Dog
SUPERPOWER
Time travel
Marko S.

Marko S.
FAVORITE COLOR
Black
HOBBIES
Playing & Creating Video Games, Snowboarding, Reading sci-fi books.
NEVER LEAVE HOME WITHOUT
Earphones, powerbank, laptop & wallet
PETS
One russian blue cat
DREAM PET
Arctic fox
FAVORITE ZOO ANIMAL
Earless seal
ANIMAL THAT MOST CLOSELY MATCHES YOUR PERSONALITY
Sloth
SUPERPOWER
Elemental control
Matea V.

Matea V.
WEIRDEST FOOD EVER EATEN AND WOULD YOU EAT IT AGAIN
A salad made of iceberg lettuce, diced feta cheese, honey, a hint of apple vinegar, sliced almonds, cherry tomatoes and chopped tangerines. Whoa! I’d eat that again definitely
PETS
My adorable cuddly and playful Dachshund Lola
SUPERPOWER
Being able to teleport and as a result visit lots of different places on this incredible planet.
Matej V.

Matej V.
FAVORITE COLOR
Royal Blue
HOBBIES
Just give me a stack of books and fridge access and there’s a good chance won’t be hearing from me for a few weeks.
NEVER LEAVE HOME WITHOUT
I would say ‘keys’ or a ‘wallet’, but unfortunately that would be a lie :)
WEIRDEST FOOD EVER EATEN
Ostrich. Probably not as it’s super gamey and tough.
PETS
Cats, three of them. Best things come in threes, right?
DREAM PET
A Shetland Sheepdog or a Husky.
FAVORITE ZOO ANIMAL
A llama, of course, the quintessential zen animal.
SUPERPOWER
The ability to not stub my pinky toe on random furniture.
Customer care team
Led by experienced vet techs, the Shepherd customer care team has been there and done that. (In other words, after they answer all your product questions, you'll want to pour a drink and swap war stories.)
Available every day from 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. EST to answer any questions, help solve problems, provide additional training, and let you know you're not alone.
85% trained veterinary
technicians
50+ years clinical
experience
50+ years customer service experience
Entire team = 100% animals lovers
(And we have the pets to prove it.)
- 21 dogs
- 9 cats
- 32 chickens
- 6 horses
- 3 Yaks
- 1 hedgehog
- 2 geckos
- 3 snakes
- 1 gerbil
- 1 hamster
- 3 betta fish
- 1 crab tank
- 1 shrimp tank
- 2 bearded dragons
- 1 spider
- 1 turtle
Try Shepherd and see for yourself
Request a personalized demo.