Break Free from the PIMS Paralysis: Your Path to a Happier Practice

The paralysis of choice is a familiar feeling for many veterinarians. It’s easy to get stuck in the familiar, even when it’s holding you back. And when it comes to switching practice management systems, the sheer weight of the decision can be overwhelming. Concerns about data migration, staff training, and disruptions to the daily rhythm of your clinic can feel like navigating a minefield. 

But remember, you don’t have to face this challenge alone! Shepherd’s team of former veterinary professionals will provide expert guidance, support, and tailored solutions to make the switch as seamless as possible.

“We’re extremely happy with Shepherd. It’s so much quicker than our older system. We recommend Shepherd to other organizations!” 

Kristine M., Practice Manager, Animal Outreach of the Mother Load

Why Shepherd is Different

At Shepherd, we understand the unique challenges you face and are committed to making the transition as smooth as possible. Our cloud-based software was designed by a veterinarian, with veterinarians like you in mind. Unlike other vet software systems, Shepherd offers:

• Intuitive interface: Your staff will love our intuitive, user-friendly dashboard that was designed to allow users to quickly find the information or features they need. 
• Streamlined workflows: Shepherd increases efficiency by automating many manual tasks, reducing paperwork, and improving communication. Automatically schedule appointments, generate invoices, send forms, and track inventory - freeing your staff to focus on what matters most - providing quality patient care.
• Seamless transition: Our team carefully reviews your imported data to ensure accuracy. We’ll identify any potential inconsistencies prior to transferring your records from your old software to Shepherd.
• Data Security: Shepherd prioritizes data security and employs robust measures to protect your practice’s sensitive information. Shepherd’s application is SOC 2 certified, demonstrating our commitment to data security and protection.
• Comprehensive Features: Our wide range of features includes SOAP-based electronic medical records, appointment scheduling, inventory management, pet portal, financial reporting, and more.
• Customization Options: Shepherd is highly customizable, allowing you to tailor the software to your specific needs and preferences.
• Dedicated support: Our customer care team consists of experienced veterinary professionals who understand the demands of your daily practice. We’ve worn the same scrubs, smelled the same odors, and faced the same exhaustion. We’re more than just a software company; we’re a part of the veterinary community.

Improved Efficiency for Proven Results

Countless practices have experienced increased efficiency and improved patient care with Shepherd. Our software has been shown to increase average client transactions by up to 18.1%, boosting your practice’s revenue and profitability.

Shepherd is committed to ongoing innovation and regularly updates our platform to ensure it continues to meet the evolving needs of the veterinary industry. This means more integrations, user-requested features, performance optimization, and design enhancements to improve functionality and workflow. You’ll benefit from:

Scalability: Whether you’re a small solo practice or a large animal hospital with multiple locations, Shepherd can scale to accommodate your growing needs. When your practice expands and acquires new locations, Shepherd’s multi-location platform offers a smooth and efficient transition. The system is designed to handle multiple facilities without compromising data integrity or operational efficiency.

The power of AI: Make more informed diagnoses, treatment plans, and medication dosing using AI-powered suggestions based on symptoms, medical history, and test results. You can also use automatic audio recording transcription to reduce time spent on manual note-taking and improve the accuracy of your patient records. Start to finish SOAPs in under an hour? It can be done with Shepherd!

Better patient outcomes: By streamlining your workflow and improving communication, Shepherd can help you provide more effective care - and that’s what it is all about! Let technology work with you to close your SOAPs in under an hour while AI-based tools provide greater diagnostic accuracy to support better patient outcomes. 

Overcoming Staff Fears

Change in a veterinary practice can be unsettling, but by proactively addressing your team’s concerns and building excitement for the new system, you can create a supportive environment that fosters a successful transition. To alleviate concerns and build excitement, consider the following:

• Open communication: Be transparent about the reasons for the switch and the benefits it will bring to the practice. Acknowledge that while there may be a brief adjustment period, the long-term benefits of Shepherd far outweigh the initial challenges. 

• Involve your team: Seek input from your staff on their needs and concerns. Conduct surveys or questionnaires asking team members about their experiences with the current system, their pain points, and their hopes for the new software. 

• Provide comprehensive training: Ensure your team is well-prepared for the transition by providing hands-on training so they feel comfortable with the new system. Shepherd’s dedicated team of product experts provides tailored training and support, so your staff will feel confident and empowered from day one.

• Highlight the positive: When talking to your staff, focus on the improvements the new system will bring, such as:

  • Less paperwork
  • Improved appointment scheduling
  • Streamlined communication
  • Improved access to patient records
  • Enhanced medication management, tracking, and refill management

“The onboarding process for Shepherd was seamless. We have been 100% on paper for over 40 years, and Kate helped break up the overwhelming thought of transitioning into phases, which helped ease everyone’s mind. I cannot recommend Shepherd enough to anyone in the veterinary industry.” 

Hope Crowl, Practice Manager, Prospect Park Veterinary Clinic

Beyond Efficiency - The Financial Side to Switching

Beyond improved efficiency and staff satisfaction, switching to Shepherd can also yield significant financial benefits. Our data reveals that practices transitioning to Shepherd experience up to 18.1% increase in average client transaction value within the first year after the switch. This increase can be attributed to several factors:

Enhanced client communication fosters trust and loyalty, encouraging clients to return for additional services.

Automated billing and invoicing reduces error and improves cash flow. Clients also love modern payment features like text-to-pay and pet portal payment options.

Accurate reporting allows for informed, data-driven decision-making about pricing, marketing, and service offerings.

No more missed charges - if it’s in the medical record, it’s on the invoice! 

Additionally, Shepherd reduces no-show rates by a substantial 40%. By optimizing schedules and minimizing lost revenue due to missed appointments, practices can allocate resources more effectively and improve their overall profitability.

Taking the Leap

We understand that making the decision to change your practice management software can be daunting. That’s why we offer a flexible trial period so you can experience Shepherd firsthand before committing to a long-term contract. 

By choosing Shepherd, you’re investing in the future of your practice. Imagine a system that streamlines your workflow, improves patient care, and boosts your team’s morale. It’s time to break free from the PIMS paralysis and embrace a brighter path forward.

Are you ready to take the next step? Schedule a demo with our team today and discover how Shepherd can transform your practice.