Fall for Shepherd’s Newest Features

At Shepherd, we’re committed to responding to the real-life needs of veterinary practices and their teams. That’s why we’re continually enhancing our software with features designed to save you time and help your practice thrive. We’re thrilled to share our newest updates based on user feedback, plus new integrations and data connections from leading industry providers, including:

• Quick SOAP → easily manage short visits
• Multi-Location Shared Patient Transfers → better financial transparency
• Code and Pricing Change Alerts for Lab Integrations → get notified early
• Expanded Messaging Overview →  provide client communication insights
• Essential software updates → Newly Redesigned Admin Settings; TranscribeAI Upgrades; and Enhanced Reporting features
• New Integrations & Data Connections → PetDesk, Otto, VetCove Home Delivery, Heska, Veterinarian Recommended Solutions (VRS)

New features

1. Easily manage short visits with Quick SOAP!

We’ve heard your feedback loud and clear: you need a better way to handle quick appointments like nail trims, rechecks, and tech visits. In other words, anything that isn’t a full physical exam. 

Our new Quick SOAP is designed for low-complexity visits that require minimal documentation. While Comprehensive SOAP remains best for thorough evaluations, Quick SOAP helps reduce frustration and keeps patient histories cleaner with fewer fields and a single-page workflow. You always have the option to convert to a Comprehensive SOAP when needed.

2. Enhance financial transparency with Multi-Location Shared Payment Transfers 

Are you part of a multi-location practice looking for better client payment visibility? You’re in luck! Our Group Platform now allows you to share payments across locations. To use this feature, your group account must be configured to share both client and patient information. Payment transfers can occur during invoice and payment acceptance, or later from a credit balance. Every transfer is reported with clear “to” and “from” location identifiers so you can easily recognize where they originated. 

Enable it now in your Group Platform and start enjoying greater flexibility when managing payments across all your service locations.

3. Stay in the loop with Code and Pricing Change Alerts for Lab Integrations

If you’re struggling to keep up with changing lab codes and pricing, Shepherd is here to help. Our new Code and Pricing Change Alerts notify you so you can review and confirm changes before they affect invoices. You’ll see three different types of notifications in your software:

1. Red alert dots appear in the Lab Integration Products tab when updates are detected.
2. A banner and View Changes button let you compare old vs. new codes and prices.
3. Products with changes are highlighted so you can confirm updates directly.

4. Supercharge client communication with our Expanded Messaging Overview 

Optimize your communications strategy and track costs more effectively by leveraging insights into outbound messaging usage. Our Expanded Messaging Overview lets you analyze your SMS communications with detailed breakdowns by message type, including:

• View Message Credit Balance: Instantly check message credits
• Review Purchase History: Access a full history of your message credit purchases
• Historical Data Access: Review the total number of messages over the past six months
• Set a Low Balance Threshold: Get notified if your balance drops below a defined level
• And more!

Software Updates

1. Save time and rduce headaches with our newly Redesigned Admin Settings

We’ve made it faster and more intuitive for administrators to manage system configurations. Our redesigned Admin Settings consolidates menus with clearer navigation so you can find what you need without all the digging! 

You and your team will love the new streamlined layout, optimized search bar, easy-to-use toggles, and consistent, card-style interface. 

2. Remove obstacles to care with Smarter Transcription and AI Insights

TranscribeAI just got even better.  Our newest upgrades were built on direct feedback from veterinarians, technicians, and client care teams. They deliver more accurate and clinic-friendly output that makes it easier to capture notes and use TranscribeAI in daily workflows. 

Key upgrades include:  

• Improved recognition of veterinary terms for more specific, clinic-ready summaries.
• AI Insight: the processed transcript now shows alongside the AI response so you can easily review without starting from scratch.
• AI responses are more focused with clear headings and bullet points.
• Physical Exam radio buttons now handle “DNE” correctly in more cases.
• The temperature field no longer incorrectly shows a red border during validation.

We’re continuing to refine TranscribeAI with a focus on accuracy, formatting, and workflow polish. Ongoing use and feedback from your teams will guide future improvements. For insider tips on mastering TranscribeAI and incorporating it into your workflow, click here. 

3. Spot client trends with enhanced Reporting 

Wondering why clients are refusing services or cancelling appointments? Shepherd has made two significant upgrades to help you gain valuable insights.

Estimate Declined Items Tracking 

You can now track declined items from estimates in a dedicated tab - helping you uncover trends, identify frequently declined services, and adjust offerings to improve acceptance rates. 

 Appointment Report Enhancements

We’ve updated our Appointment report to include cancellation notes, so you can see the reasons behind canceled appointments at a glance and make informed decisions about your scheduling workflows.

New Integrations & Data Connections

Check out just a few of our latest integrations with leading industry providers:

PetDesk: We’re over the moon about our new integration with PetDesk, North America’s #1 pet app and multi-channel messaging platform. Together, Shepherd + PetDesk help you solve your biggest front desk headaches, like client outreach, scheduling, and reminders. Read more about our PetDesk integration here. 

Otto: This all-in-one communication platform simplifies client interactions and automates admin tasks with tools for messaging, scheduling, forms, invoices, and payments. Shepherd’s integration syncs client data so you can create streamlined workflows for appointments, examinations, payments, and more. 

VetCove Home Delivery: Shepherd’s data connection with Vetcove’s e-commerce platform transforms the home delivery experience. Cut down on manual work with real-time prescription updates and nightly auto-syncs. You’ll love the simplified prescription approval process – and pet parents will thank you for a better shopping experience! 

Heska: Streamline your diagnostic workflow with Heska and Shepherd. Create and manage lab orders directly from a patient’s SOAP, order lab services, cancel or edit diagnostics, and more. Heska connects directly within Shepherd, improving efficiency in managing diagnostic results. 

Veterinarian Recommended Solutions (VRS):  VRS offers safe, natural, evidence-based products validated by an internationally recognized Veterinary Scientific Advisory Board. The VRS and Shepherd integration ensures accurate synchronization of client, patient, and purchase information for seamless product recommendations and order fulfillment. 

We’re adding providers on a monthly basis! To stay up to date with Shepherd’s latest industry integrations, visit our website. 

Shepherd: Still the Easiest-to-Use PIMS

Shepherd is loved by veterinary teams because it’s easy to learn and use, saves you time, and was designed to grow with your practice – whether you have one DVM or 20. With features like automatic charge capture, real-time inventory control, and advanced AI tools, we simplify practice management so you can spend more time on what matters most. 

Curious to see what all the fuss is about? Experience Shepherd in action with a free, personalized demo: https://www.shepherd.vet/schedule-a-demo/.