New in 2025: Shepherd’s Electronic Estimate Feature
When considering ways to improve practice efficiency and client satisfaction, estimates might not be the first thing that comes to mind—but perhaps they should be! Estimate review and approval is a daily disruption in every practice, with the potential to turn a smooth workflow into a slow crawl.
Shepherd Veterinary Software’s new electronic estimate feature streamlines this everyday task, letting your team create and share customized estimates for review and approval in just a few clicks.
Create and share estimates with ease
Gone are the days of manually printing, scanning, or navigating through multiple steps to email estimates using an external application. With electronic estimates, your team can generate treatment plans directly from the patient page in your software. Estimates can then be shared via a direct link or email, allowing clients to review costs before their pet’s visit. This eliminates cumbersome steps and frees your team to focus on patient care, not paperwork. When it’s time for the pet’s appointment, the team can easily move approved services and goods to the patient’s chart, which is synced with the invoice for additional accuracy and convenience.
Increase cost transparency with better client communication
Cost transparency is an important part of building and maintaining client trust. Sending estimates in advance gives clients a clear understanding of anticipated expenses and recommended care. This reduces surprises and fosters open communication. Instead of feeling rushed or pressured to approve charges during the appointment, clients can take their time to review the information, ask questions, or seek clarification before their visit. This simple shift ensures clients feel informed and confident about their pet’s recommended treatment or procedure.
Collect approvals for a smoother check-in
Similar to the existing electronic form features in Shepherd Veterinary Software, clients can digitally sign their pet’s estimate from any smartphone or computer and confirm their approval before the visit. This not only streamlines the check-in process but ensures both the client and the veterinary team agree with the expected care plan.
Reduce administrative workload
As with other veterinary software automation features such as client reminders and charge capture, electronic estimates reduce your team’s workload by eliminating repetitive administrative tasks. Automatic updates and cloud sync ensure your patients’ estimates are securely stored and readily retrievable within the pet’s electronic medical record, eliminating the need for manual entry, physical filing, copying, scanning, or faxing, and the risk of loss or damage.
Enhance the client experience
Electronic estimates add value to the client experience by improving convenience and connection. Today’s pet owners appreciate the ability to receive and review their pet’s health documents on their own time, with ample opportunity to discuss any concerns with your veterinary team or secure alternative financing. Extending this convenience to your clients demonstrates your commitment to providing a positive experience at each individual visit, building a strong and trusting relationship for the pet’s lifetime and beyond.
Experience a new level of efficiency and peace of mind
Shepherd’s electronic estimate feature brings a new level of convenience, compliance, and connection to veterinary teams and their clients, creating a more efficient, transparent, and positive experience for everyone involved.
Already using Shepherd? Check out our resources section for a step-by-step guide to electronic estimate creation, sharing, and approval.
Ready to see how cloud-based veterinary software can deliver greater efficiency and peace of mind—while helping you and your team get home on time? Contact our team today to experience Shepherd Veterinary Software for yourself with a free demo.
