Veterinary Software: 6 Tips on Finding the Perfect Fit for Your Practice
Choosing the right veterinary software is critical to the success of your practice and the happiness of your veterinary team. The right system can streamline everyday tasks, funnel more of the team’s attention to patient and client care, and make life generally easier for everyone. The wrong one can slow everything down, frustrate your staff, and drive away clients.
With many options on the market, from server-based legacy systems to modern cloud-based practice management software, you might feel confused about where to start. Here are six tips from the Shepherd team on how to evaluate your options and find veterinary software that fits your practice needs.
1. Understand what veterinary software can do
Veterinary software is more than a digital appointment book. Modern systems also host electronic medical records (EMR), AI assistants, client communication tools, advanced inventory trackers, automated reminders, reporting tools, and more.
Knowing what veterinary EMR software can do for your clinic can help you make a list of features that are “must-haves” versus “nice-to-haves.” If you’re switching from another system, doing some research can help you make comparisons and target current pain points in your daily workflows.
2. Weigh the pros and cons of server-based and cloud-based veterinary software
One of your most fundamental choices is whether to stick with a traditional server-based system or switch to a cloud-based platform. Each platform type has pros and cons, but as technology advances, cloud-based veterinary software is quickly gaining an edge.
Some advantages to cloud veterinary software include accessibility from anywhere, lower upfront hardware costs, automatic updates, and easier integration with new tools. Some downsides include reliance on an internet connection and monthly subscription costs that may vary based on features.
Server-based systems, also called legacy systems because of their longevity in the industry, are still used in many practices because of their long-standing reliability. However, frequent maintenance, costly hardware upgrades, security risks, lack of portability, and the need for on-site IT support are significant downsides.
3. Evaluate ease of use
Feature-rich, cost-effective practice management software won’t help your team if they struggle to use it or if the transition to the new system is rocky. Look for veterinary software with an intuitive interface, customizable features, built-in training resources, and robust customer service from a support team that understands a veterinary hospital’s daily issues.
When evaluating potential EMR software, set up a demo so that team members from different roles, including veterinarians, technicians, and front desk staff, can determine if the new system would be a good fit.
4. Consider scalability
Your practice’s needs may look different in a few years than they do today. Choose veterinary software that’s built to grow with you, whether that means adding new locations, expanding services, or adopting new technologies.
Ask whether the new system integrates smoothly with your existing equipment, lab providers, and payment processors, and whether you can easily integrate with new tools as they become available. Multi-location support, customizable access levels, and centralized reporting also keep the door open for future growth.
5. Know the total cost of ownership
Price is always a factor in a business with tight profit margins. Costs can vary wildly based on type of practice management software, with legacy systems usually costing significantly more than cloud-based veterinary practice management systems. Server systems require an initial investment and fees for adding licenses and upgrades over time, while cloud-based software is available on a monthly subscription basis.
Keep an eye out for hidden or additional fees for:
- Staff training
- Ongoing support
- Premium features
Veterinary EMR software that seems affordable upfront could end up costing you in the long run if it doesn’t meet your needs. Choose software that fits your budget while checking all the other boxes.
6. Keep the whole team in mind
Your veterinary software should support every role in the practice, from front desk staff to veterinarians, technicians, and assistants. Choosing an EMR system that addresses pain points and daily bottlenecks can improve morale, reduce turnover, and enhance job satisfaction as well as the client experience.
Look for features such as:
- Intuitive, easy-to-use dashboard
- SOAP-based medical records
- Automatic charge capture and discharge instructions
- Real-time inventory management
- Online client pet portal and client communication tools
- Integrations with leading labs and services
- Cutting-edge AI tools
Veterinary software that works for you
The right veterinary software should feel like a partner in daily practice, not a burden. Choose an EMR system that helps you manage your day-to-day operations more efficiently, saves time by automating tedious tasks, and makes it easier overall for staff to deliver exceptional patient care.
Ready to see how the right veterinary software can transform your practice? Explore advanced cloud-based features, including AI capabilities, during a Shepherd software demo or contact our team to learn why software designed by veterinarians could be the right choice for your hospital.
