I am still shocked by how many handwritten records come through my emergency room. Bills are often computer-generated, suggesting some software usage, but programs and their capabilities are obviously underutilized. Not using computerized records these days means people are missing out on all they have to offer, including time-saving capabilities, email and text messaging, and a means to distribute client education and discharge materials. While software and related programs carry an upfront cost, they are invaluable tools in practice. Using paper records often makes people less likely to document fully, making it harder for colleagues and referral vets to understand what’s going on and limiting what people can do. Let’s dive into several practice management systems and what they include. Practice information management systems (PIMS) Veterinary PIMS integrate various programs to help clinics manage day-to-day functions, from billing and client communications to electronic medical records (EMR) and SOAPs, to inventory management, and more. Most older programs are standalone and run on servers, but nowadays, they are all trending toward cloud-based models, allowing employees to use them at home or work. Widely used, prevalent industry-standard PIMS used in the current veterinary arena include: Covetrus Pulse. This program integrates with the supply chain and pharmacy. It is cloud-based and serves as an operating system (OS) that integrates AI, payment, and inventory management. Text messaging and auto-reminders are easily set up. This program permits online booking and patient portal access.1 DaySmart Vet. With this cloud-based PIMS, inventory is simplified and useful for general practices. This program, reportedly designed by veterinarians for veterinarians, touts 24/7 customer support.2 ezyVet. An integrated player in inventory management, it offers a customizable workflow for SOAP writing and related EMR functions. It is cloud-based, allowing users to access it anywhere with internet access, and it recently added an AI function. It does not have an integrated whiteboard, but it works in conjunction with a program called VetRadar: Patient Care Software.3 IDEXX Neo. This is a cloud-based, newer system recommended for mobile practices, small- volume clinics, or those needing a quick and easy setup. Reportedly easy to use, primarily for the basics, billing, scheduling, and EMR uses.4 IDEXX Cornerstone. Server-based or hybrid system capable of handling large clinics with high caseloads and needs, report generation, and inventory management, with more features and overall capabilities than Neo, but it relies on a server and has a bit of a steeper learning curve.5 Instinct. Another cloud-based, newer program, with integrated Plumb’s, permitting direct drug calculations and access to drug monographs directly in the treatment sheet/whiteboard section. Fewer clicks are needed in this program than in some others. Instinct’s EMR (PIMS) is part of Instinct Science, which also encompasses several references for drug information under one umbrella.6 Note: Both IDEXX products integrate easily with their own diagnostic equipment, though ezyVet and others also integrate with numerous diagnostic equipment brands. An example of a whiteboard, featuring patient care software Vet Radar. Photo courtesy Dr. Erica Tramuta-Drobnis Newcomers Newer, up-and-coming PIMS options include: NectarVet. While newish to the market, this program claims to help automate many functions, reducing data entry and manual paperwork. The platform is said to be intuitive and fully cloud-based. They feature a new clinic program for those just starting out that may be more economical and a good starting point for new practices.7 Provet. An independent company, not affiliated with any other, whose tagline is “Book, treat, bill. In one intelligent veterinary workspace.” They also offer a whiteboard, triage board, patient summaries, an AI Scribe, integration with diagnostic equipment and imaging, estimates/invoicing functions, analytics, and more.8 Digitail. Another relative newcomer, offering an all-cloud-based PIMS, including an option for mobile clinics. It is considered an all-in-one platform that includes VoIP, direct appointment booking, payment management, client communications, telehealth options (a new feature that other programs will likely include in the future), AI Scribe, and report generation.9 Shepherd Veterinary Software. Developed by a veterinarian, this cloud-based solution offers billing/invoicing, EMR, Reminders and confirmations, payments, prescription writing, treatment planning, client and calendar management, and inventory management. In addition to TranscribeAI, it offers DiagnosticAI, which provides evidence-based, peer-reviewed treatment recommendations.10 The author inputs patient notes through an integrated PIMS. Photo courtesy Dr. Erica Tramuta-Drobnis Pros and cons of PIMS Pros The ability to have an all-in-one system, including: Core practice management system Billing Scheduling Full EMR capabilities Integrated (or external) inventory management and syncing Booking/scheduling/calendar maintenance, including online scheduling Client communications: Emailing and texting directly with clients The newer programs incorporate whiteboards (treatment sheets) directly into their programs, while others still require/make use of external programs, but provide connectivity for seamless flow/patient care integration AI (integration) – This includes scribe programs as well as other features. For the newer programs, these come standard, while others can work with/utilize external AI scribe programs Telehealth capabilities (new feature, not yet commonplace) Trustworthy Minimizing missed charges with automatic charge capture (in most cases) Many integrate with Cubex, a commonly used veterinary inventory management and dispensing program (Veterinary Inventory Automation Solutions)11 Reliability Integration/connectivity with diagnostic equipment, permitting results to be imported/incorporated directly into the EMR. Cons Learning curve. Each program has its own quirks and nuances. The learning curve will vary depending on the program, size of the practice, options utilized, and other factors. You can make the most of the programs. The more you learn and the more features you utilize to your advantage, the better. Some of the programs are a bit click-happy, requiring numerous clicks to get to the action needed, while others are much more user-friendly. Traditional stack (server-based and or hybrid, where whiteboards and inventory management may require add-on programs) vs. cloud stack (fully integrated, generally newer to the market, and includes built-in AI, built-in EMR capabilities, built-in treatment sheet/whiteboard features) Individual AI scribe programs The following are standalone scribe programs that can generally be used and incorporated into most PIMS via copy-and-paste functions, though some PIMS offer their own options. PetDesk Scribe. While PetDesk functions as a communication platform, enabling client engagement, it also includes a standalone scribe function that integrates with several current PIMS.12 ScribbleVet. This AI scribe program touts being detailed, highly accurate, and providing the whole team with access. With several PIMS, one can quickly transfer directly to the PIMS with a single click. There are customizable templates, a summarizer for the entire medical records option, Plumb’s integration, and client summary email capabilities.13 Talkatoo. Another AI Scribe standalone that purports to provide call summaries, auto-follow-up, auto-records, AI assistance, and desktop dictation. It can handle administrative tasks, including writing discharges, procedure reports, and dose instructions.14 Communication platforms and AI scribes Why bother with a communication platform? It is just one more thing to log into and remember a password, right? This type of program can help with client engagement and clinic efficiency. Programs vary in what they offer and how in-depth they can assist a practice, but functions may include two-way texting (most PIMS offer only one-way), online appointment booking, payment links, digital forms, such as client registration forms, auto-reminders, and more. It can also enable in-clinic group chats, limiting the number of PA system announcements and disrupting day-to-day activities. Sometimes, these can simplify workflow within a practice. Examples of these types of systems include Otto, PetDesk, Weave, Oliver, Miilo, Covetrus Comms, Vello, PetsApp, and AllyDVM. Paperwork is the bane of my existence. It takes hours to write charts, create discharges, even with templates, and document client communications. While it is now available in my practice, I have not yet had the opportunity to use the AI scribe functions because they rely on audio recordings of client communications. Colleagues who have used AI scribe programs swear by them and say they are time-savers. There is, however, a cost associated with these tools, and if not provided by an employer, that is a whole other can of worms. Still, I hope to make use of this potentially timesaving and ultimately quality-of-life-saving tool in the near future. Perhaps you already are. Studies show AI scribes help clinicians save time, reduce burnout, and reduce workloads.15 Choosing a PIMS with a built-in scribe may help swing you to one program over another. PIMS selection: Unique to each practice Using an all-in-one (or close to it) PIMS, updating old systems, and going to all-computerized records benefits everyone. Reports show these programs improve efficiency, identify missed charges, and save time. They can help improve patient health outcomes, client communication, and a practice’s reputation.16–20 According to a 2025 veterinary software market trends analysis,21 it discusses current drivers and trends, as well as challenges, such as cybersecurity threats and reliance on internet-based programs. Don’t forget while cloud-based systems are great, ensure you have a generator for power outages so you can keep up and running, and take measures to prevent cyber threats whenever possible. Ensure superior virus protection and maintain safe online practices at all times. For those who already have a PIMS and are happy with it, how about taking a look at it and seeing how else you could use it to improve efficiency and flow? About 75 percent of vets feel they are underutilizing their PIMS, leaving a lot of room for improvement.16 Whether you want to upgrade your current system, learn more about what you have, or look into a new program as an up-and-coming practice, take a look at the numerous programs out there and see what works for you. Consider the pros and cons of each program. They all have nuances that can make or break them for some people. Think about what you need for your practice, the most important features to you. If you are new to the game, still using paper charts, and trying to upgrade to EMR keeping, do your due diligence and check out each product. Ease of use, integrability, and other factors should be considered when selecting. Some programs are better suited to large practices or multi-practices, while others may be better matched to small general or mobile practices. Factors to consider include the features available, ease of use, an integrated whiteboard vs. the need for separate, communication capabilities, bells and whistles, and, of course, cost. Erica Tramuta-Drobnis, VMD, MPH, CPH, is the CEO and founder of ELTD One Health Consulting, LLC. Dr. Tramuta-Drobnis works as a public health professional, emergency veterinarian, freelance writer, consultant, and researcher. She is passionate about One Health issues and believes pet health, food safety, agricultural health, and more can address the interconnection of human, animal, and environmental health. References Veterinary Practice Management Software. Covetrus.com. Accessed May 3, 2026. https://covetrus.com/covetrus-platform/workflow-and-productivity-tools/covetrus-pulse/ DaySmart Vet. Software Made For Vets — With Pet Care In Mind. DaySmart Vet. Accessed May 3, 2026. https://www.daysmart.com/vet/book-demo-vet/ Powering your practice from the inside out. ezyVet Powered by IDEXX: Accessed May 3, 2026. https://www.ezyvet.com/ IDEXX Veterinary Software. Neo Veterinary Software. IDEXX Veterinary Software. Accessed May 3, 2026. https://software.idexx.com/products/neo IDEXX Practice Management Software. Cornerstone Software. IDEXX Veterinary Software. Accessed May 3, 2026. https://software.idexx.com/products/cornerstone Instinct Science. Instinct Science: Better Veterinary Practice Software Today. Instinct. Accessed May 3, 2026. https://instinct.vet/ NectarVet. NectarVet. Accessed May 4, 2026. https://nectarvet.com/ Provet: Veterinary Practice Management Software (PIMS). Provet. Accessed May 4, 2026. https://www.provet.com/ Digitail: All-in-one Veterinary Practice Management Software. Digitail. Accessed May 4, 2026. https://digitail.com/ Shepherd Veterinary Solutions. Everything you want in your veterinary software: Shepherd Veterinary Software. Shepherd. Accessed May 3, 2026. https://www.shepherd.vet/features/ CUBEX. Cubex. Accessed May 3, 2026. https://www.cubex.com PetDesk. PetDesk. Accessed May 3, 2026. https://petdesk.com/compatible-pims/ ScribbleVet. ScribbleVet. Accessed May 3, 2026. https://www.scribblevet.com Talkatoo. Accessed May 3, 2026. https://talkatoo.com/ Hassan H, Zipursky AR, Rabbani N, et al. Clinical Implementation of Artificial Intelligence Scribes in Health Care: A Systematic Review. Appl Clin Inform. 2025;16(4):1121-1135. doi:10.1055/a-2597-2017 Fetaih, S, Johnson J. Empowering Veterinary Teams to Get the Most Out of Every Day. Published online February 2023. Accessed May 4, 2026. https://info.idexx.com/l/862631/2023-02-19/tw2v58/862631/1676854319La0wKubL/Finding_the_Time.pdf Lederhouse C. Leading with lists: How systems boost practice efficiency. AVMA News. November 14, 2023. Accessed May 4, 2026. https://www.avma.org/news/leading-lists-how-systems-boost-practice-efficiency Viner O. How software can save time in veterinary practice. Vet Nurse. 2025;16(6):270-272. doi:10.12968/vetn.2025.0033 National Veterinary Services. The power of practice data in veterinary medicine. National Veterinary Services. Accessed May 4, 2026. https://www.nvsweb.co.uk/blog/the-power-of-practice-data-in-veterinary-medicine/ Nicholas JC, Ackerman L, Wasche L, et al. Practice Management Considerations. In: Pet-Specific Care for the Veterinary Team. John Wiley & Sons, Ltd; 2021:773-855. doi:10.1002/9781119540687.ch10 Veterinary Software Market Report 2025-2030. MarketsandMarkets. October 2025. Accessed May 4, 2026. https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/veterinary-software-market-186264514.html
