# Page 2 | Shepherd Reviews 2026. Verified Reviews, Pros & Cons | Capterra > Page 2 - Is Shepherd the right Veterinary solution for you? Explore 87 verified user reviews from people in industries like yours to make a confident choice. Source: https://www.capterra.com/p/172485/Shepherd-App/reviews --- Shepherd 4.7 (87) [View alternatives](https://www.capterra.com/p/172485/Shepherd-App/alternatives/) Provider data verified by our Software Research team, and reviews moderated by our Reviews Verification team. [Learn more](https://www.capterra.com/our-story/) * * * Last updated March 25th, 2026 # Page 2 - Reviews of Shepherd ## Showing most helpful reviews Showing 26-50 of 87 Reviews Sort by: Most Helpful Rating Company Size Reviewer's Role Length of Use Frequency of Use GB GINA B. Practice Manager Veterinary Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Good Cloud Base Software for the money" July 25, 2025 4.0 It has been a good experience and a huge learning curve changing to a new software. I do like that it talks with our Cubex and Idexx equipment. Pros Shepherd is a good value for the money spent with 7 DVM's and not having to pay for the extra staff usage. The CCS team really likes the ease of scheduling appointments for our clients. Cons Lately they seem to issues when they do software updates with the software have glitches. The team is quick to help correct the issues, but this can be frustrating for the team. Alternatives considered [Covetrus Pulse](https://www.capterra.com/p/130107/Covetrus-Pulse/)[ezyVet](https://www.capterra.com/p/99977/ezyVet-Cloud-Vet-Software/) Reason for choosing Shepherd The cost of the migration was less then others, we also spoke with other clinics who have different software and determined, based on this, that Shepherd would work best of us. Switched from [Covetrus Impromed](https://www.capterra.com/p/95888/ImproMed/) The old software was going to have no more upgrades and we wanted to be cloudbased Review Source JW Jonah W. Owner and Veterinarian Veterinary Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Great product" July 23, 2025 5.0 Very pleased with the software. I've used several other PIMS over the years and this is certainly the best. Pros Ease of use, especially record keeping. The integration with IDEXX is also nice. Generally the simplicity is the highlight. Minimal tabs or clicking like you get with Cornerstone or EZ vet and it reports are more robust than you get with Instinct which in my mind is the only runner up software out there. Cons The treatment sheets could use a little work for hospitalized patients. Otherwise I do not have many complaints. No software is perfect but this one is solid. Alternatives considered [ezvetpro](https://www.capterra.com/p/220642/ezvetpro/)[Instinct Science](https://www.capterra.com/p/234498/Instinct-EMR/) Reason for choosing Shepherd Looked at EZVET and Instinct as two alternatives. Shepherd was the best fit for an urgent care model. Clean interface without too many tabs. Versatile while also not overly complex. Review Source CP Casey P. Veterinarian and Practice Owner Veterinary Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Thoughts from Friendship Vet" July 23, 2025 5.0 I am very happy with the program and plan to continue using it in my practice. The costumer service has been top notch as well. Pros The ease of use and the way the system is organized makes teaching the system to new hires VERY easy. Cons There seems to have been some technical difficulty with the system as of late but I think that it has lined out finally. Alternatives considered [easyVET](https://www.capterra.com/p/134498/easyVET/) Reason for choosing Shepherd I liked the way Shepherd was set up. It looked like it was more user friendly. Switched from [Vetmaster](https://www.capterra.com/p/140168/Vetmaster/) Our practice had outgrown the program we were using. Review Source AG Amanda G. Practice Manager Veterinary Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "The Best There Is" July 24, 2025 5.0 I have been loving Shepherd since day one. I have worked with several systems in the past, but this has been the best. The ease of scheduling, the ease of managing client and patient information, the reports available, the fact that we can be even more paperless...these are just the tip of the iceberg as to why I would recommend Shepherd to any clinic. Pros Customer support is on point, super easy to use making patient and client management smooth, the ease of pulling reports, the ease of creating documents/forms to be utilized within the SOAP. Cons There are somethings that are not customizable, but I do love that they allow feature requests to possibly improve that. Switched from [NaVetor](https://www.capterra.com/p/178450/Patterson-Technology/) The fact that is was so much easier to use and to get setup in a short amount of time. Amazing offers and features. Review Source SD Sadie D. Office Staff Veterinary Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Shepherd Review from The Vet Shack" July 23, 2025 4.0 Overall, we have had a great experience with Shepherd. If I have questions, I can get a response within 10 minutes with the live chat. Our account manager has been super helpful with any other questions that I have had. She did great with our onboarding when we had no idea what to expect. Pros Shepherd is always improving and releasing new updates. I like that we can submit our own ideas on what we'd like to see improve, and when enough people have the same ideas, they work hard to update and improve the program. Cons Some updates (interest on statements being one) are very important to our clinic and it would be nice to have the financial updates be updated more often. I understand technology is changing, but I am less concerned with AI and more concerned with financials and the bottom line for our practice. The reporting aspect could also use some work, but it does seem to be improving. Alternatives considered [DaySmart Vet](https://www.capterra.com/p/133166/DaySmart-Vet/) Reason for choosing Shepherd The flow of the program seemed to work better with Shepherd. Switched from [Covetrus Impromed](https://www.capterra.com/p/95888/ImproMed/) Impromed's customer service left a lot to be desired. After a server crash, we were unable to collect all of our data back and we needed to look at a more cloud-based program. Review Source JB Julie B. Owner and veterinarian Veterinary Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Overall great!" July 28, 2025 5.0 Pros Shepherd is very intuitive and easy to use. It’s user friendly and integrates with most of the vendors I’d want it to (Vetsnap, Blue Rabbit, Zoetis Reference Lab, Kumba). It is cloud based which is imperative for me as a mobile practice. Customer support is generally pretty fast and helpful. Cons It’s a little pricier than some of the other softwares I looked into. There have also recently been a few fairly major outages where the system has been unusable during business hours. Alternatives considered [ezyVet](https://www.capterra.com/p/99977/ezyVet-Cloud-Vet-Software/)[DaySmart Vet](https://www.capterra.com/p/133166/DaySmart-Vet/)[IDEXX Neo](https://www.capterra.com/p/145988/IDEXX-Neo/)[Hippo Manager](https://www.capterra.com/p/134667/Hippo-Manager/) Reason for choosing Shepherd Ease of use, integrations, and customization available Review Source JH Jeska H. LVT, Practice Manager Veterinary Used the software for: 2+ years ### "We love Shepherd! " July 25, 2025 5.0 Shepherd overall is amazing and we would recommend to any hospital looking for an upgrade to cloud based software Pros Shepherd is a great cloud based software! We love how easy it is to use from patient management to appointment scheduling, even for new staff. Customer support are great at answering our questions and helping us when needed. We love that we can txt clients right in Shepherd. Cons We don't love that messaging isn't free anymore but we are still using it because it makes our clinic much more efficient. Alternatives considered [ezvetpro](https://www.capterra.com/p/220642/ezvetpro/)[IDEXX Neo](https://www.capterra.com/p/145988/IDEXX-Neo/)[Vetter Online Suggestion Box](https://www.capterra.com/p/122975/Vetter-Online-Suggestion-Box/) Reason for choosing Shepherd We loved the ease of use and functionality Switched from [Advantage](https://www.capterra.com/p/121444/Advantage-Desktop/) The provider no longer had support and we had to switch Review Source MM Marcie M. Veterinarian Veterinary Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Shepherd review" July 25, 2025 5.0 Overall we have enjoyed using Shepherd! We are a start up and I feel it was a good choice for us thus far. Pros Customer support is great! It has a nice flow through the SOAPS. Appointments are easy to schedule and it is of good value for the money. Cons We have found clients have trouble signing into the patient portal. I believe an app they can download and auto sign in would be helpful. Still having some issues with the transcription service--sometimes it won't fill in (just spin) and it always records the weight in kg even if the settings are set for lb. Alternatives considered [ezvetpro](https://www.capterra.com/p/220642/ezvetpro/) Reason for choosing Shepherd Better support and price point than ezVet. I felt the layout was easier than Digitails Review Source CR Chris R. Office Manager Veterinary Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Shepherd at Blue Ridge" July 23, 2025 5.0 The onboaerding process was great! So much help walking you through step by step to make it as easy as possible. They are putting updates in all the time and you can even suggest things to add and thats great. The system offers so much more than just schedules and invoices its amazing! Worth every penny!!! Pros The actual program is easy to use once onbard. The system is well put tohether and makes scheduling and writing records so much easier. Information is easy to get to clients quicklt too. Cons I wish the read only mode offered more. If the intermet is down you cant do much with the system. Updates come often so thats good. Switched from [IntraVet](https://www.capterra.com/p/92882/IntraVet/) You could only have one soap open at a time, system was out dated and remote access wasnt possible, Review Source BA Brittany A. Office Manager Veterinary Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Heartland Animal Review " July 25, 2025 4.0 So far positive. We didn't like the interruptions of course, but we learned how to manage them effectively. Customer service is AWESOME, just wish we could also call. Pros The SOAPS are easy to use and so is scheduling. Especially with the new reschedule ipdate! We love the texting - bummer that it costs now but not a deal breaker. Value for Money Cons Patient Charts (not the SOAPS, they are good). In our legacy PIMS we had a "line item history we could print for quick access, but in the INVOICE LINE ITEMS tab on Shepherd - you cant print them. Alternatives considered [Covetrus Pulse](https://www.capterra.com/p/130107/Covetrus-Pulse/) Reason for choosing Shepherd Pulse seemed to complicated to use. Shepherd was much more user friendly. Switched from [Covetrus Impromed](https://www.capterra.com/p/95888/ImproMed/) Advantage was going out of business and we wanted cloud based. Review Source MR Maria R. Hospital Manager Veterinary Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Shepherd Review" July 24, 2025 5.0 Overall is that they actually listen, the CSR staff is just a question away. I am a remote manager and the online function is so helpful for training and keeping up to date on what is happening in the hospital. Pros Shepherd is listening. There were issues with it when we started, and they most have been addressed. Cons It started out without expiration dates and lot numbers. This was fixed and it is working so well for us. Switched from [Covetrus Avimark](https://www.capterra.com/p/92887/AVImark/) Avimark was antiquated and more difficult for the management team as far as reports. We had management meeting monthly and there were some reports that a doctor asked for and it was not available. Review Source DGB Dr. Ginger B. DVM Owner Veterinary Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Great software that is constantly listening and improving" August 26, 2025 4.0 I truly love Shepherd, they continue to grow and improve, making my days easier. As with anything, there are always places to improve and Shepherd listens and constantly strives to hwlp create a better work balance. They allow me to work smarter, not harder!!! Pros I love the look of Shepherd, they also have great customer support. I have been with them for 2 years and love how they are continuing to grow. The constant improvements and integrations are great. Cons Inventory Management is difficult but hopefully will improve soon. Providing more specific and detailed information on how to efficiently use Shepherd would be beneficial, ie how to videos. Alternatives considered [ezyVet](https://www.capterra.com/p/99977/ezyVet-Cloud-Vet-Software/) Reason for choosing Shepherd I didn't want Idexx to run my practice completely. Review Source BS Brianna S. LVT Veterinary Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "PIMS change" July 23, 2025 4.0 Overall experience has been good. Could use better customer support when needed. Like the system capabilities. Pros Scheduling. tracking user activity has helped to determine when and who has done different things within the system. Cons Forms do not auto save which has caused anesthesia records to be lost multiple times. It would be great to get an auto save feature here. Alternatives considered [ezyVet](https://www.capterra.com/p/99977/ezyVet-Cloud-Vet-Software/) Reason for choosing Shepherd Easier to customize to the needs of our practice Switched from [Cornerstone Software](https://www.capterra.com/p/99976/Cornerstone-Practice-Management/) Needed a platform for multiple locations Review Source AW Angela W. Manager Veterinary Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Great program!" July 25, 2025 5.0 Pros Their customer service is second to none! They are always upgrading the software and making it better. I am glad we switched PIMS. Cons I wish we could edit more than one line item at a time. We would like an edit screen that brings up all of the items that are waiting to be added to the plan. Hopefully that upgrade is coming soon. Alternatives considered [Provet](https://www.capterra.com/p/137569/Provet-Cloud/) Reason for choosing Shepherd More comprehensive program for what we needed Switched from [Covetrus Impromed](https://www.capterra.com/p/95888/ImproMed/) Impromed was always crashing and their customer support was awful. Review Source JJ Jack J. CFO Veterinary Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Outstanding practice management" September 11, 2025 5.0 Very pleased we switched, it makes life easier from an administrative perspective and is a much more cost effective solution than our prior software. Pros Ease of use - reporting is super easy, very straightforward, and customizable. Exports simply to CSV rather than clunky PDFs or other “canned” reports. Switched from Server-based (Impromed) to cloud-based and it is now a much simpler infrastructure. Customer support is modern, and very responsive. Cons It took a bit of time to understand some of the workflow but after a bit of cruising around the system it all made sense. Switched from [Covetrus Impromed](https://www.capterra.com/p/95888/ImproMed/) Modernization, needed to move into this century. Review Source KG Kim G. Practice Manager Veterinary Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "New Practice - Pros and Cons of Shepherd!" July 25, 2025 5.0 Shepherd has many great features, and I love that it's constantly adding new ones and implementing feedback. Shepherd customer support is extremely friendly and helpful, through the chat or via email, someone is always available when needed! Pros Ease of use with innovative user friendly features and incredibly nice and helpful customer support agents and articles. It is also a GREAT value for our money! Scheduling features are constantly being updated for better management, which we really appreciate - I also love that customers have access to their profiles through Pet Portal to request medications, see records, and book appointments! Cons Having to create separate products for inventory items, wish an option would be available to be set up on its own. Although the Pet Portal is a huge favorite, having it available in an app would be a great addition. Also, Shepherd pay customer support, is not as helpful and friendly. Alternatives considered [ezyVet](https://www.capterra.com/p/99977/ezyVet-Cloud-Vet-Software/)[Cornerstone LMS](https://www.capterra.com/p/150446/Cornerstone-LMS/) Reason for choosing Shepherd Recommended by another DVM, and seemed much more user-friendly. Review Source TN Tracy N. Hospital Administrator Veterinary Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "We are very happy with Shepherd!" July 23, 2025 5.0 Overall, from onboarding to now, we've been extremely happy with Shepherd and would recommend to anyone looking for cloud based software. We demo'd many others and Shepherd was the best fit for our needs. Pros We love the everything about the software but so impressed with the onboarding process. It went so smooth! Also the customer support is fantastic. The software is very user friendly and intuitive. We love that it is cloud based. Cons There is definitely room for improvement with all of the management reporting, boarding module and the client pet portal. We aren't too concerned though because of the frequent updates and improvements that Shepherd makes. Alternatives considered [Vetspire](https://www.capterra.com/p/187469/Vetspire/)[ezyVet](https://www.capterra.com/p/99977/ezyVet-Cloud-Vet-Software/)[DaySmart Vet](https://www.capterra.com/p/133166/DaySmart-Vet/)[Nectar](https://www.capterra.com/p/186557/PerkNow/) Reason for choosing Shepherd The customer service and it met all of our needs. We switched from Dvmax which wasn't in your list to choose who we switched from. Review Source KW Katie W. Veterinarian Veterinary Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Easy to use and gorgeous interface " July 25, 2025 5.0 Super easy, intuitive and no drama! It’s nice to give discharges without the whole SOAP to clients and easily give handouts/documents in one place. Pros It’s pretty, intuitive and I don’t need to struggle to figure something out. It’s basic but not bare bones, which is exactly what I need for my specialty practice. I LOVE having word processing features and drag/drop photos or documents just makes sense. I’ve used a lot of different medical records systems and know what I need and don’t want or need. Cons Wish that you didn’t have to open a whole soap when seeing back for certain things/procedures when they aren’t getting a full exam again. Alternatives considered [Vetspire](https://www.capterra.com/p/187469/Vetspire/)[ezyVet](https://www.capterra.com/p/99977/ezyVet-Cloud-Vet-Software/) Reason for choosing Shepherd Great customer service, pretty, intuitive, not a lot of nonsense to sort through Review Source LB Leslie B. Assistant Practice Manager Veterinary Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Shepherd Review" July 23, 2025 5.0 Excellent, easy transition from our previous PiMS, easy to use, total buy-in from the staff, everyone loves it. Pros Ease of use, great support, innovative, listens to their clients, makes changes as needed, great on-boarding Cons Reporting still leaves a bit to be desired. There are ways around getting what you need for your reports, but came from a PiMS with GREAT reporting. Alternatives considered [Digitail](https://www.capterra.com/p/167764/Digitail/) Reason for choosing Shepherd Ease of use, better presentation, cost, look. Switched from [IntraVet](https://www.capterra.com/p/92882/IntraVet/) IntraVet didn't give us what we needed, also were looking for a cloud-based alternative Review Source LM Laura M. Owner, Veterinarian Veterinary Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Thank you Shepherd!" July 25, 2025 5.0 Veyr happy with our decision. As a first time business owner/practice owner we had lots of choices when it came to choosing PIMS. Shepherd was by far the cleanest, most aesthetic and efficient software. Pros Shepherd is streamlined and efficient and perfect for our ugent/emergent care hospital. There is excellent customer service and the team is always working on improvements based on customer feedback. SOAPs are easily written, readible, and records are easily sent to referring DVMs which makes managing patients between doctors and practices very efficient. Cons Nothing comes to mind. It did take a while for Idexx imaging to integrate; however it works great now and that's nobodies fault at all! Alternatives considered [ezyVet](https://www.capterra.com/p/99977/ezyVet-Cloud-Vet-Software/)[Instinct Science](https://www.capterra.com/p/234498/Instinct-EMR/) Reason for choosing Shepherd Ease of use. The aesthtics of the interface are also very nice. Review Source BG Brij G. Owner Veterinarian Veterinary Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Good PMS with improved work flow" July 23, 2025 5.0 Good as stated earlier. Few things can be improved further. Sending medical notes as PDF form is easily retrieval by clients compared to sending the link which does not open sometimes as clients reported to us. Pros Overall most of things are good but few items can be improved. Easy navigation, forms are easy to send to clients, workflow is very good Cons It will be nice to have a option to collect client signature after entire treatment plan is agreed by the \[sensitive content hidden\] including diagnostics and treatment so the client can takes a full responsibility of entire visit treatment plan and it avoids and dispute with the credit card company as client's signature is present for entire expenses of the treatment plan. Switched from [Provet](https://www.capterra.com/p/137569/Provet-Cloud/) poor work flow and lots of clicking make job difficult Review Source MS Mindy S. Practice Owner Veterinary Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Great PIMS" July 29, 2025 5.0 Pros The user interface and features such as tasks, tagging employees, and templates. I also love the Shepherd Pay. Cons Some capabilities are not maximized for equine mobile practice - I would really love to have access the schedule calendar more easily in a remote setting. An app similar to google calendar that is accessible without internet but syncs throughout the day would be ideal. Alternatives considered [Covetrus Pulse](https://www.capterra.com/p/130107/Covetrus-Pulse/)[ezyVet](https://www.capterra.com/p/99977/ezyVet-Cloud-Vet-Software/)[DaySmart Vet](https://www.capterra.com/p/133166/DaySmart-Vet/) Reason for choosing Shepherd Better UI and no cost for migration or data Switched from [Covetrus Impromed Equine](https://www.capterra.com/p/141475/ImproMed-Equine/) Outdated and poor support with poor user experience Review Source LH Lauren H. Practice Manager Veterinary Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Switching to Shepherd has been amazing" July 28, 2025 5.0 Excellent - nothing but improvements and upgrades and lots of visual learning and customer service by far has been the best. Pros Value for Money, Customer Support, Patient and Client Management, Ease of Use the customer service is amazing and is always helpful and patient. Cons The only thing that we have had issues with is viewing past visits with ease. It has been a learning curve as well with past open invoices. Switched from [Covetrus Impromed](https://www.capterra.com/p/95888/ImproMed/) Terrible communication and Customer Service was impossible to get. NO upgrades since the clinic bought it. Out of date and very slow Review Source JM Jessica M. Hospital Manager and RVT Veterinary Used the software for: 2+ years ### "#1 Best Veterinary Software and PIMS Out There" March 19, 2026 4.0 Overall, I would still recommend Shepherd to hospitals that are looking to find the best veterinary PIMS, it's by far the best software I've ever used in the 13 years I've been doing this. Pros Easy to use, great PIMS, user-friendly, inventory tracking is amazing, the best veterinary software as it's made for vets by vets Cons The updates have gotten better, but there are still issues with the entire system going down within 24 hours after updates have been done, which messes with our daily flow, schedule, charges, and general communication. I will say, they are actively working to resolve this Alternatives considered [Covetrus Avimark](https://www.capterra.com/p/92887/AVImark/)[Cornerstone Software](https://www.capterra.com/p/99976/Cornerstone-Practice-Management/) Reason for choosing Shepherd Easier to use, made by vets for vets, integration is fantastic Review Source BP Becca P. CVT Hospital & Health Care Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Overall good PMS " July 24, 2025 4.0 Pros It’s nice and streamlined and easy to learn. New employees really don’t take long to catch on to everything. Cons The inventory side of things could still use some work. It’s getting better, but still needs some tweaking! Alternatives considered [IDEXX Neo](https://www.capterra.com/p/145988/IDEXX-Neo/) Reason for choosing Shepherd I liked all of the features that Shepherd offered. Switched from [Covetrus Avimark](https://www.capterra.com/p/92887/AVImark/) Wanted something cloud based and not server based. Review Source Similar Products Featured ## Related categories [Veterinary](https://www.capterra.com/veterinary-software/)