Hippo Manager vs Shepherd Veterinary: Complete Comparison 2026
An in-depth comparison of features, pricing, and user experience to help you make the right choice.
Hippo Manager
Affordable cloud veterinary software with intuitive interface, built-in reminders, and QuickBooks integration from $120/month.
Shepherd Veterinary
8.2(380 reviews)
Modern cloud veterinary platform with AI-powered workflows, smart charting, and integrated client communication from $300/month.
Quick Comparison
| Aspect | Hippo Manager | Shepherd Veterinary |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Solo veterinarians and tiny practices where the software budget needs to be under $150/month | Tech-forward veterinary practices wanting AI-assisted charting to reduce documentation burden |
| Pricing Model | Subscription | Subscription |
| Starting Price | $120/mo | $300/mo |
| Deployment | cloud | cloud |
| Platforms | WEB | WEB, IOS, ANDROID |
| Rating | 7.5/10 | 8.2/10 |
Pros & Cons
Hippo Manager
Pros
- Most affordable cloud vet PIMS at $120/month — significantly cheaper than every competitor
- Surprisingly intuitive interface that new staff learn in 1-2 days without extensive training
- Native QuickBooks integration eliminates double-entry accounting for practices already using QuickBooks
- All essential features (records, scheduling, billing, inventory, reminders) included at the base price
- Cloud-based with no server costs — total cost of ownership is dramatically lower than any server-based system
Cons
- Lab integration is basic — limited in-clinic analyzer support compared to Cornerstone or eVetPractice
- Reporting depth is minimal — data-driven practice owners will need to export data for serious analysis
- No telemedicine capability and no client-facing mobile app
- Growing practices with 3+ vets will likely outgrow the feature set and need to upgrade platforms
- Mobile experience is functional but clearly not the primary design focus
Shepherd Veterinary
Pros
- AI-assisted charting saves 15-30 minutes daily on medical record documentation per veterinarian
- Modern interface designed in the 2020s — genuinely enjoyable to use compared to legacy systems
- Smart procedure workflows reduce clicks and pre-load expected diagnostics based on visit type and patient history
- Built by veterinarians who understand the daily frustrations of existing veterinary software
- Integrated client communication (text, email) keeps pet owner interactions within the medical record
Cons
- Premium pricing at $300-500/month is higher than budget alternatives like NaVetor or eVetPractice
- Newer platform with a smaller user community and evolving integration ecosystem
- Some specialty workflows may not be fully developed yet as the platform matures
- AI charting accuracy requires review — don't blindly accept AI-generated medical notes without verification
- Less proven at scale compared to Cornerstone with its 30+ years of production reliability
Pricing Comparison
| Product | Pricing Model | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|
| Hippo Manager | subscription | $120/mo |
| Shepherd Veterinary | subscription | $300/mo |
Our Verdict
Choose Hippo Manager if...
Solo veterinarians and tiny practices where the software budget needs to be under $150/month
Choose Shepherd Veterinary if...
Tech-forward veterinary practices wanting AI-assisted charting to reduce documentation burden
Still Not Sure?
Explore more alternatives or read in-depth reviews to make your decision.