Pricing
subscription
Best For
Tech-forward veterinary practices wanting AI-assisted charting to reduce documentation burden
Rating
8.2/10
Last Updated
Mar 2026
TL;DR
Shepherd is the new kid on the block in veterinary software, and it's making waves with a modern approach. AI-assisted charting speeds up medical records. Smart workflows reduce clicks for common procedures. The interface looks like it was designed this decade, not the last one. At $300-500/month it's premium-priced, but for practices frustrated by Cornerstone's dated interface or eVetPractice's limitations, Shepherd offers a genuinely modern alternative.
What is Shepherd Veterinary?
The Modern Vet Software
Shepherd was built by veterinarians who were frustrated by the state of veterinary software. The result is a platform that feels current — AI-assisted medical records, streamlined workflows, modern interface design, and integrated client communication. It's what veterinary software looks like when you start from scratch with modern technology.
AI-Assisted Charting
Shepherd's AI helps write medical records faster. Describe what you found and what you're doing, and the AI structures it into proper SOAP format with appropriate medical terminology. It doesn't replace clinical judgment — it reduces the documentation burden that eats into patient care time. Vets report saving 15-30 minutes per day on record-keeping, which translates to seeing 1-2 more patients or leaving the office earlier.
Smart Workflows
Common procedures have streamlined workflows that reduce clicks. A wellness exam flow pre-loads the expected diagnostics, vaccinations, and follow-up recommendations. A dental procedure flow includes pre-anesthetic protocols, extraction charting, and post-op instructions. These aren't just templates — they're intelligent workflows that adapt based on patient history and species.
The New Player Reality
Shepherd is newer and smaller. The integration ecosystem is growing but not as broad as Cornerstone or eVetPractice. Some specialty workflows may not be fully developed yet. The user community is enthusiastic but small. At $300-500/month, you're paying a premium for modern technology and betting on future development.
Pros and Cons
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
Shepherd Veterinary Pricing
Shepherd
- AI-assisted charting
- Smart workflows
- Scheduling
- Billing
- Client communication
- Lab integration
Pricing last verified: March 26, 2026
Who is Shepherd Veterinary Best For?
- Tech-forward veterinary practices wanting AI-assisted charting to reduce documentation burden
- Veterinarians frustrated by the dated interfaces of Cornerstone and Avimark who want a modern experience
- Practices where documentation time is cutting into patient care or causing burnout among veterinary staff
- Early adopter practices willing to grow with a newer platform in exchange for cutting-edge features
Technical Details
The Bottom Line
Shepherd Veterinary scores 8.2/10. It stands out for ai-assisted charting saves 15-30 minutes daily on medical record documentation per veterinarian. Best suited for tech-forward veterinary practices wanting ai-assisted charting to reduce documentation burden. Keep in mind that premium pricing at $300-500/month is higher than budget alternatives like navetor or evetpractice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Based on editorial analysis