GITNUXBEST LIST

Veterinary Animal Care

Top 10 Best Animal Care Software of 2026

Explore top 10 animal care software solutions to streamline veterinary practices. Find the best tools today!

Jannik Lindner

Jannik Lindner

Feb 11, 2026

10 tools comparedExpert reviewed
Independent evaluation · Unbiased commentary · Updated regularly
Learn more
In the evolving world of animal care—spanning veterinary clinics, shelters, pet services, and livestock management—specialized software is critical to optimizing operations, improving client/owner engagement, and maintaining high standards of care. With a wide range of tools, from cloud-based practice management systems to tailored shelter and livestock solutions, choosing the right software can transform efficiency, making this curated list an indispensable guide for professionals.

Quick Overview

  1. 1#1: ezyVet - Cloud-based veterinary practice management software with advanced features for scheduling, inventory, billing, and client communication.
  2. 2#2: IDEXX Cornerstone - Comprehensive veterinary practice management system integrated with diagnostics, imaging, and workflow automation.
  3. 3#3: Covetrus Pulse - Scalable veterinary software platform combining practice management, pharmacy inventory, and telemedicine capabilities.
  4. 4#4: Vetport - Affordable cloud veterinary management software for clinics handling appointments, EMR, and lab integrations.
  5. 5#5: Gingr - All-in-one software for pet groomers, daycares, and boarding facilities with self-service booking and payments.
  6. 6#6: DaySmart Pet - Pet services management software streamlining grooming, boarding, daycare scheduling, and client management.
  7. 7#7: PetExec - Integrated platform for pet businesses managing reservations, invoicing, and reports for daycare and boarding.
  8. 8#8: Time To Pet - Simple, affordable software for pet boarding, daycare, and house sitting with owner portals and automation.
  9. 9#9: ShelterBuddy - Cloud-based animal shelter software for tracking adoptions, medical records, and volunteer management.
  10. 10#10: Herdwatch - Livestock management app for farmers to record animal health, treatments, movements, and regulatory compliance.

Tools were selected based on feature robustness (including scheduling, inventory, and telemedicine), user experience, reliability, and value, ensuring alignment with the diverse needs of small-scale operations and larger facilities across various animal care sectors.

Comparison Table

Navigating animal care software demands assessing features that match practice needs, so comparing top tools is key. This table examines ezyVet, IDEXX Cornerstone, Covetrus Pulse, Vetport, Gingr, and others, highlighting their unique strengths to help users identify the ideal fit for their clinic or hospital.

1ezyVet logo9.4/10

Cloud-based veterinary practice management software with advanced features for scheduling, inventory, billing, and client communication.

Features
9.7/10
Ease
8.6/10
Value
9.0/10

Comprehensive veterinary practice management system integrated with diagnostics, imaging, and workflow automation.

Features
9.5/10
Ease
7.8/10
Value
8.4/10

Scalable veterinary software platform combining practice management, pharmacy inventory, and telemedicine capabilities.

Features
9.2/10
Ease
7.8/10
Value
8.1/10
4Vetport logo8.5/10

Affordable cloud veterinary management software for clinics handling appointments, EMR, and lab integrations.

Features
9.0/10
Ease
8.2/10
Value
8.3/10
5Gingr logo8.4/10

All-in-one software for pet groomers, daycares, and boarding facilities with self-service booking and payments.

Features
8.7/10
Ease
8.2/10
Value
7.9/10

Pet services management software streamlining grooming, boarding, daycare scheduling, and client management.

Features
9.0/10
Ease
8.7/10
Value
8.1/10
7PetExec logo8.1/10

Integrated platform for pet businesses managing reservations, invoicing, and reports for daycare and boarding.

Features
8.4/10
Ease
7.7/10
Value
7.9/10

Simple, affordable software for pet boarding, daycare, and house sitting with owner portals and automation.

Features
8.7/10
Ease
9.2/10
Value
8.3/10

Cloud-based animal shelter software for tracking adoptions, medical records, and volunteer management.

Features
8.7/10
Ease
7.9/10
Value
7.8/10
10Herdwatch logo8.2/10

Livestock management app for farmers to record animal health, treatments, movements, and regulatory compliance.

Features
8.5/10
Ease
8.7/10
Value
8.0/10
1
ezyVet logo

ezyVet

enterprise

Cloud-based veterinary practice management software with advanced features for scheduling, inventory, billing, and client communication.

Overall Rating9.4/10
Features
9.7/10
Ease of Use
8.6/10
Value
9.0/10
Standout Feature

Integrated inventory management with automated reordering and direct supplier links for seamless stock control.

ezyVet is a cloud-based veterinary practice management software that provides end-to-end solutions for animal care facilities, including appointment scheduling, electronic medical records, inventory tracking, billing, and client communications. It supports multi-location practices with real-time data syncing, mobile apps for on-the-go access, and seamless integrations with lab services, imaging, and telehealth providers. Designed for efficiency, it offers robust reporting and automation to streamline daily operations in veterinary clinics and hospitals.

Pros

  • Comprehensive all-in-one features covering clinical, financial, and operational needs
  • Real-time cloud access with strong mobile support and integrations
  • Scalable for single clinics to large hospitals with advanced reporting

Cons

  • Steep learning curve for new users due to extensive customization options
  • Pricing can be high for smaller practices
  • Some users report occasional performance lags during peak times

Best For

Growing veterinary practices and multi-location hospitals seeking a scalable, feature-rich platform for comprehensive animal care management.

Pricing

Custom quotes starting around $150-$300 per veterinarian per month, with tiers based on practice size, users, and add-ons like advanced analytics.

Visit ezyVetezyvet.com
2
IDEXX Cornerstone logo

IDEXX Cornerstone

enterprise

Comprehensive veterinary practice management system integrated with diagnostics, imaging, and workflow automation.

Overall Rating9.1/10
Features
9.5/10
Ease of Use
7.8/10
Value
8.4/10
Standout Feature

Direct, bidirectional integration with IDEXX reference and in-house labs for instant result access

IDEXX Cornerstone is a leading veterinary practice management software that centralizes clinic operations for animal care facilities. It handles patient records, appointment scheduling, inventory management, billing, and reporting, with strong emphasis on diagnostic integrations. Designed for scalability, it supports both cloud and on-premise deployments, making it suitable for solo practitioners to large hospitals.

Pros

  • Seamless integration with IDEXX labs for real-time diagnostics
  • Comprehensive tools for EMR, billing, and inventory
  • Robust reporting and compliance features

Cons

  • Steep learning curve for new users
  • High pricing can burden small practices
  • Occasional performance lags in older versions

Best For

Mid-sized to large veterinary practices relying on IDEXX diagnostics and needing integrated workflow management.

Pricing

Quote-based subscription; typically $150-$300 per user/month plus setup fees and add-ons.

3
Covetrus Pulse logo

Covetrus Pulse

enterprise

Scalable veterinary software platform combining practice management, pharmacy inventory, and telemedicine capabilities.

Overall Rating8.6/10
Features
9.2/10
Ease of Use
7.8/10
Value
8.1/10
Standout Feature

Integrated pharmacy and inventory system with real-time tracking and supplier auto-reordering

Covetrus Pulse is a cloud-based veterinary practice management software designed to streamline operations for animal care facilities. It offers comprehensive tools for appointment scheduling, electronic medical records (EMR), inventory management, billing, and patient communication. The platform integrates with diagnostic equipment, telemedicine services, and pharmacy fulfillment, enabling efficient workflow for veterinary teams.

Pros

  • Comprehensive inventory and pharmacy management with auto-reordering
  • Robust integrations with lab equipment and telemedicine
  • Advanced reporting and analytics for practice insights

Cons

  • Steep learning curve for new users
  • Higher pricing for smaller practices
  • Occasional reports of software glitches during peak usage

Best For

Multi-veterinarian practices needing an all-in-one solution for inventory, EMR, and billing.

Pricing

Custom subscription pricing starting around $150-$300 per month per practice, scaling with users and features; free demo available.

4
Vetport logo

Vetport

specialized

Affordable cloud veterinary management software for clinics handling appointments, EMR, and lab integrations.

Overall Rating8.5/10
Features
9.0/10
Ease of Use
8.2/10
Value
8.3/10
Standout Feature

Seamless cloud mobility with full-featured mobile apps for iOS and Android

Vetport is a comprehensive cloud-based veterinary practice management software tailored for animal care facilities, offering tools for appointment scheduling, electronic medical records (EMR), inventory tracking, billing, and client communication. It supports multi-location practices with features like prescription management, lab integrations, and telemedicine capabilities. The platform emphasizes mobility through web and app access, enabling vets to manage operations remotely.

Pros

  • Robust all-in-one features including EMR and inventory management
  • Cloud-based with strong mobile app support for remote access
  • Good customization options for multi-location practices

Cons

  • Steep learning curve for advanced features
  • Pricing can be high for solo practitioners
  • Limited third-party integrations compared to competitors

Best For

Mid-sized veterinary clinics and multi-location practices seeking a scalable cloud solution for streamlined operations.

Pricing

Tiered subscription plans starting at $99 per user/month, with custom enterprise pricing available.

Visit Vetportvetport.com
5
Gingr logo

Gingr

specialized

All-in-one software for pet groomers, daycares, and boarding facilities with self-service booking and payments.

Overall Rating8.4/10
Features
8.7/10
Ease of Use
8.2/10
Value
7.9/10
Standout Feature

Self-service Gingr Kiosk for client check-ins and payments without staff intervention

Gingr is a cloud-based all-in-one management software designed specifically for pet care businesses like groomers, kennels, daycares, and trainers. It handles scheduling, client and pet profiles, online booking, payments, invoicing, and reporting to streamline daily operations. The platform supports multi-location businesses with mobile apps for staff and a self-service portal for clients.

Pros

  • Comprehensive scheduling and online booking with automated reminders
  • Strong client communication via portals and SMS/email
  • Detailed reporting and analytics for business insights

Cons

  • Pricing can be steep for single-location small businesses
  • Moderate learning curve for advanced features
  • Limited native integrations with some accounting tools

Best For

Multi-location pet grooming salons, kennels, and daycares needing robust client management and scheduling.

Pricing

Starts at $199/month for basic plan (single location), scales to $399+/month for pro/multi-location with add-ons; custom quotes available.

Visit Gingrgingrapp.com
6
DaySmart Pet logo

DaySmart Pet

specialized

Pet services management software streamlining grooming, boarding, daycare scheduling, and client management.

Overall Rating8.6/10
Features
9.0/10
Ease of Use
8.7/10
Value
8.1/10
Standout Feature

Pet-specific grooming cards and service history tracking for personalized care plans

DaySmart Pet is a cloud-based software platform tailored for pet grooming, boarding, daycare, and training businesses, offering tools for appointment scheduling, client and pet management, and payments. It features online booking, automated reminders, reporting dashboards, and marketing integrations to streamline daily operations. The solution supports multi-location businesses with staff scheduling and inventory tracking specific to animal care needs.

Pros

  • Intuitive online booking and scheduling with drag-and-drop calendar
  • Detailed pet profiles including grooming history and allergies
  • Robust mobile app for on-the-go management and client communication

Cons

  • Higher pricing may not suit very small operations
  • Reporting customization is somewhat limited
  • Occasional glitches in multi-location syncing reported by users

Best For

Mid-sized pet grooming salons, kennels, or daycare centers needing comprehensive scheduling and client retention tools.

Pricing

Starts at $129/month (Starter), $199/month (Plus), $299/month (Pro); annual billing discounts available, plus setup fees.

Visit DaySmart Petdaysmart.com
7
PetExec logo

PetExec

specialized

Integrated platform for pet businesses managing reservations, invoicing, and reports for daycare and boarding.

Overall Rating8.1/10
Features
8.4/10
Ease of Use
7.7/10
Value
7.9/10
Standout Feature

Pet owner portal and mobile app for real-time photos, updates, and check-ins during stays

PetExec is a cloud-based management software tailored for pet care businesses like kennels, doggy daycares, boarding facilities, and groomers. It offers tools for online reservations, client and pet management, automated billing, staff scheduling, and real-time reporting. The platform includes mobile apps for pet owners to view updates and for staff to handle check-ins, payments, and daily operations seamlessly.

Pros

  • Comprehensive scheduling and online booking system
  • Strong mobile apps for owners and staff with real-time updates
  • Integrated invoicing, payments, and reporting tools

Cons

  • Steep learning curve for new users
  • Pricing can be high for small operations
  • Limited third-party integrations compared to competitors

Best For

Medium-sized pet boarding, daycare, and grooming businesses needing robust reservation and client communication features.

Pricing

Starts at $199/month for basic plans (billed annually), scaling to $499+/month for enterprise features with add-ons for additional users or locations.

Visit PetExecpetexec.net
8
Time To Pet logo

Time To Pet

specialized

Simple, affordable software for pet boarding, daycare, and house sitting with owner portals and automation.

Overall Rating8.6/10
Features
8.7/10
Ease of Use
9.2/10
Value
8.3/10
Standout Feature

Real-time GPS visit verification with photo timestamps sent directly to owners

Time To Pet is a cloud-based software platform tailored for pet sitting, dog walking, and boarding businesses, offering tools for scheduling appointments, managing client and pet profiles, and handling payments. It features a sitter mobile app for on-the-go updates, GPS tracking for visit verification, and automated communication with pet owners via photos, notes, and reports. The platform simplifies operations for small to mid-sized pet care providers by integrating billing, invoicing, and owner portals into one intuitive system.

Pros

  • Intuitive interface with excellent mobile app for sitters
  • Real-time GPS tracking and photo updates for transparency
  • Strong automation for invoicing, reminders, and owner communication

Cons

  • Limited advanced reporting and analytics compared to enterprise tools
  • Pricing scales up quickly for teams with many sitters
  • Fewer third-party integrations than some competitors

Best For

Small to medium-sized pet sitting and dog walking businesses seeking an easy-to-use, mobile-first solution for daily operations.

Pricing

Starts at $25/month for 1 sitter (Basic plan), $49/month for up to 5 sitters (Pro), up to $149/month for unlimited sitters; 14-day free trial available.

Visit Time To Pettimetopet.com
9
ShelterBuddy logo

ShelterBuddy

specialized

Cloud-based animal shelter software for tracking adoptions, medical records, and volunteer management.

Overall Rating8.2/10
Features
8.7/10
Ease of Use
7.9/10
Value
7.8/10
Standout Feature

Integrated foster care management with seamless tracking of off-site animals, health updates, and return-to-shelter workflows

ShelterBuddy is a cloud-based animal care management software designed specifically for animal shelters, rescues, and welfare organizations. It provides comprehensive tools for tracking animal intake, medical records, adoptions, fostering, volunteer scheduling, and donor management. The platform emphasizes customizable workflows, real-time reporting, and mobile accessibility to streamline daily shelter operations and improve animal outcomes.

Pros

  • Comprehensive modules for animal tracking, adoptions, and medical records
  • Strong reporting and analytics with customizable dashboards
  • Cloud-based with mobile app for on-the-go access

Cons

  • Pricing can be steep for very small shelters
  • Initial setup and customization require time and training
  • Limited third-party integrations compared to competitors

Best For

Medium-sized animal shelters and rescues that need an all-in-one platform for managing high volumes of animals, volunteers, and adoptions.

Pricing

Subscription-based with custom quotes starting around $200/month for basic plans, scaling up based on animal count and features (typically $200-$500+/month).

Visit ShelterBuddyshelterbuddy.com
10
Herdwatch logo

Herdwatch

specialized

Livestock management app for farmers to record animal health, treatments, movements, and regulatory compliance.

Overall Rating8.2/10
Features
8.5/10
Ease of Use
8.7/10
Value
8.0/10
Standout Feature

Automated Bord Bia Quality Assurance compliance module with one-tap report generation

Herdwatch is a cloud-based farm management software tailored for livestock farmers, focusing on dairy, beef, and sheep operations. It allows users to record animal events like calving, artificial insemination, health treatments, and movements via a mobile app for real-time data entry. The platform excels in generating compliance reports for EU regulations, such as Bord Bia and TB testing, and integrates with weigh scales and milk recording systems.

Pros

  • Intuitive mobile-first interface for on-farm data entry
  • Robust compliance reporting for EU farm assurance schemes
  • Seamless integrations with scales and milk meters

Cons

  • Limited to ruminant livestock (no support for other animals)
  • Geared primarily toward Irish/UK markets with regional regulations
  • Advanced features may require add-on subscriptions

Best For

Dairy and beef farmers in Ireland or the UK who need efficient herd recording and regulatory compliance tools.

Pricing

Subscription starts at €4.50 per lactating cow/year, with tiered plans up to €6.50/cow for premium features; free trial available.

Visit Herdwatchherdwatch.com

Conclusion

Evaluating animal care software reveals top tools tailored to diverse needs, with ezyVet leading as the overall best, boasting robust features for scheduling, inventory, and client communication. IDEXX Cornerstone and Covetrus Pulse closely follow, with Cornerstone excelling in diagnostics integration and Pulse standing out for scalable telemedicine and pharmacy management, making them strong alternatives for specific use cases. Together, these tools redefine efficiency in caring for animals across clinics, shelters, and farms.

ezyVet logo
Our Top Pick
ezyVet

To experience the best all-in-one solution, start exploring ezyVet today and elevate your practice's operations.