Head-to-head · Pet Care Software
Shepherd vs VETport
Shepherd leads on 0 checks, VETport on 0, and 1 is even. Who comes out ahead on the 1 yes/no, price and count check where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreShepherd · 8.4/10
- Free trialonly VETport
Shepherd scores higher on our rubric for pet care software: 8.4 against 8.3 out of 10; our editors rank them #6 and #7.
Shepherd is the better fit for clinics prioritizing SOAP workflows and client texting. VETport is the better fit for clinics needing telemedicine with core practice tools.
- Shepherd fits best
Clinics prioritizing SOAP workflows and client texting
- VETport fits best
Clinics needing telemedicine with core practice tools
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Side by side
| Feature | Shepherd 8.4/10 Visit ↗ | VETport 8.3/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.4 | 8.3 |
| Ranking | #6 in Pet Care Software | #7 in Pet Care Software |
| Best for | Clinics prioritizing SOAP workflows and client texting | Clinics needing telemedicine with core practice tools |
| Pricing model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting price | Pricing on request | Pricing on request · 30-day trial |
| Free plan | Not checked yet | — |
| Free trial | — | 30 days |
| Deployment | Cloud | Cloud |
| Platforms | Web | Web |
| Support | Live chat, Docs | Email, Live chat, Phone |
| Integrations | 7 integrations | 30+ integrations |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features Shepherd 0/5 · VETport 0/5 | ||
| Online booking | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Client portal | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Automated reminders | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Payment processing | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Multi-location support | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Specs | ||
| Mobile access | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | Shepherd is cloud-based veterinary practice management software for general-practice, mobile, hybrid, and multi-location clinics. It brings scheduling, recurring appointments, client communication, SOAP-based medical records, digital… Read the review → |
VETport is cloud-based veterinary practice management software for general, mixed-animal, equine, specialty, mobile, university and multi-location practices. Its scope extends from solo clinics to enterprise organizations, with appointment… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Shepherd — where it wins
- SOAP records with AI-assisted capture and clinical decision support
- Client portal, recurring booking, reminders, texting, and digital forms
- Integrated payments, inventory reporting, and multi-location support
Where it doesn't
- Runs in a browser without a dedicated mobile app
- Pricing is handled through a demo rather than published tiers
- Support is limited to chat and documentation, not 24/7 coverage
VETport — where it wins
- Combines telemedicine with medical records and appointment scheduling.
- Supports online booking, recurring appointments and email + SMS reminders.
- Connects with 30 integrations across labs, payments and other services.
Where it doesn't
- Pricing requires a customized quote rather than showing recurring plan prices.
- No free plan; the trial is limited to 30 days.
- Web-only access may not suit teams seeking a desktop or mobile app.
- Shepherd8.4/10 · Pricing on request
A veterinary practice platform centered on SOAP records, communication, and recurring care.
Visit ShepherdFull verdict → - VETport8.3/10 · Pricing on request · 30-day trial
A web-based clinic system pairing telemedicine with records, scheduling and operations.
Visit VETportFull verdict →
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All pet care software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update







