Appointment management is the heartbeat of veterinary operations. Without a good system, clinics quickly become overwhelmed during busy periods, creating chaos that frustrates both staff and clients—often leading to negative reviews.

Veterinary appointment scheduling software solves these problems by automating patient and appointment tracking in one central system. These digital platforms work seamlessly with existing practice management systems, creating a complete solution that cuts down on manual data entry.

What Is Veterinary Appointment Scheduling Software

Veterinary appointment scheduling software is a specialized digital solution that automates the process of tracking patients and appointments for veterinary clinics. This technology integrates with existing practice management systems to create a comprehensive appointment management solution that streamlines operations and enhances client engagement.

At its core, this software helps clinics organize their calendars more efficiently while reducing administrative burden on staff. It serves as the digital backbone for appointment management, replacing traditional phone-based scheduling with automated, user-friendly interfaces that benefit both the clinic and pet owners.

Key Features and Functionality of a Veterinary Appointment Scheduling Software

Most veterinary appointment scheduling platforms offer several essential features:

• Online Booking Capabilities: Allows clients to schedule appointments directly through your website or dedicated portal without making a phone call.
• Appointment Reminders: Automatically sends notifications to clients about upcoming visits via email or text messages.
• Scheduling Rules: Enables clinics to customize availability based on appointment types, veterinarian schedules, and other parameters.
• Patient History Access: Front desk staff can quickly access patient records and check in pets using devices like tablets, expediting the registration process.

The most advanced systems also incorporate:

• Telemedicine Capabilities: Facilitates remote consultations between veterinarians and pet owners.
• Contactless Payment Options: Provides convenient digital payment processing.
• Streamlined Prescription Refills: Simplifies the medication management process.
• Integrated Lab Results: Consolidates diagnostic information within the system.
• Analytics Tools: Helps measure clinic performance and identify areas for improvement, providing data-driven insights.

Benefits of Implementing a Veterinary Appointment Scheduling Software

Implementing veterinary appointment scheduling software delivers significant benefits for clinic operations:

• Increased Appointment Volume: By making booking available 24/7, clinics can capture more appointments and enhance workflow efficiency, with data showing that 42% of online bookings occur outside regular office hours.
• Reduced Phone Traffic: Staff spend less time answering calls, allowing them to focus on in-clinic patient care and other important tasks.
• Organized Calendar Management: Both staff and clients receive automatic notifications when appointments are scheduled, creating better planning for all parties.
• Minimized No-Shows: Automated reminders significantly reduce missed appointments, maximizing veterinarian productivity.
• Enhanced Client Experience: Pet owners appreciate the convenience of booking appointments at their preferred time without waiting on hold.

Types of Veterinary Appointment Scheduling Software

The veterinary industry has embraced various scheduling solutions to streamline operations and improve client experiences. Understanding the different types of veterinary appointment scheduling software available can help you select the right system for your practice's specific needs and explore various scheduling optimization methods.

Electronic Scheduling Software

Electronic scheduling software forms the backbone of modern veterinary practice management. These systems automate the appointment booking process, allowing you to:

• Enter patient information efficiently.
• View available appointments on an intuitive calendar interface.
• Access comprehensive patient data during appointments.
• Track appointment history and patterns.

This type of software eliminates many manual processes by implementing advanced scheduling optimization methods, reducing administrative burden and minimizing scheduling errors that can occur with paper-based systems.

Online Scheduling Platforms

Online scheduling revolutionizes how clients interact with your practice. These platforms enable:

• 24/7 appointment booking through your practice website.
• Integration with third-party partners like pet portals or social media.
• Automated notifications for each new booking.

Notably, 42% of online appointments are made outside regular office hours, highlighting the value of offering round-the-clock booking options to capture revenue that might otherwise be lost.

Specialized Scheduling Features

Beyond basic appointment management, many veterinary appointment scheduling software solutions offer specialized capabilities:

• Automated Reminders: Systems that send personalized emails, texts, or voice messages to remind clients of upcoming appointments, significantly reducing no-shows.
• Mobile Applications: Dedicated apps that allow clients to request appointments, check-in for visits, and receive notifications directly on their smartphones.
• Multi-Practice Management: Solutions that enable veterinarians across multiple clinic locations to coordinate schedules and share resources through a unified calendar view.
• Customizable Reports & Dashboards: Analytics tools that display key metrics about patient visits in user-friendly formats, helping you identify opportunities to improve efficiency and profitability.

Many solutions allow you to customize booking options based on appointment types—for instance, limiting the number of sick pet appointments per hour or allocating extra time for new patients and emergency care.

By selecting the right scheduling software, you can significantly enhance operational efficiency while providing clients with the convenience they increasingly expect from healthcare providers.

Top 7 Veterinary Appointment Scheduling Software

Managing appointments efficiently is crucial for veterinary practices looking to enhance client satisfaction and streamline operations. Here are the top seven veterinary appointment scheduling software solutions that can help transform your practice workflow.

Vetstoria

Overview

Vetstoria is a comprehensive online platform focused on optimizing the appointment booking process for veterinarians and pet owners. With 18 years in the industry, this well-established platform has built a strong reputation for reliability and effectiveness.

Features

• Real-time availability display allowing pet owners to see when veterinarians are available
• Seamless integration with over 30 Practice Information Management Systems (PIMS)
• Automated appointment reminders reduce no-shows by up to 35%
• Online payment options for enhanced client convenience
• Custom booking rules to match your practice workflow
• Multi-location management for practices with several branches

Stats

• Used by over 4,000 veterinary practices across 45 countries
• Processes over 2.5 million appointments annually
• 60% of appointments booked outside practice hours
• Increases new client acquisitions by 27% on average
• 98% client satisfaction rating

Pricing Structure

Vetstoria offers a tiered pricing model:

• Essential Plan: $249/month per location with basic online booking capabilities
• Professional Plan: $349/month per location with additional features like customizable forms and advanced integration options
• Enterprise Plan: Custom pricing for multi-location practices with dedicated account management
• All plans include a one-time setup fee of $499 and require an annual commitment

Next In Line

Overview

Next In Line offers innovative scheduling solutions designed specifically for veterinary practices looking to modernize their appointment processes.

Features

• Customizable booking options allow you to limit sick pet appointments per hour
• Additional time allocation for new patients
• Reserved same-day slots for urgent care needs
• Integrated client communication tools
• Automated email and text reminders with relevant instructions
• Virtual waiting room capabilities to minimize in-clinic congestion

Stats

• Reduces appointment no-shows by up to 45%
• Increases practice revenue by an average of $15,000 annually
• 72% of clients prefer self-scheduling through Next In Line
• Average practice saves 15 staff hours weekly on phone calls
• Implementation is typically complete within two weeks

Pricing Structure

Next In Line offers flexible pricing options:

• Starter: $199/month for single-provider practices with basic scheduling features
• Professional: $299/month supporting up to 5 providers with advanced customization
• Premium: $499/month for larger practices with unlimited providers and priority support
• No long-term contracts are required; month-to-month billing is available
• 15% discount for annual payment

GoodCall

Overview

Founded in 2024, GoodCall provides veterinary practices with intuitive scheduling software that emphasizes ease of use for both staff and clients.

Features

• User-friendly interface for quick appointment creation
• Multi-provider scheduling capabilities
• Color-coded appointment types for easy visual management
• Client portal for self-service booking
• Customizable appointment durations based on service type
• Integrated telemedicine consultation scheduling

Stats

• Improves scheduling efficiency by up to 40%
• Average implementation time of just 4-6 days
• Reduces administrative staffing needs by 0.5 FTE
• 95% of clients report finding the system "very easy" to use
• 28% increase in appointment capacity through optimized scheduling

Pricing Structure

GoodCall uses a per-provider pricing approach:

• Basic: $99/month for single provider with essential features
• Standard: $179/month for 2-5 providers with added client communication tools
• Premium: $269/month for 6-10 providers with full feature set and priority support
• All plans include a 30-day free trial
• Additional providers can be added for $30/month each
• Volume discounts available for practices with more than 10 providers

GoodCall's performance metrics show that practices typically experience a 33% reduction in scheduling errors and double-bookings within the first month of implementation.

PetDesk

Overview

PetDesk offers veterinary appointment scheduling software as part of its comprehensive practice management solution, focusing on client engagement and practice efficiency.

Features

• Mobile app for client-side appointment booking
• Integrated health service reminders
• Two-way messaging between clients and practices
• Digital medical records access
• Prescription refill requests through the platform
• Loyalty program integration to enhance client retention

Stats

• Over 3,000 veterinary practices currently using the platform
• More than 3 million pet owners actively using the PetDesk app
• 78% of users schedule their next appointment before leaving the clinic
• Practices see an average 23% increase in compliance for preventative care
• 5-star average rating from over 50,000 app store reviews

Pricing Structure

PetDesk uses a unique pricing model based on practice size:

• Small Practice: $279/month for practices with 1-2 veterinarians
• Medium Practice: $399/month for practices with 3-5 veterinarians
• Large Practice: Custom pricing for practices with 6+ veterinarians
• All plans include unlimited appointment scheduling and client messaging
• Optional add-ons available for advanced features ($50-$150/month)
• No setup fees and clients can cancel anytime with a 30-day notice

Recent data shows that PetDesk users experience a 15% increase in average client lifetime value and an 8% increase in annual revenue per client compared to practices using traditional scheduling methods.

Covetrus AVImark

Overview

Covetrus AVImark is a robust veterinary management system with powerful scheduling capabilities designed for practices of all sizes.

Features

• Comprehensive appointment calendar
• Integration with billing and medical records
• Automated reminders for appointments and follow-ups
• Staff scheduling and resource allocation
• Electronic whiteboard for treatment status tracking
• Integrated inventory management tied to scheduled procedures

Stats

• Used by over 10,000 veterinary practices across North America
• 99.9% uptime reliability for cloud-based services
• Practices report 27% faster check-in/check-out processes
• Average 18% increase in appointment completion rates
• 43% reduction in manual data entry time

Pricing Structure

Covetrus AVImark offers a comprehensive pricing structure:

• Standard License: One-time purchase starting at $6,995 plus $1,595/year maintenance
• Cloud Subscription: $399-$799/month based on practice size and number of users
• Add-on Modules: $25-$200/month each for additional functionality
• Implementation and training packages: $1,500-$5,000 depending on practice needs
• Data migration services: $1,000-$3,000 for practices transitioning from other systems

Reservio

Overview

Reservio provides specialized veterinary software that simplifies the appointment booking process while offering customization options for different practice needs.

Features

• Online scheduling is accessible 24/7
• Multiple calendar views (daily, weekly, monthly)
• Synchronization with other calendars, including Google and Outlook
• Client database management
• Customizable booking forms
• Multi-language support for practices in diverse communities

Stats

• Over 150,000 service providers use Reservio across industries
• Veterinary practices see a 34% reduction in scheduling phone calls
• Average 25% decrease in administrative costs
• 40% of appointments booked outside business hours
• 99.8% system reliability rating

Pricing Structure

Reservio offers a flexible subscription model:

• Free Plan: Basic scheduling for up to 40 appointments monthly
• Starter: $9.99/month for unlimited appointments and basic features
• Standard: $19.99/month, adding SMS notifications and calendar synchronization
• Pro: $29.99/month with custom branding and advanced features
• Business: $49.99/month for multi-user access and advanced analytics
• All paid plans offer a 14-day free trial
• 20% discount for annual billing
• Enterprise options are available for larger practices with multiple locations.

Weave

Overview

Weave combines appointment scheduling with comprehensive communication tools to create a unified practice management experience.

Features

• Smart scheduling with automated confirmations
• Integrated phone system with client recognition
• Text-to-pay functionality
• Team communication tools
• Review generation to build online reputation
• Call recording and analytics for staff training

Stats

• Serves over 13,000 healthcare locations, including veterinary practices
• Practices using Weave collect 21% more patient reviews
• 35% average reduction in missed appointments
• 29% increase in collections from overdue balances
• 98% of practices report ROI within the first 6 months

Pricing Structure

Weave offers a bundled pricing approach:

• Starter Package: $349/month, including core scheduling and communication features
• Core Package: $449/month, adding text-to-pay and team messaging
• Complete Package: $549/month with a full feature set including advanced analytics
• Hardware costs: $499 one-time setup fee for phone system equipment
• All plans require 1-year commitment
• Multi-location discounts available (15-25% depending on number of locations)
• Additional $50/month per location for practices with satellite offices

Future Trends in Veterinary Appointment Scheduling Software

The veterinary appointment scheduling landscape is rapidly evolving, with transformative technologies reshaping efficiency and client experiences. AI-driven personalization, seamless integrations, and mobile-first solutions will define the future, improving scheduling workflows and enhancing pet healthcare outcomes.

AI-Enhanced Personalization

Artificial intelligence will refine scheduling by predicting ideal appointment times based on pet health histories and client preferences. Future AI systems will automate follow-ups tailored to treatment protocols, increasing compliance and optimizing care. Vetstoria's analytics engine already leads in this space, but upcoming advancements will push personalization further.

Seamless Multi-Channel Integration

Scheduling systems will integrate deeper across websites, mobile apps, and messaging platforms, ensuring a frictionless client journey. Future solutions will maintain context across touchpoints, allowing pet owners to switch channels effortlessly. This evolution will enhance accessibility and engagement, streamlining the appointment process.

Mobile-First Solutions

Veterinary scheduling platforms will prioritize mobile optimization, offering intuitive, feature-rich experiences for clients and staff. Location-aware scheduling, real-time updates, and seamless calendar sync will become standard. Innovations in mobile solutions, such as DaySmart Vet, will enhance accessibility and workflow efficiency.

Advanced Automated Communication

Future systems will enhance automated messaging by leveraging predictive analytics to optimize timing and content. Clients will receive tailored reminders, pre-visit instructions, and post-care guidance at the perfect moment. These smarter workflows will improve client engagement and ensure better adherence to treatment plans.

Wrapping up

Implementing veterinary appointment scheduling software offers numerous benefits that can transform your practice's efficiency and client experience after exploring various options and strategies throughout this article.

You should evaluate your current scheduling practices, identify pain points, and explore the veterinary appointment scheduling software solutions that best address your specific needs. The right technology investment today will position your practice for success in an increasingly digital veterinary landscape.

FAQs

What is the most popular veterinary software?

The most popular veterinary software includes AVImark, eVetPractice, Cornerstone, Vetstoria, and Idexx Neo, offering features like patient records, billing, and scheduling.

What software is used for appointment scheduling?

Common appointment scheduling software includes Acuity Scheduling, Calendly, Setmore, and industry-specific options like Vetstoria and ezyVet for veterinary practices.

What CRM do vets use?

Veterinarians use ezyVet, Covetrus Pulse, Shepherd, and Vetstoria, which combine CRM features with patient management, appointment tracking, and client communication.

How much does veterinary software cost?

Veterinary software pricing varies, ranging from $50 to $500 per month based on features, with enterprise solutions costing more.