Free veterinary software: it’s being recommended, but what am I actually giving up?

Here’s where free versions hurt you the most: 1) The SMS vaccination reminder system either doesn't work or they charge ridiculous rates per text. 2) Prescription templates lack mandatory legal disclosures. 3) Zero integration with lab or X-ray equipment. 4) When the system crashes, there's no live support to call.

The very first quarter we switched to professional software, our patient return rate visibly increased thanks to automated vaccine reminders. We pay 800 EUR a year for the software, but we’ve earned back at least triple that amount just from clients who didn't miss their booster shots.

you’re on your own in the clinic and your assistant is already slammed... do you really want to spend your time troubleshooting a broken database? your time is worth more than that. the headaches of free software will just drain your energy at work.

we tried the open source one and three months in it threw a vat rounding error while invoicing and our accountant lost his mind. wouldnt touch it tbh.

Companies offering free veterinary software aren't doing it out of charity. They usually bury a clause in the terms of service that lets them market pet food or supplements directly to pet owners. Promoting other brands to your own clients will only undermine your clinic's reputation.

couldn't we avoid the expense by tracking inventory in a simple spreadsheet and just using the software for patient records?

Edit: asked below, I wrote the answer in the second message.

Data backup is the weakest link. Free cloud tools either don't offer automated daily backups or don't encrypt them. If the hard drive on your local machine dies, five years of patient medical histories could vanish instantly. The data recovery bill alone would dwarf the annual cost of proper software.

Request demo versions from local software vendors. Test at least three of them with your assistant over a 14-day period. Time how long it takes to run an inventory check and write a prescription, and see the speed difference for yourself.

Thanks for posting. When making a decision first look at what data you have on hand.

Just a heads-up. If scope grows, either time or budget must grow. There is no third option.

Hope this helps.

id appreciate it if you shared the outcome.

I'm curious too.

Im a small business let me explain from my side. Implementing a change request process doesnt slow things down it speeds them up.

You're right. The system lives on after delivery; maintenance is a separate line item.

Ask who prepared the quote and who will actually do the work. If you have questions, write them; I'll answer as best I can.

There's a trap here, let me mention it. Don't hesitate to ask; those who don't ask always pay more.

I'm also curious if anyone does it differently.

this thread is archived.

We experienced almost the exact same thing last year. btw access credentials should be opened in the companys name, not personal accounts.

Taking notes for two weeks yields better results than a six-month estimate. That's all sorry if I went on too long.

Exactly, and not many people know this. The cheapest quote is usually the least thought-out one.

Payment schedules should be tied to project phases, not calendar dates. If you post the result here, it will help others too.