Key Takeaways
- Covetrus Ascend is the best overall cloud-based veterinary software for APAC clinics that want supported implementation, 24/7 customer support, customer success, the Covetrus Customer Portal, and no lock-in Ascend contracts.
- ezyVet is best for complex cloud workflows in specialty, emergency, and equine practices.
- IDEXX Neo is best for clinics already using IDEXX diagnostics and wanting simple cloud software.
- DaySmart Vet and OpenVPMS suit more specific needs, from price-transparent cloud software to open-source cloud customisation.
Cloud veterinary software should make your clinic easier to run from anywhere your team needs to work.
But a poor choice or switch can create the same old problems in a new browser tab: clunky notes, billing gaps, weak reporting, and too many manual workarounds.
The best cloud-based veterinary software should help minimise all that friction, not move it online. This guide compares five cloud veterinary software options by fit, features, pricing, support, and practical use case.
What Is Cloud-Based Veterinary Software?
Cloud-based veterinary software is a type of practice information management system (PIMS) that runs online rather than from an in-clinic server. It helps clinics manage appointments, records, billing, reminders, inventory, reporting, client communication, and daily workflows from supported devices with an internet connection.
Being cloud-based, it lets clinics:
- Reduce dependence on local servers
- Access records and workflows from different devices
- Support mobile, flexible, and after-hours admin work
- Reduce manual backups and local IT maintenance
- Improve team visibility across bookings, invoices, reminders, and reports
- Make software updates painless
If you’re comparing cloud and server-based options, Covetrus’ guide to how cloud-based veterinary software works is a useful starting point.
5 Best Cloud-Based Veterinary Software: A Quick Overview
| Name |
Best for |
Standout feature |
Price starting point |
| Covetrus Ascend |
APAC clinics that want supported cloud veterinary software |
Cloud PMS, 3-step onboarding, 24/7 customer support, Customer Portal, and no lock-in Ascend contracts |
Quote-based |
| ezyVet |
Complex cloud workflows in specialty, emergency, and equine practices |
Deep workflow configuration, 100+ integrations, and published starting pricing |
USD 260.50/month |
| IDEXX Neo |
Simple cloud software inside the IDEXX diagnostics ecosystem |
Practice dashboard, patient workflow, callbacks, reminders, and IDEXX ecosystem fit |
NZD 175/month |
| DaySmart Vet |
Price-transparent cloud software in supported markets |
Published pricing, anywhere access, 24/7 support, 40+ integrations, and integrated payments |
USD 123/month |
| OpenVPMS |
Clinics that want open-source cloud customisation |
Open-source PMS with managed cloud options, hosting, support, upgrades, and remote access |
FTE-based subscription |
Covetrus Ascend – Best Overall Cloud-Based Veterinary Software for APAC Clinics
Covetrus Ascend is a cloud-based veterinary practice management system built for APAC clinics that want to move away from server-heavy workflows without losing implementation support.
Its strongest advantage is the combination of intuitive cloud software and hands-on support: onboarding, customer success, 24/7 customer support, free online learning, the Covetrus Customer Portal, and no lock-in Ascend contracts.
Key Features
Ascend is strongest when a clinic wants cloud software that supports the whole practice, not only remote access.
Cloud Access Across the Practice
Ascend gives veterinary teams cloud-based access to core practice workflows, so the clinic is not tied to one server or one workstation. Teams can work across appointments, records, billing, reminders, reporting, inventory, and patient activity from supported devices.
That flexibility is useful for owners and practice managers who need visibility outside the clinic, mobile teams who need access on the go, and staff who need to pick up tasks without waiting for one shared machine. For practices planning a cloud transition, Covetrus also offers guidance on data backup for veterinary clinics.
Appointment, Consult, and Workflow Visibility
Ascend is designed to keep daily clinic work moving through one connected PMS. Teams can manage scheduling, consult activity, notes, client details, billing, patient history, tasks, and reporting without rebuilding the day from disconnected systems.
That becomes important during handover-heavy periods: reception needs booking and billing visibility, vets need patient and consult context, and managers need to understand what is still open. For hospital or surgery workflows, Ascend’s Inpatients Workflow gives teams a clearer digital view of the patient journey from check-in to discharge.
Covetrus Customer Portal for Support and Training
The Covetrus Customer Portal gives Ascend, RxWorks and VisionVPM users one destination for support, training, knowledge resources and account management. For Ascend users, Single Sign-On means teams can log in with their existing Ascend credentials.
Practice teams can search manuals, release notes, videos and knowledge articles with AI-powered search, submit and track support cases, manage users and contact details, enrol staff in self-paced courses, and monitor training progress. That helps new staff learn faster and gives busy teams a clearer place to find answers after go-live.
Secure Cloud Backups and Business Continuity
A cloud PMS should reduce the everyday risk that comes with local servers, manual backups, and ageing hardware. Ascend supports secure cloud-based backups, which is valuable for clinics moving away from server maintenance or local IT dependency.
This does not remove the need for good access controls, internet reliability, or staff training. But it does give clinics a stronger foundation for business continuity, especially when compared with systems that depend heavily on in-clinic hardware.
Pricing
| Aspect |
Details |
| Starting price |
Quote-based |
| Pricing model |
Monthly subscription |
| Demo required |
Yes |
| Onboarding |
Simple 3-step onboarding with customer success support |
| Support |
24/7 customer support |
| Training |
Free online learning with Ascend |
| Contract |
No lock-in Ascend contracts |
| Time savings |
Practices report saving up to 16+ hours per week with Ascend |
Where Covetrus Ascend Shines
- APAC cloud transition support: Ascend is a strong fit for clinics in Australia, New Zealand, and Asia that want local implementation guidance, customer success, 24/7 customer support, and a supported move to cloud.
- Daily workflow simplicity: Ascend is built around intuitive cloud workflows for appointments, consults, billing, reminders, records, reporting, inventory, and patient activity.
- Training and self-service access: The Covetrus Customer Portal, free online learning, and customer success support give teams more ways to find answers and keep staff confident after go-live.
Where Covetrus Falls Short
- Pricing is demo-led: Clinics need to speak with Covetrus to get pricing based on their practice size, setup, onboarding needs, and workflow requirements.
Customer Reviews
At Curtin Veterinary Clinic, Ascend helped the team move away from outdated software and hardware while improving remote access.
“We now have a vet who focuses on med requests and follow-up calls and Ascend has made things a lot easier for them. Also, if any of us have had a really busy day and suddenly remember something at night, it’s easy to simply log into Ascend to check something or complete a task. It’s so much better, easier, and less stressful” explains Leesa, Practice Manager at Curtin Vet Clinic.
At Bondi Junction Veterinary Hospital, the team moved from an in-house server to Ascend for cloud mobility, easier staff training, and stronger support.
“If you’re looking for a modern solution and a support team that stands by you, I’d absolutely recommend it,” says Dr Ray Chan, Owner and Veterinary Surgeon at Bondi Junction Veterinary Hospital.
Who Covetrus Is Best For
- APAC companion animal clinics: Ascend is a strong fit for companion animal practices that want cloud PMS workflows with local implementation support.
- Start-up clinics: New practices can use Ascend for start-up veterinary clinics to avoid early server complexity and start with a more flexible PMS foundation.
- Mobile and flexible teams: Clinics that need access beyond a fixed reception desk can explore Ascend’s mobile veterinary workflows.
- Clinics replacing server-based systems: Ascend suits practices that want to modernise without managing the cloud switch alone.
👉 Explore Covetrus Ascend cloud veterinary software to see how it helps APAC veterinary teams reduce admin and simplify daily workflows.
ezyVet – Best for Complex Cloud Workflows in Specialty, Emergency, and Equine Practices
ezyVet is a cloud-based veterinary PMS for clinics that need deeper configuration than a typical general-practice setup. It is strongest for specialty hospitals, emergency teams, equine practices, universities, and corporate groups with more complex workflows.
Key Features
100+ Integrations
ezyVet connects with 100+ veterinary software solutions across diagnostics, payments, imaging, suppliers, client communication, and business operations.
Advanced Workflow Configuration
Clinics can configure clinical records, invoicing, inventory, diagnostic ordering, pricing, reminders, and communication workflows around more complex practice needs.
Reporting and Practice Visibility
ezyVet gives larger teams reporting depth across clinical, financial, appointment, stock, and customer data, which is useful when several departments need shared visibility.
Pricing
| Aspect |
Details |
| Starting price |
USD 260.50/month |
| Implementation |
Not included in monthly pricing |
| Contract terms |
Six-month initial term, then three-month rolling contract |
Where ezyVet Shines
- Complex workflow depth: ezyVet is strong for clinics that need detailed configuration across clinical work, invoicing, reporting, inventory, pricing, and team processes.
- Integration range: Its integration ecosystem is useful for hospitals and specialty clinics that rely on several connected tools rather than one simple software stack.
- Equine and field relevance: ezyVet suits teams that need cloud access, field workflows, reporting, reminders, and consult support outside a standard small-animal GP model.
Where ezyVet Falls Short
- More setup than many clinics need: ezyVet’s flexibility is useful, but smaller teams may find the initial configuration heavier than necessary.
- Implementation adds to total cost: Clinics need to budget beyond the monthly subscription when planning the switch.
- Learning curve depends on setup quality: Review feedback suggests ezyVet works better when practices invest time in configuration, training, and workflow design.
Customer Reviews
“I find ezyVet easy to use, making scheduling appointments and getting pets in for visits simple. The initial setup was very easy, too.” – Yesenia R., Assistant Manager
“It takes a very long time to put in a change request to see things start to change. Some changes seem a little arbitrary and pointless.” – Alisha P., Veterinary Technician
Who ezyVet Is Best For
- Specialty, emergency, and equine practices: ezyVet is best for clinics that need deeper workflow control than a standard general-practice system.
- Corporate or university teams: It suits larger environments that need integrations, reporting, and structured workflows across departments.
IDEXX Neo – Best for Simple Cloud Software Inside the IDEXX Diagnostics Ecosystem
IDEXX Neo is a cloud-based veterinary software option for clinics that want a simpler PMS experience and already use IDEXX diagnostics. Its strongest fit is a team that values ease of use, any-device access, and diagnostic workflow alignment over deep customisation.
Key Features
Practice Dashboard
Neo gives clinics a dashboard view of practice activity, so teams can review key information without building a heavily customised reporting setup.
Patient Workflow
The patient workflow helps teams manage scheduling, patient tracking, callbacks, reminders, records, and reporting from the cloud.
IDEXX Diagnostic Ordering
Neo’s clearest advantage is its fit with IDEXX diagnostics, including integrated diagnostic ordering and real-time results inside the practice workflow.
Pricing
| Aspect |
Details |
| Starting price |
NZD 175/month |
Where IDEXX Neo Shines
- Simple cloud access: Neo suits clinics that want a lighter PMS with browser-based access from internet-enabled devices.
- IDEXX ecosystem fit: Clinics already using IDEXX diagnostics are more likely to get value from Neo’s connected diagnostic workflows.
- Straightforward adoption: Neo is useful for smaller teams that want easier setup and fewer configuration decisions than more complex cloud systems.
Where IDEXX Neo Falls Short
- Best value depends on IDEXX usage: Clinics outside the IDEXX ecosystem may get less value from Neo’s main differentiator.
- Less suited to complex hospitals: Neo’s simplicity can be limiting for specialty, referral, emergency, or multi-department workflows.
- Financial tracking can feel light: Review feedback points to limitations and confusion around financial reporting for some users.
Customer Reviews
“Flexible, allows for user defined fields. Regular updates with additional functionality, not just corrections.” – Dave A., Business Manager
“I do wish Neo offered a few things such as expiration reports and better formatting of forms.” – Candice B.
Who IDEXX Neo Is Best For
- IDEXX-heavy clinics: Neo is best for clinics already using IDEXX diagnostics and wanting simple cloud software inside that ecosystem.
- Small teams prioritising ease: It suits practices that want a cleaner, lighter PMS rather than deep workflow configuration.
DaySmart Vet – Best for Price-Transparent Cloud Software in Supported Markets
DaySmart Vet is a cloud-based practice management system with clear starting pricing and a practical small-to-mid-sized clinic fit. It is strongest for teams in supported markets that want browser access, integrated payments, client communication, support coverage, and a lower-friction software setup.
Key Features
Cloud-Based Daily Workflows
DaySmart Vet keeps scheduling, medical records, payments, reminders, client communication, and reporting in one cloud-based system.
Integrated Payments and Client Communication
The platform includes integrated payments, client communication tools, appointment reminders, and a client-facing PetCare mobile app.
40+ Integrations
DaySmart Vet connects with 40+ partners across labs, accounting, communications, diagnostics, pharmacies, and other clinic tools.
Pricing
| Aspect |
Details |
| Starting price |
USD 123/month |
Where DaySmart Vet Shines
- Price transparency: DaySmart Vet is easier to budget for than many quote-based tools because it publishes a starting monthly price.
- Small-practice usability: It is a practical option for clinics that want cloud access and day-to-day workflow support without enterprise-level complexity.
- Connected payments and communication: Integrated payments, reminders, client communication, and partner integrations make it useful for teams trying to reduce front-desk friction.
Where DaySmart Vet Falls Short
- Market fit needs checking: APAC clinics should confirm regional support, implementation, payment setup, and data migration before shortlisting.
- Less specialised than hospital tools: It is not the strongest fit for clinics needing deep specialty, emergency, equine, or multi-site configuration.
- Feature fit depends on workflow: Review feedback suggests some updates or features may not apply to every clinic’s way of working.
Customer Reviews
“I like that you can set tasks for people to do. It helps with continuity of care and follow ups. It works much better than having a note board or paper messages that get lost and don’t have any kind of reminders.” – Jody O., Rehabilitation Technician
“How slow it can be at times. Also wish there was more features. Wish they didn’t take the check out option. Wish there was a way to just message the doctor instead of putting a task to know the invoice is ready” – Luis A., Vet Tech
Who DaySmart Vet Is Best For
- Price-conscious clinics in supported markets: DaySmart Vet is best for teams that want published pricing and practical cloud workflows.
- Small and mid-sized general practices: It suits clinics that prioritise ease, support, payments, reminders, and client communication over deep configuration.
OpenVPMS – Best for Clinics That Want Open-Source Cloud Customisation
OpenVPMS is an open-source veterinary PMS with managed cloud options for practices that want more control over configuration and workflow design. It is best for clinics with enough technical confidence to benefit from flexibility rather than needing a tightly packaged cloud PMS switch.
Key Features
Managed Cloud Environment
OpenVPMS Professional is available in a fully managed cloud environment with remote access, automated upgrades, backups, disaster recovery, monitoring, and reporting.
Open-Source Customisation
The open-source foundation makes OpenVPMS useful for clinics that want a configurable system and are comfortable planning setup in more detail.
Browser-Based Access
OpenVPMS can be accessed from devices running a standard internet browser, which gives teams cloud-style access without requiring specialised workstation software.
Pricing
| Plan |
Details |
| Community |
USD 450/annum/FTE (ex Tax) |
| Professional |
USD 1800/annum/FTE (ex Tax) |
| Enterprise |
Custom |
Where OpenVPMS Shines
- Customisation control: OpenVPMS is strong for clinics that want more say in how the PMS is configured.
- Cloud management with open-source roots: The Professional edition combines a managed cloud environment with the flexibility of an open-source system.
- Support portal and knowledge access: Professional and Enterprise subscribers can access knowledge base articles, training videos, and support tickets through the customer support portal.
Where OpenVPMS Falls Short
- Not plug-and-play: Clinics should expect more setup planning than they would with a more packaged cloud PMS.
- Technical confidence helps: Review feedback suggests the system is stable and flexible, but easier to adopt when the practice has some technical comfort or implementation support.
- Cost comparison needs detail: FTE-based subscription, setup, customisation, and data migration should be reviewed together before comparing it with monthly per-user tools.
Customer Reviews
“It’s very customisable – we’ve had a lot of reports made to our specific requirements and features that we’ve requested have been developed and built into new releases of the software.” – Trilby W.
“Each upgrade tends to create more keystrokes and more time to perform basic tasks. It can become costly if you require additional help or support to set things up. Lack of written training materials/”How to” manuals/lists of features and functions” – Tony V.
Who OpenVPMS Is Best For
- Customisation-minded clinics: OpenVPMS is best for practices that want open-source flexibility and are comfortable planning the system around their workflows.
- Technically confident teams: It suits clinics that want managed cloud access but still value configuration control and implementation flexibility.
How to Choose a Cloud-Based Veterinary Software
The right cloud software should make the clinic easier to run, easier to support, and easier to see across the day. Use these checks before comparing demos or pricing.
Check Whether It Reduces Daily Admin
Cloud access is useful only if the workflow underneath is clean.
Look closely at how the software handles appointments, notes, invoices, reminders, stock, reporting, and follow-up. If the team still needs spreadsheets, screenshots, handwritten lists, or duplicated entries to finish the day, the system may only be moving old admin online.
Covetrus Ascend is built to reduce practice chaos through cloud-based workflows across bookings, consults, billing, reminders, inventory, and reporting.
👉 Explore Covetrus Ascend cloud veterinary software to see how it supports daily clinic workflows.
Review Appointment, Reminder, and Communication Workflows
Cloud software should help teams stay ahead of routine client touchpoints.
Check how each platform handles appointment changes, reminders, SMS or email updates, follow-up tasks, and booking visibility. The goal is to reduce front-desk load while keeping the client experience clear and professional.
Covetrus has useful guides on veterinary reminders, online booking for veterinary practices, and veterinary communication tools if your clinic is reviewing client-facing workflows.
Ask How Support Works After Go-Live
A cloud switch does not end when the software launches.
Ask how support cases are submitted, whether training is included, how new staff learn the system, and whether your team can find answers without searching through old emails. Good cloud software should support day-to-day adoption, not only initial implementation.
The Covetrus Customer Portal gives Ascend, RxWorks and VisionVPM users one place for support, training, knowledge resources, account management, AI-powered search, and case tracking. That gives teams clearer centralised visibility after go-live.
Compare Reporting and Practice Visibility
Cloud software should help owners and practice managers see what is happening without waiting for manual exports.
Review whether each platform gives useful visibility into revenue, invoices, reminders, workload, client activity, and operational trends. A dashboard is only useful if the team can act on it regularly.
Covetrus Ascend includes reporting and practice visibility within the PMS. If you’re wondering which numbers to review, read more on veterinary data and insights.
Review Backup, Security, and Business Continuity
Cloud software should reduce dependence on ageing servers and manual backups, but clinics still need to ask practical security questions.
Check data backup, access control, uptime expectations, support availability, and what happens if the clinic loses internet. Also ask how software updates are managed and whether support is available across your working hours.
Covetrus Ascend supports secure cloud-based backups and 24/7 customer support, which is useful for clinics moving away from local server risk.
Compare Total Cost With Time Saved
Starting price is only one part of the decision.
Compare subscription fees, onboarding, implementation, training, support, data migration, add-ons, contract terms, and the staff time needed to keep the system working. A cheaper tool can still cost more if it creates workarounds or slows the team down.
If you are reviewing cost more broadly, read more on end-of-year veterinary financial planning to gain an expert practitioner lens on connecting software decisions to practice performance.
Save Up to 16+ Hours a Week With Covetrus Ascend
The best cloud-based veterinary software should help your team finish work with fewer loose ends.
Covetrus Ascend gives APAC clinics cloud-based practice management software supported by simple 3-step onboarding, 24/7 customer support, customer success, free online learning, the Covetrus Customer Portal, and no lock-in Ascend contracts.
80% of surveyed Ascend users save AUD \$1k-\$5k per year when switching to Ascend. It is built for clinics that want to modernise daily workflows without managing a cloud transition alone.
👉 Book a Covetrus Ascend demo to see how Ascend can support your clinic.
FAQs
What is cloud-based veterinary software?
Cloud-based veterinary software runs online, helping clinics manage records, bookings, billing, reminders, reporting, and workflows from supported devices.
What features should I look for in cloud-based veterinary software?
Look for cloud access, records, scheduling, billing, reminders, reporting, inventory, support, backups, integrations, and clear onboarding.
Is cloud-based veterinary software good for small or startup practices?
Yes. Cloud software can reduce server costs, support flexible access, and make startup workflows easier to manage.