Top Pet Owner Engagement Software Guide
In the fast-paced world of veterinary medicine, keeping pet owners informed and connected is no longer a bonus – it is essential for building trust and loyalty
Choosing the right pet owner engagement solution can do more than improve communication—it can strengthen client relationships, increase compliance, and build your desired schedule. But with so many platforms on the market, it’s tough to know where to begin.
That’s why we created this guide: a clear, practical comparison of leading engagement tools in 2025. We didn’t just look at feature sets—we gathered real feedback from veterinary teams, pulled insights from social media and review sites, and incorporated what we’ve learned from IDEXX customers using a variety of communication platforms.
You’ll recognize some familiar names in the mix, including our own: Vello. We’re proud of what Vello brings to the table—not just because we built it, but because we see how practices are using it every day to connect more meaningfully with their clients.
Whether you’re a busy general practice or a growing specialty clinic, this guide will help you compare options and choose a solution that meets your goals—and your clients’ expectations.
What you'll find
Featured Pet Owner Engagement Software Solutions
Vello (by IDEXX)
Vello is the only client engagement platform built exclusively for IDEXX Practice Management Software—ezyVet, Neo, and Cornerstone—offering full integration that works directly with the systems veterinary teams already rely on. Vello helps practices strengthen client relationships and improve communication through features like two-way texting, appointment and medical service reminders, online scheduling, client education, and a self-service pet owner app and online portal. By connecting directly with your existing workflows, Vello reduces manual effort and supports more efficient, consistent care.
Pros
- Seamless integration with an embedded Vello inbox (ezyVet & Neo only), real-time syncing of appointment confirmations, and automatic writeback to the communications log, client and patient record.
- Transparent, all-in-one pricing with no hidden upgrade fees.
- Unlimited two-way SMS from a dedicated local number - includes photo sharing, out-of-office replies, quick reply templates, and no per-message charges or character limits.
- Fast setup with automatic syncing of your PIMS content and a dedicated onboarding team to get you setup within hours.
- Compliance-driving features including diagnostic screening recommendations, fecal sample checklist and reminders, and customizable client education for every recommended service.
Cons
- Currently only available to IDEXX software users.
- Built on best practices with flexibility in SMS message content, but not fully customizable reminder cadences.
- May benefit from a brief team training session to maximize all of Vello’s capabilities.
Ready to see Vello?
Discover how Vello’s streamlined features and IDEXX integration can help your practice connect with clients more efficiently.
Schedule a Demo
Pros
- Team chat feature facilitates internal communication amongst the practice.
- Includes appointment scheduling and automated check-in features.
- Provides automated reminders with pre-visit instructions.
- Client Satisfaction surveys available
Cons
- Limited integration with leading practice management software.
- Some advanced features may require additional costs or subscriptions.
- Interface may have a learning curve for new users.
- Not fully integrated solutions require moving between systems for commonly-performed tasks.
Ready to see Vello?
Discover how Vello’s streamlined features and IDEXX integration can help your practice connect with clients more efficiently.
Schedule a Demo
Pros
- Provides automated appointment reminders and confirmations.
- Supports online payments with options such as text-to-pay and email outreach.
- Includes scheduling support and digital form capabilities.
- Call Pop features displays client information when they call.
Cons
- The volume of SMS messages included may be limited for some practices’ needs.
- Add-on features can drive up overall cost significantly.
- Initial pricing may lack clarity, making it hard to estimate total expenses upfront.
- Integration with other systems may vary in consistency depending on the setup.
AllyDVM
AllyDVM is a client communication and retention platform designed to support veterinary practices. It includes tools like automated reminders, targeted email campaigns, loyalty programs, and a client-facing mobile app to help strengthen long-term relationships with pet owners and encourage repeat visits.
Pros
- Sends appointment reminders and confirmation.
- Supports 2-way SMS and marketing tools.
- Retention calendar used to ensure client contact information is accurate.
- Allows clients to access medical records through the platform.
Cons
- Add-on features are available, though they may increase the overall monthly cost depending on the package selected.
- Integration with practice management systems may vary, which can affect workflow consistency.
- Some communications are primarily sent via email, which may limit outreach for clients who prefer texting.
- The interface may feel less modern to some users, depending on their design preferences.
Pros
- Supports two-way SMS, allowing for direct client communication.
- Sends appointment and health service reminders to help keep clients informed.
- Offers tools to assist with scheduling appointments efficiently.
- Client-facing mobile app allows pet owners to manage their appointments, loyalty rewards, and practice communications.
Cons
- Some advanced features may require additional costs or subscriptions.
- Still building its reputation in comparison to more established solutions.
- Limited integrations with other leading software.
- Inventory pricing and tracking setup can be challenging to configure.
- Limitations in scalability – may not be appropriate for larger hospitals; not a viable option for corporate groups.
Why Choose Vello
While there are many communication platforms available, choosing the right pet owner engagement software isn’t just a convenience—it’s a critical decision that directly impacts client compliance, staff efficiency, and practice revenue. The wrong partner can lead to fragmented workflows, missed reminders, and frustrated teams. Vello is built by IDEXX, with deep integration into your PIMS and diagnostics workflows, making it easier to automate reminders, streamline client communication, and reduce no-shows—without adding manual work. It’s not just software; it’s a strategic solution to help practices run smarter and serve clients better.
With decades of veterinary experience behind us, IDEXX understands the daily demands of practice life. Vello is more than just a messaging tool—it’s a strategic, scalable platform designed to grow with your clinic and deliver efficient, connected care. We’ve built Vello to evolve alongside the industry, supporting future innovations like AI-assisted communication and real-time analytics, while keeping your workflows simple and your clients engaged. When you choose Vello, you're backed by a company that’s invested in veterinary success for the long haul.
How to Choose Pet Owner Software
Choosing the right veterinary practice management software impacts efficiency, client satisfaction, and long-term growth.
One of the first things to consider is the stability and reputation of the company behind the software. A stable, well-funded company with industry experience is likely to offer reliable support, regular updates, and stay viable. Startups may be innovative but often lack resources for ongoing development or support. Strong customer service is also essential, as clinics need quick help when issues arise.
Another key consideration is the level of complexity your practice requires. If you operate a small clinic with straightforward workflows, a user-friendly, all-in-one system with essential features may be ideal:
Choosing the right pet owner engagement software impacts client satisfaction, team efficiency, and long-term growth.
Start with the company behind the platform. A stable, veterinary-focused partner with proven industry experience is more likely to offer strong customer support, regular updates, and seamless integration with your PIMS and diagnostic tools. While startups may bring innovation, they often lack the resources to scale or support busy clinics over time.
Next, consider your clinic’s complexity. Smaller teams may benefit from an easy-to-use system offering essentials like:
- Two-way texting
- Automated reminders
- Online scheduling
Larger or multi-location practices may need:
- Larger or multi-location practices may need:
- Personalized engagement tools
- Loyalty programs
- Analytics and reporting
- AI-powered communication
- Scalable automation
Think beyond today’s needs—choose a platform that can grow with you, support your team, and meet evolving client expectations. The right engagement software should streamline communication, reduce no-shows, and help your practice stay connected without adding complexity.
Top Five things to consider
1
Integration with Your Existing Software
If your clinic uses specific diagnostic tools, payment processors, or telemedicine platforms, check whether the pet owner engagement software integrates with them. Some solutions offer seamless integration, while others may require workarounds or manual data entry. Smooth integration helps improve efficiency, reduce errors, and simplifies workflows—making your team’s day easier.
2
Daily Workflows
Consider how the platform supports—and even embeds into—your daily workflows. Look for features that reduce manual tasks, like automatic syncing of appointment confirmations, real-time updates to client records, and integrated messaging tools. Platforms that work directly within your existing practice management system can help your team stay focused on patient care instead of toggling between systems. The right solution should feel like an extension of your workflow, not an extra step.
3
Client Access and Portal
Look for platforms that offer flexible access for pet owners through both a mobile app and an online portal. Unlike solutions that require an app download or login credentials, some platforms allow instant engagement—booking and managing appointments, accessing records, and following care recommendations with just a few clicks. Reducing barriers to access helps drive stronger engagement and better compliance.
4
Total Cost of Ownership
Many pet owner engagement platforms charge more than just a monthly subscription fee. It’s important to look beyond the advertised price—consider costs for onboarding, setup, integrations with your practice management system, and any add-on features you may want. Some platforms also charge for additional users, advanced communication tools, or access to analytics. Be sure to ask for a detailed breakdown of costs to avoid surprises down the line.
5
Reliability and support
A pet owner engagement solution is only as strong as the support behind it. Look for platforms with consistent performance, responsive customer service, and dedicated onboarding and training resources. Reliable systems keep day-to-day operations running smoothly, while strong support helps your team resolve issues quickly and confidently, keeping your practice efficient and your clients satisfied.
What's Next?
Do your research
Start by selecting 3 or 4 pet owner engagement platforms and do your own digging. Visit their websites, look at reviews on Capterra and G2, and explore real-world feedback from practices like yours. Many vendors also share success stories and case studies that show how they’ve improved client communication, reduced no-shows, or streamlined reminder workflows.
Ask your colleagues
Talk to peers, practice managers, and even CSRs. Most teams get the best insight from others already using platforms like Vello. Ask what’s working—and what’s not—especially when it comes to automation or PIMS integration. If you'd like to speak with a current Vello customer, let us know—we’re happy to connect you.
Set up demos
There’s no better way to understand a platform than seeing it in action. Most demos take 30 minutes or less and let you explore tools like two-way texting, scheduling, reminders, and loyalty features. You’ll quickly see how each platform fits your workflows.
Enlist your team
Client engagement touches everyone—reception, technicians, even veterinarians. Once you’ve narrowed it down, involve your team in the decision. Their feedback on usability, communication preferences, and workflow integration is critical.
We’d love for you to choose Vello and IDEXX as your client engagement partner. But no matter where you land, we wish you the best—there’s nothing like having powerful, integrated tools that make life easier for your team and your clients.
Please note that these observations and comparisons were accurate, to the best of our knowledge, as of April 2025. Software is constantly changing and some of these observations may be out of date. We will do our best to update regularly to maintain accuracy.