Veterinary Pet Owner Engagement Software Guide
As pet owner expectations evolve, how your practice connects with clients shapes satisfaction, trust, and loyalty. The right engagement software keeps reminders consistent, reduces no-shows, and makes scheduling simple, while giving your team scalable tools that support compliance and long-term growth.
Finding the right way to engage pet owners isn’t just about sending messages. It’s about building trust, keeping care plans on track, and shaping a schedule that works for your team.
This guide gives you a straightforward look at today’s leading engagement platforms. We combined real practice feedback, online reviews, and insights from IDEXX customers who use these tools every day.
You’ll see some familiar names, including Vello. We’re proud of how practices are using Vello to strengthen client relationships and simplify daily communication.
Whether you run a busy general practice or a specialty clinic, this comparison can help you decide which platform best fits your goals and your clients’ needs.
What’s included in this guide
Featured veterinary client 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 2-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 IDEXX practice software workflows, Vello reduces manual effort and supports more efficient, consistent care.
Pros
- Built by IDEXX, for IDEXX PIMS for seamless integration.
- Transparent, all-in-one pricing with no hidden upgrade fees.
- Embedded Vello inbox with real-time sync, appointment confirmations, and automatic writeback to records.
- Unlimited 2-way SMS from a dedicated local number with photo sharing, auto-replies, templates, and no per-message limit.
- Quick setup with automatic PIMS sync and dedicated onboarding team to get you live in hours.
- Tools such as diagnostic screening recommendations, fecal sample checklists, and customizable client education built in to drive compliance.
Cons
- Currently only available to IDEXX software users.
- Fewer options for customizing reminder cadence.
- Some capabilities like integrated wellness plans are not yet available.
- The Vello client app and portal is Vello branded vs. branded as the practice.
Ready to see Vello?
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Pros
- Team chat feature facilitates internal communication within the practice.
- Includes appointment scheduling and automated check-in features.
- AI tools that automatically handle notes, call summaries, and replies.
- Provides automated reminders with pre-visit instructions.
- Client satisfaction surveys available.
Cons
- Limited integration with leading practice management software can mean toggling between systems for commonly performed tasks.
- Some advanced features may require additional costs or subscriptions.
- Interface may have a learning curve for new users.
Pros
- VOIP system with call pop feature displaying client information when they call in and 2-way SMS.
- 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.
Cons
- Bulk messaging is capped by subscription level, starting at 1,500 messages for Pro users, which can restrict large-scale outreach.
- Add-on features can drive up overall cost significantly.
- Challenging to calculate upfront costs.
- Integration with other systems can vary in consistency depending on the setup.
- Priced at the upper end of practice communication platforms, which can be a barrier for some clinics.
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 confirmations.
- Offers email and text campaign features to support client outreach and appointment reminders.
- Retention calendar to keep updated client contact information.
- 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.
- Marketing campaigns and reminders offer fewer personalization options compared to some competitors.
Pros
- Supports 2-way SMS, allowing for direct client communication.
- Sends appointment and health service reminders to help keep clients informed.
- Online booking, reminders, and confirmations help reduce phone traffic and missed appointments.
- Client-facing mobile app allows pet owners to manage their appointments, loyalty rewards, and communications with the practice.
Cons
- Limited integration with leading practice management software can mean toggling between systems for commonly performed tasks.
- SMS messages are sent from a third-party number rather than the practice’s own phone number.
- The platform is only available as a mobile app with no web-based access option.
- Accessing additional features can increase the total cost of the software.
Download our “Talking the Talk” Guide
This guide shows you how to move beyond manual phone tag and piecemeal messaging, creating a client communication strategy that’s modern, proactive, and built for lasting loyalty.
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How to choose pet owner engagement software
The right engagement platform should make life easier for your team and keep clients connected—not add more work. Here are a few things to weigh as you compare options:
The company behind the tool
A well-established, veterinary-focused partner is more likely to provide reliable support, frequent updates, and integrations that actually work with your PIMS and diagnostics. Startups can be exciting but sometimes struggle to scale or deliver long-term support.
Your practice’s needs
Smaller teams often do best with a simple system that covers the essentials:
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2-way texting
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Automated reminders
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Online scheduling
Larger or multilocation practices may want extra features, such as:
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Personalized engagement tools
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Loyalty programs
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Analytics and reporting
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AI-powered communication
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Scalable automation
Future growth
Look for a platform that can adapt as client expectations and communication trends change. The best systems reduce no-shows, streamline daily workflows, and strengthen client relationships—without adding complexity.
Top five things to consider
1
Integration with your existing software
Not all integrations are created equal—some versions of “integration” are limited to a PDF sent from one system to another. Be sure to scrutinize how potential platforms sync with your existing practice management system to find what works best for your practice.
2
Daily workflows
Consider how the platform supports—and even embeds into—your daily workflows. Look for features that reduce manual tasks, such as 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 2-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 September 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.