Honest comparison

OpenVPM vs DaySmart Vet

DaySmart Vet is a clean, affordable cloud system for small practices. OpenVPM offers the same approachability with open source and no per-seat ceiling.

DaySmart Vet, formerly Vetter Software, is a cloud PIMS known for a clean interface, friendly support, and transparent starting pricing. It suits small and growing general practices that want something simple. It is closed-source, with a public API sandbox for developers. OpenVPM offers a similarly approachable experience and goes further with full open source, self-hosting, and a deeper open API.

License
OpenVPM: Open source (AGPLv3)
DaySmart Vet: Proprietary, closed
Hosting
OpenVPM: Self-host free, or managed Cloud
DaySmart Vet: Cloud
Pricing
OpenVPM: Free to self-host. Cloud $79/location/mo
DaySmart Vet: From about $123/mo, publicly reported
Per-user fees
OpenVPM: None. Unlimited staff
DaySmart Vet: Tiered by users
Open API
OpenVPM: 150+ endpoints, public docs, webhooks
DaySmart Vet: Public API sandbox
Your data
OpenVPM: Public schema. Export anytime
DaySmart Vet: Proprietary platform. Record export available
Best for
OpenVPM: Independent practices that want to own their stack
DaySmart Vet: Small practices that want simple, affordable cloud software

Pricing for other systems is publicly reported by third parties, not official rate cards. We aim to be fair. If something here is out of date, tell us and we will fix it.

What about your data?

DaySmart Vet supports record export and migration in, which is helpful. It is still a closed platform you rent. OpenVPM gives you the source, a public schema, and export, so the system and the data are both yours.

Read: who owns your practice data

When DaySmart Vet is the better fit

If you are a small practice that wants a clean, low-cost cloud system with good support and you do not need open source, DaySmart Vet is a fine choice.

When OpenVPM is the better fit

If you like that simplicity but want to avoid per-seat tiers and own your software, OpenVPM gives you an open, self-hostable alternative.

Use OpenVPM your way.

Self-host the full open-source PIMS for free, or let us run it for you. Same software, your choice.

FreeAGPLv3, forever

Run OpenVPM on your own infrastructure. No billing gates, no feature limits, no hosted metering.

  • Full source under the AGPLv3 license
  • Every module and the complete API
  • Docker or Vercel deployment paths
  • Bring your own database, email, SMS, and AI keys
Read the install guide

Common questions

Is OpenVPM as easy to use as DaySmart Vet?

OpenVPM is built to be clean and fast, with a modern interface. The difference is that it is open source and self-hostable, and it does not tier features behind higher plans.

How does pricing compare?

DaySmart Vet starts around $123 per month and scales by users. OpenVPM is free to self-host with unlimited staff, and Cloud is priced per location.

Was DaySmart Vet called something else?

Yes. It was Vetter Software before DaySmart acquired it in 2021 and rebranded it in 2022.

See OpenVPM for yourself.

The demo is live and loaded with real-looking data. No sales call. Click around, then self-host it free or let us run it for you.