OpenVPM vs ezyVet
ezyVet is a powerful cloud system with a mature integration ecosystem. OpenVPM adds public source code, but its API and current clinic scope are much narrower.
Reviewed August 17, 2026 by Evan Gauer, OpenVPM founder. Vendor interest disclosed; primary sources linked below.
Workspace access is immediate. Live clinic use starts as a guided pilot alongside the current PIMS. See current fit and rollout limits.
ezyVet, owned by IDEXX, is a capable cloud-native PIMS popular with multi-site, specialty, and ER practices. Of the big closed systems it has one of the most openly documented APIs. OpenVPM makes its code and schema public and exposes selected REST workflows, but it does not offer ezyVet's multi-site, specialty, ER, or external-diagnostics readiness today.
Quote-based vendors can change commercial terms at any time. Confirm pricing, implementation, integration, support, and exit terms in writing before buying.
Sources reviewed
We prefer vendor-owned product, pricing, developer, support, and contract material. These links support the changeable facts above, not OpenVPM's editorial judgment.
What about your data?
ezyVet's API makes data more reachable than most closed systems. OpenVPM makes the code and schema public, but its REST API is not equivalent in breadth. Migration into OpenVPM is reviewed by record type, and there is no general ongoing ezyVet sync.
Read: who owns your practice dataWhen ezyVet is the better fit
If you want a polished, proven cloud system with deep IDEXX diagnostics integration and a large partner network, ezyVet is a strong choice.
When OpenVPM is the better fit
Consider OpenVPM only for a controlled, connected single-location companion-animal or house-call pilot that does not depend on ezyVet's specialty, multi-site, ER, or diagnostics ecosystem.
Use OpenVPM your way.
Self-host the full open-source PIMS for free, or let us run it for you. Same software, your choice.
Run OpenVPM on your own infrastructure. You operate security, backups, email, messaging, payments, model providers, and production validation.
- Full source under the AGPLv3 license
- All source modules and the documented API
- Docker or Vercel deployment paths
- Bring your own database, email, SMS, and AI keys
Common questions
Does OpenVPM have an API like ezyVet?
OpenVPM has a versioned REST API for selected client, patient, appointment, SOAP-note, and agent workflows, with scoped keys and signed webhooks. It is narrower than ezyVet's mature integration ecosystem today, but the source and schema are public and there is no partner gate to extend it.
Is OpenVPM cheaper than ezyVet?
OpenVPM has no self-hosted software license fee and Managed Cloud is priced per location with unlimited staff. ezyVet does not publish a current rate card, so compare a written quote that includes users, implementation, integrations, support, and exit costs.
Is ezyVet owned by IDEXX?
Yes. IDEXX acquired ezyVet in 2021. If vendor independence matters to you, that is worth weighing. OpenVPM is independent and open source.
Keep reading
ezyVet Alternatives: An Honest Guide to Cost, Control, and Workflow Fit
ezyVet is a genuinely capable IDEXX-owned system. Here are the real alternatives, compared by workflow fit, API access, ownership, and current published pricing.
Read moreBest Veterinary Practice Management Software for 2026: 11 PIMS Compared
Compare 11 veterinary PIMS platforms, then use a downloadable demo scorecard to check records, handoffs, invoices, payments, migration, and practice fit.
Read moreWho Owns Your Veterinary Practice's Data? (And What Happens When You Try to Leave)
A plain-language guide to veterinary data stewardship, software contracts, export fees, portability, and what open source changes.
Read moreSee 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.