OpenVPM vs Shepherd
Shepherd earned a good reputation for simple, transparent pricing and easy onboarding. OpenVPM shares that spirit and adds open source and self-hosting.
Shepherd is a cloud system well liked by small general practices for being easy to learn and clear about price. It charges per veterinarian with unlimited support staff, and it bundles migration and training. In 2025 it acquired Hippo Manager and became the go-forward platform for those customers. It is still closed-source SaaS. OpenVPM keeps the simplicity and transparency and lets you own the 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 If something here is out of date, tell us and we will fix it.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?
Shepherd is transparent and bundles migration in, which is a real plus. It is still a proprietary platform, so your records live in their format on their servers. OpenVPM keeps a public schema and full export, so the data is yours regardless of where you host.
Read: who owns your practice dataWhen Shepherd is the better fit
If you want a friendly, proven cloud system with clear per-vet pricing and you do not need open source, Shepherd is a solid pick.
When OpenVPM is the better fit
If you like Shepherd's clarity but want no per-vet fees, an open API, and the ability to self-host, OpenVPM is the open 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.
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
Common questions
How does OpenVPM pricing compare to Shepherd?
Shepherd's publicly reported pricing is $299 per month for one vet, plus $99 per additional vet. OpenVPM is free to self-host with unlimited staff, and managed Cloud is priced per location, not per veterinarian.
I was on Hippo Manager and got moved to Shepherd. Is OpenVPM an option?
Yes. Many practices reassessing after the Hippo Manager sunset are looking at OpenVPM because it is open source and avoids future lock-in. Our Hippo Manager guide walks through the options.
Is Shepherd open source?
No. Shepherd markets an open API but the product itself is closed-source SaaS. OpenVPM is fully open source under the AGPLv3 license.
Keep reading
The Best Veterinary Practice Management Software in 2026 (11 Platforms, Compared Honestly)
Eleven veterinary PIMS platforms compared honestly by a vendor that is one of them: publicly reported pricing, data ownership, API openness, and who each one actually fits.
Read moreHippo Manager Alternatives: The Honest Guide for Practices Finding a New Home
Hippo Manager was acquired by Shepherd in March 2025. Here's an honest comparison of where displaced practices are landing and what to look for in a new system.
Read moreWho Owns Your Veterinary Practice's Data? (And What Happens When You Try to Leave)
The AVMA says your practice owns its data. Most PIMS contracts don't agree. A plain-language guide to exit fees, portability traps, 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.