OpenVPM vs Vetspire
Vetspire is loved by corporate groups for deep customization and a genuinely open GraphQL API. OpenVPM offers that openness as software you own, not rent.
Vetspire is a cloud system favored by larger and corporate practices for customizable records and one of the most developer-friendly APIs in the category, a self-serve GraphQL API. It is owned by Thrive Pet Healthcare, a corporate hospital group, and priced per veterinarian. OpenVPM matches the open-API appeal and adds open source and self-hosting, which independent practices tend to want.
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 If something here is out of date, tell us and we will fix it.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?
Vetspire's self-serve API makes data reachable, which developers like. The platform is owned by a corporate hospital group, and the software is not yours. OpenVPM gives you open API access and the source code, so an independent practice stays independent.
Read: who owns your practice dataWhen Vetspire is the better fit
If you are a larger or corporate group that wants heavy customization and a powerful GraphQL API, and vendor ownership is not a concern, Vetspire fits well.
When OpenVPM is the better fit
If you want that level of openness but prefer an independent, open-source system you can self-host without per-vet fees, OpenVPM is the better fit.
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
Vetspire has a great API. Does OpenVPM?
Yes. OpenVPM provides 150+ REST endpoints with webhooks. And because OpenVPM is open source, you can go beyond the API and read or extend the code itself.
Who owns Vetspire?
Vetspire is owned by Thrive Pet Healthcare, a corporate veterinary group. Some independent practices prefer software that is not owned by a competitor. OpenVPM is independent and open source.
Is OpenVPM cheaper than Vetspire?
OpenVPM is free to self-host with no per-vet fees. Vetspire is publicly reported around $349 per vet per month. Cost difference grows with team size.
Keep reading
Open-Source vs. Closed Veterinary Practice Software: What You Need to Know
A plain-language guide for practice owners: what open-source veterinary PIMS actually means, how managed hosting changes the cost equation, and who it's for.
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.