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AlternativesWhat are the alternatives to Cornerstone veterinary software?
IDEXX describes Cornerstone as integrated, server-based veterinary software. Practices that want to leave a server behind often look at cloud systems. This page compares four. Vendor claims were read on 2026-10-26.
Short answer
- IDEXX describes Cornerstone as server-based. Covetrus Pulse, Shepherd and Provet Cloud describe themselves as cloud-based.
- None of the vendors below publishes a full price list. Shepherd and Provet publish a starting price; Cornerstone and Pulse publish none.
- Cornerstone lists scheduling, invoicing, an electronic medical record and inventory as core features.
- 4softvet is a small cloud back-office tool without owner booking, reminders or payments.
Cornerstone, in the vendor's words
- Described by IDEXX as integrated, server-based veterinary software.
- Scheduling, invoicing, an electronic medical record and inventory are listed as core features.
- Cornerstone Payments is a separate product that sends the invoice amount to a payment terminal.
- Vello, a separate client engagement offering, includes automated appointment reminders.
- No price and no free trial are stated; the call to action is to book a demo.
Four options compared
| Product | Deployment | Owner messaging | Prices on the site |
|---|---|---|---|
| Covetrus Pulse | Cloud-based | Online scheduling and reminders through Covetrus Comms | Not published; request a demo |
| Shepherd | Cloud-based | Client Communication tool listed | From $299 a month for one doctor with Shepherd Pay, $349 without |
| Provet Cloud | Cloud, in the browser | Online booking; SMS and e-mail reminders | From $99 per vet per month |
| 4softvet | Cloud, in the browser | None | Priced in euro, 6 months free, no card |
Moving off a server
- Ask the new vendor how your Cornerstone data is converted, and at what price.
- Plan for the connection: cloud systems need a reliable internet line.
- Check how your lab, imaging and payment devices connect to the new system.
- Keep the old server until you have run a full month on the new system.
Where 4softvet fits and where it does not
4softvet keeps animal files, appointments, a daily agenda, consultation notes, printed prescriptions, a documents register, a manual recall list and statistics. It does not connect to lab or imaging devices, take payments or store files.
Choose it only if you want a quiet internal tool and handle the rest elsewhere. If you rely on integrated diagnostics or card terminals, choose a larger system.
Sources consulted
Consulted 2026-10-26: software.idexx.com/products/cornerstone, covetrus.com Pulse page, shepherd.vet and its pricing page, provet.com. Check current terms on each site.
How to decide
Start from the devices and diagnostics you must keep connected, then check each candidate against that list. Ask for a reference practice of your size, and ask what the first month of use looked like for them.