OpenVPM vs DaySmart Vet
DaySmart Vet is an established cloud system for small practices. OpenVPM adds public source and no per-seat meter, but remains in controlled clinic pilots.
Workspace access is immediate. Live clinic use starts as a guided pilot alongside the current PIMS. See current fit and rollout limits.
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. OpenVPM offers public source and self-hosting, but its clinic rollout and API surface are still limited to controlled, selected workflows.
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 If something here is out of date, tell us and we will fix it.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 dataWhen 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
Consider OpenVPM if public code matters and your connected single-location companion-animal or house-call workflow passes a controlled-pilot review. DaySmart Vet is the more established production choice today.
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
Is OpenVPM as proven as DaySmart Vet?
No. OpenVPM has a modern browser interface and public source, but its current clinic use is limited to controlled, connected single-location companion-animal and house-call pilots.
How does pricing compare?
DaySmart Vet starts around $123 per month and scales by users. OpenVPM has no self-hosted software license fee, although infrastructure and operations still cost money; 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.
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.