OpenVPM vs ImproMed
ImproMed is a deep, on-premise legacy system now being phased out for newer cloud products. OpenVPM is a modern, open path forward that you still control.
Workspace access is immediate. Live clinic use starts as a guided pilot alongside the current PIMS. See current fit and rollout limits.
ImproMed Infinity, part of Covetrus, is a feature-rich, locally installed system long valued for strong inventory and reporting, including in equine and mixed-animal practices. OpenVPM offers public source, a targeted REST API, and self-hosting, but it is not production-ready for equine, mixed-animal, specialty, or multi-location 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 If something here is out of date, tell us and we will fix it.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?
With no open API and an on-premise proprietary database, moving data out of ImproMed usually means a vendor or third-party conversion. OpenVPM keeps a public schema, but importing still requires export review, mapping, dry runs, and assisted handling of unsupported record types.
Read: who owns your practice dataWhen ImproMed is the better fit
If you are an established practice already deep in ImproMed with heavy inventory needs and you are not ready to change, it can still serve, though it is a legacy product.
When OpenVPM is the better fit
Consider OpenVPM only for a controlled, connected single-location companion-animal or house-call pilot whose required inventory, reporting, and migration workflows pass review.
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 ImproMed being discontinued?
Covetrus is steering new customers toward its cloud products and treats ImproMed as a legacy system, though existing users are still supported. A public end-of-life date was not found. If you are on it, it is a good time to plan ahead.
Can I keep running software on my own server like ImproMed?
OpenVPM has no software license fee when self-hosted on infrastructure you operate. You remain responsible for security, backups, monitoring, updates, and provider configuration.
Does ImproMed have an open API?
ImproMed does not offer a broadly open API, which limits integration and export. OpenVPM publishes a targeted REST API for selected workflows, signed webhooks, and the full application source and schema.
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.