OpenVPM vs Vetspire
Vetspire is known for deep customization and a broad GraphQL API. OpenVPM provides public source and a smaller targeted REST surface.
Workspace access is immediate. Live clinic use starts as a guided pilot alongside the current PIMS. See current fit and rollout limits.
Vetspire is a cloud system favored by larger and corporate practices for customizable records and a self-serve GraphQL API. It is owned by Thrive Pet Healthcare and priced per veterinarian. OpenVPM makes its source and schema public, but its REST API covers only selected client, patient, appointment, SOAP-note, and agent workflows and is not equivalent in breadth.
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 If something here is out of date, tell us and we will fix it.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. OpenVPM gives you source and schema access, but its supported API surface is narrower and should not be presented as a like-for-like replacement.
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
Consider OpenVPM only for a controlled, connected single-location companion-animal or house-call pilot. Corporate, multi-location, and deeply customized workflows are not production-ready.
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
Vetspire has a great API. Does OpenVPM?
OpenVPM has a targeted REST API with scoped keys and signed webhooks, but Vetspire's API is broader today. OpenVPM's advantage is that you can also inspect and extend the application and schema themselves.
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 has no self-hosted software license fee, although infrastructure and operations still cost money. Vetspire is publicly reported around $349 per vet per month. The products also serve different readiness scopes today.
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.