The veterinary software landscape is evolving rapidly. While traditional practice management systems like Covetrus Pulse have served the industry well, today’s veterinary businesses demand more than operational management—they need strategic intelligence. As clinics face increasing competition, rising costs, and complex financial challenges, the choice between legacy practice management and next-generation business intelligence becomes critical.
Executive Summary: PMS Legacy vs viggoVet Innovation
| Category | Covetrus Pulse | viggoVet | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Platform Philosophy | Traditional PMS + Recent Consumer AI | Purpose-Built PMS | ViggoVet |
| AI Architecture | Ambient Listening (Jan 2025) | Proprietary Veterinary AI | ViggoVet |
| Data Privacy | US-Based Processing | Swiss Privacy Laws | ViggoVet |
| User Experience | Complex Navigation (Multiple Clicks) | User-Friendly Design | ViggoVet |
| Multi-Location Management | Basic Consolidation | Dynamic Intelligence | ViggoVet |
| Financial Intelligence | Traditional Reporting | Strategic Analytics | ViggoVet |
| Treatment Boards | ✅ Electronic Whiteboard | ✅ Built-in Integration | Tie |
| Integration Ecosystem | ✅ Integrations | ✅ Strategic Partnerships | Tie |
| Market Position | Established | Innovation Leader | Context-Dependent |
| Training Requirements | Steep Learning Curve | Minimal Training Needed | ViggoVet |
| Cost Transparency | (Undisclosed) | Transparent Pricing | ViggoVet |
1. Platform Evolution: Legacy Adaptation vs Purpose-Built Innovation
Covetrus Pulse: The eVetPractice Evolution
Covetrus Pulse represents the evolution of eVetPractice, acquired by Covetrus and rebranded as the “industry’s first veterinary operating system.” Pulse has established itself as a comprehensive cloud-based solution. In January 2025, Covetrus announced AI-powered features including ambient listening, auto-generated SOAP notes, and pre-appointment summaries—demonstrating their commitment to modernization.
Pulse’s Strengths:
- Proven track record with established user base
- Comprehensive integration ecosystem
- Recent AI enhancements show innovation commitment
- Strong diagnostic partnerships (Zoetis, etc.)
Documented Challenges:
- User feedback indicates UI complexity requiring “multiple clicks” for routine tasks
- Inventory management described as “difficult and time-consuming”
- Post-acquisition concerns about shifting focus from customer service to profitability
- Learning curve challenges for new users
ViggoVet: Purpose-Built for Strategic Intelligence
ViggoVet was architected from inception as a Veterinary Business Intelligence Platform, not adapted from legacy PMS foundations. Rather than retrofitting business intelligence onto practice management infrastructure, we built strategic intelligence into every workflow from day one.
VBIP Architecture Advantages:
- Every clinical decision connects to financial impact
- Real-time profitability analysis across all operational variables
- Strategic planning capabilities built into daily workflows
- Swiss-secured proprietary AI designed specifically for veterinary business intelligence
2. AI Strategy: Recent Addition vs Foundational Intelligence
Covetrus Pulse: 2025 AI Integration
Covetrus recently announced AI capabilities powered by ambient listening technology:
- Auto-Generated SOAP Notes: Transcribes conversations during appointments
- Pre-Appointment Summaries: AI-generated patient summaries from PIMS data
- Treatment Board AI: Enhanced collaboration through real-time updates
- Efficiency Claims: Up to 5 minutes saved per appointment
AI Implementation Considerations:
- Recent addition to existing platform architecture
- No details provided on data privacy protections for AI processing
- Focuses primarily on operational efficiency rather than strategic intelligence
- “At no additional cost” suggests bolt-on rather than integrated approach
ViggoVet: Proprietary Veterinary Intelligence
Our AI was developed specifically for veterinary business intelligence by 300+ specialists across 15 disciplines:
Comprehensive AI Capabilities:
- 24/7 Customer Service AI: Autonomous client communication with appointment booking across all channels
- Financial Strategy AI: Advanced profitability analysis with strategic recommendations
- Clinical Business Integration: Treatment decisions that optimize both care quality and financial outcomes
- Invoice Intelligence: Automated scanning and parsing of expenses with inventory integration
- Swiss Data Protection: Complete isolation under world’s strongest privacy laws
The Strategic Difference: While Pulse’s AI focuses on operational efficiency, viggoVet’s AI drives strategic business intelligence with complete data privacy protection.
3. User Experience: Complex Navigation vs Intuitive Design
Covetrus Pulse: Documented Usability Challenges
User reviews consistently highlight navigation complexity:
Common User Feedback:
- “Have to click in and out of things to get anywhere in the record”
- “Inventory management is very difficult and time consuming to use”
- “Interface being not very intuitive, with some features being difficult to navigate”
- “Often requiring more clicks than expected to complete routine actions”
Learning Curve Reality: Users report significant training requirements, with some noting the software is “more engineered for laptop or desktop computers” while “95% of work is done on iPad.”
ViggoVet: Veterinary-First Design
Built by veterinarians who understand actual workflow needs:
User Experience Principles:
- Intuitive Navigation: Minimal clicks for routine tasks
- Mobile-First Design: Optimized for tablets and touch interfaces
- Contextual Intelligence: Right information at the right time
- Minimal Training: Teams achieve proficiency in days, not weeks
Real-World Impact: Clients report 40% reduction in documentation time while improving accuracy—time that translates directly to increased patient capacity and revenue.
4. Multi-Location Intelligence: Basic Consolidation vs Strategic Management
Covetrus Pulse: Operational Consolidation
Pulse offers multi-location capabilities including:
- Consolidated service catalog with bulk editing
- Billables management for multiple locations
- Cloud-based access from any location
- Centralized data backup and security
Functional but Limited: While Pulse handles multi-location operations, the focus remains on operational management rather than strategic intelligence across locations.
Number of users: 10
ViggoVet: Dynamic Strategic Intelligence
Purpose-built for multi-location strategic management:
Strategic Multi-Location Features:
- One-Click Dynamic Switching: Instant location changes with real-time data updates on the same page
- Cross-Location Performance Intelligence: Real-time profitability comparison with actionable insights
- Resource Optimization Analytics: Strategic analysis of efficiency opportunities between locations
- Consolidated Strategic Reporting: Executive-level dashboards designed for strategic decision-making
- Financial Intelligence: Location-specific ROI analysis and growth opportunity identification
5. Financial Intelligence: Traditional Reporting vs Strategic Analytics
Covetrus Pulse: Standard Practice Management Reporting
Pulse provides traditional veterinary practice reporting:
- Basic financial reporting and analytics
- Integration with diagnostic systems for charge capture
- Standard inventory tracking and management
- Payment processing integration
Reporting Reality: While functional for operational needs, Pulse lacks the strategic financial intelligence required for complex business optimization.
ViggoVet: Advanced Business Intelligence Platform
Financial intelligence designed for strategic growth:
Strategic Financial Capabilities:
- Two-Level Expense Management: General operations + strategic managerial analysis
- Real-Time Profit Analytics: Four-vector profitability analysis (service, provider, time, inventory)
- Smart Proforma Invoicing: Credit management with cash flow optimization
- Predictive Analytics: Inventory forecasting, seasonal demand planning, ROI optimization
- Strategic Planning: AI-powered business growth recommendations
Measurable Results: Clients typically identify $50,000+ in previously uncollected revenue within the first month through AI-powered financial intelligence.
6. Data Security: Standard Protection vs Swiss Excellence
Covetrus Pulse: Industry-Standard Security
RoboVet-hosted solutions with standard cloud security:
- Encryption and data backups
- Regular security updates
- Compliance with industry standards
- US-based data processing
ViggoVet: Swiss Data Privacy Leadership
World’s strongest data protection framework:
- Swiss Privacy Laws: Strictest global data protection standards
- Zero Data Mining: Complete prohibition on using client data for any purpose
- Immediate Deletion Rights: Total data removal upon account termination
- Proprietary AI Protection: No external processing or data sharing
- Banking-Level Security: Swiss financial institution security standards
7. Cost Analysis: Hidden Complexity vs Transparent Value
Covetrus Pulse: Undisclosed Pricing Structure
While users describe costs as “reasonable” and “good value for money,” Covetrus doesn’t publish transparent pricing. User feedback suggests:
- Monthly subscription model
- Additional costs for certain features
- Pricing increases since Covetrus acquisition
- Complex cost structure for larger practices
ViggoVet: Transparent Strategic Value
Clear, predictable pricing with comprehensive capabilities:
- All-Inclusive Pricing: No hidden costs for essential features
- User-Based Model: Pay per user, not per veterinarian
- Swiss Quality: Premium capabilities at competitive pricing
- ROI Guarantee: Typical revenue identification exceeds annual software cost within 30 days
8. Market Position: Established Player vs Innovation Leader
Covetrus Pulse: Market Incumbent
Strengths:
- Established user base
- Comprehensive integration ecosystem
- Proven operational management capabilities
- Strong corporate backing
Strategic Considerations:
- Legacy architecture adapted rather than purpose-built
- Mixed user satisfaction since corporate acquisition
- Recent AI additions suggest reactive rather than proactive innovation
- Traditional PMS approach in evolving market
ViggoVet: Category Pioneer
Innovation Leadership:
- First and only Veterinary Business Intelligence Platform
- Purpose-built for strategic decision-making
- Swiss-engineered excellence and data protection
- Proactive AI development for veterinary-specific needs
The Strategic Choice: Evolution vs Revolution
Choose Covetrus Pulse When:
- Your practice requires established, proven operational management
- Extensive third-party integrations are critical
- Traditional practice management approach meets your needs
- Risk tolerance favors established solutions over innovation
Choose ViggoVet When:
💡 viggoVet Built by Vets for Profitability
- Strategic business intelligence drives your growth plans
- Data privacy and security are non-negotiable priorities
- Operational efficiency AND financial optimization are both critical
- User experience and minimal training requirements matter
- Swiss quality and engineering excellence align with your standards
- Next-generation capabilities provide competitive advantage
The Future is Business Intelligence
The veterinary industry stands at an inflection point. Traditional practice management systems like Covetrus Pulse have served their purpose well, providing operational management capabilities that digitized veterinary workflows effectively.
But today’s competitive landscape demands more than operational management—it requires strategic intelligence. ViggoVet doesn’t compete with traditional PMS solutions; we’ve created an entirely new category: Veterinary Business Intelligence Platforms that transform operational data into strategic advantage.
The viggoVet Advantage:
- Strategic Intelligence: Transform operational data into competitive advantage
- Swiss Excellence: World-class engineering and data protection
- Veterinary-Specific: Built by veterinarians for veterinary business success
- User-Centric: Designed for intuitive use, not complex navigation
- Growth-Oriented: Every feature optimized for profitability and strategic planning
Experience the Next Generation
Ready to transcend traditional practice management and embrace strategic business intelligence?
Discover the ViggoVet Difference:
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This analysis is based on publicly available information, user reviews, and documented capabilities as of January 2025. ViggoVet represents the evolution from practice management to business intelligence, engineered in Switzerland for veterinary excellence worldwide.