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Hippo Manager Review 2026
Key takeaway: Simple, intuitive cloud veterinary software (discontinued — acquired by Shepherd)
What Is Hippo Manager?
⚠️ Important update: Hippo Manager was acquired by Shepherd Veterinary Software and discontinued as a standalone product on March 1, 2025. The Hippo Manager platform is no longer available for new sign-ups. Existing customers have been migrated to Shepherd. This review is preserved for historical reference.
Hippo Manager was a cloud-based PIMS that prioritized simplicity and ease of use for independent small animal practices. It was built and operated in the USA and served practices from 2013 until its discontinuation in 2025.
Practices looking for a similarly simple and affordable alternative should evaluate Shepherd ($99/mo — the acquiring company), VetBadger ($99/mo), or Panacea Vet ($99/mo). All three offer free trials.
Founded
2013
Deployment
Cloud-based
Headquarters
USA
Users
Growing user base
Key Features
We evaluated every major feature of Hippo Manager. Here is a breakdown of what the platform offers.
Patient records
Clean, straightforward patient medical records with SOAP note support and treatment history.
Scheduling
An intuitive appointment calendar with support for multiple providers and appointment types.
Invoicing
Integrated invoicing tied to patient records, with payment processing and client billing history.
Inventory
Basic inventory tracking with stock level monitoring and reorder alerts.
Client portal
A self-service portal where pet owners can view their pet's records and appointment history.
Reminders
Automated appointment and wellness reminders sent via email and SMS to reduce no-shows.
Reporting
Core financial and operational reports covering revenue, appointments, and client activity.
Pros and Cons
After testing Hippo Manager extensively, here is our honest assessment of its strengths and weaknesses.
Pros
- Very user-friendly
- Affordable pricing
- Clean interface
- Good customer support
Cons
- Fewer advanced features
- Limited customization
- Not ideal for large hospitals
Pricing Analysis
Understanding the true cost of Hippo Manager is essential before committing. Here is what we found.
Hippo Manager
Per full-time veterinarian/month (unlimited staff users included) — product discontinued March 2025
Starting price. Contact vendor for exact quote.
Key features included
- Patient records
- Scheduling
- Invoicing
- Inventory
- Client portal
- +2 more features
Pricing Details
- Model: Per full-time veterinarian/month (unlimited staff users included) — product discontinued March 2025
- Starting at: $119/month
- Free trial: No
- Free plan: No
Our Value Assessment
At $119/mo, Hippo Manager sits in the budget-friendly tier of the veterinary PIMS market. For practices watching every dollar, this pricing makes it accessible without requiring a major financial commitment.
Who Is Hippo Manager Best For?
Based on our testing, Hippo Manager is the strongest fit for the following practice types.
Small practices wanting simplicity
Hippo Manager's straightforward setup and affordable pricing make it ideal for newer or smaller practices that need to get running quickly without a steep learning curve.
Budget-conscious clinics
Hippo Manager's features align well with the needs of practices focused on budget-conscious clinics.
Solo vets
Solo veterinarians benefit from Hippo Manager's streamlined interface that does not require a dedicated IT team or admin staff to manage.
Who Should Look Elsewhere?
No software is perfect for every practice. Here are situations where Hippo Manager may not be the best fit.
- Hippo Manager is no longer available. New practices should evaluate Shepherd, which acquired Hippo Manager and offers a similar focus on simplicity at $99/mo.
- VetBadger ($99/mo) and Panacea Vet ($99/mo) are strong alternatives for small practices seeking an affordable, easy-to-learn cloud PIMS.
- If you are an existing Hippo Manager customer, contact Shepherd directly about your migration path.
How Hippo Manager Compares
Here is a quick look at how Hippo Manager stacks up against some key competitors.
| Software | Starting Price | Avg Rating | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hippo Manager (this review) | From $119/mo | 4.5/5.0 | Small practices wanting simplicity |
| Shepherd | From $99/mo | 4.9/5.0 | Start-up practices |
| DaySmart Vet | From $120/mo | 4.3/5.0 | Client communication |
| VetBadger | From $99/mo | 4.5/5.0 | Work-life balance |
Ratings shown are averages from Capterra. Pricing reflects publicly available starting prices and may vary based on practice size.
Spot incorrect data? Report it
We verify all data manually but pricing and features change. If something looks off, let us know and we'll update it within 48 hours.
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Final Verdict
Hippo Manager was a well-regarded, easy-to-use veterinary PIMS — but it is no longer available. The product was acquired by Shepherd Veterinary Software and discontinued in March 2025. If you are evaluating software today, we recommend Shepherd ($99/mo), VetBadger ($99/mo), or Panacea Vet ($99/mo) as the closest active alternatives.