---
description: Compare Shepherd vs Covetrus Ascend to learn about each of the product's price, benefits and disadvantages. Choose the best software for your business in Australia.
image: https://gdm-localsites-assets-gfprod.imgix.net/images/capterra/og_logo-e5a8c001ed0bd1bb922639230fcea71a.png?auto=format%2Cenhance%2Ccompress
title: Shepherd vs Covetrus Ascend Comparison - Capterra Australia 2026
---

Breadcrumb: [Home](/) > [Veterinary Software](/directory/30617/veterinary/software) > [Shepherd \<span\>vs\</span\> Covetrus Ascend](https://www.capterra.com.au/compare/172485/1030873/shepherd-app/vs/covetrus-ascend)

# Compare Shepherd vs Covetrus Ascend

Canonical: https://www.capterra.com.au/compare/172485/1030873/shepherd-app/vs/covetrus-ascend

> Detailed comparison between Shepherd and Covetrus Ascend. Check ratings, reviews, pricing, and features to make the best decision for your business.

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## At a Glance

| Metric | Shepherd | Covetrus Ascend |
| **Overall rating** | 4.7/5 | 5.0/5 |
| **Total Reviews** | 87 | 7 |
| **Starting Price** | USD 299.00 | - |
| **Free Trial** | Yes | Yes |
| **Free Version** | No | No |
| **Deployment** | Cloud, SaaS, Web-based, Android (Mobile), iPhone (Mobile), iPad (Mobile) | Cloud, SaaS, Web-based, Mac (Desktop), Windows (Desktop), Linux (Desktop), Windows (On-Premise), Linux (On-Premise), Chromebook (Desktop), Android (Mobile), iPhone (Mobile), iPad (Mobile) |
| **Support** | Email/Help Desk, FAQs/Forum, Knowledge Base, Phone Support, Chat | Email/Help Desk, FAQs/Forum, Knowledge Base, Phone Support, 24/7 (Live rep), Chat |
| **Training** | Live Online, Webinars, Documentation, Videos | In Person, Live Online, Webinars, Documentation, Videos |

## Best for

### Shepherd

For clinics that want less admin and smoother days. Veterinary practice owners and managers who need workflow-first software built by people who’ve worked in practice.

### Covetrus Ascend

Cloud-based software, Covetrus Ascend is currently best suited to companion animal practices, hospitals, specialist practices, mobile/solo practices and corporates.

## Key features

### Shepherd

- API
- Accounting
- Appointment Scheduling
- Billing & Invoicing
- Calendar Management
- Client Management
- Communication Management
- Confirmations/Reminders
- Customer Database
- Document Management
- Imaging and X-rays
- Invoice Management
- Patient Records Management
- Prescription Processing
- Reminders
- Reporting & Statistics
- Status Tracking
- Template Management
- Treatment Planning
- Workflow Management

### Covetrus Ascend

- API
- Accounting
- Appointment Scheduling
- Billing & Invoicing
- Calendar Management
- Client Management
- Communication Management
- Confirmations/Reminders
- Customer Database
- Document Management
- Imaging and X-rays
- Invoice Management
- Patient Records Management
- Prescription Processing
- Reminders
- Reporting & Statistics
- Status Tracking
- Template Management
- Treatment Planning
- Workflow Management

## Links

- [View Shepherd Profile](https://www.capterra.com.au/software/172485/shepherd-app)
- [View Covetrus Ascend Profile](https://www.capterra.com.au/software/1030873/covetrus-ascend)
- [View Original Comparison](https://www.capterra.com.au/compare/172485/1030873/shepherd-app/vs/covetrus-ascend)

-----

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