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Your front desk is juggling three phone lines while a worried pet owner waits at the counter. Another call goes to voicemail. That caller? They just booked with your competitor down the street.
This isn't just about convenience—it's about patient safety and practice survival. According to a Veterinary Record study , communication problems contributed to 80% of veterinary negligence cases, with 57% directly causing harm, delayed treatment, or death.
Your team isn't the problem. They're checking in anxious pet owners, processing payments, and coordinating with veterinarians—all while the phone keeps ringing. Something has to give. Usually, it's the phone.
A veterinary answering service powered by AI closes that gap—answering every call instantly, capturing accurate information, and routing urgent cases to the right person on your team. No hold times. No voicemails. No lost clients.
But not all AI receptionists work for veterinary practices. But not all AI receptionists work for veterinary practices. While AI answering services have become common across industries, you need one that understands pet emergencies, integrates with your systems, and handles the unique questions pet owners ask.
You need one that understands pet emergencies, integrates with your systems, and handles the unique questions pet owners ask.
This guide compares the best AI receptionists for veterinary clinics—with real pricing, honest pros and cons, and recommendations based on your practice size.
Let's find the right AI receptionist for your clinic.
We evaluated over 15 AI receptionist platforms to find the 7 best options for veterinary practices. Our analysis focused on what actually matters for vet clinics, not generic business features.
Does the platform understand pet emergencies? Can it ask appropriate triage questions? We prioritized solutions with veterinary workflows or deep customization for animal healthcare scenarios.
Connecting with your PIMS (Practice Information Management System) saves hours of manual data entry. We checked each platform's integration capabilities with popular veterinary software like Cornerstone, AVImark, and eVetPractice.
Hidden fees and confusing per-minute charges make budgeting impossible. We favored platforms with clear, predictable pricing structures.
We analyzed reviews on G2, Capterra, and Trustpilot from verified users. Feedback from veterinary practices carried more weight than generic business reviews.
Pet emergencies don't follow business hours. Every platform on this list offers round-the-clock availability.
Your team shouldn't need weeks of training. We evaluated onboarding time and learning curve for each solution.
Here's how the top 7 platforms stack up against each other. While our focus here is veterinary-specific platforms, you can also explore the top AI receptionists for small businesses across all industries for additional context. Here's how the top 7 veterinary platforms stack up against each other.
| AI Receptionist | Best For | Monthly Price | Free Trial | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Welco AI | All-in-one AI receptionist with workflow automation | Starts from $39/month | Yes, 7 days | Visual workflow builder, intake forms, 40+ languages, CRM integrations, call analytics |
 Smith.ai | Hybrid AI + human for complex veterinary needs | Starts from $95/month (50 calls) | No (30-day money-back guarantee) | 500+ live agent backup, emergency triage, bilingual support, lead qualification |
 Deep PIMS integration for vet clinics | Custom pricing | Yes (demo available) | Real-time PIMS read/write, emergency detection, 24/7 calls/texts/emails, $60k+ revenue boost per clinic | |
 Emitrr | HIPAA-compliant omnichannel communication | Starts from $99/month | Yes | AI voice agent, two-way SMS, missed-call-to-text, 500+ integrations, veterinary-specific workflows |
 Scritchai (Emily) | Veterinary-only with full EHR integration | Custom pricing | Yes (demo available) | PIMS read/write access, prescription refills, medical records, vaccination tracking, smart call routing |
 Upfirst | Budget-friendly after-hours coverage | Starts from $24.95/month (30 calls) | Yes, 14 days | Instant call summaries, appointment scheduling, spam blocking, Zapier integrations |
 Dialzara | Affordable with veterinary customization | Starts from $29/month (60 min) | Yes, 7 days | 50+ AI voices, emergency protocols, medication refill handling, pet-specific appointment scheduling |
AI Receptionist Best For Monthly Price Free Trial Key Features Welco AI All-in-one AI receptionist with workflow automation Starts from $39/month Yes, 7 days Visual workflow builder, intake forms, 40+ languages, CRM integrations, call analytics Smith.ai Hybrid AI + human for complex veterinary needs Starts from $95/month (50 calls) No (30-day money-back guarantee) 500+ live agent backup, emergency triage, bilingual support, lead qualification Dodo (VetDodo) Deep PIMS integration for vet clinics Custom pricing Yes (demo available) Real-time PIMS read/write, emergency detection, 24/7 calls/texts/emails, $60k+ revenue boost per clinic Emitrr HIPAA-compliant omnichannel communication Starts from $99/month Yes AI voice agent, two-way SMS, missed-call-to-text, 500+ integrations, veterinary-specific workflows Scritchai (Emily) Veterinary-only with full EHR integration Custom pricing Yes (demo available) PIMS read/write access, prescription refills, medical records, vaccination tracking, smart call routing Upfirst Budget-friendly after-hours coverage Starts from $24.95/month (30 calls) Yes, 14 days Instant call summaries, appointment scheduling, spam blocking, Zapier integrations Dialzara Affordable with veterinary customization Starts from $29/month (60 min) Yes, 7 days 50+ AI voices, emergency protocols, medication refill handling, pet-specific appointment scheduling
Here's a detailed look at each platform and how it handles veterinary-specific needs.
Welco AI is an AI-powered phone receptionist built for veterinary clinics that need to manage high call volumes without expanding front desk staff. Powered by GPT-4, it answers calls automatically, triages pet emergencies, books appointments, and handles common veterinary questions through natural conversations that don't sound robotic.
For veterinary practices juggling anxious pet owners, exam room turnovers, and after-hours emergencies , Welco ensures no call goes unanswered. When a pet owner calls at 2 AM asking "My dog ate chocolate—what do I do?" or at noon requesting vaccine records, the AI responds instantly with accurate, clinic-specific answers. True emergencies—toxicity ingestion, labored breathing, seizures—are immediately routed to your on-call veterinarian with full caller context.
Setup takes under 15 minutes. Upload your clinic's vaccine schedules and service pricing, customize the AI's voice to sound empathetic for worried pet owners, and start capturing every caller. Welco integrates with Google Calendar, Calendly, and project management systems via Zapier, so appointments sync automatically without manual data entry.
| Feature | How It Helps Your Veterinary Clinic |
|---|---|
| My Receptionist | Customize your AI’s voice, tone, and greeting to sound empathetic for worried pet owners. Set responses for common veterinary questions like vaccine schedules, spay/neuter pricing, boarding requirements, and emergency protocols. |
| Control Center Dashboard | Track calls answered, missed, and transferred in real time. Identify peak call hours (typically 8-9 AM and 5-6 PM for vet clinics) to optimize front desk staffing during busy periods. |
| Call Routing | Route urgent calls (toxin ingestion, difficulty breathing, seizures) to your on-call veterinarian immediately, using intelligent call transfer. Routine inquiries about vaccines, pricing, or hours are answered instantly by the AI. |
| Call Management | Access call logs, recordings, and transcripts with call recording and transcription to review how emergencies were handled. Use recordings for staff training on proper triage and client communication. |
| SMS Management | Send SMS automated appointment confirmations with prep instructions (“Withhold food after midnight for Max’s dental”), vaccine reminders, and post-visit follow-ups via text. |
| Visual Workflow Builder | Create custom call flows for veterinary scenarios—new patient intake (pet name, breed, symptoms), prescription refills, emergency triage, and boarding inquiries—using drag-and-drop templates. |
| Knowledge Training | Upload your clinic’s vaccine protocols (DHPP, rabies, bordetella), service pricing (exams, dentals, spay/neuter), toxicity FAQs (chocolate, grapes, xylitol), and boarding policies so the AI provides accurate, practice-specific answers. |
| Connections & Integrations | Sync with Google Calendar, Calendly, and veterinary practice management systems via Zapier to automate appointment booking for wellness exams, sick visits, and surgical procedures without manual data entry. |
| Notifications | Get instant alerts for missed calls, urgent inquiries (potential emergencies), or voicemails via email or SMS so no pet owner concern slips through the cracks. |
| Intake Form | Capture pet owner details, pet information (name, species, breed, age), presenting symptoms, vaccination history, and previous vet records using customizable intake forms before the appointment—ready for your team when they arrive. |
Feature How It Helps Your Veterinary Clinic My Receptionist Customize your AI's voice, tone, and greeting to sound empathetic for worried pet owners. Set responses for common veterinary questions like vaccine schedules, spay/neuter pricing, boarding requirements, and emergency protocols. Control Center Dashboard Track calls answered, missed, and transferred in real time. Identify peak call hours (typically 8-9 AM and 5-6 PM for vet clinics) to optimize front desk staffing during busy periods. Call Routing Route urgent calls (toxin ingestion, difficulty breathing, seizures) to your on-call veterinarian immediately, using intelligent call transfer . Routine inquiries about vaccines, pricing, or hours are answered instantly by the AI. Call Management Access call logs, recordings, and transcripts with call recording and transcription to review how emergencies were handled. Use recordings for staff training on proper triage and client communication. SMS Management Send SMS automated appointment confirmations with prep instructions ("Withhold food after midnight for Max's dental"), vaccine reminders, and post-visit follow-ups via text. Visual Workflow Builder Create custom call flows for veterinary scenarios—new patient intake (pet name, breed, symptoms), prescription refills, emergency triage, and boarding inquiries—using drag-and-drop templates. Knowledge Training Upload your clinic's vaccine protocols (DHPP, rabies, bordetella), service pricing (exams, dentals, spay/neuter), toxicity FAQs (chocolate, grapes, xylitol), and boarding policies so the AI provides accurate, practice-specific answers. Connections & Integrations Sync with Google Calendar, Calendly, and veterinary practice management systems via Zapier to automate appointment booking for wellness exams, sick visits, and surgical procedures without manual data entry. Notifications Get instant alerts for missed calls, urgent inquiries (potential emergencies), or voicemails via email or SMS so no pet owner concern slips through the cracks. Intake Form Capture pet owner details, pet information (name, species, breed, age), presenting symptoms, vaccination history, and previous vet records using customizable intake forms before the appointment—ready for your team when they arrive.
Welco AI offers flexible pricing plans designed to suit businesses of all sizes — from startups exploring AI reception to enterprises managing high call volumes. Each plan includes a 7-day free trial and scalable features to match your business growth.
Plan Price Best For Starter $39/month Small clinics or solo practitioners getting started Professional $99/month Growing practices needing advanced features Business $149/month Busy clinics requiring unlimited call handling
Ready to stop missing calls at your veterinary clinic? Welco AI answers every call, captures new client information, and books appointments while your team focuses on patient care. No missed opportunities. No voicemail dead ends. Schedule a Free Demo
Smith.ai combines AI-powered call answering with a team of over 500 live receptionists based in North America. The AI handles routine tasks like appointment scheduling and general inquiries, while human agents step in for complex conversations—like calming a distressed pet owner or handling sensitive situations.
For veterinary clinics that want the efficiency of AI but prefer a human backup for emotionally charged calls, Smith.ai offers that safety net. Pet emergencies can be stressful, and some clinic owners feel more comfortable knowing a real person can take over when needed.
The platform provides 24/7 coverage with bilingual support in English and Spanish, making it accessible for diverse pet owner communities. It integrates with popular CRMs and scheduling tools, syncing caller data and appointment details automatically.
Smith.ai uses per-call pricing, which works well for lower call volumes but can add up quickly for busy veterinary practices. Review the breakdown from Smith.ai pricing and reviews from verified users:
Plan Price Calls Included Overage Rate Starter $97/month 30 calls $3.00/call Basic $270/month 90 calls $2.80/call Pro $800/month 300 calls $2.50/call
Feature How It Helps Your Veterinary Clinic Hybrid AI + Human Receptionists AI handles routine appointment requests and FAQs; live agents manage complex or emotional calls from worried pet owners. Lead Qualification & Appointment Scheduling Screens new patient inquiries, captures pet details, and books appointments to keep your schedule full. CRM & Tool Integrations Syncs with Salesforce, HubSpot, and other platforms to keep caller data organized without manual entry. 24/7 Bilingual Support Handles calls in English and Spanish around the clock—helpful for clinics serving diverse communities.
Dodo, also known as VetDodo, is built exclusively for veterinary practices. Founded by Stanford graduates and backed by Y Combinator, Dodo focuses on deep integration with veterinary practice management systems.
For clinics tired of adapting generic AI receptionists to fit veterinary workflows, Dodo offers a purpose-built alternative. Every feature—from call scripts to appointment booking—is designed around how vet clinics actually operate, not retrofitted from business software.
The platform's standout capability is its deep PIMS integration. When a pet owner calls, Dodo can access patient records, client history, and your schedule in real time. This means the AI can answer questions like "When is Max due for his rabies vaccine?" or "Do you have any openings tomorrow afternoon?" without your staff looking anything up.
Being veterinary-exclusive also means faster, more relevant feature development. Instead of building generic tools that work for everyone, Dodo's team focuses entirely on what animal healthcare practices need.
Dodo uses custom pricing based on your practice's size and needs. Contact their team for a quote.
Plan Price Details Custom Contact for pricing Tailored to practice size and PIMS integration requirements
Feature How It Helps Your Veterinary Clinic Deep PIMS Integration Connects directly with major veterinary software to access patient records, schedules, and client history during calls. Veterinary-First Design Every workflow, prompt, and feature is built specifically for animal healthcare—no adapting generic tools. Real-Time Appointment Booking Direct calendar access allows the AI to schedule appointments based on actual availability without manual syncing. Y Combinator Backing Significant investment signals serious development resources and long-term platform viability. Stanford Engineering Team Strong technical foundation from founders with top-tier engineering backgrounds.
No listings currently available on G2, Capterra, TrustRadius, or Trustpilot
Since verified user reviews are not yet available, we've based the following assessment on Dodo's stated features, company background, and platform capabilities.
Emitrr provides AI-powered communication across phone, text, email, and web chat—all from a single platform. For veterinary clinics looking to unify client communication beyond just phone calls, Emitrr offers a comprehensive solution.
The platform emphasizes HIPAA compliance, making it suitable for practices handling sensitive medical information. When pet owners reach out—whether by phone, text, or through your website—everything lands in one unified inbox, keeping your team organized and ensuring no inquiry slips through.
With verified veterinary users on Capterra and G2, Emitrr has proven experience serving animal healthcare providers. The omnichannel approach means you're not just solving the missed call problem—you're streamlining all client touchpoints into one manageable system.
Automated appointment reminders help reduce no-shows, while built-in review management makes it easier to collect feedback and build your online reputation.
Emitrr's pricing reflects its broader communication platform that goes beyond phone answering:
Plan Price Details Starter $99/month Full omnichannel platform with phone, SMS, email, and web chat
Feature How It Helps Your Veterinary Clinic HIPAA Compliance Meets healthcare privacy standards for handling sensitive patient and client information securely. Omnichannel Communication Unified inbox for phone, SMS, email, and web chat—so pet owner inquiries don't get lost across platforms. Automated Reminders Reduces no-shows with appointment reminder sequences sent across multiple channels. Review Management Helps your clinic collect and manage online reviews to build reputation and attract new clients. VoIP Phone System Integrated phone service that works alongside the messaging platform.
Scritchai, featuring an AI assistant named Emily, is a veterinary-only platform backed by Y Combinator. Founded by Cornell and Princeton graduates with engineering experience at Tesla and Amazon, Scritchai focuses specifically on deep electronic health record integration for animal healthcare.
For veterinary clinics frustrated by AI receptionists that capture information but can't do anything with it, Scritchai offers something different. Emily doesn't just answer calls—she can access and update your patient records directly during the conversation.
The platform's standout capability is full read/write PIMS access. When a pet owner calls about their dog's medication refill, Emily can pull up the patient record, verify the prescription, and update notes in your system—all without your staff touching the keyboard. This level of integration significantly reduces manual data entry and keeps records current in real time.
Being veterinary-exclusive means no generic business features cluttering the interface. Every function is purpose-built for animal healthcare workflows, from appointment types to symptom triage.
Scritchai offers custom pricing based on your practice's size and needs. Contact their team for a quote.
Plan Price Details Custom Contact for pricing Tailored to practice size and PIMS integration requirements
Feature How It Helps Your Veterinary Clinic Full PIMS Read/Write Access AI can view patient history and update records during calls—no manual data entry after the conversation ends. Veterinary-Only Platform Built exclusively for animal healthcare with workflows designed around how vet clinics actually operate. Deep EHR Integration Connects directly with your electronic health records for seamless information flow between calls and patient files. Y Combinator Backing Serious investment backing signals ongoing product development and long-term viability. Strong Technical Team Engineers from Tesla, Amazon, and top tech companies bring robust development expertise.
Since verified user reviews are not yet available, we've based the following assessment on Scritchai's stated features, company background, and platform capabilities.
Upfirst AI is an affordable AI receptionist designed for small businesses with lighter call volumes. With per-call pricing starting at just $24.95/month for 30 calls, it's one of the most budget-friendly options for solo veterinarians or small practices just getting started.
For veterinary clinics that receive a manageable number of calls—perhaps a newer practice building its client base or a specialty clinic with predictable appointment flow—Upfirst offers essential phone coverage without a significant monthly investment. The AI answers calls with a human-like voice, captures pet owner information, and integrates with your existing tools via Zapier.
The platform includes bilingual support in English and Spanish, spam screening to filter out unwanted calls, and custom Q&A training so the AI can answer common questions about your clinic's services, hours, and policies.
Upfirst uses per-call pricing, making it ideal for clinics with low, predictable call volumes. However, costs can rise quickly if call volume increases:
Plan Price Calls Included Overage Rate Starter $24.95/month 30 calls $1.00–$1.50/call
Feature How It Helps Your Veterinary Clinic Human-Like Voice Provides natural-sounding responses so pet owners feel like they're speaking with your clinic, not a robot. Bilingual Support Handles calls in English and Spanish, helpful for clinics serving diverse pet owner communities. Spam Screening Filters out spam and telemarketer calls so your call logs stay clean and relevant. Custom Q&A Training Train the AI with your clinic's FAQs—services, hours, pricing, vaccination schedules—for accurate answers. Zapier Integration Connects with your existing calendar, CRM, and scheduling tools to sync appointments and caller data. Call Recording & Transcripts Review what pet owners discussed so your team can follow up with full context. 14-Day Free Trial Test the platform with your actual call flow before committing to a paid plan.
Limited reviews available on major platforms like G2 and Capterra
Dialzara is an AI receptionist platform designed for fast deployment. With 40+ realistic voice options and over 6,000 Zapier integrations, veterinary clinics can have full phone coverage running in under 10 minutes.
For smaller practices or solo veterinarians who need an affordable solution without lengthy onboarding, Dialzara offers a straightforward option. The AI answers calls, captures pet owner details, schedules appointments, and sends instant call summaries via email or Slack—so your team can follow up quickly on urgent matters.
The platform's smart routing ensures calls reach the right person based on the conversation, eliminating frustrating phone trees that make pet owners hang up. You can train the AI with your clinic's specific information—services offered, hours, pricing, emergency protocols—so callers get accurate answers 24/7.
Dialzara uses minute-based pricing, which works well for clinics with predictable, lower call volumes. Review the breakdown from Dialzara pricing and reviews from verified users:
Plan Price Minutes Included Overage Rate Business Lite $29/month 60 minutes $0.19/minute Business Pro $99/month 220 minutes $0.19/minute Business Plus $199/month 500 minutes $0.19/minute
Feature How It Helps Your Veterinary Clinic Native Google Calendar Integration Book appointments directly during calls with real-time availability—no double-booking wellness exams or surgeries. Complete Call Documentation Receive instant call summaries, transcripts, and recordings so you know exactly what each pet owner discussed. Intelligent Lead Capture Automatically collect new client details including pet information and reason for visit. Custom Knowledge Base Train the AI with your clinic's FAQs, services, pricing, and emergency instructions for accurate responses. Intelligent Call Routing Route calls based on conversation context—urgent symptoms go to the on-call vet, routine inquiries go to the front desk.
Still comparing options? Welco AI combines workflow automation, intake forms, and 24/7 answering in one platform. See how it handles your specific veterinary scenarios. Schedule a Free Demo
Finding the right AI receptionist depends on your practice's specific situation. Here's how to evaluate your options.
High-volume clinics need platforms with flat-rate or unlimited call pricing. Per-call or per-minute models become expensive quickly when you're handling 50+ calls daily.
Calculate your average daily call volume and compare pricing models. Flat-rate solutions offer predictable costs regardless of how many calls come in—no surprises when seasonal peaks hit.
Clinics using practice management software benefit significantly from direct integrations. Look for AI receptionists that connect with your calendar, CRM, and scheduling tools.
Ask whether the platform integrates with Google Calendar, Calendly, or your specific practice management system. The fewer manual steps required, the more time your team saves.
Some practices only need AI covering nights and weekends when staff isn't available. Others want support during business hours too, reducing front desk burden during rush times. Understanding AI receptionist vs human receptionist vs virtual receptionist helps clarify which coverage model suits your practice.
Be clear about the need for overflow support during peak hours, look for solutions that handle simultaneous calls.
Pet emergencies can be emotionally charged. Your AI receptionist needs to recognize urgent situations and route them appropriately.
Ask how the system detects urgency. Can you configure escalation rules? Does it connect emergency calls to your on-call veterinarian or just take a message?
AI receptionist costs range from $25 to $200+ monthly. Consider not just the base price but your typical call volume. To understand pricing models across platforms, learn how much an AI receptionist costs . Consider not just the base price but your typical call volume.
Calculate your cost per call at expected volume. A $39 flat rate looks very different from $95 for 50 calls if you handle 200 calls monthly.
Before choosing any platform, ensure you can evaluate it properly:
Welco checks these boxes for veterinary clinics—but whatever you choose, make sure you've seen it in action before committing.
Every missed call represents a pet owner who needed help and a client your practice may have lost. AI receptionists eliminate this problem by answering instantly, every time.
The platforms in this guide each solve the missed call problem differently. Your choice depends on budget, integration needs, and how much you want AI handling versus human involvement.
Welco AI stands out for veterinary clinics wanting comprehensive phone automation without enterprise pricing. Our veterinary answering service is purpose-built for the demands of animal healthcare. The combination of workflow customization, intake form collection, and 24/7 answering addresses the specific challenges vet practices face daily.
Here's what Welco delivers:
Never Lose Another Caller With Welco Your front desk team deserves backup. Your callers deserve immediate answers. Your practice deserves every opportunity to grow. Schedule a Free Demo
Setup time varies by platform complexity. Welco takes 15 minutes for setup. Upfirst or Dialzara can be running within a few hours. More customized platforms typically take 1-3 days to configure properly. The key time investment is training the AI on your practice's specific information, services, and policies.