Explainer
What is veterinary technology?
Veterinary technology is the software, artificial intelligence, diagnostics, data infrastructure and connected devices used to support veterinary medicine and the businesses that deliver it.
A short definition
In the context of the Veterinary Technology Association, veterinary technology means the products, systems and infrastructure that veterinary practices, groups and their suppliers use to deliver and run veterinary care. That includes practice management software, clinical tools, AI, diagnostics, imaging, payments, insurance technology, data platforms and the integrations that connect them.
The companies building those products form an industry of their own. The VTA is the trade association for that industry. We represent veterinary technology companies and work with practices, industry bodies, regulators and researchers on adoption, interoperability and standards.
Veterinary technology is not the same as a veterinary technician
The two terms are easily confused. A veterinary technician is a person: a trained veterinary professional working in clinical practice alongside veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses. Veterinary technology, as we use it here, is an industry: the companies and products that supply technology to veterinary medicine.
The VTA represents that industry. It is not a professional body, it does not award qualifications, and it does not represent veterinary technicians, veterinary nurses or veterinary surgeons. Organisations that represent those professions do valuable work, and they are separate from ours.
Categories
What veterinary technology includes
Not an exhaustive list, but it covers most of what our members build.
Practice management software
The systems practices run on: records, scheduling, billing and reporting.
Clinical software
Tools used during consults, treatment planning and record keeping.
Artificial intelligence
Models used in triage, imaging, documentation and workflow.
Clinical decision support
Software that surfaces evidence and guidance at the point of care.
Diagnostics and laboratory technology
In-house analysers, reference lab systems and result delivery.
Imaging
Radiography, ultrasound and imaging software, storage and reporting.
Telemedicine and virtual care
Remote consultations, triage and follow-up services.
Payments and fintech
Payment, financing and practice payment plan technology.
Insurance technology
Policy, claims and pre-authorisation systems for pet insurance.
Pharmacy and prescribing
Prescribing, dispensing, compliance and repeat medication tools.
Booking and client communications
Online booking, reminders, messaging and client apps.
Workforce software
Rostering, locum supply, training and wellbeing tools.
Data and analytics
Benchmarking, business intelligence and clinical data analysis.
Interoperability and APIs
Integrations, data portability and the plumbing between systems.
Cybersecurity
Protecting clinical and client data held by practices and suppliers.
Connected devices and remote monitoring
Wearables, sensors and in-clinic connected hardware.
Hardware
Equipment and devices with a meaningful technology component.
Veterinary ecommerce technology
Online retail, subscriptions and fulfilment for veterinary products.
Who joins
Who the VTA represents
Technology Membership is the core of the association. Everyone else takes part through the category that fits them.
Technology Member
Companies building technology for the veterinary sector
Practice & Institution
Practices, groups, universities and non-profits
Industry Partner
Suppliers, investors, advisers and corporate groups
Individual Member
People working in veterinary technology whose employer is not a member
Student Member
Current students
More detail on membership and on what the association does.
Building technology for the veterinary sector?
Technology Membership starts at £250 a year and covers everyone at your company.