Modern veterinary organizations are managing more sensitive data than ever. The software and systems you choose to power your practice play a central role in keeping your data secure - and your business running smoothly.
Thoroughly evaluating a potential software provider’s approach to data security is now a fundamental part of the decision-making process. That means looking beyond functionality to examine how vendors handle security, compliance, and risk.
ezyVet is proud to be SOC 2 compliant - one of the most widely accepted frameworks for assessing data security practices. In this article, we’ll explain what SOC 2 is and why it should be a key factor in your technology procurement and risk management strategy.
What is SOC 2?
System and Organization Controls (SOC) 2 is a framework developed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants to evaluate how well a service organization - like a software company - manages data security. It’s especially relevant for cloud-based technology providers that handle sensitive customer data.
There are two types of SOC 2 reports:
- Type 1: Evaluates the design of your security controls at a specific point in time.
- Type 2: Goes one step further by evaluating how effectively your security controls operate over a defined time period. The design and operating effectiveness of the systems’ controls are reviewed on a continuous basis to ensure they comply with the documented approach during the defined time period.
Achieving SOC 2 Type 1 compliance is an important first step. It confirms that the right controls are in place to protect customer data. From there, organizations typically move toward SOC 2 Type 2 compliance, which demonstrates those controls are operating effectively over time.
Why SOC 2 matters for veterinary groups
Veterinary groups rely on software to run day-to-day operations across multiple locations and teams. From patient records to diagnostics and billing, these systems handle large volumes of sensitive data, making robust data protection a business-critical priority.
SOC 2 provides a trusted framework for assessing whether a software provider has the right controls in place to safeguard that data. Verified through an independent audit, SOC 2 compliance gives veterinary groups confidence that their technology partner meets industry-recognized standards for security, availability, and confidentiality.
For group-level decision-makers, SOC 2 also supports transparency and accountability - two key factors when reporting to shareholders or board members. Being able to demonstrate that your systems meet established data security standards strengthens your governance, reduces risk exposure, and reinforces stakeholder trust.
Despite the importance of data security, very few veterinary practice management systems are SOC 2 compliant. ezyVet is one of the few solutions that is SOC 2 compliant, providing peace of mind that strong safeguards are in place to protect your group’s data, clients, and reputation.
Which IDEXX software products are SOC 2 compliant?
At IDEXX, we’re committed to protecting and securing our customers’ data across our entire software suite in alignment with one of the most widely accepted security frameworks. Several of our products have achieved SOC 2 compliance through independent audits conducted by Baker Newman Noyes, including:
- ezyVet: SOC 2 Type 2.
- IDEXX VetConnect PLUS: SOC 2 Type 2.
- IDEXX SmartService: SOC 2 Type 1.
“The veterinary industry is embracing cloud technology to improve care, streamline operations, and connect teams across multiple sites,” said IDEXX Director Associate R&D Matt Cooper. “With that shift comes a responsibility to safeguard the data that powers modern veterinary care. Earning and maintaining SOC 2 compliance demonstrates that we take that responsibility seriously and are committed to meeting the demands of modern veterinary organizations.”
This isn’t just about ticking boxes. It’s about giving you the confidence that your data - and the data of your clients and patients - is protected by rigorous, independently audited controls. From small clinics to enterprise groups, veterinary organizations are placing growing trust in digital platforms, and we’re committed to earning and upholding that trust at every stage.
To learn more about IDEXX’s approach to cybersecurity or to obtain a copy of IDEXX’s SOC 2 reports, visit the IDEXX Trust Center.
The benefits of SOC 2
For enterprise groups managing multiple sites and large volumes of data, SOC 2 adds an extra layer of assurance that the software you rely on is secure.
Key benefits include:
1. Simplifies vendor due diligence
Procurement and IT teams in larger veterinary groups often require vendors to pass detailed risk assessments. A SOC 2 report helps speed up the procurement process by answering many of those questions in a trusted, standardized format.
2. Provides independent assurance
SOC 2 reports are conducted by independent auditors, offering third-party assurance that a vendor’s security controls are functioning as intended.
3. Protects sensitive client and patient data
Veterinary practices handle a lot of confidential information, including pet medical records, client contact details, payment data, and more. SOC 2 compliance ensures strong safeguards are in place to protect that data from breaches or unauthorized access.
4. Reduces risk across the entire organization
For enterprise groups managing multiple practices, one security vulnerability can expose the entire network. SOC 2 shows that your software partner has rigorous internal controls to reduce the risk of operational disruptions, cyberattacks, or data loss.
5. Supports compliance goals
SOC 2 aligns with broader data protection regulations (like GDPR and HIPAA). Enterprise customers often have legal and ethical obligations to demonstrate they are choosing vendors who meet modern security expectations.
6. Signals operational maturity
SOC 2 compliance is a strong indicator that the vendor is investing in long-term, scalable, and responsible technology practices - something enterprise groups need from any software that supports their daily operations.
Questions to ask when reviewing security needs
1. Are you SOC 2 compliant?
Independent SOC 2 audits validate that a vendor has strong, industry-standard controls in place to protect sensitive client and patient data.
2. Can you provide a copy of your most recent audit report?
Audit reports offer transparency and reassurance that the company is actively monitoring and maintaining its security posture.
3. What disaster recovery and business continuity measures do you have in place?
Unexpected outages, cyberattacks, or data loss can bring your practice to a standstill. A reliable disaster recovery plan is essential for restoring operations quickly and minimizing disruption.
Frequently asked questions
1. What is SOC 2 compliance in veterinary software?
SOC 2 compliance means the veterinary software provider has passed an independent audit verifying they follow strict data security and privacy controls. It helps ensure client and patient data is protected from unauthorized access.
2. Why is SOC 2 important for veterinary practice management systems?
Veterinary practice management systems store sensitive data like medical records and payment details. SOC 2 provides assurance that the software vendor has strong safeguards in place to keep that information secure.
3. Which IDEXX software platforms are SOC 2 compliant?
IDEXX offers a number of SOC 2 compliant software solutions, including:
- ezyVet: SOC 2 Type 2.
- IDEXX VetConnect PLUS: SOC 2 Type 2.
- IDEXX SmartService: SOC 2 Type 1.
4. Are most veterinary software systems SOC 2 compliant?
No, very few veterinary practice management software solutions are SOC 2 compliant. Choosing a SOC 2 certified provider like ezyVet shows you're prioritizing data security and regulatory readiness.
5. How do I know if my veterinary software is SOC 2 compliant?
You can ask your software provider directly if they are SOC 2 compliant and request a copy of their SOC 2 report. This independent audit report confirms whether they meet the required security standards. To request a SOC 2 report of an IDEXX software product, visit the IDEXX Trust Center.
Conclusion
As veterinary care continues to evolve in a digital-first world, robust security measures are essential to protecting patient data, maintaining operational continuity, and earning client trust. SOC 2 compliance is a clear signal that a software provider takes data protection seriously and has the systems in place to back it up.
For veterinary groups investing in practice management systems, SOC 2 compliance is more than a technical detail - it’s a meaningful measure of trust and reliability.
To learn more about our commitment to data security, visit the IDEXX Trust Center. Access SOC 2 reports, data privacy policies, business continuity plans, and more.