When you’re choosing practice management software for your veterinary hospital, there are a lot of boxes to check. 

✅ Will it be easy to learn?

✅ Will it improve our workflows?

✅ Does it have the capabilities we need?

But just as important—if not more so—is what’s happening under the hood. Can you trust it to protect sensitive data? Will it hold up under pressure? What happens when something goes wrong at 2 AM?

This is where SOC 2® Type II certification comes in. (We know—it sounds like a tax form. Hang with us.)

Wait, What Is SOC 2?

SOC 2 is a set of guidelines for how companies should handle customer data—stuff like medical records, client information, or anything else you wouldn’t want just floating around the internet. 

It was created by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA_ and looks at 5 key areas:

• Security: Is your data protected?
• Availability: Will the software work when you need it?
• Processing integrity: Is the system doing what it’s supposed to—accurately, completely, and on time?
• Confidentiality: Is sensitive info staying private?
• Privacy: Is the company handling personal data responsibly?

SOC 2 certification isn’t just about what a company says—it’s about what they actually do. And Type II is the more rigorous certification level. It means a company’s systems were reviewed over a period of time—not just once—and passed the test for real-world reliability. 

Why SOC 2 Matters for Veterinary Teams

Let’s be real: You shouldn’t have to worry about whether your software is going to crash mid-shift or whether your patient and client data is safe. That should be table stakes. 

SOC 2 Type II certification is one way you can feel confident that the software you’re choosing to run your hospital is safe and reliable. 

Here’s what that means in plain terms:

• Data protection you can trust: Your hospital’s information is handled with care and protected by independently verified safeguards.
• Consistent system performance: Your team gets software that works. Period.
• Lower risk of outages or breaches: Fewer surprises, fewer meltdowns, fewer emergency calls to IT
• Easier compliance support: If your hospital has internal security polices—or you’re part of a larger group—SOC 2 helps check the right boxes.

What This Says About Instinct

Software is easy to talk about, but it’s a whole lot harder to get right. Behind every smooth, appealing interface should be a system that’s secure, reliable, and built to withstand the chaos of a real veterinary hospital—not just demo day.

SOC 2 Type II certification is proof that we work hard to build systems that stand up under pressure—and that we’re being held accountable by someone who doesn’t just take our word for it.

It’s not just about passing an audit. It’s about how we design systems, manage infrastructure, handle incidents, and protect the trust you place in us.

In short: Instinct doesn’t just work hard on features that make your day easier—we also invest deeply in making sure the foundation for those features is one you can rely on.

Bottom Line

When you choose veterinary software, you’re not just picking a tool—you’re choosing a long-term partner.

With Instinct, you can be confident that the tools your hospital relies on are secure, stable, and built to support you on the good days, the tough shifts, and everything in between.

👉 Want to learn more about our practice management software, Instinct EMR?

We work best with high-volume ERs, specialty hospitals, and full-service general practices.

If that sounds like you, let’s chat. Book a demo and see how Instinct can help your team do their best work.