Navigate to: Admin > Clinic Settings > Financial Settings > Shepherd Pay
What You Need to Know
Shepherd Pay requires an application and approval before it can be used.
Once approved, you will receive credentials to connect it to Shepherd.
Two separate steps are required to get started.
First, submit your application. Then, once approved, enter your credentials in Shepherd to activate the integration.
Each clinic location requires its own application and credentials.
If your practice has multiple locations, each one must be set up independently.
Hardware is optional.
You can accept payments via manual card entry without any additional equipment. EMV terminals and USB swipers are available for purchase separately.
Setup Checklist
Your Shepherd Pay application has been submitted
Your application has been approved
You have received your three credentials from Shepherd Pay:
Source Key
Shepherd Pay PIN
Public Key
You have access to Shepherd Pay settings in Shepherd — navigate to Admin > Clinic Settings > Financial Settings > Shepherd Pay
You are setting up the correct clinic location — each clinic location requires its own Shepherd Pay application and credentials
If you plan to use an EMV terminal, have the device nearby — hardware is optional, but if you're adding a terminal during setup you'll need the serial number printed on the back
Step 1: Submit Your Application
Before you can process payments, you need to apply for Shepherd Pay.
You will need the following information to complete your application:
Federal Tax ID (EIN)
Banking information — a voided check or bank letter that includes your business name (DBA), account number, and routing number
Social Security Number (SSN) of the business owner
Business web address (URL)
To submit your application:
Go to shepherd.vet/shepherdpay
Select Get Started
Complete all required fields in each step of the application
Once your application is reviewed and approved, you will receive your credentials by email. Keep these ready for Step 2.
Step 2: Connect Shepherd Pay to Shepherd
After approval, enter your credentials in Shepherd to activate the integration.
Navigate to Admin > Clinic Settings > Financial Settings > Shepherd Pay
Enter the three credentials provided to you:
Source Key
Shepherd Pay PIN
Public Key
Click Save
Toggle on Enable Shepherd Pay
Shepherd Pay is now active for your clinic.
Step 3: Add Your Terminal (If Applicable)
If your clinic purchased an EMV chip terminal, register it in Shepherd so it appears as a payment option at checkout.
In the same Shepherd Pay settings tab, scroll to EMV Chip Terminals
Click Add Terminal
Enter the EMV Serial Number (located on the back of the device)
Enter a terminal name or location (example: Front Desk, Exam Room 1)
Click Save
If you are using a wired terminal, the device must be connected to an ethernet cable and powered on before it will appear as available at checkout.
You can add multiple terminals if your clinic has more than one device.
Autosave Credit Cards
Shepherd Pay includes an option to automatically save client credit cards on file when a payment is taken by manual entry or USB swiper.
To enable this, toggle on Autosave Client Credit Cards in the Shepherd Pay settings tab.
Autosave applies to manually entered cards and USB swiper cards only. Cards processed via the EMV terminal are not eligible for autosave.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the application process take?
Processing times vary. Contact merchant@shepherd.vet if you have questions about the status of your application.
I received my credentials but the Save button in Shepherd Pay settings is muted — what do I do?
A muted Save button typically means your Public Key credential is missing or has not been entered. Make sure all three fields (Source Key, PIN, and Public Key) are filled in. If the button remains inactive, contact merchant@shepherd.vet to confirm your credentials.
Can I use Shepherd Pay without an EMV terminal?
Yes. Manual card entry and the USB swiper are both available without an EMV terminal. You can also send payment links via Text-to-Pay if Shepherd Texting is enabled.
Where do I find my serial number?
The serial number is printed on a label on the back of the device.
I connected my credentials and enabled Shepherd Pay, but I don't see a surcharge fee option.
Surcharge fees require a separate activation step. See [Shepherd Pay: Surcharge Fees] for setup instructions.