Is telehealth for pets safe to use?

Telehealth for pets offers a digital approach to veterinary care, allowing pet owners to communicate with veterinary professionals through online tools. These services can provide guidance, assess your pet’s condition, and determine whether or not an in-person vet visit is necessary. 

Online vet care accompanies (but doesn’t replace) the need for face-to-face, physical vet appointments. Understanding the strengths and limitations of telehealth can help you provide the best care for your furry friend. Here’s everything pet owners need to know about telehealth for pets and if it’s right for you.

Telehealth is the technological term for remotely delivering health information, education, or care to pet owners. Depending on how it’s conducted and the type of veterinary staff involved, it can be categorized as telemedicine, teleconsulting, telemonitoring, tele-advice, or tele-triage.

However, before being seen virtually, most states require pets to have had an in-person vet visit within the last 12 months. This requirement is known as the veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR) Trusted Source American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Not-for-profit organization representing 97,000+ vets. Go to source , which means a veterinarian must know your pet well enough to diagnose and provide treatment. 

In some states, vets can use telehealth to meet new animal patients and prescribe medication if they feel they have enough information to safely make a decision. Other states require a veterinarian to physically see the pet before diagnosing or prescribing. They can still recommend treatments and advice that don’t need a prescription. 

Whether your pet has been examined by another vet within the last 12 months may not apply, depending on your state. In some states, the relationship can be established remotely, but few states allow this, and legality varies by state.

• Telemedicine. Telemedicine is a facilitative tool that transmits medical information using virtual consultations through various apps, allowing for direct communication and a visual of the animal. It can help improve treatment and education. It can only be used with an existing VCPR Trusted Source American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) Nonprofit organization for small animal hospitals. Go to source unless it’s a dire situation without alternatives.
• Telemonitoring. This category involves monitoring and observing the animal remotely. Even though the animal is not physically present with a veterinarian, they can still monitor and track vital functions, including tools like glucose monitors or other devices.
• Tele-advice. Tele-advice determines whether a pet needs to see a veterinarian. This service provides non-patient-specific health information, recommendations, or guidance and doesn’t diagnose or treat any conditions. However, it may include suggestions on preventive measures, such as annual wellness check-ups or flea, tick, or heartworm prevention.
• Tele-triage. Tele-triage is the assessment and management of animals to determine the urgency of immediate care and treatment by a veterinarian. This is based on the owner’s description of the animal’s history and symptoms. Tele-triage helps make critical decisions but does not diagnose.
• Electronic prescribing. Electronic prescribing is the creating, sending, and filling of medical prescriptions through electronic means, replacing traditional methods. What medications can be prescribed virtually can vary state by state.
• Mobile health. Mobile health uses mobile devices to enhance animal healthcare within established VCPRs and offers educational and monitoring tools directly to consumers.
• Teleconsulting. Teleconsulting is when a veterinarian consults with a specialist through telehealth to enhance patient care and gain insights and expert advice. In certain cases, they may consult with specialists, like a pathologist or radiologist. 

Telehealth provides a platform for pet owners to get expert veterinarian advice that benefits their pets. These platforms allow more pets to receive appropriate care, reducing stress for pets and owners.

Busy pet parents may struggle to find time in their daily schedules to make appointments at in-person veterinary clinics, especially for minor things. Online vet care offers convenience and efficiency, particularly for those with a lot of responsibilities, limited transportation, or financial constraints. Virtual pet health care can address concerns and questions quickly regarding their pet’s health and symptoms or follow up on treatments without a physical visit.

Telemedicine complements traditional, face-to-face veterinary care. It does not replace it. Essential services like annual wellness exams are still a necessity, and establishing a valid VCPR is required in most states. Although telehealth offers numerous advantages, it also has some limitations.

Veterinary telehealth apps are revolutionizing how pet owners access care for their pets. From the comfort of your home, you can get expert advice from veterinarians, pet nutritionists, or behavior specialists through video, messaging, and calls, 24/7. 

Telehealth platforms allow you to access care anytime, whether you’re curious about your cat’s chronic condition or your dog’s behavior. They vary in what they offer, and you can usually choose a pay-per-visit or subscription-based service. Others offer advice on general pet care.

Pay-per-visit and subscription-based telehealth services

Pay-per-visit offers flexibility since pet owners only pay when they use services. Subscription-based services can be more economical for those whose pets have chronic conditions or expect to need multiple consultations. 

The predictability of cost for subscription-based services can reduce the unpredictable costs of pay-per-visit. However, having access to consistent care regardless of fee structure can provide peace of mind for pet owners.

Most telehealth platforms and apps have a few things in common. The fees and costs vary depending on the veterinarian and the type of visit. Most apps use familiar communication formats like messaging, photos, video, and video calls. 

They also offer certain functionalities to allow you to schedule and manage appointments with additional reminders for appointments, checkups, and vaccinations. However, some unique features of telehealth platforms include:

• • Vet Hero. They offer a monthly payment plan, wellness exams, emergency care, and more. They also send text reminders for appointments that sync with your calendar. 
  • Dutch. Their plans start at $11 per month. A vet will customize a treatment plan and will ship any medications and prescriptions right to your door. After subscribing to a plan, you can ask follow-up questions and get unlimited care on other health issues. 
  • PetDesk. This telehealth app allows you to access a veterinarian 24/7. Additionally, their platform offers prescription refills and reward points for spending at pet care locations. 

Services for general pet questions

A general pet service may be better if you want to consult veterinarians for behavior, tips, or nutrition advice. These platforms offer a broader range of services, and some offer free vet advice. These are designed to make pet care more accessible and affordable for pet owners.

• Chewy. Their Connect with a Vet platform provides a convenient and cost-effective way to receive vet advice. You can set up a free account and chat with veterinarians from 6 a.m. to midnight ET for free and ask non-emergency questions. For auto-ship customers with Chewy, you can chat with vets via video call.
• PetIQ. This service allows you to access veterinary advice for free through their helpline (1-800-775-4519). If you have concerns about a pet’s health or behavior, they’ll advise you on whether or not you should go to the vet. This hotline is a great way for pet owners to save time and money when determining if a vet visit is needed.
• Airvet. They offer around-the-clock access to veterinarians for $30 per visit. There’s no time limit for consultations, and it covers animals like dogs, cats, fish, and lizards. They’ll provide virtual wellness exams, nutritional advice, dental health, and behavioral issues through their app.
• AskVet. This service offers a membership-based service for $29.99 per month. They offer 24/7 access to veterinary experts. You can also set up a rainy day fund for pet emergencies and get answers to pet-related health questions.
• Vetster. You can choose from a membership plan or pay $50 for each appointment, so you’re not tied to a yearly fee. After your video call, they’ll follow up via chat 48 hours later and send any prescriptions to a local or online pharmacy.
• PetCoach. For $5 per question or $20 for a chat, you can get advice from a veterinarian, dog trainer, or pet nutritionist. They provide free access to FAQs and a library of resources written by veterinary professionals.

The safety and effectiveness of using telehealth depends entirely on your pet and their situation. For manageable issues like a skin infection or questions about changing your pet’s food, telehealth platforms can be an excellent resource for quick advice. 

However, these platforms are not suitable for all conditions. If your pet’s symptoms persist or worsen, you’ll want to consult your regular animal hospital. Combining face-to-face care with the convenience of telehealth can help ensure your pet receives the care they need.