A guide to using online veterinarians

Online vet care has grown in popularity over the last few years, but it really skyrocketed in 2020 during COVID-19. To follow social distancing, some pet owners began using virtual consultations with vets and vet techs rather than going into a veterinary practice. 

The shift to online pet care shows the crucial role it can play in meeting the needs of pet owners of all types of animals. Online vet care offers a great solution for pet owners to have access to expert advice from the comfort of their own homes.

There are many ways an online vet can help without physically being in the same room as your pet. They can answer any general questions about your pet’s health and develop a treatment plan, nutritional needs, allergies, and behavioral concerns. Here’s what you need to know.

There are a few areas of online pet care to know: telehealth Trusted Source VCA Hospitals Community of veterinarians with up-to-date veterinary information. Go to source , teletriage Trusted Source VCA Hospitals Community of veterinarians with up-to-date veterinary information. Go to source , and telemedicine Trusted Source VCA Hospitals Community of veterinarians with up-to-date veterinary information. Go to source .

Telehealth. This is a general term that refers to any use of technology (phone, laptop, tablet) to provide health-related information outside of in-person care at the physical vet’s office.

Teletriage. This service helps a pet owner assess their pet’s health and decide if they need to take their pet to the vet based on conditions that they’re observing. It can be helpful;  especially if pawrents think their pet might be having an emergency.

Telemedicine. This covers veterinarian diagnoses and treatment for a pet’s symptoms or condition virtually. It’s commonly used for concerns like seasonal allergies, skin rashes, or behavioral concerns.

Every online vet company is different. Some companies will use an appointment system for you to book a date and time. Others may use a queuing system where you don’t have an appointment. Some services even have mobile apps that give you unlimited access to vets for added convenience. 

Once pre-admission happens, an online vet tech or process will ask for your pet’s information — like their date of birth, breed, vaccinations, or any previous health conditions they might have. You’ll then start a video call, a phone call, a live chat, or an email to talk to the veterinarian. 

Most online vets cannot give you a specific diagnosis without a hands-on exam. However, they’ll be able to advise you and give you general answers about your concerns, products, supplements, or over-the-counter medications that could help. Talking with an online vet can give you peace of mind about whether you need to take your pet to a physical clinic or not.

With so many options available, picking the right online vet can seem daunting. There are a few things you should keep in mind to make the decision easier:

• Certified vets. You should choose online vet care that’s staffed with certified veterinary professionals. Check their website for details on vet qualifications and licensing, and look for affiliations with recognized veterinary organizations. This can further attest to credibility and expertise.
• Availability. It’s important to find online vet services that are accessible 24/7. This gives owners peace of mind that whenever they need help, they’ll have help. Pawrents should also look for services that provide appointment times if they’re on a tight schedule, and want to know exactly when they’ll speak to a vet.
• Services. Check for platforms that offer multiple types of services. This could include consultations, nutritional advice, and prescription delivery — allowing you to find all your pet’s healthcare needs in one place.
• Communication methods. Online vets should have multiple communication methods so pet owners can contact them at any time. Video chatting gives a veterinarian a chance to put eyes on your pet; while a video chat, phone calls, or emails are great for answering less time-sensitive questions or concerns.

There are plenty of times when using an online vet is possible rather than going into your physical vet clinic. Here’s a list of some common conditions and behaviors that can be discussed during an online vet consultation:

• Skin conditions
• Parasites
• Minor wounds
• Behavioral and training questions
• Nutritional advice
• Determining if the situation requires emergency care

Here’s a list of common emergencies that an online vet can’t (and shouldn’t) treat:

• Difficulty breathing
• Open-wound injuries Trusted Source The Merck Veterinary Manual Trusted provider of veterinary medicine. Go to source
• Severe vomiting or diarrhea
• Swollen abdomen or retching
• Seizing
• Sudden collapse Trusted Source VCA Hospitals Community of veterinarians with up-to-date veterinary information. Go to source
• Inability to urinate (especially in male cats)

For things like ongoing and chronic conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, kidney or liver disease, Cushing’s disease, and thyroid conditions, you should still go to your regular vet. Although there are some instances when an online vet can give you quick answers and alleviate concerns, an online vet should complement in-person visits — not replace them. 

In-person care ensures that the complexities of these conditions are addressed through a hands-on evaluation and exam. This allows your vet to get a more thorough understanding of your pet’s condition and allows them to make a pet-specific treatment plan.

If you’re looking to introduce new elements like prescription medication, diet, or supplements, your primary in-person vet is still the best consultant. Embracing this blend of both online and in-person consultations helps approach your pet’s well-being holistically to provide the best possible care.  

👉 Check out our list of the best online vets to get a better idea of the costs for each.

Online vet services range in terms of cost, depending on what they offer. For example, Pawp offers a $3,000 emergency fund for up to six animals for $99 per year, while PetCoach offers discounted veterinary services for $9 per month. It’s common for online vet companies to offer a monthly subscription or one-time service.

👉 Check out our guide to creating a pet budget and learn how much pets cost from day one.

Preparing for your pet’s online vet visit can help make sure your appointment is productive and informative. Have all of your questions or concerns written down and on-hand. It’s also a good idea to make sure you have your pet’s medical history available and any photos or videos of what’s going on. 

Sometimes, a quick video is easier than back-and-forth typing or being able to share an image of previous lab work. It can really help the vet provide the right expert advice since they can’t do a hands-on exam themselves. If you choose this option, be sure to check your connection beforehand to avoid any tech issues during the appointment. 

An online vet visit is beneficial for explaining symptoms and showing your pet’s condition in real-time without leaving your home. This interactive online approach can help you communicate details and help your vet gain valuable insights into your pet’s well-being to provide more accurate and tailored advice.

Online vet care is a valid form of care in non-emergency cases, offering convenience and peace of mind to pets and owners. Using online vet services, you can have expert advice right at your fingertips — and you can do it without breaking the bank. Not sure where to start? Research before a medical need hits your home, and find an online service to keep on speed dial. Future you will thank you!