Picture this: It’s late at night, and your dog won’t stop licking their paw. You take a closer look and see it’s red and swollen. You’re not sure if it’s a small cut, an allergic reaction, or something else, but the vet clinic is closed, and it doesn’t seem serious enough to rush to an emergency clinic.
So what do you do?
This is when a quick call or video chat with a vet can really help. Virtual care makes it easy to get advice and figure out what steps to take, all without leaving your house.
As a veterinarian who offers telehealth services, I’ve seen how this technology is changing the way we care for pets.
A 2023 survey found that about 12% of dog owners and 6% of cat owners have used pet telemedicine.
Pet telehealth lets pet owners connect with vets more easily, but it also comes with some challenges. In this post, I’ll share the pros and cons of pet telehealth based on my own experience and how it’s impacting pet care.
Let’s start with the basics.
What Exactly Is Pet Telehealth and Virtual Care?
Pet telehealth and virtual vet care let you connect with a veterinarian without having to visit the clinic in person. Instead, you can get advice and guidance through phone calls, video calls, or chat-based platforms, depending on what works best for you.
(For this article, I will be using these terms interchangeably.)
For example, you might have a quick question that can be answered in a chat, or you could schedule a video consultation to show the vet what’s going on with your pet. Some platforms even offer 24/7 access to licensed vets, so you can get help anytime, whether it’s late at night or during a busy day.
It’s a flexible way to get expert advice, especially for follow-ups, behavioral issues, or deciding if an in-person visit is needed.
The Pros: What Makes Pet Telehealth a Game-Changer
Pet Telehealth Makes Life Easier
Pet telehealth makes accessing veterinary advice easier than it has been. Instead of rushing to the clinic for every concern, you can connect with a vet from the comfort of your home. This is especially helpful for those with busy schedules, mobility issues, or pets that get anxious during car rides.
Quick Help When Emergencies Happen
While telehealth doesn’t replace in-person emergency care, it can be a valuable tool for triage. I’ve helped pet owners determine whether their pet’s symptoms warrant an urgent visit or if they can wait until regular clinic hours.
Care for Pets No Matter Where You Are
For pet owners in rural or underserved areas, telehealth bridges the gap to veterinary care. It’s rewarding to provide advice to someone who might otherwise struggle to access a vet. I have spoken with several pet owners that lived in rural areas of Alaska or Texas, when they were 3-4 hours from the nearest vet. They could at least talk to me, send me pictures of their pet and chat about what could be going on, and I can advise on what they can do at home.
Keeping Tabs on Long-Term Health Issues
Telehealth is a fantastic tool for managing chronic conditions like arthritis, diabetes, or allergies. Regular video consultations allow me to track a pet’s progress, adjust treatments, and answer questions without the need for frequent in-clinic visits.
Building Better Connections with Your Vet
Telehealth allows for more frequent interactions, which can strengthen trust and communication between vets and pet owners. It also makes it easier for me to educate clients about their pet’s health.
The Cons: Challenges of Pet Telehealth
What Telehealth Can’t Do: No Hands-On Exams
One of the biggest drawbacks of telehealth is the inability to perform hands-on exams. There’s only so much I can observe through a screen, and certain conditions require physical diagnostics, like blood tests or x-rays.
Some Problems Need an In-Person Vet Visit
While telehealth works really well for behavioral consultations, follow-ups, and minor concerns like an ear infection, it’s not suitable for emergencies that need immediate in-person medical intervention. I’ve had to remind some of my clients that telehealth is only supplement, not a replacement, for traditional veterinary care.
Tech Troubles Can Get in the Way
Not all clients are comfortable with video calls or have reliable internet access. Technical difficulties can make consultations less effective and frustrating for both parties. When I worked full time doing telehealth, we only had 15-20 minutes to chat with the pet owner. If they had a hard time figuring out Zoom, that would eat up the time I had to discuss the needs of their pet, making it a poor experience.
Rules and Regulations Can Be Tricky
Veterinary telehealth is still navigating legal gray areas. Regulations vary by state, and in some cases, I’m required to have an existing veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR) before offering advice and prescriptions. And that’s IF I’m even licensed in the state that the owner resides in. I am currently licensed to practice veterinary medicine in Florida and Wisconsin. So if I’m chatting with a client in Mississippi, I would not be able to assist the pet owner beyond offering very general advice. This can limit the scope of what telehealth can achieve.
Telehealth Isn’t a Fix-All for Every Pet Problem
Some pet owners mistakenly believe telehealth can replace all aspects of veterinary care. I’ve had to clarify that telehealth is a tool to complement in-person visits. Many pet owners think that when they are talking to me I am local to them, or am affiliated with a brick-and-mortar practice that can do vaccines and housecall visits.
Of course, I have to gently tell them that this is not the case, and they would have to call a mobile vet or find a way to take their pet to a clinic.
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Know Your Telehealth Choices
When it comes to pet telehealth, there are several options, way more than they’re were 3-4 years ago! Here’s a list of some of the top pet telehealth services, each with unique features to help you find the right fit for you and your pets.
Vetster – Offers 24/7 access to licensed veterinarians for video consultations.
Dutch Pet – Focuses on telehealth services for behavioral issues, including anxiety and allergies.
JustAnswer – Provides quick answers from veterinarians via chat, ideal for non-urgent questions.
Pawp – Includes a virtual care service and an emergency fund for unexpected vet visits.
Airvet – Provides on-demand video calls with licensed veterinarians.
FirstVet – Offers appointments with experienced vets for advice and triage support.
PetDesk – Combines telehealth with appointment scheduling and pet health reminders.
Chewy Connect With a Vet – Available to Chewy customers, this service allows you to chat with a vet for basic health advice.
Bond Vet – Focuses on telehealth consultations for minor health concerns and post-surgery follow-ups.
Banfield Pet Hospital – With their Optimum Wellness Plan (OWP), you can schedule a virtual visit, chat with a veterinary professional, and get personalized pet wellness support.
What Should and Should Not Be Addressed with Virtual Care
Virtual care can be a fantastic option for some pet health concerns, but it’s not the right choice for every situation. Let’s break it down so you know when to use it and when it’s better to head to your vet’s office.
What Virtual Care is Great For:
Behavior or Training advice
Do you have questions about a new behavior or training tips? A virtual visit can help you address these concerns from home.
Mild skin issues
Rashes, redness, or itching can often be evaluated virtually. Your vet may ask for clear photos to help them guide you.
Follow-Up appointments
If your pet had a recent visit, virtual care can be a great way to check progress without another trip.
General advice
Need help deciding if something is serious? Virtual care can give you guidance on whether to wait, monitor, or seek urgent help.
What Virtual Care Should Not Be Used For:
- Emergencies- If your pet is struggling to breathe, bleeding heavily, or experiencing a serious injury, they need immediate hands-on care. Head straight to your local veterinary clinic or emergency hospital.
- Severe illnesses- Pets showing signs of extreme weakness, uncontrollable vomiting, or seizures need to be seen in person for proper diagnostics and treatment.
- Procedures – Things like vaccinations, wound care, or surgery can only be handled in person.
How Pet Telehealth Is Changing Pet Care
Despite its challenges, it is undeniable that pet telehealth is transforming pet care in exciting ways. It’s making veterinary advice more accessible, especially for routine care and non-urgent issues. For me, it’s been a rewarding way to connect with pet owners and offer guidance that improves their pets’ quality of life.
Telehealth also encourages proactive care. When clients have an easy way to reach me, they’re more likely to seek advice early, which can prevent minor issues from becoming major problems. I’ve also seen how telehealth fosters better collaboration between pet owners and vets, empowering clients to play an active role in their pets’ health.
Final Thoughts
Pet telehealth isn’t perfect, but it’s a valuable tool that’s here to stay. I will admit that it has its limitations, but when used alongside traditional veterinary care, it offers a level of convenience and accessibility that benefits both pets and their owners.
If you’ve ever considered using telehealth for your pet, I encourage you to give it a try. It’s a great way to get advice, stay on top of your pet’s health, and build a stronger relationship with your vet. Just remember: telehealth works best when it’s part of a well-rounded approach to pet care.
What are your thoughts on pet telehealth? Have you tried it before? Share your experiences in the comments below—I’d love to hear from you!
For transparency: I was an independent freelance writer for PetMD/Chewy a few years ago but my work has ended with them. While I do sporadic contract work with Just Answer, I have not received, and will not receive, any compensation or financial support from either company for this blog post.
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