Essential List of 15 Telehealth Veterinary Services + 1 Useful App (2023)

Pet owners, have you noticed that it’s becoming more difficult to get an appointment with a veterinarian or find an open emergency clinic?

The veterinarian and veterinary technician shortages are taking their toll on the profession. It’s incredibly stressful for responsible pet owners, too.

The pandemic hasn’t helped. Social distancing forced veterinarians to perform exams in their parking lots. Human hospitals, stretched past their limits, needed to take supplies and equipment from veterinary hospitals. Strained by already limited resources, many emergency pet clinics closed their doors.

On the other hand, the pandemic brought rapid technological advances and increased confidence in telemedicine. Pet owners can take advantage of this trend by accessing veterinarians and technicians via video chat, text, phone, or email. Extensive online libraries also provide general information about pet health care and concerns.

VCPR restrictions

Without a VCPR, veterinarians can only give you general advice. They can’t identify any illness or injury specific to your pet. This means that the doctor can’t see your pet over Zoom or chat and say they feel certain that Fluffy has an upper respiratory infection. They can only say that Fluffy’s runny nose and cough might be caused by an infection.

Check with your personal vet. More and more veterinarians are providing remote consultations for their existing patients. Be sure to check with your personal vet to see if they offer telemedicine services.

Click here for a state-by-state guide to virtual veterinary care regulations.

A handy list of telehealth veterinarian services

Even with these limitations, telehealth veterinary services can be useful. If you’re not sure if your pet needs an emergency clinic, telehealth services can provide general advice and reassurance. You may find suggestions on how you can choose to help your pet without an exam or prescription medication.

Please note that this is not designed to replace your local veterinarian. Seeing a vet in person provides the most accurate and full-service care for your beloved animal companion.

Airvet
Best use: Emergencies – general advice to help you decide if your pet needs immediate care
Available via iOS & Android apps
*Cost: $49 for one video chat; $30/month subscription service

Ask a Veterinarian
Best use: General advice
Available via chat
*Cost: $5 joining fee – unable to get additional cost information without joining; extensive free library of general information

Ask Vet
Best use: Emergencies – general advice to help you decide if your pet needs immediate care
Available via a website, iOS & Android apps
*Cost: $10/month subscription fee

Bond Vet
Best use: Emergencies and general advice
Has a network of hospitals they will refer you to if they feel your pet needs in-person care
Available via a website
*Cost: $79 per virtual visit

Buddies by Blue Buffalo
Best use: General advice
Connects you with other pet owners who sign up to share their advice (not veterinarians)
Available via iOS & Android apps
*Cost: Free

Chewy
Best use: General advice
Available via a website 6am – 12am EST
*Cost: Free for anyone with an account

Dutch
Best for treating chronic conditions (like itchy skin)
Available via a website
*Cost: subscription plans start at $12/month

Fuzzy
Best for pet owners living in AZ, CO, DC, FL, ID, IN, LA, ME, MI, MT, NE, NJ, NM, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD, and VA (can prescribe in those states)
Available via text or video chat on their website
*Cost: $25 per consult; subscription plans available

Hello Ralphie
Best use: General advice – requires an appointment to speak with a vet
Available via a website and iOS app
*Cost: $35 – $55 per appointment

Pawp
Best use: Emergencies and general advice
Available via a website, iOS & Android apps
*Cost: $19 per month for up to 6 pets

PetDesk
Best use: Virtual visits only for clients of in-network vets; anyone can use the app to record their pet’s medical information online
Available via iOS & Android apps
*Cost: Varies by practice; the app to organize your pet’s information is free

Pet Parent by Televet
Best use: People already using their in-network vets
Available via iOS & Android apps
*Cost: Varies by practice

Vetster
Best use: Emergencies and for clients of their in-network hospitals; they have an extensive free online library
Available via iOS & Android apps
*Cost: $50 per appointment

VetTriage
Best use: Emergencies and general advice
Available via a website, iOS & Android apps
*Cost: $50 per appointment

WhiskerDocs
Best use: Emergencies – general advice to help you decide if your pet needs immediate care
Available via a website, phone call, or email
*Cost: $39.99/call or chat; $4.99 email; $16.99/month or $129.99/year for their unlimited subscription

The Useful Emergency App

Hazadapt app
Free emergency information guide via web and app
After you download the app, their guide is available without internet access
Provides emergency preparedness, during emergency action steps, and post-emergency recovery advice
Information for the app was written by a licensed veterinarian and veterinary technician

*Costs current as of March 2023 – information provided by their websites

Give this handout to your pet owner clients

Download the list for a handy reference or handout for your clients.

Contact me to have it personalized. Let me know what other client education and information handouts you need for your veterinary practice or pet care business marketing.

Tiffani Hill is a copywriter and operations strategist. She crafts effective messaging and business documentation for veterinary and pet care professionals.