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The rise of online vet care has been a growing trend in the pet world for a few years now. It has never been easier for pet parents to connect with veterinarian professionals on a conference call or a quick chat to get their questions answered.
While you should always seek your regular veterinarian if an emergency arises or for routine care, online vet services can quickly answer your non-emergency concerns.
If you are searching for information about online vet care or want to compare the pros and cons, you're in the right place. This article will be a guide for pet owners to learn the benefits and limitations of online and in-person pet care. We will compare the costs of each, look at when it's best to choose which type of care and answer some common questions. This way, you can decide which vet care will work best for you and your special furry friend.
So first, let's take a closer look at online vet care.
Understanding Online Vet Care
Telehealth vet care is similar to human telehealth care but for your pet. Online vet care allows you to connect with a vet from the comfort of your home. Your vet will assess your pet over the phone or via video call.
There are two types of vet telehealth services that you can try for your pet: telemedicine and Tele-triage.
Some state laws even allow this type of legal relationship to happen remotely. Either way, vet telemedicine is a tool where, if the state laws allow, the vet can diagnose, prescribe medications, give a prognosis, and recommend treatment. With this type of care, your vet would visit either over a video service so they can see your pet or over the phone.
If you already have a vet and they offer virtual vet visits, this would be similar to a regular office visit only you can do it at home with a camera.
Tele-Triage
Online tele-triage or telehealth services do not require a previous VCPR relationship and can typically be done with a vet or veterinary assistant. Tele-triage is more of an assessment of your pet from a veterinary professional, but you wouldn't be able to get prescriptions or have a diagnosis made.
These appointments can be over video, text, or even email messages. Tele-triage visits are best for when you need more general vet advice. Maybe you need help determining whether to take your pet to an emergency hospital. A virtual consultation can help you determine if your pet will be okay until your regular vet returns, or if you need to take them to an animal hospital.
Advantages of Online Vet Care
There are many advantages to using online vet care.
Convenience
One of the top benefits of online vet care is its convenience. For example, if you have a pet that gets anxious during car rides, you can skip all the hassle. Instead, a virtual vet visit allows you to connect to a veterinarian anywhere without having to travel. You can even schedule virtual vet appointments when you and your pets are on vacation.
Accessibility
Online vet care offers greater accessibility for pet owners. If you live far away from a local veterinarian, getting online and meeting with your vet can be much easier. Some people live two or even three hours away from their vets.
Having a virtual vet visit is much more accessible to many people who would otherwise not even choose to see a vet.
Also, what if you have an emergency come up in the middle of the night and your vet is closed? With 24-hour vet help available to you online, you can reach someone during those odd hours or in emergency situations.
Another great benefit of online vet care is the peace of mind it provides through its 24/7 availability. Pets can get hurt or have issues at any time, not just during typical 9-5 hours. Knowing that you have access to a veterinarian 24/7 can be a source of reassurance that you simply can't get from a typical vet clinic.
Cost-Effective
Online vet care can be much more cost-effective than in-person visits. While it does depend on your pet's particular situation, in-person visits tend to cost more than online appointments do.
Follow-up Care
Virtual vet care is excellent for follow-up care. After you go to your in-person visits, you can connect with a virtual professional regularly to keep up with your pet's condition.
Get More Questions Answered
With a vet helpline at your fingertips, you can ask questions more often than during one physical visit. Some virtual pet care services offer a monthly option where you can ask as many pet care questions as you want without paying extra money.
Drawbacks of Online Vet Care
There are, of course, some potential drawbacks of using online vet care.
Lack of Hands-on
Many vet procedures, such as blood tests, surgery, or tick and flea tests, can only be performed hands-on. If these procedures are necessary, a virtual vet would most likely suggest an in-person visit.
Lack of Physical Examination
A virtual veterinarian cannot perform a physical examination and may not be able to accurately diagnose your pet. Many health issues need a hands-on approach, and with that, your pet could be correctly diagnosed. While a video call may help the vet see some symptoms and signs, many issues require a physical examination to detect better.
Limitations on Diagnosing and Treating Severe Issues
Many hands-on tests that vets perform on animals are essential to diagnosing and treating severe issues. If your pet is showing some more serious signs that need to be addressed quickly, an online vet visit might not be the best option.
Potential Miscommunication
With telehealth vet visits, you do risk the chance of misunderstanding symptoms or even advice through digital communication. So, for example, if your pet has a serious underlying issue, a virtual vet could miss seeing it without being able to run blood tests or conduct a thorough physical exam.
Lower Pet Bonding
Many pets do well with a vet that they can bond with in-person. So, a virtual vet appointment may impact the bonding that your pet is used to with in-person visits.
Understanding In-Person Vet Visits
Let's dive a bit deeper into in-person veterinary visits.
What Happens During an In-Person Visit?
An in-person visit involves a physical examination, which may include the following:
Checking their ears, eyes, and mouth for infections
Palpating the abdomen for any swelling or issues
Listening to your pet's lungs and heart
Taking your pet's vitals
Checking their skin and coat for allergies or any other issues
Feeling your pet's joints and extremities for aging or diseases
In addition to the physical examination, a vet will often ask about your pet's diet and behaviors. They will want to see your pet's medical records and updated vaccinations. An in-person vet visit also includes discussing age-related issues, microchipping, flea and tick medication, or anything else you might think of.
Types of Treatment and Services
In-house vets will also offer services such as:
Neutering and spaying procedures
Routine preventative care
Diagnostic services
Dental care
Screenings and testing
Vaccines
Emergency care and surgeries
Treatments That Must Be In-Person Only
While online vet appointments are great for many things, there are some procedures and services that require an in-person visit.
Some procedures that must be done in person include:
There are many advantages to taking your pet to an in-person veterinarian visit. Let's explore some of the top benefits of in-person visits.
Comprehensive Examinations
A vet can only perform a complete physical exam in person. A hands-on exam is the best way to ensure your pet receives the correct diagnosis.
Immediate Access to Advanced Treatments
Another significant benefit of taking your pet to an in-person vet is the immediate access to advanced treatments and procedures in any emergency. Sometimes, pets need urgent treatment or procedures, which a physical exam can best determine. Quick access to advanced care can be a lifesaver for pets and provide peace of mind for their owners.
Best for Emergencies
Taking your pet to a live, in-person vet is the best choice in emergencies. You may not have time to check with your virtual vet first. In these emergency situations, it's best to find an animal hospital or contact a vet who can see your pet immediately for the best results.
Trust Building and Better Communication
Going to an in-person veterinarian is an excellent way to build trust and help your pet develop a bond with their care provider. This trust is crucial to ensure your pet's comfort and cooperation during treatments.
Also, it's easier to receive clear communication in person and ask questions to clarify anything your vet has suggested. Sometimes, with digital technology, words can get misconstrued. Taking your pet to routine visits helps them build a relationship. It also enables you to build trust in the person taking care of your furry friend.
Hands-on Care Leads to Better Treatment
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) surveyed 1,000 pet owners and discovered that 88% of them believe that having a vet actually physically examine their pet in person led to the best care of their pet.
Most pet owners agree that hands-on care results in the best treatment for their pet.
Saves Time
While it may be easy to connect with a vet online, it may save you time and energy to go directly to your local vet. In many cases, an online vet will still suggest that you take your pet to a veterinarian as soon as possible to get checked out. In these instances, it would save time and money to go straight to your local animal hospital or clinic.
Drawbacks of In-Person Vet Visits
There are a few drawbacks of in-person veterinarian visits to consider.
Higher Costs
In-person veterinarian visits cost more on average than virtual visits. But if you think your pet has a serious issue, you may end up at an in-person veterinarian appointment anyway. However, if you only have a question or two to ask, it may be better to check with an online vet.
Time Commitment
You'll commit more time when you go to a vet in person. You'll have to account for getting your pet into the car and traveling, waiting for your pet to be seen, and sitting through the physical exam or any other tests that may need to be done. A virtual visit would be best if you want to save time.
Stressful for Pets
Some pets, especially cats, become stressed out when they have to travel. Taking your pet to the vet may be more stressful than doing a virtual visit from the comfort of your pet's home. Many vets know this, though, and offer additional ways to help your pet relax during their appointment.
Limited Availability
Sometimes, finding an open vet near you can be challenging. If something happens in the middle of the night or on a day when the vet is not in, it can be hard to find availability. Depending on where you live and what time of day it is, it could be difficult to find a local vet.
Some Popular Online Vet Services
Here are a few popular online vet services you can choose from.
Best Overall: Pettable
Only $14.99 a month for unlimited virtual consultations. Get round-the-clock access to expert advice and support for your pet for a reasonable price.
Pros
24/7 Availability, including holidays
Easy access: call the dedicated phone line to get connected right away
No appointment is required for instant help
Cons
Access is vet technicians, so there are no diagnoses or prescriptions
Starts at $50 a month, but depends on location and vet. A much pricier option but good if you need prescription services.
Pros
24/7 availability, choose vets near you
Offers prescription services (depending on your state)
Cons
Some locations have few vet choices
For Optional Insurance: Pawp
Costs $24 a month, with an option for a 1 month free trial. Another solid option, especially if you are interested in their optional insurance coverage.
Pros
24/7 access to consult vet for up to six pets in one household
Offers up to $3,000 a year health coverage for emergencies
Cons
No prescriptions
The $3,000 is only for one emergency, not routine visits
For Rare Species: Airvet
Costs $35 a month, but is only available as an employee benefit.
Pros
24/7 access to vets without call limits
Treats a wide array of animals, including fish, reptiles, birds, and most small mammals
Cons
No prescriptions
Comparing the Costs: Online Vet Care vs. In-Person Visits
Let's compare the costs of both types of pet care.
The Average Cost of Online Vet Services
The average cost of virtual visits is between $30 and $150. Prices vary greatly because some providers charge a monthly fee, while others charge per visit.
The Average Cost of In-Person Visits
The average cost of in-person vet visits ranges between $40 and $350. Again, prices vary depending on whether you are going to a local vet clinic or an emergency hospital and the type of visit you and your pet need.
When an Online Visit Makes More Sense
There are times when a virtual vet visit would make more sense. For example, let's say you have a new kitten and are having trouble getting him to use his litter pan. A quick virtual visit will make much more sense if you only want behavioral advice.
When an In-Person Visit Makes More Sense
There are instances when taking your pet to an in-person vet makes more sense. For example, if you have a dog that got into a fight with another dog at the park and is bleeding, it would be best to take your dog to see a vet. A local vet would want to run some blood work to ensure that your dog didn't get any infection or disease in his wound from the fight.
You Can Ask a Vet Which Method Would Be Best
If you are unsure which option to choose, simply call your vet and ask. You can describe your pet's symptoms, and they will let you know which option is right for your pet.
When to Choose Online Vet Care Over In-Person Visits
Let's consider some situations where using an online vet would be most beneficial.
Some common situations when using an online vet is best include:
Online Services Are a Great Supplement to In-Person Treatment
Online vet visits certainly can make life better for pet owners, but they are not always the best option. For the most part, online vet visits should be used as a supplement to your routine, live vet visits.
They are really great for when your pet is not experiencing an urgent emergency. Virtual vet visits are also beneficial for those who have a few questions but don't want to try to lug their animal in to get some answers.
Yes, an online vet can write prescriptions. Some even work with online pharmacies to help deliver your pet's medicine to your home. However, it depends on your state veterinarian's practice laws as to whether they can prescribe medication for your animal.
To get medicines prescribed online, you must have an active VCPR. In most states, this means that your vet must have seen your pet within the past year or so.
What if my pet needs emergency care?
If your pet needs emergency care, it's best to find a local animal hospital or clinic. You can schedule an online appointment first to get a professional recommendation. Otherwise, an emergency will require a physical vet visit.
Is online vet care legal in all states?
Each state has laws regarding online vet care practices, which are always changing. This interactive map will show the current VCPR laws in every US state.
How do I prepare for an online vet appointment?
To make sure your online vet appointment runs smoothly, there are a couple of things you can do to get ready. First, check and make sure your internet connection is working well, and then find a quiet room to do your consultation.
If you have any questions that you want to ask, it could be beneficial to have them written down for reference during the call. Have your pet's medical records available. Make sure that your pet is with you and that you can easily get them on camera for a smoother experience with your online professional.
Final Thoughts
Finding the right balance for your specific pet's needs is essential:
Consider whether your pet has an emergency requiring blood work or other forms of testing to treat.
Then decide which option will be more financially beneficial for you.
You can always call your local vet's office and explain what's going on with your furry friend to see if they think you can use a virtual visit or if you should seek in-person help.
It's best to consider both options and determine the best choice for you and your pet. You may decide that it's best to use both.
You may use an online vet service to ask questions when they arise, but you keep routine in-person vet appointments every six months or so. Which method will work best for you and your precious animal really depends on your unique situation.
Alicia Ramella is a freelance writer specializing in mental health and wellness. She has been writing professionally for over three years in this space. Her work has been featured on reputable sites like WEBMD.com and many other health and wellness websites.
Alicia is also a life coach, a podcaster, and a nutrition nut with a background in psychology. She plays with her two children in her free time and enjoys music, gardening, and nature.
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