Online Vet

Regular veterinary care is essential to keep your furry friend healthy and happy. However, between work, school, childcare and every other major component of your life, finding time to make it to the veterinarian can be a challenge. An online veterinarian can help you find the care you need for your pet without driving back and forth from your vet’s office.  

What is an Online Vet?

As the name suggests, an online vet is a veterinarian who has chosen to accept appointments by connecting with pet owners through technology. An online vet can provide services your pet may need and allows you to meet and chat with a veterinarian or licensed specialist without the need to physically visit your veterinarian’s office. It’s an alternative to having to trek to the vet by providing the same services over a video call or even just messaging. There are plenty of services that a veterinarian can provide without being in the same physical space as your pet, ranging from answering basic questions to prescribing medication.

The process of online veterinary appointments is relatively simple and straightforward. After signing up for an appointment with your vet, your vet will meet with you over video chat to discuss any concerns that you have about your pet’s behavior or health. Online appointments tend to be shorter than in-person visits but can still get you all of the information you need to keep up with your pet’s regular health needs. 

Who Offers an Online Veterinary Service?

There are a variety of ways online veterinary services are offered. Plenty of vet offices and clinics offer the online vet service, which you can get through your pet insurance. There are also many stand-alone online vet providers. Though you’ll usually need to establish a prior relationship with a veterinary office before you can schedule routine visits online, choosing a vet that offers online services can save both time and money. 

If you don’t have pet insurance or a prior relationship with a veterinarian who offers online veterinary services, you may want to consider signing up for an account with a service like Pawp. Pawp provides around-the-clock access to video chats with licensed veterinarians, many of whom have been practicing for years and have experience treating a wide range of breeds. You also can use a service like VetBabble, a free online forum that allows you to connect with veterinary experts and view a large catalog of previous questions and answers.

Certain services only offer phone calls or messaging through a live chat service. These options are not as comprehensive as a video call, but depending on what you need from the service, it may work just as well. Of course in some cases, your pet may need serious care, which will require seeing a veterinarian in person. Many online veterinarians will assist you in finding a local emergency care provider for your pet during your visit if the vet deems it necessary. 

How Does an Online Vet Benefit Most Pet Owners?

One major benefit of online vet services provides your pet and your veterinary professional is the ability to easily monitor your pet’s symptoms. Sometimes your pet may start experiencing a symptom and you rush to the internet to find out what could be the cause. However, the answers from a web search become overwhelming and stressful. When you have access to a veterinarian from the comfort of your home, you know exactly where to go for answers and information. 

Online vets also provide you with an easily accessible avenue to ask questions that may not be too serious but that you still need answers to. If you have a question about your pet’s health but it isn’t an emergency, an online vet can help you get answers without making an appointment weeks or even months in advance. This service can also be a way to get a second opinion after speaking with your veterinarian in person. 

Appointments at the vet can be difficult to schedule, especially if your standard work hours coincide with the hours that veterinary offices are typically open. An online vet offers an immediate way to speak with someone who can help. Appointments also tend to be quicker because you’re eliminating all the extra time it takes to get an exam or calm your pet down long enough for the vet to check them out. 

Online vet services are generally inexpensive, or at least less expensive than an in-person visit. Every pet owner knows how expensive a visit to the veterinarian can be. Sometimes, you may even rush to the vet and pay an expensive office visit fee just to discover your pet has an upset stomach or a minor issue that will clear up in a few days without the need for medication. You can avoid this situation with a quick, online vet call. 

Through a video call, you can show the vet any physical issues. If your vet only offers live chatting, you can send a picture. This allows the expert to get a better idea of what could be happening to your furry friend as well as assess any damage after an accident. The vet or expert will advise you when it is time to take your pet for further care in person, which can save you both money and time in the event that your pet doesn’t need immediate care. 

Another major benefit of online veterinary services is the familiarity of your home. You are providing a comfortable and convenient setting for both you and your pet. This allows you to be fully engaged in everything happening, which may result in you getting more information out of the call than an in-person visit when you must spend time calming and soothing your pet.  

Online veterinary services also aren’t bound by travel restrictions and physical locations. You won’t need to travel hours to a certain vet, nor will you need to settle for a vet you don’t care for just because they are only a short drive away. With an online vet, you have many more options to choose from because you don’t need to take travel time or expenses into consideration. You have the ability to connect with any vet or specialist, no matter their location. 

Finally, an online vet service also gives you the comfort of knowing there is always someone standing by to help you keep your pet healthy. While there are 24-hour emergency vet clinics operating across the country, most pet owners know that these options should be considered a last resort when your pet is seriously injured. An online vet can be the first go-to because most services offer casual 24/7 access. You can also consult with an online vet before spending a sum of money at the emergency vet clinic.  

Are you ready to add another layer of protection for your furry friend’s health? Browse a few of our favorite pet insurance providers below.  

Protecting Your Pet

If you own a cat or a dog, you already know that your pet isn’t just another item in your home — they’re a living, breathing member of your family, and they deserve proper medical treatment and care. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to make time to visit the veterinarian every time your pet seems to be acting a little off. Creating a plan or connecting with an online veterinarian when your pet is healthy can provide you with a go-to strategy if you have a nonemergency question about your pet’s health or behavior in the future. 

Frequently Asked Questions