Veterinary Telehealth, Is It Right for Your Pet?

​Veterinarians offer a wide range of telehealth services, from diagnosis and treatment to e-prescriptions.  Veterinary telehealth works best in non-emergency situations, such as managing chronic conditions.  A televet can tell you if your pet should be seen in person.

Veterinary Telehealth, Is It Right for Your Pet?
By Pierre Mouchette | Bits-n-Pieces

​When telehealth became a way of life during the pandemic, it was not only health care providers who adapted.  Veterinarians also introduced ways to offer digital services to their clients.  Many vets began with phone chats or video appointments using Skype or FaceTime.  They also added follow-up care using text and e-messaging apps.
Over time, more vets implemented telehealth services into their practices and introduced new platforms for animal care.  Today, these televet platforms give pet owners digital access to various services.
 
What telehealth services are available for pets?
Telehealth services for pet owners range from mobile apps that monitor your animals to video platforms that allow vets to diagnose and treat your furry loved ones.  State boards regulate these services, and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) publishes a list of general guidelines.  One of their guidelines addresses the veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR).
VCPR describes an already-established relationship between a pet and a veterinarian.  Some televet services require a VCPR, and other services do not.  The following is a breakdown of services available via telehealth and when they are only available if you already have a vet:  

• Diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment - if you need a vet to tell you what is wrong with your pet and offer treatment options, you must have an established relationship with the veterinarian.  It means the veterinarian you are working with should have performed an in-person physical exam on your pet, usually within the past year.  The same applies if you need a prognosis, likely disease progression, or outcome.  The AVMA uses the term telemedicine to identify these services.
• General tips - if you want to ask a quick question or seek guidance about an issue that is not urgent, you can talk to any vet who is on a telehealth platform.  The pet providers in these scenarios cannot diagnose or treat your animal but can recommend food brands and training tips.
• Emergencies - you may find yourself in an urgent situation that requires a vet to tell you what to do quickly.  With teletriage services, any available televet can assess if your pet needs immediate in-person care.  The televet may ask to see photos or video of your animal to help evaluate its symptoms and distress level, then advise your next steps.
• E-prescribing: pet prescription laws vary from state to state.  In some states, you may be able to get an electronic prescription from a televet.  These e-prescriptions may be filled online or at a drugstore.  Some states may require a VCPR, while others will not.

 
When is a telehealth vet visit OK for your pet?
Telemedicine visits are available for minor ailments and non-emergencies, including chronic conditions, new symptoms (acute care), and follow-up care.
 
Chronic conditions
Chronic conditions are illnesses your pet has lived with for a long time.  Telehealth visits are convenient for a vet who has already diagnosed and treated your animal in person.  Your vet may switch over to telehealth to manage ongoing conditions and other health concerns, such as:

• Arthritis
• Behavioral problems
• Chronic mobility issues
• Flea allergies
• Hospice care
• Medication refills
• Nutrition advice
• Obesity
• Skin issues such as rashes

 
New symptoms
Acute or new symptoms can occur quickly, like when your dog wakes up with a limp they did not have the day before or your cat stops eating suddenly.  Examples of other acute symptoms include:

• Cough
• Eye infections
• Insect bites
• Itching
• Mild diarrhea or vomiting

 
Follow-up care
If your pet has undergone surgery, you may be able to save time by scheduling telehealth follow-up visits.  Your vet can observe your animal over the video, or you can check in by phone or through text with questions and concerns.
 
When should your vet see your pet in person?
While telehealth makes vet visits convenient, they are not always appropriate.  Sometimes it is better to have your pet seen in person.  If, for instance, your animal experiences heatstroke, poisoning, trauma from a fall or accident, or another life-threatening event, you should call your vet or emergency animal clinic.  Symptoms that warrant an in-person visit include:

• A weak or rapid pulse
• Bite wounds
• Broken bones
• Difficulty breathing
• Excessive bleeding
• Loss of balance
• Loss of consciousness
• Ongoing vomiting or diarrhea
• Paralysis or inability to stand
• Seizures
• Unable to urinate or defecate

 
How much do telehealth visits with a vet cost?
The cost of telehealth vet services depends on several factors, such as your pet's condition and how much your vet charges.  Call your vet's office and ask about their telehealth services and prices.
Televet apps and websites typically charge a flat or monthly subscription fee.  Here are a few examples:

• AirVet: For $30 per virtual visit, you can connect with a licensed vet anytime, day or night, on AirVet.
• AskVet: AskVet charges a monthly membership of $29.99 for unlimited chats with a vet.
• TelePAWS: TelePAWS offers several price points, including $50 for one visit, $150 for four visits, or $19.99 monthly for up to six visits yearly.

 
 
How can I find a vet that offers telehealth visits?
Start by calling your vet and asking if they offer telehealth services.  If they do not and you want to try virtual visits, call other vets in your area and ask about their telehealth care.
If you are looking for a licensed veterinarian to answer the occasional question, search for televet apps online or in your mobile phone's app store.  There are many televet platforms to choose from.