Best Pet Telemedicine & Telehealth Options To See A Vet Virtually
Pet telehealth and telemedicine has become increasing important as we spend more time at home with our pets. As a result, many of us are starting to notice more quirks about our pet’s behavior and health. What are the best pet telemedicine or pet telehealth options for us during the coronavirus? Many of us want to ensure our pets get the highest quality of vet care while maintaining social distancing. How do you know when your pet needs to see a vet in person? Or what other ways can you reach a vet digitally? Let us explain how the pet telehealth industry works and the best ways to virtually meet or speak with a vet immediately.
Technology has enabled us to talk to a vet over text, phone or video chats to get advice instantly on what to do for our pets. Remember this is not a replacement for regular vet in-office appointments because most vets on telemedicine services are not able to diagnose or prescribe medication for pets they haven’t already seen in person.
What is the difference between pet telemedicine, telehealth and teletriage?
Pet Telemedicine & pet televet
The majority of current digital pet services are a form of pet teleheath which is different to pet telemedicine. Firstly, pet telemedicine, sometimes also called pet televet, is where you can reach your current vet for diagnosis or prescriptions remotely. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, a vet client-patient relationship (VCPR) is required for a vet to diagnose and prescribe medication, which means your pet must be seen by the vet in person already, usually within a certain number of months, before you can use a remote pet telemedicine or televet service.
Pet Teleheath, pet teletriage & pet tele-advice
But most of the time, we just want some advice or guidance from a vet to know if we are overthinking our pet’s issues, or if it really is serious enough to go into the clinic. This where pet telehealth, also known as pet teletriage or pet tele-advice, is extremely helpful. While pet telehealth cannot diagnose or prescribe medication for your pets, it will help answer some of the general questions you have as well as provide high level guidance and support. We’ve researched and tried the latest digital vet services to see how they work – here are the ones that we recommend.
CarePod’s Top Pet Telehealth & Telemedicine Services
| Service & Platform | What We Love About it | Cost |
|---|---|---|
PetDesk iOS | Android Telemedicine (connect to current vet only) | + Keeps track of your pet’s medication, appointments, and other health needs + App is free to use | Cost varies and is set by the vet clinic. |
VirtualWoof iOS | Android Telemedicine (connect to current vet only) | + Easily find your vet and start a virtual visit +See exactly how much it cost for new issues, follow ups and general inquiries | Cost varies and is set by the vet clinic. |
TeleVet iOS | Android Telemedicine (connect to current vet only) | + Super easy to use, upload photos, videos and select if you want to video chat or talk on the phone + Your vet will reach out to schedule your appointment | Cost varies and is set by the vet clinic. |
Fuzzy Web | iOS Android Telehealth & Telemedicine (depending on the state) | + Connect to your vet or another licensed vetActs as pet pharmacy to dispense medication in certain states + Vets can be booked for home visits in NYC and SFO + Also provides behavior or training sessions directly online | Virtual vet consult is $25 for 15min. Behavior or training session is $30 for 30min. |
Ask.Vet Web Telehealth | + Best for EmergenciesFree vet sessions during the pandemic + Connect to a vet in a few minutes rather than needing to book in advance + No time limit for each session https://home.ask.vet/spo/chatnow | + Live chat is $19.99 for one session, no time limit. FREE for the time being as sessions are sponsored by Royal Canin. |
AirVet iOS | Android Telehealth & Telemedicine (depending on the state) | + Best for emergencies + Connected to a licensed vet in a minuteNo time limit for each session + Can connect to your vet if they’re in the network or switch to another licensed vet listed in the app | $30 per virtual session, no time limit. |
PetDesk
We love: the free app that can be used to organize all of your pet medical records
Cost: Cost varies and is set by the vet clinic.
One of our favorite options for pet telemedicine, this is an easy to use app if your current vet is already in their network. You can use the app for free to organise your pet’s medicine, health records and upcoming appointments. We know how hard it is to stay on top of everything which makes this one of our top picks.
PetDesk allows you to save all of your pet’s information on its app, from contact information for your vets, preferred emergency animal hospitals, and groomers. From the main dashboard, you can see which places are open and some allows you to request an appointment or start a video call directly in the app.
When you create your pet profile, you can save your pet’s records and prescriptions. Under the the To-Do tab, you can create reminders for giving your pet medication, restocking food and supplies, and scheduling checkups, or ask for notifications on their birthday. While you will need to have a vet already on the PetDesk network to make virtual appointments, you can still use the app as a medical organizer for your pet’s records.
Airvet
We love: the ability to connect to a vet immediately to ask questions for emergencies
Cost: $30 per virtual session, no time limit.
An easy to use app that connects you to a veterinarian immediately when you have emergencies that just can’t wait.
The great thing about AirVet is the option of speaking with your vet or with any vet that is in their network.
AirVet is uniquely helpful because you have the option of speaking with the vet your pet already sees if they’re a part of the network or any of the licensed vets that are listed in the app. You can always switch between the two options as needed, which is handy if you’re trying to connect when your vet isn’t available. The goal is to get you connected with an expert immediately.
Using AirVet is pretty straightforward. You create profiles for your pets with their breed, age, and weight, plus you can add any notes like prior or existing health problems. If you have your vet connected, it will tell you if they’re available at that time. If not, you can choose the “Need Help Now” option to start a video call. From there, you’re asked to select a problem from a list of 10, ranging from general medical questions, ear infections, and throwing up to behavioral problems. You can also attach photos. I was connected in less than a minute with a vet who has been practicing for more than 45 years.
You can go through your case history to refer back to vets you spoke to if you need to contact support. It also tells you in which practice each vet works.
Fuzzy Vet Care
We love: the option to choose digital consult, home visits and even online dog behavioral training sessions
Cost: Virtual consult is $25 for 15 minute session. Training session is $30 for 30 minutes.
The great thing about AirVet is the option of speaking with your vet or with any vet that is in their network.
Fuzzy Vet Care gives you the option of speaking with your current vet if they’re a part of the network or any of the licensed vets that are listed in the app. You can always switch between the two options as needed, which is helpful if you’re trying to connect when your vet isn’t available. One of the unique features of Fuzzy is that it also allows you to book training session for your dog, which is super useful during this time.
Advice from the Vet | Dr. Bryant
“If you are nervous, the best option is to connect and speak with any vet as soon as possible to check if you should take your pet to a clinic. If it is an emergency the vet will be able to advise you immediately.”
Dr. Nelva Bryant is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and a retired LCDR in the U.S. Public Health service with 27+ years professional experience. Past positions at CDC include: Quarantine Veterinary Medical Officer (Dog Importation Subject Matter Expert), Veterinary Public Health Consultant, and Chief Veterinary Pathologist.
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