There isn’t a whole lot that you can’t do online nowadays, and that includes seeing a vet. Visiting your local veterinary practice for day-to-day queries could soon be a thing of the past thanks to a rise in online veterinary services that can help you to diagnose and treat your pet without leaving your home.
Here, we'll take a look at everything you need to know about online vets and why you should use one.
What is an Online Vet?
As the name suggests, online vets provide a veterinarian service to their clients over the internet. This can be via the phone, video chat, or in some cases, online chat rooms.
Some online vets operate via a website, while others have created their own app, but the one thing they all have in common is that they provide a virtual service meaning that they don’t see your pet in person.
Why You Should See an Online Vet
Online vets aren’t designed to replace your local veterinarian, but instead provide a supporting service. While you may need to wait a couple of hours or even days to see your local vet, online vets tend to operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
This means that you could speak to a veterinarian or a vet nurse in minutes, rather than waiting for an appointment. Besides helping you to speak to a vet sooner, online vets can also be cheaper, or even free with certain pet insurances.
Can Online Vets Prescribe Medication?
If, during your online consultation, your online vet decides that your pet needs prescription medication, unfortunately, they cannot prescribe this medication themselves. This is because an in-person examination is needed to prescribe medication.
Instead, most online vets will write a referral to your local vet, describing the nature of your consultation and what they recommend your vet prescribe. Your local vet can then meet with you in person and sort out the necessary prescription.
When to See an Online Vet
While online vets may not be able to prescribe your pet medication, they can still come in extremely handy. One of the most common reasons why pet owners get in touch with an online vet is to ask questions about more minor illnesses such as stomach upsets or mysterious skin conditions.
In these instances, an online vet can help put your mind at ease, or if they suspect something more serious, they can direct you to your physical vet.
What Happens During Consultation With an Online Vet?
Having booked your appointment online, either through the website or on an app, you’ll be connected to a fully qualified veterinarian or veterinary nurse.
Generally speaking, most online vets operate using a video-chat-style service such as Zoom, FaceTime, or WhatsApp video calling. This enables them to talk with you and see a video of your pet. In instances where you cannot provide a video link, you will also have the option to attach photos.
If the online vet decides that you need to be seen in person during the consultation, they can write a referral to your local vet, ensuring that they, too, are up-to-date with all of your consultation notes.
Following your online consultation, most online vets will then provide you with a follow-up email. The follow-up email will provide you with details of your consultation and any advice given.
Can You Register With an Online Vet and a Physical Vet?
Absolutely! In fact, registering with both an online vet and a physical vet would actually be preferential. For general inquiries and a quick response, you’ll be able to quickly get in touch with an online vet, while for more severe ailments or prescription medication, you’ll have access to your local veterinarian service.
Using an online vet for day-to-day inquiries or queries ensures that your physical vet is free to focus their attention on pets who need hands-on assistance.
How Else Can the Internet Help You Care For Your Pet?
It has never been easier to provide your pet with top-quality care. There are dozens of pet-focused subscription boxes just a click away, thousands of like-minded pet-owners waiting to offer advice, and more training tips and tricks online than you could ever need.