Have you heard about the benefits of online vet advice? While it may not replace your regular vet, it can be very useful in many instances. Plus, it can be very budget-friendly. In short, a virtual vet visit, live chat, phone call, or email even can be a great choice in a pinch. It’s one of the modern conveniences, I won’t hesitate to use if needed for my dog, Henry. With this in mind, today, let’s dig in and discover all the benefits of online vet advice.
Budget tip:
The great part of an online vet service is that you can often chat for free. However, if you need a virtual visit, even that can be very economical. At least compared to a regular vet visit. Plus, in most cases, you have access 24/7 to a vet. That kind of access can provide help when you need it most. Thus, online vet advice can be a great win-win for your dog and your wallet!
What is an online vet consultation all about?
There are different options for a virtual vet. Mainly it’s either through live chat, email, phone call or video. However, most of these virtual veterinary care services allow you to access a vet or vet tech 24/7. This can be a great relief when you can’t get to your vet.
Do you know when it’s time to see the vet? In this article, I share the top 33 signs it’s time to take your pup to the vet.
What are the benefits of online vet consultations?
There could be a few times you may want to consult an online vet. These include:
- Away from your vet camping or doing something else
- Pup has high anxiety with a simple vet office visit
- A minor issue that is concerning you but doesn’t appear to be major
- Simple second opinion on minor symptoms
- Simple and convenient
- Quick response
- Generally, there’s a huge savings over your regular vet
Want to see a vet in person, but don’t want to take your dog to the vet? In this article, I share the benefits of a mobile vet.
What symptoms or issues can an online consultation with a vet cover?
Naturally, a vet telemedicine can’t provide the hands-on care of your regular vet. But they can cover and provide advice on a multitude of issues, including:
- Behavioral
- Nutritional (pet or dog food review)
- Basic pet healthcare
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Itching
- Eye problems
- Ear concerns
- Fleas, ticks, and other parasites
- Toxicity or poisoning
- Wellness care
- First aid
- Confirmation you need to see your vet immediately, later, or not at all
Do you know that simple tasks like home DIY dog care, can reduce your vet bill? In this article, I reveal all the details.
Can veterinary telemedicine prescribe medications?
This will depend on your location and the vet service you use. You may find a virtual veterinary consultation will only be able to prescribe in the states in which they practice. Additionally, those vets who can prescribe will only be able to do so with a virtual (video) visit.
Want to learn how to find the best price on your dog’s prescriptions? In this article, I share how to do it.
Can I talk to a vet for free online?
Yes. But mostly free consultations will be through live chat or email.
How much does it cost to have a virtual (video) vet visit?
The price for virtual care will vary depending on the site and the vet or vet tech you select. However, some will be able to prescribe medications for your pets’ health with a virtual vet clinic visit.
Where can I find a virtual vet for my pet?
Keep in mind that visiting an online veterinarian through live chat or email generally prohibits the prescription of any medications. Moreover, an online veterinary consultation doesn’t lend itself to a physical examination of your furry friend.
However, you can receive pet care through various vet telemedicine services such as live chat, email, phone calls, or even video visits. Additionally, this type of virtual consultation is with a veterinary professional (licensed veterinarian or vet tech). Here are some sites offering virtual veterinary advice:
(Scroll to the right for more columns and information!)
| Vet Site | Times | Live Chat | Video | Sub. | Cancel Easy | Prescribe RXs | Special | |
| Chewy | 6 a.m. to 12 a.m. EST | Free for customers | N/A | $19.99 for 20 mins | No | N/A | No | Licensed vets/vet techs |
| Ask VetBabble | 24/7 | Free | N/A | N/A | No | N/A | No | Questions listed in forum |
| PETConnect | 24/7 | Free | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | No | Nutrition Advisors and licensed vet techs only |
| Just Answer Vet | 24/7 | $5 for 7 days chat consultation | N/A | N/A | Must cancel within 7 days, or you’re charged each month | Yes | No | Fast response |
| Pet Circle | 24/7 | Free | Free | N/A | N/A | N/A | No | Australian based |
| Vetster | 24/7 | $55 | N/A | Depends on the vet you select | $357.88 yearly for 4 live videos and unlimited vet chats (often discounted to $137.88) | Uncertain | Not in all states | Must download app.
In over 100 countries. |
| First Vet | 24/7 in the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Finland | N/A | N/A | $65 per consultation | $90/month for six months or $135 yearly for unlimited consultations |
Yes | No | Must download app |
| Telepaws | 24/7 | N/A | N/A | $70 for one-time consultation | $35/month for up to six appointments for the year | Must cancel 5 days before billing | Not in all states. Check your state here. | Holistic approach to all issues. Only licensed vet (no vet techs) |
| Bondvet | 24/7 | N/A | N/A | $95 for 20 mins | N/A | N/A | Only in NY, NJ, D.C., VA (MA if seen a Bondvet in-person) | Only licensed vets |
| WhiskerDocs | 24/7 | $39.99 per call or chat | $4.99 per email | N/A | $16.99 per month or $129.99 yearly for unlimited access – can’t have one sub. for all pets | Yes | No | Free follow-ups. Can take up to 4 hrs through email to get a reply. |
Where else can I find a vet online?
There are a few other places that offer virtual vet care. But I’ve provided the veterinary care sites with the best reputations and options. However, you may want to look at two other places unique to your situation. These include:
1. Pet insurance
Many pet insurance policies provide free 24/7 vet consultations. Meanwhile, others will provide virtual (video) appointments for free or very economically.
2. Regular vet
Some brick-and-mortar vets will allow you to email basic questions for free. Additionally, some vets offer virtual visits. However, the cost may be the same as a regular in-office visit. You’ll need to check with your vet to see if these services are offered and the price.
Wondering if there are any tricks to finding a great vet? In this article, I walk you through all the steps to find a great vet, like Henry’s vet.
What do I need to do to prepare for a virtual vet appointment?
Honestly, it doesn’t take much to prepare. If you have your dog’s medical records, then have those accessible. Also, if you’re participating in a live video be in a good light area so the vet can view your furry friend as well as possible. Of course, write down any questions or issues you want addressed.
Do you think you need a new vet, but you’re not sure? In this article, I share the top 15 signs you see when it’s time to fire your vet.
What are the downsides to a virtual vet visit?
Of course, a vet whether in chat, on the phone, in email, or even on video can’t physically evaluate your pup. So, there could be a possibility of overlooking something that your regular vet would catch. However, if you aren’t comfortable with your dog’s progress or the information provided with the online visit, then consult your regular vet as soon as possible.
What are the cost savings of an online vet consultation?
There are a few things to consider when taking into account the savings you might see with an online vet. Thus, for a moment, consider the following cost savings when using an online vet:
| Item to consider | Possible cost savings |
| No gas spent on travel | $7.50+ |
| Free chat (as opposed to regular vet visit) | $50-250 |
| Lower priced virtual vet visit | $30 – 155 |
| Not stressing your dog with an in-person vet visit | PRICELESS!!! |
| Accessible nearly anywhere you have internet | PRICELESS!!! |
| Quicker to get an online appointment | PRICELESS!!! |
| Your mind is at ease when you need it | PRICELESS!!! |
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Summary of Quick Help: Benefits of Online Vet Advice
Have you ever had a question about your dog late at night? Maybe it’s “Why does my dog sneeze at bedtime?” Or perhaps it’s something more serious like “Why is my dog suddenly vomiting?” I know I’ve wondered about Henry’s dog health at the weirdest times. But I know if there’s anything I need, I can chat with a vet for free or even spend a small amount and have a virtual vet visit. Just knowing this option is available without an expensive emergency vet visit or even a regular vet visit, puts my mind at ease. It’s a great option for my pocketbook and for Henry.
Did you know the benefits of online vet advice? Will you consider a virtual vet now?
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