The essentials
- Online vets are legitimate — Online veterinary services are staffed by licensed professionals who can provide valuable advice and resources for pet healthcare.
- Virtual vets can prescribe medication — Generally, a virtual vet can only prescribe medication if there is an established Veterinary-Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR), which typically requires a previous in-person examination.
- Free online vet consultations exist — Some online platforms offer text chat, phone calls, or video chat with licensed vets and vet techs.
Pet telehealth is on the rise, and has been since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Experts anticipate a year-over-year growth in the veterinary telehealth market of just over 17% from 2022 to 2030. Our team reviewed seven of the most popular online vet services, so you can find the right one for your dog or cat.
The best online veterinarians
- Pawp — Best for emergencies
- Dutch — Best for personalized care
- Vetster — Best option for 24/7 accessibility
- whiskerDocs — Great for quick consultations
- Airvet — Best for video consultations
- AskVet — Best for preventative care
- Chewy “Connect with a Vet” — Best for convenience and accessibility
Online vets vs in-person vet visits
When it comes to caring for our beloved pets, modern technology has opened up a new avenue: online veterinary services. While traditional in-person vet visits remain a mainstay, online vet consultations offer a convenient and increasingly popular alternative. However, each of these options has its unique features, benefits, and limitations.
| Features | Online vet | In-person vet |
|---|---|---|
| Can prescribe medicine | Maybe | Yes |
| Can refill medicine | Maybe | Yes |
| Available 24/7 | Yes | No |
| Can perform physical exams and diagnostics | No | Yes |
| Can perform surgeries | No | Yes |
| Can administer vaccines | No | Yes |
| Can provide immediate emergency care | No | Yes |
Understanding the legal aspects of online vet care
While online veterinary services offer a new level of convenience, it’s important to be aware of any legal limitations. The ability of online vets to prescribe new medications without physically examining the pet largely depends on the regulations in your specific region.
In the U.S., for instance, the Veterinary-Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR) law stipulates that a vet must have recently seen the pet in person before prescribing medication. This means that, legally, an online vet may only be able to give general advice based on the information provided by the pet owner.
However, some states have begun to recognize virtual care as a legitimate way to establish a VCPR under certain conditions. Despite these changes, it’s always recommended to maintain regular in-person vet visits for thorough physical examinations and immediate care in emergencies.
“This is a complex area and will likely be undergoing changes. As telemedicine becomes more common, many states are updating their policies,” says Dr. Liza Cahn
Best for emergencies: Pawp
Attributes of Pawp:
- What type of animals do they see? Dogs and cats of all ages and breeds.
- What services do they offer? 24/7 telehealth access to licensed veterinarians, unlimited chats, and continuous virtual care personalized for long-term health goals.
- How much do they cost? $24 per month for unlimited access
- Do they offer prescriptions? Yes, for flea/tick prevention in certain states. Existing prescriptions can also be filled through the Pawp Pharmacy.
- Do they offer 24/7 advice? Yes.
- Do they offer an emergency fund? Yes, $3,000 coverage for one emergency visit per year for one of up to six pets in your household.
Pawp offers unlimited telehealth with 24/7 access to licensed vets and a $3,000 fund for emergencies, all for just $24/month. One plan covers up to six pets (cats and dogs) in the same household, even those with pre-existing conditions.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Unlimited telehealth chats | Coverage only for one emergency visit per year |
| Flat monthly fee | Coverage not available for animals other than dogs and cats |
| Option for a $3,000 annual emergency fund | |
| No deductible or copays | |
| Covers up to six pets |
Best for personalized care: Dutch
Attributes of Dutch:
- What type of animals do they see? Dogs and cats of all ages
- What services do they offer? Personalized health plans, nutritional advice, and 24/7 access to veterinary experts via chat. They focus on preventative care and common issues.
- How much do they cost? Subscription starts at $20/month for dogs and $19/month for cats.
- Do they offer prescriptions? Yes, prescriptions and personalized supplement recommendations, depending on state-specific laws.
- Do they offer 24/7 advice? Yes.
- Do they offer an emergency fund? $10,000/yr for emergency visits and can be used for more than one emergency without pre-approval, serviced through Pets Best.
With Dutch, you can access personalized pet healthcare for just $20/month. They cater to dogs and cats of all ages, providing tailored health plans and nutritional advice for your furry friends. The service includes 24/7 access to veterinary experts via chat, ready to address any concerns or queries you may have about your pet’s health.
Moreover, Dutch also offers personalized supplement recommendations, ensuring that your pet receives all the necessary nutrients for optimal health. This service is perfect for conscientious pet parents who want the best care for their four-legged family members.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Personalized pet healthcare | No coverage available for animals other than dogs and cats |
| 24/7 access to veterinary experts | |
| Provides tailored health plans and nutritional advice |
Best for 24/7 Accessibility: Vetster
Attributes of Vetster:
- What type of animals do they see? Dogs and cats of all ages, as well as horses, birds, reptiles, and small mammals.
- What services do they offer? 24/7 access to licensed veterinarians and veterinary technicians for advice, diagnosis, treatment plans, and prescriptions if necessary.
- How much do they cost? Fees vary based on the type of appointment (chat or video call) and the specific professional’s rate. Average cost per appointment is around $50.
- Do they offer prescriptions? Yes, if necessary and permissible by law
- Do they offer 24/7 advice? Yes
- Do they offer an emergency fund? No
For an average cost of around $50 per appointment, Vetster provides round-the-clock access to licensed veterinarians and veterinary technicians. They cater to a wide range of animals, including dogs, cats, horses, birds, reptiles, and small mammals.
With Vetster, you can get advice, diagnosis, treatment plans, and even prescriptions if necessary and permissible by law. This platform is ideal for pet parents who seek professional veterinary care from the comfort of their homes.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Round-the-clock access to licensed vets and vet techs | Pay for every appointment versus monthly retainer |
| Provides advice, diagnosis, treatment plans, and prescriptions if necessary |
Best for quick consultations: whiskerDocs
Attributes of WhiskerDocs:
- What type of animals do they see? Dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, and small mammals of all ages.
- What services do they offer? 24/7 access to veterinary advice, guidance, and support.
- How much do they cost? Subscription-based service starting at $12.99 per month.
- Do they offer prescriptions? No, whiskerDocs does not prescribe medication.
- Do they offer 24/7 advice? Yes
- Do they offer an emergency fund? No, whiskerDocs aims to aid pet parents with home care before they need to seek emergency intervention.
whiskerDocs offers 24/7 access to veterinary experts for a subscription starting at just $12.99 per month. They cater to dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, and small mammals of all ages.
While they do not prescribe medication, whiskerDocs provides advice, guidance, and support for your pet’s health and well-being. They can even help you find a vet in your area. This service is perfect for pet parents who need reliable, round-the-clock support for their beloved pets.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 24/7 access to veterinary experts | Does not prescribe medication |
| Subscription starts at just $12.99/mo |
Best for video consultations: Airvet
Attributes of Airvet:
- What type of animals do they see? Dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, and small mammals of all ages.
- What services do they offer? Airvet offers virtual veterinary care through video calls, providing medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment plans.
- How much do they cost? Flat fee of $30 for on-demand consultations.
- Do they offer prescriptions? Yes, if necessary and permissible by law.
- Do they offer 24/7 advice? Yes
- Do they offer an emergency fund? Yes, your membership includes up to $3,000 for life-threatening emergencies.
For a flat fee of $30 per consultation, Airvet offers virtual veterinary care for dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, and small mammals of all ages. Their services include medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment plans provided through video calls. They can even prescribe medication if necessary and permissible by law.
If your local vet is part of the Airvet network, they can connect you directly. This service is great for pet owners who want immediate, on-demand access to professional veterinary care.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Offers medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment plans via video calls | Flat fee of $30 per consultation versus a monthly retainer |
| Capability to prescribe medication if necessary |
Best for preventative care: AskVet
Attributes of AskVet:
- What type of animals do they see? Dogs and cats of all ages.
- What services do they offer? 24/7 access to licensed veterinarians for advice, guidance, and support.
- How much do they cost? Subscription-based service starting at $14.99 per month.
- Do they offer prescriptions? No, AskVet does not prescribe medication.
- Do they offer 24/7 advice? Yes.
- Do they offer an emergency fund? No
AskVet provides 24/7 access to licensed veterinarians for a subscription starting at just $14.99 per month. They cater to dogs and cats of all ages, offering advice, guidance, and support to pet parents.
While they do not prescribe medication, AskVet ensures that you have a professional to turn to whenever you have concerns about your pet’s health. They can also assist in finding a vet in your area. This service is ideal for pet parents who appreciate having constant access to veterinary advice.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 24/7 access to licensed vet | Does not prescribe medication |
| Capability to prescribe medication if necessary | No coverage is available for animals other than dogs and cats |
Best for convenience and accessibility: Chewy “Connect with a Vet”
Attributes of Chewy “Connect with a Vet”:
- What type of animals do they see? Dogs and cats of all ages
- What services do they offer? Online chat and video calls with licensed vets and vet techs.
- How much do they cost? $49/year for a Chewy membership which includes the “Connect with a Vet” service. Video appointments are available for $19.99. Some CarePlus pet insurance subscribers can get video calls for free.
- Do they offer prescriptions? No
- Do they offer 24/7 advice? Yes, for Chewy customers.
- Do they offer an emergency fund? No
Chewy offers a comprehensive range of pet products and services online, making it a one-stop shop for all your pet needs. For just $49 per year, you can access Chewy’s “Connect with a Vet” feature, which provides unlimited, 24/7 access to licensed veterinarians via chat. This service is perfect for those quick questions or concerns about your pet’s health that don’t necessarily require an office visit.
Although they do not offer prescriptions, their platform provides a wealth of information and resources to help you provide the best care for your pet. Whether it’s food, toys, or advice from a professional, Chewy has got you covered.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Offers “Connect with a Vet” feature for unlimited 24/7 access to licensed vets | Does not offer prescriptions |
| Comprehensive range of pet products and services online | Cannot diagnose or treat medical conditions |
| Additional cost for video calls |
Frequently asked questions
Are online vets legitimate?
Yes, online vets are legitimate. They are licensed professionals who can provide valuable advice and resources for pet healthcare. However, their ability to diagnose conditions or prescribe medications might be limited by laws in your region and due to lack of a hands-on physical exam and ability to perform diagnostic tests.
Can a virtual vet prescribe antibiotics?
Typically, a virtual vet can only prescribe antibiotics if they have an established Veterinary-Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR) with you and your pet, which usually requires a prior in-person examination. However, some regions are starting to recognize VCPRs established through virtual means under certain conditions
Can I talk to a vet online for free?
Some online veterinary services, like Chewy’s “Connect with a Vet,” offer free chats with licensed vets and vet techs. However, these services might not include comprehensive consultations or the ability to prescribe medications.
Is it cheaper to get a vet’s prescription online?
While online vet consultations can often be more affordable than in-person visits, the cost of prescriptions might vary. It’s always a good idea to compare prices from different sources to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Is Ask a Vet online legit?
Yes, Ask a Vet is a legitimate online service where you can consult with licensed veterinarians. However, as with other online vet services, they may be restricted in their ability to diagnose conditions or prescribe medications without an established VCPR.
What states allow veterinary telemedicine?
The regulations around veterinary telemedicine vary from state to state. Some states have started to recognize VCPRs established through telemedicine under specific conditions. Always check the regulations in your specific state when considering using online veterinary services.
