The idea of online veterinary care may seem a bit suspect. How could someone treat a pet through a computer? But the truth is that pet telehealth is operated by the same licensed and experienced professional you’d find at a ‘regular’ veterinarian’s office. And while virtual care isn’t recommended for severe ailments, it can make for an accessible alternative to pet parents looking for advice on less emergent issues, like nutritional guidance or a diagnosis that can be performed based on symptoms.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual veterinary care has been on the rise, and experts anticipate a year-over-year growth in the online telehealth market of just over 17% from 2024 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.
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.
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
Browse our reviews of the seven best online veterinarians below. Tap on the image to visit the provider.
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.
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.
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.
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.
ProsCons✓ 24/7 access to veterinary experts✕ Does not prescribe medication✓ Subscription starts at just $12.99/mo
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
