Curious about the best online vet consultations available in the market? Our comprehensive guide explores top virtual pet care services, from 24/7 access to expert advice to subscription plans and prescription options. Learn how to choose the best online pet care solution, whether you need a quick chat or in-depth advice!
Did you ever imagine a world where you could consult a vet without leaving your home? Even before the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped our lives, veterinarians were exploring various ways to make their services more accessible. But once lockdowns hit, the shift to online consultations became a lifeline for many pet owners.
Fast forward to today, and online veterinary services are not just a temporary fix, they're here to stay! As we navigate the post-pandemic world, telemedicine for pet healthcare continues to thrive. Whether it's a quick chat with a licensed vet over video or a simple phone call, virtual consultations are revolutionizing how we care for our furry friends.
Curious about choosing pet care tools and the right online service for your needs? Dive in, and let's explore how to find the perfect virtual vet for you and your pet!
ON THIS PAGE
How to Prepare for Your First Virtual Vet Consultation?
During an online veterinarian appointment, you'll connect with a vet via video call to discuss your pet’s health. We recommend you gather the following items:
- Your pet’s medical and vaccine records
- Photos of any rashes, unusual poop, or other symptoms
- A list of questions or concerns you want to discuss
The vet may provide a diagnosis based on the information you share, offer treatment and care plans, or suggest further in-person exams if needed. You’ll also receive advice on the next steps, whether that’s pet medications, lifestyle changes, or follow-up visits.
Dr.Tail
- Consultation and Availability: 24/7 Access to On-Demand Expert Consultations
- Cost: Completely free, with payment for some features only.
- Emergency Fund: No
Dr.Tail offers the best online vet service by analyzing your pet’s medical records and daily updates to create personalized care plans that grow with your pet. Dr. Tail uses advanced AI technology to predict future health needs based on your pet's data. It helps you stay proactive by anticipating potential health issues and offering tailored diet and exercise plans to keep your pet healthy. The user-friendly app saves time by streamlining your pet care routine while offering exclusive features like weight tracking, automated reminders for check-ups, and daily quizzes to enhance your pet knowledge.
Visit the Dr.Tail website for more information!
Pawp
- Consultation and Availability: 24/7 Access to On-Demand Expert Consultations
- Subscription: Yes; $99/annum
- Cost: Initially $19/month, adjusted to $24/month starting March 2022
- Emergency Fund: $3,000; Members can add an Emergency Fund for an additional $19/month starting July 2023.
Pawp offers a convenient and affordable digital veterinary clinic for pet owners. For just $99 a year, members get unlimited access to text and video chats with licensed US vets and vet techs through the Pawp app. Their team is available 24/7, ensuring you're never without support if your pet needs help. You can connect with a vet in under a minute, giving you peace of mind during any situation.
Visit the Pawp website for more information!
WhiskerDocs
- Consultation and Availability: 24/7 Access to On-Demand Expert Consultations
- Subscription: Yes; $129.99/annum or $16.99/month
- Cost: $39.99 per call or chat and $4.99 per email
- Emergency Fund: No
WhiskerDocs offers 24/7 access to veterinary telehealth specialists for pet owners. After signing up, you can quickly connect with a licensed US veterinarian or veterinary technician through phone or live chat, often within 30 seconds. Unlike some other services, WhiskerDocs does not provide an emergency fund, which likely helps keep their service affordable.
Visit the WhiskerDocs website for more information!
Chewy
- Consultation and Availability: Access to On-Demand Expert Consultations from 6 a.m.-12 a.m. ET
- Subscription: No
- Cost: $19.99 per 20-minute video call
- Emergency Fund: No
Chewy, a trusted online pet supply store, offers free telehealth services for its Autoship customers. Through their "Connect with a Vet" feature, you can chat live or have a 20-minute video call with a licensed U.S. vet between 6 a.m. and 12 p.m. ET. If the vet recommends any products for your pet, you can conveniently purchase them through Chewy's store. Additionally, Chewy provides pharmacy services, allowing you to fill prescriptions from your primary veterinarian directly through their platform.
Visit the Chewy website for more information!
Airvet
- Consultation and Availability: 24/7 Access to On-Demand Expert Consultations
- Subscription: $35/month or $350/year
- Cost: Flat fee of $75 for on-demand video calls
- Emergency Fund: $3,000
Airvet is a virtual vet service that connects pet owners with licensed veterinarians. It serves as an independent platform and also partners with many physical vet clinics. If your regular vet is part of the Airvet network, you can easily reach them through the platform. While Airvet vets can't directly diagnose or treat your pet, if you connect with your primary vet, with whom you have a veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR), they may offer advice and prescribe medication based on your pet's needs.
Visit the Airvet website for more information!
Vetster
- Consultation and Availability: 24/7 Access to On-Demand Expert Consultations
- Subscription: Yes; $11.49/month or $137.88/year
- Cost: $50 for one-time appointment
- Emergency Fund: No
Vetster is a versatile telehealth service for pets. For $11.49 per month, US-based subscribers get unlimited virtual appointments and live chats with licensed veterinarians. You can discuss various topics like your pet's diet, minor injuries, or general health concerns. Vetster also offers wellness plans, covering the cost of your pet's yearly in-person wellness checkup across the US. Some plans even include flea and tick prevention and vaccinations throughout the year.
Visit the Vetster website for more information!
AskVet
- Consultation and Availability: 24/7 Access to On-Demand Expert Consultations
- Subscription: Yes; $9.99/month
- Cost: No service for non-subscribers
- Emergency Fund: No
AskVet offers 24/7 live chat with licensed veterinarians through your mobile device or computer. Their team consists of US-licensed vets, each with an average of 12 years of experience. While AskVet provides expert guidance, advice, and pet health education, they cannot diagnose, treat, or prescribe medications. The service is available only through a $9.99 monthly subscription, with no options for nonsubscribers.
Visit the AskVet website for more information!
PetCoach
- Consultation and Availability: 24/7 Access to On-Demand Expert Consultations
- Subscription: No
- Cost: Free service
- Emergency Fund: No
PetCoach by Petco is a convenient platform where you can ask questions about your pet’s health, nutrition, or behavior and receive quick responses from verified US-licensed veterinarians, veterinary technicians, nutritionists, certified trainers, and behavior specialists. You can choose to ask a single question and receive a direct response from a veterinarian or veterinary technician in the online forum.
Visit the PetCoach website for more information!
Tips for Finding the Best Online Pet Care Services for Your Furry Friends!
Looking for online solutions for your pet but feeling overwhelmed with options? Don’t worry, choosing the best virtual care for your furry friend doesn’t have to be complicated!
Vet Availability
Have you ever wondered if the service you’re eyeing is even available in your area? While the beauty of online services is that you don’t have to be physically close to the vet, some platforms are only accessible in specific regions or countries. Beyond availability, think about the number of professionals the service offers. After all, you don’t want to be stuck waiting for answers to urgent questions just because there aren’t enough vets on hand.
Consultation Types
Do you prefer a quick chat or an in-depth video call when it comes to your pet’s care? Many online vet services offer both! Some even have community forums where you can ask questions and learn from other pet parents. If you like flexibility, some platforms allow you to pick your healthcare professional and the type of consultation you prefer. For added peace of mind, some services offer subscriptions, so you can consult as many times as you need without worrying about extra costs.
Costs
Let’s face it - costs matter! Are you ready to subscribe, or would you prefer to pay only when you need help? Subscription plans can cost anywhere between $20 and $40 per month, and some even offer discounts for annual payments. While a subscription could save you money over time, especially if you have a lot of questions, be sure to check for any restrictions. Some services allow you to cover up to six pets, while others limit it to just two.
Prescription Medication Services
Need medication for your pet but don’t want the hassle of an in-person visit? While most online vets can’t prescribe meds without seeing your pet in person, a few offer more comprehensive prescription services.
Other Perks
Who doesn’t love extras? Some platforms offer perks like access to a pet health library or even a free pet ID that can help reunite you with your lost pet. These little bonuses might not be essential, but they can certainly sweeten the deal!
So, what’s your priority: affordable access, prescription services, or an emergency fund? Finding the right online care and pet products for your pet’s well-being doesn’t have to be a one-size-fits-all decision. With a little research and pet care app comparisons, you can find the perfect fit for your pet’s unique needs!