In an era where convenience and efficiency reign supreme, the landscape of veterinary care has undergone a significant transformation. The rise of online veterinarian services has revolutionized how pet owners seek advice and care for their furry companions.
Whether you’re dealing with a minor pet health issue, seeking a second opinion, or simply looking for routine advice, we’ve reviewed and ranked the best online veterinarians to help you find expert virtual vet advice often at a fraction of the cost and time of traditional vet’s office visits. Let’s get started!
Canine Bible has tested and rated thousands of dog services, including online veterinarian services, to help you make better buying decisions. To learn more, read our editorial mission. This specific review article was written by the research team at Canine Bible, passionate and experienced dog experts and enthusiasts. All content has been fact-checked and vet-approved by Dr. Aukse Caraite, DVM, and our veterinary review board. For a deeper understanding and perspectives on online veterinarians, our writers and editorial team have referenced and cited peer-reviewed studies and insights from industry thought leaders and experts.
To generate a list of our top 10 online veterinarians, several of our testers and their dogs evaluated numerous online veterinary services. These services were examined in real-world experiences to assess their performance in key areas, including service quality, expertise, accessibility, pricing, and overall value (read our product review and test methodology for more information on how we test services). We also consulted with other experts for their insights on features to look for.
Here’s how we tested within five performance categories.
Service Quality: The first attribute we evaluated was the quality of service provided by each online veterinarian. Testers assessed the ease of booking appointments, the range of services offered (from general consultations to more specialized care), and the overall customer service experience. High ratings were given to those offering comprehensive, user-friendly, and reliable services.
Expertise: It’s crucial that online veterinarians possess the necessary qualifications and expertise. We verified the credentials of each veterinarian and examined their areas of specialization. Those with a strong background, additional certifications, and positive client reviews scored highly in this category.
Accessibility: Accessibility plays a pivotal role in the effectiveness of online veterinary services. We assessed the availability of veterinarians, the flexibility of scheduling appointments, and the platform’s user interface. Services that were easily accessible, with minimal wait times and user-friendly platforms, received high marks.
Pricing: We evaluated the cost of services offered by each online veterinarian, considering the value for money. Testers were asked if they found the services reasonably priced and if they would be willing to pay for them without reservation. High-value services that offered transparent and competitive pricing scored well in this category.
Communication and Follow-up: This category evaluated the clarity, promptness, and effectiveness of communication from online veterinarians. We assessed their ability to explain conditions and treatments, responsiveness to questions, and the quality of follow-up care. High scores were awarded to those providing clear, compassionate, and consistent communication, along with proactive post-consultation support.
Overall Value: After assessing the above attributes, testers were asked to consider the overall value of the service. This included analyzing customer feedback, the range of services offered, and the quality of care provided. Online veterinarians who offered a comprehensive, high-quality service at a reasonable price were rated highly for overall value.
How We Rated The Best Online Veterinarians
4.8 to 5 stars: These are the best online veterinarians we tested. We recommend them without reservation. They excel in service quality, veterinary expertise, accessibility, price value, customer feedback, and our personal experience.
4.5 to 4.7 stars: These online veterinarians are excellent—they might have minor flaws, such as slightly higher prices or less availability, but we still highly recommend them for your pet’s healthcare needs.
4.0 to 4.4 stars: We think these are great online veterinarians, but others are better. They meet most of the criteria for high-quality services, but they might lack in certain areas like accessibility or customer feedback.
3.5 to 3.9 stars: These online veterinarians are just average. They fulfill the basic requirements but may have issues like limited service options, higher prices, or limited accessibility.
3.4 and below: We don’t recommend online veterinarians with this rating; you won’t find any on our list. They have multiple areas of concern, such as lack of expertise, poor service quality, unreasonable pricing, or negative customer feedback and experiences.
We created this article on the best online veterinarians to provide dog owners with comprehensive, well-researched, and trustworthy information. Our goal is to empower you to make informed decisions about online veterinarian services and help you discover the best options for your dog’s health and well-being.
Here are four essential items you need to understand before using an online veterinary service provider.
Important terminologies. In online pet care, important terms include Telehealth (remote delivery of health information, education, or care), Telemedicine (exchange of medical information via technology, requiring a pre-existing in-person relationship), Teleadvice (general health guidance not specific to a pet), and Teletriage (online assessment to determine if emergency services are needed). Online vet services typically offer teleadvice and teletriage, ideal for general questions or initial emergency assessments, but telemedicine laws vary by state, affecting the services online veterinarians can provide.
Ideal for. Online vet care is perfect for addressing general health questions such as dietary concerns (weight loss, diet, nutrition), tummy problems (vomiting, diarrhea), minor cuts/wounds (bug bites, superficial cuts), skin conditions (rashes, itchiness, redness), and behavior questions (changes in behavior, general behavior advice).
Not ideal for. Online vet care isn’t recommended for emergencies, although it can help in triage; it’s also not suitable for yearly check-ups, which require in-person exams to establish a veterinarian-client-patient relationship, although it’s useful for questions and concerns between visits.
Prescription. Yes, online veterinarians can prescribe medications. However, it’s crucial to check your state’s regulations, as not all states permit this. In many places, an existing veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR) must be established, typically through an in-person visit, before a vet can legally prescribe medication.
Why Consider Consulting Online Veterinarians?
Some of the pros and benefits of seeing an online veterinarian include.
Less expensive
Convenient hours (24/7 vet help through chat or video)
Great for dogs and pets who are afraid of going to the vet
Faster response time
Talk to a licensed vet no matter where you’re located
Let you know if an in-person visit is necessary
Great if you don’t have pet insurance
No traveling
No waiting rooms
Reduced Stress for Pets
Faster response time
Great if you don’t have pet insurance
“Pet Telehealth is a fantastic initial service for any situation that feels urgent — an animal that is extremely lethargic, having issues breathing, bleeding, having seizures, or seems off,” said Dr. Zay Satchu, co-founder and chief medical officer at Bond Vet in New York City.[1]
Online vet appointments should not be considered a substitute for an in-person visit or to treat a medical emergency.
If a pet has ingested something harmful, you can call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435 (fees vary) or the Pet Poison Helpline at 1-855-764-7661 (there’s a $59-per-incident fee) for 24/7 emergency assistance. Be sure to save your emergency vet and a pet poison hotline phone into your phone.
How to Pick The Best Online Veterinarians
Credentials and qualificationsEnsure that the veterinarians are licensed and have the necessary qualifications. Look for information about their education, training, and areas of expertise. Check if the platform verifies the credentials of its veterinarians.
Customer reviews and testimonialsRead customer reviews and testimonials to gain insights into the service’s reliability and quality, paying special attention to comments about the veterinarians’ communication skills, responsiveness, and the accuracy of their advice.
Insurance and payment optionsInvestigate if the online veterinary service accepts pet insurance or offers any insurance plans, and understand their pricing structure and payment options to determine if it’s a pay-per-consultation model or offers subscription plans.
Aftercare and follow-up Determine if the online vet service provides follow-up consultations and aftercare advice, and assess how they handle prescriptions and referrals for in-person care if necessary.
Security and privacyCheck the platform’s policies on data privacy and security to ensure that your and your pet’s information is protected and handled with the utmost confidentiality.
Range of services offeredAssess the types of services provided. Do they offer general consultations, prescription services, or specialized care? Determine if they can handle the specific needs of your pet, such as dietary advice, behavioral issues, or chronic conditions.
Availability and response timeConsider the availability of the service. Can you access a veterinarian 24/7, or are there specific operating hours? Check the average response time. In urgent situations, a timely response can be crucial.
Platform usability and accessibilityEvaluate the platform’s user-friendliness, ensuring it’s easy to set up an account, book a consultation, access medical records, and check if they offer multiple channels of communication like video calls, chat, and email.
Personalized attention and careEnsure the service complies with legal and regulatory standards for veterinary telemedicine in your region, and understand the limitations of what can be legally diagnosed and prescribed online.
Who It’s For: For those seeking the most comprehensive veterinary care online. Whether your pet needs specialized care or a general consult, Vetster offers the most complete virtual vet service.
Why we picked and recommended it: We picked Vetster as our best overall online veterinarian service because of its extensive network of licensed veterinary professionals, 24/7 availability, and ease of use. The platform provides various services, from general consultations to more specific needs like dermatology or cardiology. Its user-friendly interface and flexible scheduling options make it highly accessible for pet owners. The company operates pet telemedicine services across the U.S., Canada, and other countries. You can use the service via their mobile app and website.
What sets it apart from competitors: Vetser has one of the larger networks of more than 1,800+ licensed veterinary professionals and over 30 specialists (behavioral, cardiology, and parasitology, etc.) covered. You can find get answers for almost anything. Plus, 1,000 + medications are available through VetsterRX Online Pharmacy.
Key Features
Prescription: Additionally, as part of your pet’s health plan, your Vetster Veterinarian will determine if your pet needs a prescription. Vetster vets can prescribe a wide range of commercial medications similar to how they prescribe in-clinic through the VetsterRx Online Pharmacy. Prescriptions will be processed and shipped to you in 2 business days. You can manage prescriptions and refills via a dashboard found within your account.
Wellness plan: Vetster has wellness coaches available to discuss your pet’s healthcare journey at $30, which works better in most situations. If you only have general wellness questions or concerns,
Primary vet match & VCPR regulations: The Vetster team does its best to match you and schedule online appointments with veterinary professionals near you so you can establish a vet-patient relationship (VCPR) in case you ever need an in-person visit and if your state’s regulations require a VCPR for prescriptions.
What We Like (Pros)
They are transparent about their staff (vets, vet techs, and specialists) and provide detailed information about their credentials and specialties, making it easier for pet parents to pick the right professional to help their pets
We love Vetster’s interface. It makes it super simple to book an appointment and connect to your session.
Telemedicine for multiple species, including dogs, cats, horses, reptiles, & rodents
Upon completing your appointment, you will receive your medical record and prescription (regional/vet permitting)
If you want a full refund, same-day appointments must be canceled within one hour of booking. Future bookings need to be canceled within 24 hours
What We Don’t Like (Cons)
A little more expensive than other options
Not suitable for life-threatening emergencies that require immediate physical intervention
No emergency fund
Vets can be limited depending on your state
2. Best Online Veterinarian Subscription
4.7
★★★★★
Airvet
Who It’s For: Its low-priced subscription plan makes it ideal for those who have questions about their pets’ ongoing health issues, need constant follow-up consultations, or pet parents who want a vet 24/7 for peace of mind.
Why we picked and recommended it: If you want unlimited vet consultation and ongoing virtual care from world-class veterinarians, Airvet is your top choice. Airvet offers the best online vet subscription plans we’ve seen. For online $19.99 a month, you can get unlimited video visits and follow-ups with registered vets. Dogs who suffer from chronic health issues have been diagnosed with an illness and require constant medical care and attention will benefit from Airvet subscription’s unlimited vet consultations. You can also request to meet virtually with your primary veterinarian if they are a member of Airvet. Paid annually is even cheaper, $14.99.
What sets it apart from competitors: When you sign up for Airvet, you also get perks such as personalized diet and nutrition programs, access to experts for behavior and training, and premium support for any account questions. One great thing about Airvet is that it offers services for non-members and members, and calls don’t have any time limits.
Key Features
Large network: Airvet has over 3,000 vets available for you to connect within seconds. Furthermore, the company is one of the top preferred telemedicine providers by veterinary practices.
Wellness plan: For $35.99 a month, join the Airvet Unlimited + Wellness plan to enjoy extensive benefits, including free wellness exams, grooming, vaccines, and parasite prevention at any vet nationwide, plus up to $650 annually for routine care. Just upload your receipt, and you’ll be reimbursed within 24 hours.
72-hour follow-ups: We value the option to continue chatting with the vet for up to 72 hours after your session ends at no extra cost, offering a chance to address any follow-up questions or changes in symptoms.
What We Like (Pros)
Ability to connect with a vet instantly, with minimal waiting.
Species treated include dogs, cats, fish, reptiles, birds (including chickens), tarantulas, rabbits, ferrets, horses & pigs
Provides a space for pet owners to interact and share advice.
You can cancel your subscription ten days before your next billing date to avoid a charge
What We Don’t Like (Cons)
No emergency fund
No specialist
Mobile-only (not on desktop)
3. Best Online Veterinarian Chat
4.7
★★★★★
PetCoach
Who It’s For: It’s suitable for those with general health queries, questions about pet behavior, nutrition, or preventative care. PetCoach is particularly helpful for individuals seeking answers to specific pet health questions or needing guidance on minor issues.
Why we picked and recommended it:PetCoach (by Petco) wins the medal for best online chat with a vet because of its two affordable pricing options. For just $5 a fee, a veterinarian or veterinary technician will answer a single question. You can include one photo and expect your answer in 30 minutes. It’s a good option if you have a single straightforward question about your pet. Or, you can pay $20 for an in-depth consultation with a veterinarian. This includes private unlimited online vet chat messaging and send multiple photos for as long as it takes to answer your question. Response time typically is 6 hours.
What sets it apart from competitors: Each response is tailored to the pet and situation. PetCoach’s website offers an extensive library of articles and resources on various pet health topics. The site has over one million articles, and we love that they post the questions and answers submitted by their paid users and vets.
Key Features
Free answer and knowledge base website: If you are looking for free online vet advice, PetCoach offers a searchable database of previously answered questions posed by pet parents and answered by their veterinarians. You can easily browse their database to find the answers to your questions for free without setting up a vet consultation.
Prescription: If your dog requires a prescription, PetCoach is authorized to dispense prescription medications and other regulated products in all 50 states through Express Scripts Pharmacy. This pharmacy is accredited by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy. They can fulfill a prescription with your vet’s approval. Additionally, they offer the convenience of contacting your vet on your behalf, either via fax or phone, for support—a beneficial feature.
What We Like (Pros)
Subscription available
Species treated include dogs and cats
Educational resrouce center
Nearly 100 vets worldwide
Mobile apps for Android and iPhone
What We Don’t Like (Cons)
No on-demand, immediate consultation
No video chat is available
No emergency fund
4. Best Free Online Veterinarian
4.6
★★★★★
Chewy
Who It’s For: Great for pet owners who are already Chewy customers (or new customers) who want to get free professional veterinary advice.
Why we picked and recommended it:Chew’s Connect With A Vet is our pick for the best free online veterinarian. Even though Chewy’s virtual vet service is for existing Chewy auto-ship customers, non-customers can still get free vet advice. All you have to do is sign up for recurring Autoship order delivery of your dog’s favorite food (or whatever you need regularly) through Chewy to have access to free online vet consultations. Signing up for Chewy is free, and so it’s Autoship. Even better, there is no minimum requirement for Autoship spending to participate and no extra fee for their online vet. For those who aren’t auto-ship customers, Chewy has low telehealth fees of $14.99 for a live chat session and $19.99 for a video consult.
What sets it apart from competitors: Unlike any other competitors, Chew offers all-in-one service for its seamless integration with Chewy’s extensive pet product platform (pet store, pet pharmacy and vet care), offering an added layer of convenience for pet owners.
Key Features
Prescription: They also offer pharmacy services to fill prescriptions written by your primary veterinarian.
Convenient: Integrates well with the regular shopping experience.
What We Like (Pros)
Over-the-counter meds, health and wellness products, pharmacy & much more
No additional charge for veterinary advice as a customer
Even more extraordinary is that Autoship saves you 40% off on your first order and 5% off future orders. You save on vet bills, pet care, and all dog goodies you buy, which is a spectacular deal!
Personalized care
Unlimited consultation with Autoship
Get help with pet-related concerns, from nutrition and supplements to emergency guidance
Available through desktop or mobile
What We Don’t Like (Cons)
Service time is limited between 8 a.m. and 11 p.m., so it’s not for middle-of-the-night consultations
No emergency fund
No available for customers residing in Alaska, Idaho and Hawaii
5. Best Online Veterinarian For Emergency
4.5
★★★★★
Pawp
Who It’s For: Ideal for pet parents who prefer a subscription-based model that offers online veterinary advice and an emergency fund for unforeseen vet expenses.
Why we picked and recommended it:Pawp was selected for its unique combination of offering unlimited 24/7 virtual veterinary support and an emergency fund to cover unexpected vet bills. This dual approach addresses both the need for immediate veterinary guidance and the financial concerns that come with pet emergencies. The simplicity of the subscription model and the reassurance it provides make it a standout choice.
What sets it apart from competitors: Pawp safeguards your finances and your pet’s well-being by providing an emergency fund. This fund covers up to $3,000 annually for emergency care, ensuring you pay $0 out of pocket. You can utilize this fund at any vet, and it’s applicable for up to 6 pets, including those with pre-existing conditions. This comprehensive emergency support is what makes Pawp stand out from the pack. To claim your funds, you must start a virtual call with a Pawp vet first to confirm your emergency and get to the ER within four hours.
Note: Pawp is not pet insurance, so there’s no copay, deductible, or credit check. And you don’t pay back the three thousand dollars. It is an excellent alternative to pet insurance but with the added benefit of having unlimited access to virtual vets.
Key Features
Savings: The company notes pet parents who switch to Pawp save $300 per year on premiums.
Free alternative: Pawp offers free online vet help through its subscription service. Within their seven-day free trial, you can access unlimited video calls and chat with their Pawp Vet Pro Team. If you cancel your subscription within the 7-day trial, you will not get charged. This is another way to get free online vet help.
Trained specialist: Pawp’s certified vets are complemented by the expertise of accredited trainers, behaviorists, and nutritionists. Their team has at least five years of experience in veterinary clinics, most over ten, and they undergo a highly stringent interview and onboarding process.
What We Like (Pros)
Protect up to 6 pets under 1 plan
No exclusions for breed, age, or pre-existing conditions.
First aid vet advice and emergency triage
Mobile app and desktop
What We Don’t Like (Cons)
The fund can be used only for one emergency per year
No services for non-members
6. Best Personalized Online Veterinarian Care
4.7
★★★★★
Askvet
Who It’s For: Particularly great for those looking for a comprehensive vet care support system that offers personalized care plans, routine health advice, and emergency funds.
Why we picked and recommended it: We chose AskVet as our best personalized online virtual vet for its approach to pet wellness, combining veterinary support with a focus on preventive care and pet lifestyle management. The platform’s emphasis on creating personalized care plans and its vibrant pet parent community make it a distinctive choice. Their live chat sessions can go as long as you need. Laura Berg, vice president of business development at AskVet, reported four hours for the longest live chat session.
What sets it apart from competitors: Unlike competitors, the AskVet care squad will also reach out with home lab kits to better assess your pet’s health status. A healthcare coach and a licensed veterinarian are also assigned to your pet for personalized guidance and pet wellness coaching. Together they will help you build a customized plan to keep your best friend healthier. They will also provide daily alerts and guidance on what may be bothering your pet (e.g., high pollen) and give tips to keep your pet happy. As part of your plan, they offer discounts on pet meds, food and supplies your dog may need at PetCareRx.
Key Features
Experience vets: They have a great team of veterinarians who have seen nearly a million virtual patients and an average practice experience of 12 years. No appointments are required, and you connect almost instantly.
Emergency fund: For each month’s membership, $45 is added to a Rainy Day Emergency fund up to $1,000, which can be used if your pet needs to visit the emergency room.
Follow-ups: Once your session ends, you will receive an email copy of the transcript or access it on the site’s history tab.
What We Like (Pros)
Unlimited live chats with no time limits
24/7 chat accessibility with a licensed veterinarian
Free month-long trial
Android and iOS app
What We Don’t Like (Cons)
Continuous access requires ongoing membership
No video chat is available
No one-time consults are available (monthly subscription only)
7. Best Virtual Vet Care + Wellness Plan
4.5
★★★★★
Banfield Pet Hospital
Who It’s For: Excellent for those who want the best of both world coverage for routine wellness visits and access to virtual vets for online advice.
Why we picked and recommended it:Banfield Vet Chat™ (virtual vet services) is perfect for already members of Banfield Pet Hospitals’ wellness plan or for pet parents looking to sign up their pets for a great wellness plan that includes online veterinarian consultations. Pricing for Banfield’s Optimal Wellness Plans (OWP) varies based on your pet’s breed, age, location, and several other factors. It offers different plans for each type of pet: dogs, puppies, cats, and kittens. Every OWP also includes two virtual vet visits per year, unlimited live 24/7 veterinary advice from Vet Chat and a coaching session on nutrition with a trained advisor per year.
What sets it apart from competitors: Aside from their online vet support, customers benefit from Banfield’s OWP, which includes coverage for the following preventive care expenses: unlimited office visits, bi-annual comprehensive wellness exams, pet wellness 1-1, diagnostic testing, vaccinations, two deworming sessions and two fecal exams.
Key Features
Additional coverage: It can also cover parasite control, dental, urine resting, x-rays, eye tests, electrocardiograms and more. However, the monthly fee tends to be higher to get this level of coverage.
In-office visit is available: You can use your OWP at any Banfield location nationwide. With over 1,000 locations, there’s a great chance there’s a convenient location near you. And most are inside PetSmart pet stores.
What We Like (Pros)
Wellness plans pay for routine visits, preventive care expenses and more
Established pet hospital
Discount on products
No need to file for reimbursement
Banfield’s Vet Chat app is designed by AskVet (our top pick for personalized pet telemedicine)
Backed by the reputation of Banfield Pet Hospitals
What We Don’t Like (Cons)
Must sign up for the Banfield wellness plan to have access to Vet Chat™
No video chat is available
No emergency fund
Only offers two virtual visits per year
You have to sign a 12-month contract
Coverage only applies to Banfield locations
Not ideal for the occasional online advice
8. Best Virtual Vet Care + Pet Insurance
4.7
★★★★★
WhiskerDocs
Who It’s For: Great for those who have pet insurance with certain providers or those looking to sign up for both virtual vet and pet insurance.
Why we picked and recommended it:WhiskerDocs is a renowned veterinary telehealth service that has served over 5 million pet patients. As one of the pioneers in real-time veterinary support in North America, WhiskerDocs stands out in the field. It’s particularly recommended for those seeking one-time consultations or preferring a pay-per-use approach. However, it’s worth noting for pet parents interested in pet insurance that providers like Pets Best, 24PetWatch, and Spot include access to WhiskerDocs as part of their policies. This is a significant advantage if you’re considering pet insurance, as choosing any of these insurers allows you to benefit from WhiskerDocs services at no extra cost. Additionally, WhiskerDocs is also provided as an additional benefit by some employers and various companies, enhancing its accessibility for pet owners.
What sets it apart from competitors: WhiskerDocs is probably one of the few that offer email vet consultations. This is helpful if you are not in a place where you can speak with a vet in real time or want a more affordable option. Generally, emails are answered within 4 hours. After any visit, WhiskerDocs will follow up within 48 hours to make sure your pet is responding well.
Key Features
Amazing savings. As a subscriber, you gain unlimited access to live chats, calls, or emails anytime, 24/7. Alternatively, you can opt for a full-year subscription with a one-time payment of $129.99, which roughly amounts to about $10.80 per month. If you choose the yearly membership, you have the option to add additional pets to the plan at a 75% discount. Impressively, 95% of calls are answered within 28 seconds, offering prompt assistance in case of emergencies.
Experts. The WhiskerDocs team includes licensed veterinarians and vet technicians, many of whom have over 15 years of experience caring for animals.
Pioneer. As a pioneer in pet telehealth, they have developed patented, industry-wide best practices that ensure the highest quality support for every pet and pet parent every time.
What We Like (Pros)
Great for pets under certain pet insurance policies
28-second responses 95% of the time
Website and mobile app availability
Companies can partner with whiskerDocs to offer it
Offers preventative care and guides for answers to common problems
What We Don’t Like (Cons)
Does not include video chat
The website is not as friendly as others
Other services offer video calls for the same price or cheaper than WhiskerDoc’s voice call price
No emergency fund
9. Best Q&A Online Veterinarian
4.6
★★★★★
JustAnswer
Who It’s For: Good for those looking for immediate, professional answers to specific pet questions.
Why we picked and recommended it:The JustAnswer website connects users with verified experts in various fields, including medical, legal, automotive, tech support and veterinary medicine. JustAnswer is a legitimate pet telehealth service. They verify the licensing and credentials for all experts. You can have chat sessions with experts via email or text, as well as phone availability (for an added fee). They will contact you by text or email when your pet’s question has been answered. On average, they claim to respond within six to seven minutes. It’s one of our favorite online vet chats accessible 24/7, including holidays. They’ve been in business since 2003, with more than 10 million customers over the years and a solid BBB Rating: A+.
What sets it apart from competitors: You can try them out for $1 for seven days for unlimited chats. Don’t forget to cancel your trial; otherwise, you’ll be charged a monthly membership fee. Membership fees vary according to the urgency and detail needed to answer your questions. Additional membership perks include savings on other vet services, including dog walking, primary care vet visits, grooming, and more.
Key Features
Specialist: They also have dog specialties specializing in all dog veterinary, symptoms, poisoning, illness, medication, behavior, other dog problems and more. JustAnswer online vets can help answer any issue impacting your dog’s health and well-being.
What We Like (Pros)
Species treated include dogs, cats, birds, horses and reptiles
User-friendly mobile apps for Android and iOS
Week-long trial membership for only $1
Available on holidays
Ability to send photos of your pet
What We Don’t Like (Cons)
Pricing is not clear
No video chat
No emergency fund
10. Best Online Veterinarian For Prescription
4.5
★★★★★
Hello Ralphie
Who It’s For: Ideal for those looking for online prescriptions.
Why we picked and recommended it:Hello Ralphie offers veterinary telehealth via the website or mobile app, in addition to an extensive online prescription service. Ralphie combines the convenience of an online vet pharmacy with telemedicine so that you can order medications along with your next remote visit.
What sets it apart from competitors: Paying $55 will get you telemedicine appointments for prescriptions or diagnoses. Remember that some states don’t allow telemedicine, so research your state’s law first. Ralphie works with a veterinarian pharmacy and can place orders whenever food, supplements, or prescription medications are prescribed for your pet. Medication usually ships within 1 to 2 days.
Key Features
Gives back to the community: Hello Ralphie partners with hard-working animal welfare organizations dedicated to helping less fortunate pets find safe and loving homes. The company donates a portion of its appointment fee to these pet rescue organizations.
Reimbursed with pet insurance: Pet parents whose pets are insured with PetPlan, PetFirst, Pets Best, and HealthyPaws can receive telemedicine reimbursements through Hello Ralphie.
What We Like (Pros)
Species treated include cats, dogs, pocket pets, exotics & large animals
Allow appointments for prescription or advice
Offers to re-fill in prescription
Records the vet chats for continuity. All medical records and conversations will be stored for future reference
What We Don’t Like (Cons)
No emergency fund
Other Mentions
FirstVet.FirstVet ensures you’ll always see a skilled veterinarian, no matter where you are, day or night. Aren’t sure if you need to bring your pet in to see the vet? Need help with your pet’s behavioral issues or sudden illness? FirstVet vets will help you confidently manage your pet’s injury or illness from home.
Nationwide Vet Helpline. Nationwide Vet Helpline by Nationwide is a well-known pet insurance company that offers on-demand advice from veterinary experts. They have experienced veterinary experts and include access to experts specially trained in veterinary toxicology. 24/7 access guidance on pet-related topics, from general questions to identifying urgent care needs through in-app chats and phone consultations. There is no additional cost for extra pets. Their service is one of the most affordable. Pay $14.99 monthly, $9.99 monthly (every three months), and $9.17 monthly (every six months). If you already have a pet insured with Nationwide, you have unlimited access to the Vet Helpline. You don’t need to sign up for Nationwide pet insurance to access their vet helpline. They are two different services.
Ask A Veterinarian Online. Ask A Veterinarian team of vets is on call for you and your family 24/7, even on holidays. They cover all types of pet problems, and some of their specialties include toxic food response, disease diagnosis, treatment options and pet injuries. You can discuss diagnosis and treatment options. They share their expert pool with JustAnswer, a generalist site. But Ask A Veterinarian limits their experts to certified veterinarians only.
One Vet. Onevet service instantly connects you to a vet once you sign up and download the mobile app. It costs $19.99 a month. The OneVet membership covers six cats or dogs with 24/7/365 access to a licensed veterinarian, a $3,000 yearly emergency fund, and vaccine tracking and reminders. They offer a 14-day free trial.
Virtuwoof.Virtuwoof allows you to chat with a veterinarian anywhere from any smartphone easily. Download the app, create profiles for each pet, and search for your current vet or an available Ask Virtuwof vet. Fees vary by veterinarian and visit type. Virtuwoof says its average response time is between 5 and 10 minutes.
TelePaws. They offer real-time video conferencing between you and your pet’s veterinarian. If available, we can guide you to holistic care. Appointments through TelePAWS aim to reduce travel, vet expenses, and waiting times, bridge care gaps, increase preventive outreach, and make it convenient for pets and their owners.
Bond Vet Telehealth. When you book a virtual vet visit with Bond Vet Telehealth, you get a 20-minute online vet visit that is similar to an in-person visit. Their vets will ask you a few questions, look at your pet, and offer solutions. They can prescribe medications to residents of New York. Their experienced veterinarians can help pet owners navigate pet health issues via video call. Visits are priced at $50.
Vet Triage. VetTriage gives instant video Televet sessions for any species with a licensed, experienced veterinarian. Connect 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, from anywhere on your computer or mobile device.
Reggies. Reggie is a relatively new brand that focuses on natural dog supplements, and they also offer a veterinary telehealth subscription. For $19 per month, customers can message a veterinarian anytime or set up a video consultation whenever needed. According to their website, they offer “prescription-based treatments” that can be shipped directly to your doorstep, although specific details on this process are not provided.
To guarantee a productive and successful online veterinary consultation, it’s essential to adhere to a set of guidelines that maximize the experience. Begin with thorough preparation: gathering all necessary information regarding your pet’s health. Ensure you have their medical history, current medications, and detailed descriptions of any symptoms or behavioral changes ready.
Clarity in communication is key. Be precise when describing your pet’s symptoms and behaviors, and if you have any concerns, articulate them clearly, using specific examples rather than vague descriptions. The environment during the consultation also plays a crucial role. Opt for a quiet and well-lit space, and if possible, have your pet present during the call to allow for visual assessment by the vet.
Technical setup shouldn’t be overlooked; ensure a stable internet connection and take some time to familiarize yourself with the consultation platform or software before the appointment. Throughout the consultation, don’t hesitate to ask questions. If there’s something you don’t understand, whether it’s a piece of advice or a specific term used by the veterinarian, seek clarification immediately. Finally, discuss a follow-up plan with the online vet. It’s important to know when and how to get in touch if your pet’s condition changes or if you have additional concerns after the consultation. These steps, when followed diligently, can significantly enhance the effectiveness and value of your online vet consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while online vets can provide guidance and advice on many issues, certain illnesses require physical exams, lab tests, or imaging for accurate diagnosis, which can’t be done remotely.
Look for services with licensed and experienced veterinarians, read customer reviews, and check if the service is compliant with regulatory standards in your region.
Generally, online consultations can be more cost-effective than in-person visits, especially for minor concerns or general advice. However, costs can vary depending on the service provider.
No, you should not use a virtual vet for an emergency. In case of an emergency, it’s crucial to seek immediate in-person veterinary care. Online vets can provide guidance on whether a situation is an emergency, but they cannot replace emergency care.
Best Online Veterinarians — Conclusion & Alternatives
Visiting an in-office veterinarian can sometimes feel costly and time-consuming, with tasks like calling the vet, driving, taking time off work, and waiting, only to realize the visit wasn’t needed. Additionally, some pet owners might find that their vet isn’t taking the time to answer all their questions.
If this resonates with you, it may be time to consider transitioning from traditional face-to-face veterinary care to an online vet service.
On-demand virtual vet services offer instant veterinary advice at a fraction of the cost. Imagine your dog is throwing up at 11:20 p.m.; the convenience of quickly hopping on your phone or computer to speak with a registered veterinarian is invaluable. Virtual vets provide professional help from the comfort of your home and often come with perks like emergency funds and subscriptions at discounted rates.
However, it’s crucial to remember that online veterinarians are not a substitute for emergency pet care. If your dog is suffering from a life-threatening injury or condition, immediate in-person emergency care is necessary.
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Sources
Canine Bible uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process and product review methodology to learn more about how we fact-check, test products, and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Doctor Zay. (n.d.). Bond Vet. Retrieved November 1, 2023
Canine Bible authorship represents the unified voice of our entire editorial team and our in-house veterinarians rather than a single author. Each article, blog post, and review published under the Canine Bible name undergoes a rigorous review process, involving all team members to guarantee accuracy and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. This collaborative effort is an integral part of our editorial process and aligns with our four pillars of content creation. This approach ensures our content is backed by expert knowledge and factual information, offering our readers reliable, actionable, and trustworthy content.
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