It’s 2 a.m., and you can’t sleep because you have a question about your dog’s new behavior. That’s when an online vet can help and put your mind at ease or give you much-needed advice.
An online vet will not replace your regular vet. But they can be very helpful in many instances. Also, online vet advice can be very budget-friendly. In short, a virtual vet visit, live chat, phone call, or email can even be a great choice in a pinch.
This article covers what to expect from an online vet, what it costs, and where to find one, so you’re ready before you ever need it.
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Budget tip:
The great part of an online vet service is that you can often chat for free. Even a virtual visit can be affordable when compared to a regular vet visit. Also, you have access 24/7 to a vet. Online vet advice can be a great win-win for your dog and your wallet!
What Is An Online Vet Consultation?
There are different options for a virtual vet. You generally have the options of:
- live chat
- phone call
- virtual visit
Most 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? Here are the top 33 signs it’s time to take your dog to the vet.
What Are The Benefits of Online Vet Consultations?
There are a few benefits of consulting an online vet. These include:
- Away from your vet, camping, traveling, or out of town
- Your 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? Then a mobile vet may be a great option.
What Symptoms or Issues Can an Online Consultation With a Vet Cover?
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 that 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? Here are some ideas to help reduce your vet bill with easy at-home care.
Can Veterinary Telemedicine Prescribe Medications?
This will depend on your location and the vet service you use. You may find that a virtual veterinary consultation will only be able to prescribe in the states in which they practice. Also, keep in mind that 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? Here’s how to reduce your pup’s medicine bill without compromising quality.
Can I Talk to a Vet for Free Online?
Yes. But most 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. Also, vets online 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 Dog?
Keep in mind that visiting an online veterinarian through live chat or email generally prohibits the prescription of any medications. Also, an online vet can’t physically examine your dog.
But 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 | Additional Info | Cancel Easy | Prescribe RXs | Special | |
| Chewy | 8 a.m. to 3 a.m. EST | Free with a free Chewy account | Free with a free Chewy account | $49.99 | No | N/A | Yes in CA, IN, NJ, NY, OH, PA & VA | 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 | The vet professional can only address nutrition, well-being, and behavior issues. | N/A | No | Nutrition Advisors and licensed vet techs only |
| Just Answer Vet | 24/7 | $5-25 membership + $28-125 monthly fee (cancel anytime) | 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 | $144/billed annually (includes: 4 same-day video appointments + 50% off additional bookings) | N/A | $102 per virtual visit | all your pets are covered with one payment | Subscriptions can be cancelled any time. Memberships can be canceled before renewals. | Yes | 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 | Yes. $90/month for six months or $135 yearly for unlimited consultations or $65 per virtual visit | Only virtual vet care | Every virtual visit includes a follow up to see your furry buddy is doing | No | Must download app |
| Telepaws | 24/7 | N/A | N/A | $65 on-time fee a single virtual appointment | $45/month membership, includes a monthly virtual visit | N/A | Not in all states. Check your state here. | Holistic approach to all issues. Only licensed vet (no vet techs) |
| Bondvet | Monday-Wednesday between 8am-5:30pm, Friday-Saturday from 3pm-9:30pm, and Sunday 2pm-9:30 pm. | N/A | N/A | $98.50 per virtual visit | 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 | $129.99 yearly for unlimited access. 75% off additional pets for yearly plans. | 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.
Are you searching for a great vet? Here’s what you need to know to find a vet you and your dog will love.
What Do I Need to Do to Prepare For a Virtual Vet Appointment?
Honestly, it doesn’t take much to prepare.
- Your dog’s medical records (if you have easy access to them)
- A virtual call should be in a well-lit area
- Write down any questions or issues you want to address
Is your vet making you uneasy, but you’re not sure why? Here are the top 15 signs you see when it’s time to get a new vet.
What Are The Downsides of 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. 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 budgetary items to consider when using an online vet. 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 a 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!!! |
Worried about keeping dog care costs manageable long-term? My ebook Stop The Dog Money Worry can help.
Related articles:
- 33 Signs Your Dog Needs a Vet
- 8 Surprising Benefits Of Mobile Vet Services For My Dog
- Does DIY Reduce Dog Vet Costs? Yes!
- Are There Really Safe Cheap Dog Meds?
- Affordable Holistic Dog Care Treatments
- 10 Steps to Find the Best Vet
- 15 Red Flags-Time For a New Vet!
- Hidden Dog Expenses: Why Good Dog Parents Spend More Than They Expect
FAQs About Online Vet Advice
Is online vet advice safe?
For minor concerns, behavioral questions, and non-emergency symptoms, yes. Licensed vets and vet techs staff most reputable services. Always follow up with your regular vet if symptoms worsen or something feels off.
Can an online vet diagnose my dog?
No. Online vets can offer guidance, assess risk level, and in some states prescribe medications, but they cannot examine your dog physically or provide a formal diagnosis.
Is online vet advice covered by pet insurance?
Some pet insurance policies include free 24/7 virtual vet access. Check your policy details — it may already be a benefit you’re not using.
Want a full plan for keeping dog expenses under control? The free 5-Day Dog Reset walks you through it step by step.
Final Thoughts on The Benefits of Online Vet Advice
Most dog parents will admit they’ve had a middle-of-the-night worry about their pup. It may keep you up until you talk to your vet. I know I’ve wondered about my dog Henry’s health at the weirdest times.
When you’re out of town, you may notice a new behavior with your dog that you simply aren’t sure is an issue or not.
This is when online vet advice can be helpful. Just knowing online vet advice is an option 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.
