Dogs
Chat with a professional about your pet's medical needs
By
Ashley Knierim
Ashley Knierim
Ashley is a product reviewer who is passionate about writing service-focused content that brings joy into people's lives. From home decor to pets, she loves to cover everything lifestyle. Her over 10 years of experience has included writing for TIME, AOL, and Fundera.
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Updated on 01/10/22
Reviewed by
Nelva J. Bryant
Reviewed byNelva J. Bryant
Dr. Nelva Bryant, DVM, is a highly accomplished veterinarian with three decades of professional experience in animal welfare, public health, and zoonotic diseases. She has worked with airlines and the Centers for Disease Control to improve pet travel through veterinary oversight.Dr. Bryant is a Veterinary Review Board Member for The Spruce Pets.
Learn more about The Spruce Pets'Veterinary Review Board
Fact checked by
Nadia Baloch
Fact checked byNadia Baloch
Nadia Baloch is a fact checker, researcher, and writer with a background in psychology.She has worked for Harvard University and University of California, Berkeley as a research assistant. Nadia has fact checked for The Spruce Pets since 2021, reviewing articles about pet care and health for factual accuracy and consistency.
Learn more about The Spruce Pets'Editorial Process
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Like many things, veterinary care has gone online in a big way. Dozens of telemedicine-based, online-only vet care providers have sprung up over the past few years, most of them offering 24/7 access and the ability to chat or set up a video appointment with a veterinary professional. While an online telehealth session is still no substitute for a face-to-face appointment with your vet, these services are a great way to get fast answers to questions about your pet’s diet, behavioral issues, and other health concerns—especially if you’re not sure whether or not to take your furry friend in for a physical exam. Wondering where to begin? Check out our picks for the best online vets below. Best Online Veterinarians of 2023 Why We Chose It: Vetster uses a marketplace-based approach to virtually connect you with vet care professionals in your area. What We Like Ability to choose between vets and vet techs Emphasis on finding medical professionals near you Profiles and review systems add confidence What We Don’t Like Some areas have fewer vet options Vetster’s approach to telehealth may remind some people of Rover, the enormously popular app for finding pet sitters. The site allows users to search for veterinary professionals in your area and make telehealth appointments with the push of a button. Unlike most other online vet services, Vetster lets you choose from vet techs as well as veterinary doctors, giving you more control over pricing depending on the urgency or need for the appointment. Vetster’s interface is easy to use, and it’s usually possible to make an appointment for the same day. We also love that users on the medical professional side fill out profile details listing their professional designations, key areas of interest, and whether they can consult on certain issues. It’s our pick for the best overall online vet service. Why We Chose It: Banfield Pet Hospital is an established veterinary care provider with over 1,000 locations across the country. What We Like 24/7 vet access Well-designed app Continuity between in-person and digital experiences What We Don’t Like Must enroll in wellness plan Text-only chat With locations in nearly every state, Banfield Pet Hospital is one of the nation’s most popular vet care providers. If your furry friend is already a patient at one of its brick-and-mortar locations, you can complement their in-person care with the Vet Chat feature on the Banfield app. This tool provides around-the-clock access to a real vet, simplifying the question of whether or not to rush to urgent care after your dog gloms a bag of cheese puffs. Vet Chat is easy to use, with a text-based interface that’s also accessible on the Banfield website. The ability to use the same service for online advice and real-world visits is also a major plus, creating consistency for your pet’s care plan. The only real drawback is that even if you’re already a Banfield patient, you must enroll in the company’s Optimum Wellness Plan in order to use the Vet Chat service. Visit Banfield's website for an estimated pricing calculator; monthly costs vary based on your pet’s species, age, location, and whether they are spayed or neutered. Why We Chose It: PetCoach is a great resource with a huge amount of free content around veterinary health as well as an easy-to-use “Ask a Vet” feature. What We Like More affordable than other telehealth services Often publishes questions asked by users (with responses from vets) Available as an app What We Don’t Like Some services are buried in the site Content pages not organized by pet type Traditional vet care can be pricey, and telehealth services for your pet can often be as well. For a more affordable option, check out PetCoach, an online and app-based provider that lets users submit questions to a vet whenever they like, or arrange for a private telehealth appointment. We love that PetCoach publishes a vast amount of content around a variety of veterinary care topics, including many of the questions and responses submitted by the app’s users. If there’s one drawback, it’s that the site can be difficult to navigate, with few filters to separate content by pet type or condition (and tracking down vet profiles to set up consultations is also surprisingly tricky). However, the app is well designed and generally easier to use. Why We Chose It: Hello Ralphie is a great, app-based platform for veterinary telehealth that also has an extensive online prescription service. What We Like Ability to make an appointment for prescription or just advice Saves vet chats and records for added continuity Can fill prescriptions through the same service What We Don’t Like Must read the fine print for prescription appointments It’s no secret that services like 1-800-PetMeds are a great way of fulfilling your pet’s prescriptions online. Hello Ralphie combines the convenience of an online vet pharmacy with telemedicine, making it easy to pair your next remote visit with a medication order. Appointments start at $35. Appointments start at $35 and can be scheduled online or through the Hello Ralphie app. Your conversation and medical records will be stored for future reference. One thing to be aware of is that the service draws a distinction between the terms “telehealth” and “telemedicine,” and only appointments falling under the latter category can include a prescription or diagnosis. Bear in mind also that not every state allows vets to perform telemedicine, so do your research before scheduling an appointment. Why We Chose It: Whisker Docs offers a convenient monthly subscription so you can have access to vet professionals anytime you need it. What We Like Offers a subscription service if you frequently need vet care Options for single visits without a subscription 24/7 access to a vet What We Don’t Like No ability to get a prescription If you find yourself constantly coming up with questions for your vet, a subscription-based service like Whisker Docs may be a great option. This web-based veterinary service connects you to a vet or a vet tech via email, phone, or chat and is available 24/7. Their team can answer questions and give guidance about your pet’s health, but they cannot prescribe medicine. Whisker Docs has options for both subscriptions and one-time visits. Subscription plans run as little as $16.99 per month while a single phone call costs $39.99. Plans are based on a single pet, but you can add additional pets for a discount. If your question is not urgent, you can opt for an email response for $4.99, but it will take about four hours to hear back. Whisker Docs is a great choice for anyone who wants 24/7 access to a vet for a single price. Final Verdict While an online vet appointment should not be considered a substitute for an in-person visit, it can be a great way to get answers quickly or determine whether or not you need to rush to the vet’s office. The best online veterinarians offer 24/7 access to certified medical professionals, whether through text-based chats, video visits, or a question-answer submission system. Online technology has made it much easier to access a vet anytime you need it. Chatting with a veterinarian online or by video can help answer pressing questions and determine whether you need to take your pet to your local vet. Prices for online visits range based on the service, but expect to pay between $30 and $60 for a visit. Some services offer subscriptions so you can pay a single monthly or yearly fee for unlimited access to a professional. Some online vets do offer prescriptions, but not all states allow them so it is important to research your state's regulations If you visit an in-person vet, you can often ask them to send a prescription to an online pet pharmacy such as Chewy.com or 1-800-Pet-Meds to have it filled and delivered to your door. This can sometimes be cheaper than buying directly through your local veterinarian’s office. Any change in your pet’s behavior should be evaluated. If your pet is sleeping more than normal, not eating, or acting unusual, it’s important to get them the right care. You know your pet best, so if you recognize something is off, you should call your vet. Sometimes, minor concerns can be addressed via an online veterinarian, but emergencies should always be dealt with in-person. It can be difficult to determine what distinguishes one online veterinarian service from another, and some have websites that are low on key information (or seem more interested in pushing dog treats or other extras). We chose online vets who simplified the process of finding and connecting with a qualified medical professional, with the highest marks going to services that had a great user experience. Best Overall: Vetster
Best With Brick and Mortar: Banfield Vet Chat
Best Affordable: PetCoach
Best for Prescriptions: Hello Ralphie
Best Subscription: Whisker Docs
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does a Vet Video Visit Cost?
Can I Get Pet Prescriptions Online?
How Do I Know if My Pet Needs to See a Vet?
How We Chose the Best Online Veterinarians
FAQs
Is a virtual vet worth it? ›
Virtual veterinarian visits can be very useful and have many advantages for both you and your pet. If you are having an online vet consultation with your pet's regular vet, then they may be able to write your pet a prescription without seeing them in person.
Can an online vet give you a prescription? ›Yes, virtual vets can prescribe medicine online. This is known as vet telemedicine, which is a remote way of connecting a pet with a vet who can reach a diagnosis, write prescriptions, administer treatment, and provide ongoing care.
Are online vets cheaper? ›Costs can vary significantly for virtual vet visits (just as the costs for regular vet visits do), particularly between subscription-based and on-demand providers, but you can expect them to be less expensive than in-person visits. As a base measure, expect to pay at least $50 for the appointment.
Why are so many veterinarians quitting? ›Many experienced vet techs end up leaving for human medicine, where many of their skills apply and the pay is better. Veterinarians, too, are dealing with burnout, and broader risks to mental health.
Can Airvet prescribe medication? ›Can Airvet prescribe my pet medication? While we can't always prescribe medication due to state-based restrictions, we can always answer questions and provide expert advice and recommendations from a licensed veterinarian.
Can a vet write a prescription without seeing the patient? ›A veterinarian shall not prescribe, dispense or administer any prescription drug without the establishment of a veterinarian/client/patient relationship.
Can I get antibiotics for my dog without going to the vet? ›Many pet stores, including online pet stores, carry antibiotics that are safe to use for dogs.
Can a vet prescribe antibiotics over the phone? ›Besides being unethical and illegal to prescribe medication over the phone, veterinarians can't accurately diagnose or treat a pet without physically examining him or her. Veterinarians appreciate observant owners and want to hear their description of the pet's symptoms.
Does Walgreens fill pet prescriptions? ›Many prescription drugs — like antibiotics, antifungal medications, and even antidepressants — can be used for both pets and humans. In these cases, you can often fill your pet prescriptions at your regular pharmacy, such as a CVS, Walgreens, or Walmart.
Are chewy vets reliable? ›Chewy's Connect with a Vet service has received 4.9 out of 5 stars from customers after 90,000-plus consultations. Hear what dog owners have to say about their experience: “This feature is so nice to be able to get immediate answers for all my questions.
How do I negotiate a lower vet bill? ›
- Keep Your Pet in Shape! ...
- Stay on Top of Preventive Care. ...
- Lay the Groundwork With Your Vet. ...
- Ask for Cost Breakdowns. ...
- Get a Second Opinion. ...
- It's OK to Walk Away. ...
- Open a Pet Care Bank Account. ...
- Avoid Emergency Care if Possible.
The Dutch membership starts at $15 per month for unlimited access to the vet. No more long waits for appointments or surprise bills.
What personality type is best for a vet? ›Traditionally, the majority of veterinary students tested as ISTJ and ESTJ personality types. (Learn more about the personality types and how they are indentified in the sidebar "The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator explained.") ISTJs are task-oriented and matter-of-fact.
Why do vets have poor mental health? ›Some of the factors which impact on veterinary mental health and wellbeing include the long hours required of the job, dealing with staffing shortages which affect the ability of vets to take adequate time off and maintain a work-life balance, managing client expectations and the financial limitations which can impact ...
What is the average debt of a vet? ›According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), 83% of vet students from the class of 2020 graduated with student loans. The average vet school debt total was $188,853. The monthly payment on a student loan of this size depends on the specific loan term and interest rate.
How much does Airvet cost? ›How much does Airvet cost? On-demand calls have a flat fee of $49 USD and have absolutely no time limit on the call. This will connect you with the first available veterinarian who may or may not be your primary veterinarian.
Can chewy vets prescribe medication? ›Through Chewy's Practice Hub solution, veterinarians can easily create and prescribe prescriptions for thousands of compounded medications with just a few steps.
Is PAWP legit? ›Key Takeaway: Pawp made our list of the best pet insurance companies thanks to its affordable pricing, lack of deductibles, and digital access to vets. It received a 90 out of 100 in our review and is our choice for the best digital clinic services.
Do vets charge for writing a prescription? ›Yes, most vets will make a small nominal fee for writing a prescription for your pet's medication. Most owners will still make a considerable saving by purchasing their veterinary medicines online.
Can a vet call in a prescription to CVS? ›Your veterinarian can write (or call in) a prescription to a local pharmacy that stocks the medication. Your veterinarian can provide a prescription so you can get the medication from an online pharmacy.
What does gabapentin do to dogs? ›
While for humans gabapentin is used to treat partial seizures, nerve pain, and restless leg syndrome, for dogs it is used to treat seizures, anxiety, and nerve pain. It works by blocking calcium channels in the brain to suppress overly stimulated neurons that cause anxiety, nerve pain, and seizures.
What is the strongest natural antibiotic for dogs? ›- Oregano oil. Oregano oil is considered one of the best natural ingredients with antibiotic properties for your dog. ...
- Manuka Honey. ...
- Apple cider vinegar. ...
- Coconut oil. ...
- Olive leaf.
Human Amoxicillin Not the Same as Pet Amoxicillin
Mahaney, veterinary-specific medicines are the best option. The dangers of giving your dog human-grade amoxicillin, he says, include the potential to expose your dog to components of the drug that are “inappropriate” or “potentially toxic.”
Topical antibiotic ointment. Neosporin® is a common topical antibiotic used on minor cuts and scrapes. This ointment is pretty safe in dogs and should be in every first aid kit.
Can I buy antibiotics online for my dog? ›If your vet determines that your pet needs prescription medications, you can ask them for a written prescription so you can buy the drugs online – rather than directly from the surgery. You will then be asked to upload a photo or scan of the prescription during the checkout process.
Can I give my dog my own antibiotics? ›Can pets take human antibiotics? Although antibiotics will work to fight bacteria, whether it's used on a human or animal, it's important to not give antibiotics prescribed to people, says Dr. Phillips. Some antibiotics work better in some species over others and dosages may be different.
Do you need a prescription for pet amoxicillin? ›This is a prescription drug in both human and veterinary medicine, so you are not likely to find over the counter Amoxicillin at a legal pharmacy – and any drugstore distributing drugs without regard to existing regulations is a bad trade-off for your pet.
Does Amazon fill pet prescriptions? ›The Prime prescription savings benefit does not cover pet medications.
Can I fill my dogs prescription at CVS? ›Your local pharmacy
Some include common broad-spectrum antibiotics, pain medications, and anti-nausea medications,” Dr. Aiken says. Your local pharmacy and major pharmacies such as CVS, Walmart, Rite Aid, and Walgreens will all fill pet prescriptions if there is a human equivalent.
For many pet meds, a better bet is your local pharmacy. Kmart, Rite Aid, Target, and Walgreens all fill prescriptions for Fluffy and Fido, so long as that same drug is also prescribed to humans.
Why is Chewy being sued? ›
The Allegations of Unfair Competition
In other words, according to the suit, Vetcove is using the fact that it is a practice management software, and already integrated into veterinary practices, to unfairly compete with Chewy, or worse, that it is actively deceiving customers, and rejecting Chewy orders.
Ordering pet medications from online retailers, such as Chewy, Petco, PetMeds, and WalmartPetRx, can be cheaper than getting them at the veterinarian's office, and also offers the added convenience of home delivery and automatic refills.
Is Chewy a Chinese company? ›Chewy, Inc. is an American online retailer of pet food and other pet-related products based in Dania Beach, Florida. In 2017, Chewy was acquired by PetSmart for $3.35 billion, which was the largest ever acquisition of an e-commerce business at the time. Chewy, Inc. U.S.
What can I do for a sick dog with no money? ›- Ask for a payment plan. Talk with your vet frankly about your economic situation. ...
- Find a free or low-cost clinic. ...
- Look for a veterinary teaching college. ...
- Financial and natural disaster assistance. ...
- Cancer assistance.
Speak with your vet
If you do not qualify for help with your veterinary bills from a registered animal charity, speak to your vet because they may let you pay in instalments to spread the cost. Whether you can do this will depend on your veterinary practice and the total cost of the treatment your pet needs.
- Don't overfeed your pet. Fewer than 2 in 10 pet owners feed their pets the amount recommended on the pet food package. ...
- Invest in dental care. Pets suffer from the same dental problems as people and should have their teeth brushed regularly. ...
- Exercise with your pet. ...
- Vaccinate your pets. ...
- Deworming.
What's Our Final Verdict? We think JustAnswer is an excellent solution for your online vet needs. From all the customer feedback we've seen online (and there's a lot), their experts are knowledgeable and quick to respond with solid advice.
Can FirstVet prescribe medication? ›FirstVet cannot provide prescriptions for medication or prescription renewals. If your pet is in need of a prescription, FirstVet can refer you and your furry friend to a local veterinarian clinic. Can I ask a vet a question for free?
Can Hello Ralphie prescribe medication? ›Hello Ralphie is one of the few online platforms where veterinarians can prescribe your pet medication if you live in a state that requires no VCPR (veterinarian-client-patient-relationship), or you live in a state where a virtual VCPR is allowed.
What type of vet gets paid the most? ›- Zoo veterinarian. National average salary: $59,986 per year. ...
- Veterinary practice manager. ...
- Veterinary hospital manager. ...
- Public health veterinarian. ...
- Regulatory medicine veterinarian. ...
- Small animal veterinarian. ...
- Military veterinarian. ...
- Veterinary research scientist.
What is the hardest part of being a veterinarian? ›
The hardest part of veterinary medicine is knowing that you can do something to help the animal in front of you, but being told that you can't. Cost is certainly the most common reason people decline to move forward with things; however, people may have moral or religious objections to diagnostics or treatments too.
Is being a vet harder than a doctor? ›Vet school isn't harder because it requires more strenuous work. Medical school is just as demanding. What makes vet school harder is the simple fact that fewer vet schools exist. With less schools available, students struggle to gain acceptance in vet schools even if their grades are worthy.
What is the most common mental illness in veterans? ›The most publicized mental health challenges facing veterans service members are PTSD and depression. Some research has suggested that approximately 14% to 16% of U.S. service members deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq have PTSD or depression.
Why are vets so overpriced? ›On the vet side, the cost of medication and rental for the office and equipment has gone up. And unlike human medical care, where a hospital is reimbursed by the government for programs like Medicare, there is no reimbursement. And so they have to pass that cost along. GARCIA-NAVARRO: What about pet insurance?
Is being a vet a sad job? ›Veterinarians Share Your Worry and Grief
The toughest part of a veterinarian's work comes when we ask for their help in saying goodbye to a beloved pet. “Veterinarians devote their lives to providing care for and saving the lives of animals. There is no easy way to cope with the sad aspects of the job,” says Dr.
How Much Does a Veterinarian Make? Veterinarians made a median salary of $100,370 in 2021. The best-paid 25% made $128,410 that year, while the lowest-paid 25% made $78,920.
What is the lowest paying state for veterinarians? ›Rank | State | 2017 Mean Annual Wage |
---|---|---|
1 | Arkansas | $69,130 |
2 | Nebraska | $73,400 |
3 | Montana | $75,680 |
4 | Mississippi | $76,100 |
Yes, veterinarians make good money.
The median salary for a veterinarian is around $90,000 in a year. However, veterinarian salaries can range from around $56,000 on the low end to around $162,000 on the high end. This means that the salaries of most veterinarians fall somewhere between $70,000 and $100,000 per year.
Digital pets like Tamagotchi and Digimon were a massive fad across Japan, the United States and United Kingdom during the late 1990s. Today, there are also "Digital Pets" which have physical robotic bodies, known as Ludobots or Entertainment robots.
Are monthly vet plans worth it? ›We highly recommend getting insurance for all pets to help manage sudden costs should your pet get sick, ensuring they get the best care they can. We also recommend health plans for most pets for a number of reasons.
Why do vets use telemedicine? ›
Telemedicine is particularly useful (and necessary) in situations where pet owners cannot physically bring their pet to a veterinary hospital. In remote communities, pet owners typically do not have the option to take their pet to a veterinarian when the pet becomes ill or injured.
Why did pets com crash so drastically? ›The company raised $82.5 million in a February 2000 IPO but filed for bankruptcy nine months later. Pets.com appeared to have a flawed business model from the start, which included competition with pet stores and having difficulty shipping large ideas, such as dog food bags.
What is a digipet? ›New Unisys Digi-Pet™ Service Enables Pet Owners to Monitor and Chat with Their Pets When Transporting them on Airlines | Unisys.
Why do vets recommend petplan? ›We can also pay vets directly. We understand that if your pet is ill or injured it's a worrying time and you don't want to have to find the money to cover the treatment and then wait to be reimbursed- giving you one less thing to worry about and more to spend caring for your pet.
How can I avoid high vet bills? ›- Watch their figure. ...
- Regularly check and clear their ears. ...
- Good Oral Hygiene = better breath and overall health. ...
- Package the necessary vaccinations. ...
- Purchase pet insurance.
- Regulatory and Industry Barriers. ...
- Physical Examination is Limited. ...
- Telemedicine Equipment and Technology.
General Medical doctors providing visits for Teladoc members may offer prescriptions for a wide range of conditions. Types of medications commonly prescribed within General Medical include, but are not limited to, antibiotics, antihistamines and antiviral medications.
How does Hello Ralphie work? ›Hello Ralphie is a marketplace that connects pet parents with veterinarians for video and chat appointments. Through the platform, pet parents can connect with their primary veterinarian if that veterinarian uses the platform, or pet parents can find a different veterinarian who offers virtual services.
Does PetSmart give prescriptions? ›The Pharmacy at PetSmart fulfilled by Allivet offers prescription support and services for domestic pets, mainly cats and dogs as well as livestock.