Paws up, animal lovers! Are you tired of hauling your furry friends to the vet every time they cough or need a check-up? Veterinary telehealth is a convenient and affordable option for pet parents that can help answer questions and provide feedback on the best next step for their pet.

 

Yes, you heard that right! Just like humans can consult with doctors virtually, our animal companions can now have telehealth consultations with veterinarians “on-demand,” 24/7.

 

Telehealth is a game-changer for pet parents who:

• Live in rural areas.
• Have pets with mobility issues.
• Want to save money.
• Have pets who dread a car ride.
• Need help when issues pop up after "normal" veterinary offices are closed.
• Have anxious pets who get stressed in veterinary offices.

 

 

About Veterinary Telehealth

 

The benefits of veterinary telehealth are endless. First and foremost, it's incredibly convenient! You don't have to worry about scheduling appointments, commuting to the vet's office, or sitting in the waiting room with other animals and their people. Instead, you can chat with a veterinarian from the comfort and convenience of your own home.

Telehealth consultations are also great for minor issues. If your pet has a small cut or is experiencing mild symptoms, you can save yourself a trip to the vet by consulting with a veterinarian virtually. They can assess the situation and provide you with guidance on what to do next.

Another amazing aspect of veterinary telehealth is that it can save you money. Traditional veterinary visits can be costly, especially if your pet requires multiple appointments. With telehealth, you may be able to resolve minor issues without having to pay for an in-person visit. For those times when you do need to visit a veterinary office, we always recommend your pets have insurance. Check out our fast and convenient Pet Insurance Comparison Tool to get your paws on the best plan for you and your pet. 

Tips for Using Telehealth

• Before your appointment, write down the questions you'd like to have answered to ensure you don't forget them.
• Document symptoms, behavioral issues, and the circumstances surrounding the issue at hand, so you can be as thorough as possible when talking to the veterinarian.
• Have a record of your pet's current food, treats, and medications in the event they need to be discussed with the veterinary professional.
• The sooner, the better. If you notice something "off" you can immediately speak with a veterinarian using telehealth. Don't wait.
• Ask as many questions as you need to understand the situation and next steps.
• Visits are unlimited, so if you still need help, clarification, or symptoms change, you can always consult with a veterinarian again using telehealth.

 

Now, you may be wondering if telehealth consultations are as effective as in-person visits. The answer is a resounding yes! Of course, there are some situations where an in-person visit is necessary, but for many minor issues, a virtual consultation can be just as effective. A veterinarian can review symptoms and issues with and help to provide guidance on next steps.

 

So, there you have it! Veterinary telehealth is a convenient, cost-effective, and efficient way to keep your pets healthy. It's a win-win for both pet parents and their furry companions. So, the next time your pet needs medical attention, consider trying a virtual consultation with one of the vets available as part of The Kinship offerings. You won't regret it! You’ll be able to talk to a qualified, certified, and licensed veterinary professional over chat, phone, or email to get real-time and reliable advice for your pet.

 

PetHub is very proud to include this essential, cost-effective service in our already comprehensive pet parenting toolbox that you know and trust! Check out our exclusive perk with The Kinship today!

 

 

Before you go, our legal team has some important information they’d like us to share. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, telehealth services are regulated on a state-by-state basis and won’t replace your routine or yearly veterinary visits nor will it remove the need for vaccinations. Most telehealth veterinary visits cannot include a prescription for medication, unless the pet has been evaluated in-person.