The Rising Popularity of Vet Telehealth and How You Can Use It

The healthcare industry is continuously making new and innovative advancements to make the process easier for everyone involved. Pets are just as deserving of care and concern as humans. Telemedicine is one way that veterinary practitioners are striving to make this a reality.

Veterinarians have historically relied on face-to-face visits. However, with the rise of mobile communication and other technological advances, they can now offer their clients almost any type of medical care they need from any location.

What is Vet Telehealth?

Vet Telehealth is a specific form of telemedicine. It involves providing medical care to animals from a remote site rather than the standard in-home visits. Veterinarians use video technology, telephones, and other communication devices to provide services.

They review the animal’s specific needs and work with the client to gather the necessary information to diagnose and treat them in their homes.

How Does Vet Telehealth Work?

First, the veterinarian must be notified that a specific animal requires their attention. Once the owner has made this clear, the veterinarian will determine whether they can perform the necessary treatment remotely.

During the virtual visit, the veterinarian will perform a detailed health evaluation using video to evaluate the specific symptoms of the animal. When the vet has determined the necessary course of action, they will connect with the client to discuss it further. The client can then take care of any required follow-up in their office or home.

Benefits of Vet Telehealth

Increased Accessibility

The most apparent benefit of vet telehealth is the increased accessibility for the veterinarian and the client. Since they don’t need to be in close proximity, it makes it easier for pets from a wide variety of locations to receive care from a professional when they need it most.

You can easily connect with a veterinarian regardless of place, time, or ability to travel. The easy-to-access format benefits both parties greatly.

Increased Convenience

Not only is vet telehealth convenient for the client, but it is also convenient for the veterinarian. Not having to travel to your home to evaluate your animal can benefit the practitioner in many ways. It saves some time that could be better spent looking after more animals.

It also helps them prioritize their time and dedicate it to patients that need immediate attention. Telehealth also allows veterinarians to spend more time with their families.

More In-Depth Care

While in-office visits remain the most convenient way to obtain veterinary care for your pet, they are not always the most effective or beneficial. Sometimes, telehealth provides a more in-depth and comprehensive approach than traditional services.

Since the veterinarian can spend more time with your pet, they can often pinpoint more specific treatment methods. In other cases, such as chronic illnesses, remote visits allow your pets to receive continuous care from specialists.

Improved Communication and Education

The improved communication between the veterinarian and the pet owner helps both parties understand what is happening. This allows for more effective health assessments and better communication for those needing a virtual visit.

The telemedicine service also gives pet owners a better understanding of the services and treatment options available through their veterinarian’s office.

Support in Emergency Situations

The ability to contact an experienced veterinarian whenever necessary is extremely beneficial for the client and their animal. If a client reports that their pet is choking or having trouble breathing, it would be helpful to have veterinary medicine professionals on hand to help attend to these symptoms immediately.

For pet owners who live in remote locations or can’t make it to the veterinary office in time, telehealth also allows them to receive critical medical care for their pets regardless of the situation. The virtual visit may even save a pet’s life in imminent danger.

How to Approach Vet Telehealth

Know the specific needs of your pet. This will help you determine if telehealth is a good option. Some pets can get by without receiving much medical or behavioral treatment, while others require constant support with their daily activities.

Once you have determined your pet’s needs, you can decide how they want their vet care delivered.

Read the provider’s terms of service and ensure you are satisfied with their policies. This should include a thorough understanding of what type of care your pet can receive through the service.

The telehealth platform will also have policies and guidelines regarding treating your animal’s medical information. Understand how they protect your pet’s health information and their own. Ensure that their privacy policies are similar to yours.

When considering a specific platform, check its pricing structure. Many providers offer different plans with differing price points depending on your pet’s needs and how frequently they need veterinary care.

The specialists at your local veterinary office can evaluate your pet to determine their specific needs and help you get a plan that is most suitable for them. To receive veterinary care through telemedicine, you must be in an area with appropriate technology.

High-speed internet connections, cell phone reception, and satellite connections are essential to receive the necessary veterinary care.

Best Companies for Vet Telehealth

While many veterinary practices offer services through telehealth, the following companies stand above the rest. Each of these providers has an established reputation and strong customer service. Their platforms are designed with the needs of pet owners in mind to benefit both you and your veterinarians.

PetDesk

PetDesk is a veterinarian-led, telehealth veterinary practice that offers patients a tool for more convenient primary care. This service has been created to provide more affordable options for customers seeking veterinary care in their homes.

PetDesk works with local vets nationwide to provide emergency and chronic care. The communications management platform is dedicated to client confidentiality. Users can communicate with their doctors online without fear of anyone else discovering what is happening with their pets.

PetCoach

PetCoach’s mission is to help you provide the best care and attention to your pet, by cutting through the noise and offering you direct advice from verified vets, trainers and other pet experts.

Ask questions about your pet’s health, nutrition, or any other topic, and receive reliable answers in a timely manner. It can also be a great option if you’re watching your budget.

PetsApp

PetsApp is a full-service online veterinary clinic that provides client communication, appointment scheduling, and medical consultation services. The team works hard to handle each case quickly, conveniently, and affordably.

They also offer innovative and timely solutions to modern pet parents looking for the best in family-centered care. All medical records are kept private, and all information is stored on secure servers.

Dutch

Dutch is a membership-based online vet service that offers 24/7 access to licensed vets, customized prescription plans along with free shipping to your door, ongoing care and follow-ups, unlimited video calls and messages, and virtual care for up to five pets.

Get unlimited vet care over video chat whenever you need it. Choose an annual or monthly plans starting at $8/month.

Vetster

Vetster is a telehealth platform reminiscent of the popular Rover app for pet sitters. It allows users to easily find and schedule telehealth appointments with veterinary professionals in their area.

Unlike other services, Vetster offers a choice between vet techs and veterinary doctors, giving users more pricing control. The platform has a user-friendly interface and offers same-day appointments.

Medical professionals on Vetster provide detailed profiles with their qualifications and areas of expertise.

ezyVet

ezyVet is a leading cloud-based practice management software. It allows veterinarians to provide their patients with the most advanced, comprehensive care. The program was created by veterinarians who understand the needs of modern pet owners.

They are dedicated to providing local veterinarian that are safe, convenient, and accessible. The all-inclusive platform offers several features, including digital appointment scheduling, online correspondence and file sharing, e-commerce management, and patient billing.

The team at ezyVet takes their job seriously. They are constantly increasing automation features and developing new applications to cater to the increasing demands.

Take Care of Your Pet

Veterinary offices are adapting as medicine continues to augment with technology. With the growing trend of online shopping, mobile apps, and other connected services, vets must provide their clients with the same convenience.

They must meet their client’s needs and provide quality care that fits into their lifestyles, whether in-office or home. Always discuss your pet’s care with your local veterinarian. They will evaluate your pet’s condition and let you know if telemedicine can help.

If they believe it is necessary, they will guide you through getting started.

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