Pet Telehealth: What It Is & How It Works

In the years since the global pandemic, virtual health services have become part of our vocabulary and daily lives—and now, virtual care is available for your pets, too! Whether it’s for a quick consult, after-hours questions, or when in-person visits aren’t possible, pet telehealth has emerged as a convenient solution for pet owners who need flexible and fast access to vet care.

From video calls to costs, this article will dive into how pet telehealth works, when it is indicated, and how PangoVet is leading the charge in providing the highest standard for your pet’s virtual healthcare needs.

How Does Pet Telehealth Work?

Pet telehealth connects pet owners with veterinary professionals through online platforms like video calls, chat, or dedicated apps. This convenient setup allows pet parents to access expert advice without the need for a clinic visit, making it ideal for addressing minor concerns and after-hours questions, receiving recommendations on preventative healthcare, following up on treatment, or when in-person visits aren’t possible.

One key concept in pet telehealth is the veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR), which is a legally defined relationship where the veterinarian has established a familiarity with the pet and can provide specific care.¹ Every state has defined how VCPR can be established and maintained, and most do require an in-person physical examination or other ways of the veterinarian seeing or becoming acquainted with the pet.

At this moment, PangoVet does not establish the VCPR and is not there to replace the in-person veterinarian, but instead provides general advice and prioritizes follow-up communications to keep both the pet owner and the vet informed about the pet’s health status and any recommended next steps. Additionally, PangoVet maintains a strong connection between pet owners and their veterinarians by having a small team of dedicated vets, allowing pet parents to request the same veterinarian for future consultations, ensuring continuity of care.

Here’s how a typical appointment process works with a platform like PangoVet:

1. Fill Out a Quick Form and Tell PangoVet About Your Pet: Start by answering a few questions about your pet’s health needs and the reason for your consultation. This information helps the vet prepare for your session.
2. Schedule Your Online Appointment at a Time That is Convenient For You: PangoVet provides a 20-minute, one-on-one video call session with an experienced vet, giving you a focused opportunity to address concerns. Bringing your pet to the video call is optional but often helpful for the vet’s assessment.
3. Join the Video Call: At your scheduled time, join the video call to discuss your pet’s signs of illness, behavior, or any issues you’re noticing. The vet will offer personalized advice, discuss possible next steps, and guide you through any immediate actions.
4. Receive an Actionable Report: After the consultation, PangoVet sends you a follow-up report. This easy-to-read summary, prepared by experts, outlines key insights from your call, recommended next steps, and helpful tips to ensure your pet stays on track toward good health.

By fostering these relationships, PangoVet helps ensure that pet owners receive personalized care tailored to their pet’s specific needs, making telehealth a valuable tool in pet healthcare.

What Are the Different Types of Pet Telehealth?

Pet telehealth encompasses various virtual services designed to provide health education and advice for pets from a distance. These services typically fall into three main categories: tele-triage, telemedicine and tele-advice.

Where Is It Used?

Pet telehealth has gained traction worldwide in both urban and rural areas where traditional veterinary services may be limited or challenging to access. Telehealth platforms enable pet owners to connect with veterinarians without the need for travel, which is particularly beneficial in remote locations, for pets with travel anxiety, or during potential emergencies when advice is sought on whether immediate care is necessary.

Many veterinary clinics have integrated telehealth services into their practices, allowing existing clients to seek advice and follow-up care without needing to visit in person. This service is especially useful for ongoing health management, behavioral consultations, and for addressing minor health concerns that don’t require physical examinations. Additionally, organizations dedicated to animal welfare and rescue operations have started to use telehealth to provide support and advice to foster homes and adopters, ensuring pet owners receive necessary guidance regardless of location.

Advantages of Pet Telehealth

Pet telehealth is revolutionizing the way pet owners access veterinary care, offering convenience and flexibility like never before. Here are some advantages of using pet telehealth services:

• 24/7 Availability: Many pet telehealth services operate around the clock, providing access to veterinarians anytime your pet may need care, even during late-night emergencies.
• Multiple Communication Options: Pet telehealth platforms often offer various communication methods, including phone calls, video chats, and text messaging. This flexibility makes it easier for pet owners to reach out for advice when they notice something unusual about their pet, rather than making a potentially stressful trip to the clinic.
• Cost-Effective: In many parts of the world, virtual vet appointments are more affordable than in-person visits. This cost efficiency, combined with savings on travel time and expenses, can make telehealth a more budget-friendly option for pet care.
• Convenience: For those living in rural areas or places without easy access to veterinary clinics, pet telehealth eliminates the need for long drives to receive care. You can consult with a veterinarian from the comfort of your home.
• Reduced Stress for Pets: Telehealth can be particularly beneficial for pets who experience anxiety during travel or in waiting rooms. Pets can receive care in a familiar and comfortable environment, minimizing their stress and discomfort.
• Quick Access to Expertise: With telehealth, you can quickly consult with a veterinarian about any concerns. This immediate access can be crucial in deciding whether your pet needs urgent care or if it’s safe to monitor the situation at home.
• Continuity of Care: Many tele-advice platforms, like PangoVet, allow you to connect with the same veterinarian for follow-up appointments. This consistency helps build a stronger understanding of your pet’s health history and needs.

These advantages highlight how pet telehealth can enhance the pet care experience, making it easier for pet owners to manage their pets’ health and well-being.

Limitations of Pet Telehealth

While pet telehealth offers numerous benefits, it also has certain limitations that pet owners should be aware of:

• Limited Scope of Services: Of course, virtual vet care should not replace comprehensive annual checkups or physical exams to make accurate health assessments. With PangoVet, your telehealth vet will be sure to advise you of this if necessary.
• Diagnostic Limitations: Telehealth services are not able to provide the same level of diagnostic capability as in-person visits. Certain conditions may require laboratory tests, imaging, or other diagnostic procedures that can only be conducted at a veterinary clinic. With PangoVet, you will be advised if further testing from your vet is necessary.
• Prescription Limitations: Not all telehealth services are able to establish a VCPR and may not be able to provide prescriptions, based on country or state law, or in some cases, the company’s decision themselves. Since virtual visits are not replacements for in-person veterinary care, it is difficult (and oftentimes irresponsible) to prescribe medication without having physically seen the veterinarian.
• Technical Barriers: Not all pet owners may have access to reliable internet or the necessary technology for telehealth appointments. This can create disparities in access to veterinary care, particularly in rural or underserved areas.

These limitations highlight the importance of understanding when telehealth is an appropriate choice for your pet’s health needs and when a traditional veterinary visit is necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is pet telehealth cheaper than traditional veterinary appointments?

Pet telehealth appointments are typically more affordable than in-person visits, although prices can vary widely depending on the type of service needed. Luckily, PangoVet has an upfront, completely transparent cost of $29.99 for a 20-minute video appointment with one of their vets.

Does pet insurance cover pet telehealth services?

Some pet insurance providers do cover telehealth services, but coverage can differ widely. You may need to pay for initial consultations out-of-pocket. It’s essential to verify with your insurance company to see if they cover telehealth and whether they offer any specific telehealth services as part of their policies.

What types of concerns are best suited for pet telehealth?

Telehealth is ideal for non-emergency situations such as general health inquiries, behavioral issues, follow-ups on chronic conditions, end of life care, nutritional advice and minor health concerns that don’t require physical examinations. We have included a table below to simplify when pet telehealth is indicated.

Can I get prescriptions through pet telehealth?

In some cases, veterinarians can prescribe medication during telemedicine consultations if state regulations permit it and a veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR) has been established. However, prescriptions are not provided through tele-triage and tele-advice services.

How do I prepare for a pet telehealth appointment?

To prepare for a telehealth consultation, gather any relevant medical history, including vaccination records, recent signs of illness, and a list of any medications your pet is currently taking. Having your pet on hand during the appointment can also help the veterinarian assess the situation more effectively.

When is Pet Telehealth Recommended?

This table can help pet owners decide whether to visit a veterinary clinic or use telehealth services based on their pets’ needs. While telehealth is convenient for many routine inquiries and minor concerns, in-person visits are essential for emergencies and comprehensive health assessments.

Situation	Go to the Vet	Use Telehealth
Emergency Situations	Serious injuries, trauma, collapse, breathing difficulties or bleeding.	Use tele-triage only if you are not sure whether your pet needs to see the vet urgently.
Physical Examinations	Annual check-ups or vaccinations.	Follow-up questions and recommendations about preventative healthcare.
Severe Signs	Persistent vomiting, diarrhea, with or without blood, lethargy, inappetence or difficulty breathing.	Mild signs that need monitoring, like mild diarrhea without blood in an otherwise bright animal, that is still eating.
Behavioral Issues	Severe aggression or sudden changes in behavior.	General behavioral questions or advice.
Diagnostic Tests	Blood tests, X-rays, or ultrasound examinations.	Discussing test results or minor concerns.
Medication Refills	Prescription renewals for chronic conditions needing examination.	Simple refills for well-managed conditions, in cases where VCPR is established and requirements for prescribing have been fulfilled.
In-Depth Health Concerns	Unexplained weight loss or changes in appetite requiring tests.	Questions about minor health changes or management or use of tele-triage.
Nutritional Advice	Specific dietary needs for medical conditions.	General dietary advice or pet food recommendations.

Conclusion

Pet telehealth is transforming the way pet parents access vet care, offering a range of services that cater to various needs. With tele-advice platforms like PangoVet, you can enjoy seamless access to experienced veterinarians who are ready to offer personalized advice for your furry companions. By bridging the gap between convenience and quality care, PangoVet empowers pet owners to make informed decisions about their pets’ health, ensuring they get the right support exactly when they need it.

Embrace the future of pet care with PangoVet, where your pet’s well-being is just a click away!

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Featured Image Credit: FamVeld, Shutterstock