Consulting with medical professionals has been accessible in recent years thanks to numerous websites that offer remote clinical services through online, voice, or video technology.
Taking advantage of technology, healthcare professionals deliver health care, information, as well as health education at a distance. Health care providers can evaluate, diagnose, and give proper treatment to patients without the need for in-person visits. In the United States, this mode of medical service called “telemedicine” is increasing in popularity.
What is Telemedicine?
Watch: What is Telemedicine?
The World Health Organization (WHO) broadly defines telemedicine as the delivery of various forms of health care services at a distance with the primary aim of improving health. Telehealth is the umbrella term used to describe this form of health care service. It encompasses telemedicine which refers mainly to the means of health care delivery. Patient care is delivered by the use of information technology aided by the use of mobile phones, computers, or other electronic devices. Telemedicine also includes education, health surveillance, research, as well as public health promotion.
Telemedicine through the use of telephone and video technology has been around since the 1960s in the military and space sectors. As the use of wireless broadband technology became more sophisticated, the telehealth industry has seen a rapid emergence. It has been breaking speed records and has been gaining traction. Healthcare professionals are now able to use telecommunication technology to remotely diagnose, suggest treatments and oftentimes, prescribe medication as well. The telehealth industry has made healthcare more accessible especially to those who live in remote areas and has also transformed the face of public health, medical research, and health-related education.
Watch: How Telemedicine works
Access is the core of telemedicine. With telehealth, patients who require constants specialty care only offered in tertiary care hospitals can now access high-quality care. Aside from accessibility, telemedicine increases time efficiencies. Patients can have a complete medical assessment in the comfort of their home, office, or wherever they are. Consequently, the overall cost of medical care is substantially reduced while maintaining the same quality of patient care and experience. No wonder telemedicine has evolved to include veterinary medicine.
Telemedicine: Vital to Humans
A 2017 survey by the American Telemedicine Association revealed that among 184 health care executives, 88% believed that telehealth is an excellent investment. And 98% believed that it brings a competitive advantage to the industry. The survey also pointed out that among the many barriers to implementing a stable telehealth sector, lack of coverage and payments are the most pervasive.
Watch: Introduction to Veterans Administration Telehealth Services
Despite the setbacks, telemedicine and telehealth interventions are proven effective. In fact, it has drastically improved clinical outcomes and decreased in-patient utilization. Telemedicine achieves these while maintaining good patient satisfaction. It is worth noting that telehealth has served nearly 700,000 or 12% of Veterans since it was first offered. This is based on 2016 data from the Veterans Administration (VA), a remarkable feat in the healthcare industry.
Telemedicine in Veterinary Medicine
Just like any relationship, a veterinarian-client-patient relationship can be formed online, even without an in-person physical examination. The American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB) is the country’s organization that sets state regulations governing the practice of veterinary medicine. It is also one of the strongest advocates of telemedicine in the field. AAVSB had revised a practice model that integrates new and improved guidelines for the proper use of telehealth technologies. These guidelines are specially designed for both veterinarians and their clients to ensure secure and effective health care for pets and animals.
Among the many things, AAVSB feels strongly about is eliminating the requirement that the physician-patient relationship begins in a face-to-face appointment. While this requirement has been removed in 48 states for human health care, nearly as many states prohibit the same for veterinary medicine. However, the organization sees a change soon with Oregon, Florida, Utah, and Georgia paving the way for telemedicine in animal health. As regulations change from day-to-day, online veterinary care is available in various online platforms.
Where to Look for an Online Veterinarian
The animals under your care deserve only the best medical or health professional to evaluate them, treat health problems, and keep them healthy at all times! We suggest doing these to ensure that you find the best online veterinarian:
Ask for Recommendations
Fellow pet-lovers and owners are a great source of information. Ask for their recommendation and why they chose their veterinarian or where they get their online advice. If you believe that you share the same expectations of service and level of professionalism, you can rely on their recommendation. You may schedule a visit to the clinic or you can simply open your internet browser and get answers to your pet-related queries.
Seek Breeders and/or Special Interest Groups
If you are caring for a purebred dog or cat, breeders in your area can also be a good source of information. Breeders have a strong relationship through years of practice and can provide you with useful information in potential health-related problems. Non-traditional pet-owners, however, can seek pet-related advice from special interests groups. It is important that you ask veterinary advice from veterinarians who have experience with your pet or species.
Your Veterinarian
As a pet-owner, it is safe to assume that you have your trusted veterinarian on call. You can ask your current veterinarian for trusted online vets. They may have colleagues who are maintain online veterinary services who follow the same policies you expect from your vet. Your current pet doctor can provide a seamless transfer of your pet’s medical records and history. This will make the process extremely stress-free.
IMPORTANT: Consult with a professional before getting a pet!
Online veterinarians are especially useful when you are still in the process of acquiring a new pet. While you settle in on the idea of caring for your pet, online veterinarians can assist you in every stage of the process. You need to choose a pet that complements your personality, as well as the needs of your family and their expectations. Plus, you should evaluate your work schedule and lifestyle so you can adequately care for your pet. Having instant access to online vets can be a practical and reliable source of veterinary information – information that will help you resolve health risks.
All About Online Veterinarians
Things have been made easier for our furry, feathered, and scaled friends. A pet’s health is very important for all pet owners. For us, nothing beats a veterinarian’s advice. Through telemedicine, all pet owners can be at reach with veterinarians.
There is a range of live chats and on-demand veterinary services readily available online that you can easily consult with. However, with the surge of these sites, it is important to be cautious of the kind of information we want to receive online. Online pet care may be a convenient option for most, but we should not neglect facts backed by science and research. It is important to make sure that the information we get is reliable. Keeping this in mind, we have reviewed 10 websites that offer veterinary services. We have also listed things to consider before fully trusting any pet care website.
Things to consider:
There are a lot of websites out there that cater to your pet’s needs. However, like all information we retrieve online, it is always important to take everything with a grain of salt. The internet is a mine field of both information and misinformation so make sure to consider the following:
Veterinary training, experience, and professional license
Try to inspect if the article or website is peer reviewed by a licensed veterinary professional to ensure that the information is accurate. It is a plus when a website has licensed veterinarians working for them. This gives the site credibility and helps them gain their customers’ trust. Pet owners are assured that the services offered by the site are reliable and quality as they are backed by licensed professionals.
Be careful about websites that offer dangerous misleading articles that offer part facts and part myth information. There are also those that are simply based on opinions with little or no factual basis. Sites that are also full of suggestions of home remedies are a big red flag. Realize that your pets do not have the capacity to talk and there may be instances when an actual veterinarian is needed for them to carefully inspect the situation. Home remedies for pet health problems may be risky and further endanger their situation.
Remarkable website features
Aside from licensed veterinarians, also look into other features offered by the site. There are websites that have helpful how-to articles, informative videos, and live chats for when you need more accurate responses for your pet’s health needs. There are sites that offer helplines as well.
Quick response
Remarkable and interactive website features may be impressive, but we also have to take into account the site’s responsiveness. You would not want to wait for a reply for a long time just for one question. When a pet owner sends a query to the site, it is important that the site is also alert in answering to their questions as time constraint may mean a big deal for their pet’s health.
Professional fee
Like any other professional service, websites may also ask for a fee to fully enjoy their services. Fees are not as often as cheap as pet owners would think so it’s best to review if the payment is worth the service/s being offered.
Methodology
Now that we have laid out things to consider for an online veterinary service, check out this list of Top 10 Online Veterinary Service. The sites will be ranked based on: Availability of Professionals, Remarkable Features, Responsiveness, Access, and Professional fee. They will be given a rating between to for each criteria. An overall rating will be provided for each website being .
The chart below highlights the comparison of the features of the websites, followed by a detailed review to further inform you of these websites.
Comparison Review Chart: 10 Best Online Veterinary Services
The Details
PARTNERS IN ANIMAL HEALTH
“Educational Resources for Veterinarians and Pet Owners”
Partners in Animal Health (PartnersAH) offers its readers and visitors a collection of innovative and reliable resources for both aspiring veterinarians, and pet owners. The collection is curated by veterinary experts at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. It was established in 2005 with the primary goal of providing vets and pet owners accessible material in veterinary medicine and animal health. Founded in the mission of improving animal health and well-being, Partners in Animal Health ensure that innovative educational materials are distributed without a fee or required subscription. This is made possible by the unwavering sponsorship of the university’s Department of Continuing Education. Because it only publishes articles created by the faculty and staff at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, accuracy and reliability is not an issue.
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Veterinarians have can freely access resources involving Avian, Bovine, Canine, and other areas in veterinary medicine. These articles can help them in their practice. Vets can cross-reference diseases, various methods of examination, and even how to properly execute surgical scrubbing gowning and gloving. For practicing veterinarians, they can practice Peripheral Nerve Blocks in the Dog with the demo found on the site. The demo is a self-paced course that was developed by the veterinary faculty of the College of Veterinary Medicine. It is a specialized course that demonstrates the use of ultrasound-guided and electrolocation to locate peripheral nerve blocks in pet dogs. This procedure is vital in pain management, ensuring a pet’s well-being. If you are a vet and is seeking for a detailed demo of the procedure, this is for you. Access it for free in various formats. It is available in a slideshow, video demo, and 3D model slideshow.
For Pet Owners:
Partners in Animal Health recognizes the role of pet owners in animals’ health and welfare. With this in mind, the organization provides various information that can help all pet owners, including you and me, give our pets happy and comfortable lives. We have access to information on how to care for our high-risk pets, such as caring for a diabetic cat or how to give our cat a pill or capsule. Our pets can also get cancer and having a guide to cancer lessens the toll cancer brings to any pet owner. It is a live-action video, integrated with 3D animation to give pet owners a birds-eye-view on the topic of pet cancer. The video covers everything there is to know from understanding how pets get cancer, how you can prevent metastasis through early detection to diagnosis, and treatment.
PartnersAH even gives tips on trimming cat claws and taking their temperature, even brushing their teeth. These proves that animal care must be holistic and not only focus on health-related issues. Just be careful not to cut the quick! If you happen to do so, you can find a step-by-step, narrated instructions provided on the website. If you need more help, you can always contact Partners in Animal Health through email or by leaving a personal comment on their website.
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| PROS | CONS |
| Access in free | No real-time consultation |
| Reliable resources | |
| Helpful and interactive materials | |
| Curated by a reputable institution | |
| Best for practicing veterinarians |
Our Verdict
Availability of Professionals
Remarkable Features
Responsiveness
Professional Fee
Access
OVERALL
PET POISON HELPLINE
“Expert help is on the way”
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Poison is among the top hazards that endanger the lives of our beloved pets. When pets ingest a poisonous substance, they need to get immediate help. That is why Pet Poison Helpline offers a 24-hour poison control service in the United States for both pet owners and veterinary professionals. Pet Poison Hotline operates 7 days a week, including their branch in Canada, and the Caribbean. They are driven by a single goal – “to keep pets healthy by preventing their injury or illness from potential poisonings.” Pet Poison Helpline is a nationally recognized, independent poison control service center. They provide unrivaled professional leadership and expertise built over 15 years of experience. And they are always ready to help in every emergency. It emphasizes that it is a phone-based service, so they do not respond to cases submitted via email. Remember the number, you can call them at (855) 764-7661.
For Pet Owners
Your pet is in good hands because Pet Poison Helpline is home to expert veterinary professionals. They are a triple licensed animal poison control center trained in multiple veterinary expertise. You can depend on their extensive database of the various poisonous household as well as commercial products. They are committed to saving your pet’s life – all pets, all poisons. Whatever pet you have, whatever species, Pet Poison Hotline knows what to do. If your pet has eaten something and you suspect that it is poisonous, you should call them immediately. As a responsible pet owner, it is your duty to get immediate help. The sooner your pet gets diagnosed, the easier and safer it is to treat the condition. Plus, you will not get burdened by additional expenses for treatment.
Once you call the hotline, a $59 incidental fee will be applied to your call. The good news is, all follow-up consultations are covered by the fee. As soon as your call is received, an expert will then evaluate your concern over the phone. One of the credentialed veterinary professionals will see to it that he gets all pertinent information prior to the potential poisoning. The veterinary professional will then run calculations regarding the incident and will determine the next step. If home monitoring is possible, you will be advised to monitor your pet at home. However, if the situation is critical, he or she will advise you to bring your pet to a veterinarian. In the event that veterinary care is necessary, Pet Poison Helpline will consult with your veterinarian. Together, they will develop a specialized treatment plan to ascertain the health of your furry best friend.
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We know that accidents do happen. If you ever find yourself in a possible poisoning incident, find the emergency guidelines created by Pet Poison Helpline to ease the situation. You can find helpful links on their website as well. They have listed the Top 10 Pet Poisons, Top 10 Human Medications Poisonous to Pets, and the Top 10 Plants Poisonous to Pets, among others. Despite our efforts to keep our animals safe, we lose thousands of dogs and cats due to the accidental ingestion of poisonous substances. By knowing the basics of pet safety and being able to identify signs of poisoning, together, we can keep our pets safe, happy, and healthy.
| PROS | CONS |
| 24/7 animal poison control center | $50 incidental fee is charged once you place a call |
| Operates 7 days a week | Cannot be accessed through email |
| Helpful and extensive list of poisonous substances, materials, human medications, and plats | Service is limited to poison control |
| Staff are licensed veterinary experts | |
Our Verdict
Availability of Professionals
Remarkable Features
Responsiveness
Professional Fee
Access
OVERALL
PETS AND PARASITES
Pets & Parasites is an online veterinary service endorsed and developed by the Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC). CAPC, an independent council of registered veterinary professionals, is committed to providing accessible resources that will aid veterinarians and pet owners to responsible animal handling and pet safety. Pets & Parasites is one of the avenues where CAPC publishes guidelines for control of internal and external parasites that infect domesticated animals. With the recognition that these parasites are harmful to the health of pf pets and humans, online veterinary resource plays a vital role in animal health and safety. By bringing together years of expertise in parasitology, internal medicine, veterinary law, public health, and private practice, they ensure optimal results in parasite control.
For Pet Owners
Pets & Parasites was made possible because of CAPC’s purpose of changing the outlook of veterinary professionals and pet owners towards parasite management. It is not an online veterinarian, per se, but a great resource for pet owners who need more help in parasite management. By advocating best practices and making sure that pet owners know how to protect their animals from parasitic infections, they reduce the risk of zoonotic parasite transmission. Consequently, animal and human health are secured and the human-animal bond is preserved.
Pet owners can easily access free materials related to their pets. For dog owners, Pets & Parasites understand that dogs are not just pets, but they are treated as a member of the family. As such, we must keep our dogs healthy and free of parasites. Monitor your dog closely so it is easy to spot changes in behavior, appetite or water intake. Online veterinary websites are helpful, but regular visits to the vet can significantly improve your pet dog’s well-being. Parasites can affect your dog in many ways, ranging from simple irritation to life-threatening conditions once left undiagnosed and untreated. Cat owners, on the other hand, enjoy your cat’s independence but always keep an eye out for parasites. You can easily do so by giving your feline year-round heartworm and broad-spectrum parasite medications. Do not forget to get your cat’s suitable flea and tick products.
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You can always read expert insights regarding parasite management. And if your questions are still unanswered after spending time on the website, you can always welcome to leave a question.
| PROS | CONS |
| Free access to the online resources | No on call veterinary professional |
| Extensive information on animal parasite management | No phone number or email address |
| Developed by licensed veterinary professionals | |
Our Verdict
Availability of Professionals
Remarkable Features
Responsiveness
Professional Fee
Access
OVERALL
DR. SOPHIA YIN, DVM, MS
Cattledog Publishing, A Veterinary Corporation
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Cattledog Publishing is a Veterinary Corporation built from the ground up by the legendary veterinarian, Dr. Sophia Yin, DVM, MS. Dr. Yin was an Animal Behaviorist, Author and is best known for being an expert on Low-Stress Handling™. Her techniques are highly regarded in the field of veterinary medicine because of the pet-friendly approach that pet owners and veterinary professionals love. These pet-friendly techniques are a product of years of scientific research and rigorous testing. Through these, Dr. Yin was able to develop a new and effective standard of care Veterinarians, Petcare and other Companion and Farm Animal professionals. Dr. Sophia Yin passed away in September of 2014, but hew legacy and revolutionary work live on.
As a way of empowering veterinary professionals and even pet owners, CattleDog Publishing launched the Low Stress Handling® University in June of 2017. It is the new home of the world-renowned Low Stress Handling Certification programs, including all other courses offered in the catalog.
For Pet Owners
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Through CattleDog Publishing, Dr. Sophia Yin continues to help others in order to experience the joy that comes from having a pet as a companion. CattleDog Publishing is committed to sharing scientific principles behind animal behavior. They create accessible practical applications that every pet owner will understand and will make use every day. Since the needs of our pets and animals and constantly evolving, CattleDog Publishing sees to it that their training and technique will adapt to these changes. With unique educational materials, they aim to empower pet-care professionals and pet owners. What makes the website unique is the philosophy developed by Dr. Yin. It is centered on helping pet owners build a lasting relationship with their pets.
Problem pets may bring fractured relationships between the pet and the human companion. And by improving the pet owner’s understanding of animals and the many factors that affect their behavior, we can care for them better. You can finds resources on her website catalog. One course ranges from $20 up to $60 each while a 12-course curriculum can cost up to $320.
Unfortunately, CattleDog Publishing does not offer personalized training advice. However, you are always welcome to leave a question, comment or suggestions, especially on Low-Stress Handling™.
| PROS | CONS |
| Accessible online resources | No on-call veterinary professional |
| Extensive information on animal behavior and training | Does not offer personalized training advice |
| Availability of training videos online | Courses can be costly |
Our Verdict
Availability of Professionals
Remarkable Features
Responsiveness
Professional Fee
Access
OVERALL
VETERINARY PARTNER
VeterinaryPartner is a website maintained by the Veterinary Information Network, Inc. (VIN). It is a product of VIN’s commitment to providing free access to resources in veterinary medicine, pet care, and animal handling. What began as an adventure15 years ago is now a reliable source for veterinary professionals and pet owners alike. VIN extends its mission and commitment to ensuring the well-being of companion animals. It does so by publishing the reliable, straightforward online pet health information and resources through VeterinaryPartner.com.
The Veterinary Information Network was founded in 1991 and continues to be the foremost online resource for veterinarians, pet care professionals, parasitologists, and students. It curates a hub of relevant information and tools for the veterinary industry. VIN constantly develops new methodologies and practical applications in order to address the demands that come from modern veterinary practice. After all, VIN is for veterinarians, by veterinarians. The website alone unites 67,000 students, veterinarians, and veterinary industry partners throughout the country. These passionate individuals have built a truly interactive online community of pet and animal lovers.
For Pet Owners
Pet owners can freely browse VeterinaryPartner.com for whatever resource you need to best care for your animal companion. It is part of the VIN’s mission – to inspire and facilitate excellence in pet care and the veterinary community. Choose from the extensive categories, including Dogs, Cats, Horses, Birds, Reptiles, Small Mammals, and Pigs. Under every category, you can explore the different Diseases and conditions that may affect your animal, the proper care and husbandry, toxicities, and behavior. These are all key information towards a healthy, safe, and happy relationship between you and your pet or animal companion.
Every information published on the website are 100% reliable. They are authored by licensed and credentialed veterinary professionals and consultants and industry leaders. On staff are neurologists, masters and doctorate degree holders in canine and feline practice, equine medicine, and behaviorist, among others. These professionals share VIN’s mission, and tirelessly dedicates their professional insights to VeterinaryPartner.com.
VeterinaryPartner.com is among the online veterinary websites on this list that offer a direct online consultation. You can ask a vet by clicking this link. However, it is highly advised to call your local veterinary emergency hospital in case of an emergency. They do not guarantee immediate response.
| PROS | CONS |
| Accessible online resources | No on call veterinary professional |
| Extensive information on pets and animals | Does not provide medical advice |
| Authored by licensed and credentialed veterinary practitioners | |
| You can ask a vet! |
Our Verdict
Availability of Professionals
Remarkable Features
Responsiveness
Professional Fee
Access
OVERALL
VetLIVE
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VetLIVE is an online, consumer-friendly pet health portal where pet owners can consult with a licensed and experienced veterinarian. It is among the leading online veterinary websites that provide immediate medical advice. Veterinary medical experts are always within reach.
VetLIVE is setting a new standard for pet care which emphasizes access, and round the clock service at a distance. Pet parents can ask questions regarding their, even get a second opinion, or chat live with a veterinary professional in the comfort of your own home. You do not need to worry about driving down to the clinic and paying high professional fees. VetLIVE offers all these services at an affordable price, minus the trip.
The portal is the brainchild of two veterinarians, one of who is Dr. Laci Schaible. Dr. Schaible, a licensed veterinarian and is VetLIVE’s President and co-founder. She boasts 15 years of experience in the field of veterinary medicine with expertise in small animal medicine and surgery. Aside from dedicating her practice to the portal, she al writes for various pet journals and publications. She aims to empower pet parents so they can become the best advocate for their pet.
For Pet Owners
Pet owners can be at ease when they consult with one of VetLIVE’s expert and hand-selected veterinarians. Each vet that joins the portal is personally reviewed, monitored, and vetted by Dr. Schaible and her team. You know that every answer and diagnosis you get is accurate and reliable. The team’s years of experience allow them to quickly and affordably offer a veterinary health system and a practical treatment plan that is affordable to all pet parents.
Watch: How VetLIVE Works
At VetLIVE you can ask a veterinarian a question. You will then get a text message once your question gets answered by one of the vets on duty. Depending on the time of day, the urgency of the question, this feature may cost from $16.95 to $49.95. It is good to know that 90% of the time, you will get an answer from one of the founding vets. If you need an immediate response, you can live to chat with a licensed veterinarian and receive assistance right away. You can also carry out a nutritional consult starting at $29.95 per consult. Through this, you get to find what food or supplement would be best for your pet. And if your pet ate something suspicious, you can have around the clock speed consultation.
Lastly, VetLIVE offers an affordable second opinion starting at $34.95. All you have to do is upload your pet’s medical records for them to assess his or her condition. Remarkably, this feature is only offered by VetLIVE. It is comforting to know that an online animal health portal offers a second opinion. If you are worried about the cost, VetLIVE provides financial information about the various veterinary services offered in the field. They will give you the industry standard so you do not end up paying more than the standard cost. To ensure customer satisfaction, veterinarians who get below 85% customer satisfaction are removed from the site. So feel free to contact them anytime.
| PROS | CONS |
| Round the clock online veterinary consultation | Non-interactive website design |
| Questions are answered by Qualified, Verified, Experienced, Licensed Veterinarians | No video chat or voice option |
| Affordable services | Limited to chat and text |
| Come highly recommended by previous clients | |
| Accessible online animal health portal | |
| Immediate response | |
Our Verdict
Availability of Professionals
Remarkable Features
Responsiveness
Professional Fee
Access
OVERALL
PETCOACH
“At PetCoach, our mission is to help you provide healthier, happier and longer lives to your pets”
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Driver by the mission of providing the best possible care and attention to all pets, PetCoach has become one of the leading online sources of veterinarian advice. It cuts through the unnecessary steps towards getting immediate medical attention to pets and animals.
PetCoach offers straightforward veterinary advice direct from licensed and verified vets, pet experts, and trainers. Their in-home veterinarians, as well as the highly qualified pet experts, are always on call, willing to provide you with brief answers. The best part of this service is you will be getting it for free! You have the option to chat privately with a vet of your own choosing, and interact in real-time about issues regarding your pet. A corresponding fee will be charged when you opt for this feature.
For Pet Owners
For concerned pet parents you can browse from PetCoach’s more than 400,000 answered questions and articles. We know that you only want what is best for your beloved pet. You can browse the online portal for anything and everything. Aside from being a source of online veterinary advice, PetCoach is also a trusted hub of pet care information. Because PetCoach is a strong advocate for pet owners education, you are welcome to dive into the impressive collection of pet-related resources. Find features related to Heath, Behavior, Nutrition, Card, and Breed. You might finally find the answer as to why your dog eats grass.
You can access PetCoach via a computer or you can simply download the app to your smartphone. It is available on both Apple and Android devices. This feature makes the service very accessible. Once you are on the app, asking a vet a question is fairly easy. First, choose the service that suits your particular needs. You will be guided by a list of various categories to choose from. To get a more accurate response, you must choose the correct category. Second, if your question has been previously answered, chances are, the answer is published on the site’s Forum section. You can get a brief answer to your question for free by navigating through the section. However, if you need an in-depth online consultation with one of the featured vets, you can do so. Third, chat live with a vet for an online consultation.
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Lastly, find a trusted expert that can address all your queries. PetCoach is composed of veterinary professionals who are experts in various specialties. You and your pet are in good hands. In order to avail all the services on the website, you need to avail of the monthly subscriptions. Your $9 will go a long way in ensuring that your pet remains healthy, active, and happy. Despite the accessibility of online veterinary services, PetCoach reiterates the need to take your pet to the veterinary office. As a pet owner, you should recognize the tell-tale signs that you should take your pet to the vet.
| PROS | CONS |
| Round the clock online veterinary consultation | Membership fee is required |
| Questions are answered by licensed veterinarians and highly qualified pet experts | |
| Extensive pet-related resources | |
| Affordable services | |
| Positive client testimonials | |
| Available on mobile devices |
Our Verdict
Availability of Professionals
Remarkable Features
Responsiveness
Professional Fee
Access
OVERALL
FUZZY
“We are Fuzzy.”
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Your Fuzzy or simply, Fuzzy, is a modern pet health company that is guided by its two-fold mission. First, to make veterinary care more accessible while maintaining exceptional service and delightful relationships with pet owners and their pets. It comes hand-in-hand with empowering veterinarians in order to improve their well-being. And, second, to become the prime innovators in a slow-moving industry of veterinary telemedicine.
Through innovative means of delivering veterinary care, Your Fuzzy maximizes convenience while maintaining a low service cost. Cost is one of the main reasons why pets do not receive veterinary care. By increasing access to digital vet through telemedicine. Fuzzy’s mobile vet team is committed to optimizing the application to cut the cost of veterinary service delivery.
For Pet Owners
Fuzzy is better because the team delivers the highest quality of veterinary care. They make everything simple so that pet parents need not worry about the unnecessary costs and focus on providing the best care for pets. The design is straightforward, accessible and convenient. You will have access to modern pet health care right in the comforts of your home and in just a few taps on your mobile phone. Visits to the vet is now a thing of the past. Your pet will get in-home care and check-ups when and where you want them. Fuzzy’s licensed veterinary professionals and technicians are 12 hours every day, from 8 AM to 8 PM. All you have to do is pick a date and time, and your pet will get a visit from a possible new best friend. This feature is available in both the San Francisco Bay Area and New York City.
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All of Fuzzy’s team of veterinarians have a proven track record in the pet health care industry. They promise to deliver only the highest quality of care, as well as communication to every pet parent out there. Have your pick from various specializations, ranging from behavioral therapy, chronic care treatment, rehabilitation, skin, and dermatological issues, as well as pet nutritionists.
When you avail of the Fuzzy membership, you get unlimited vet access whenever you need help. The Fuzzy vet team will be always on call and available at your fingertips. You get all the essentials for your pet’s health and well-being. The standard Fuzzy annual membership fee is $600. But Fuzzy understands that this amount can be overwhelming so they have conveniently broken it down to 12 monthly payments or $50 per month. Take note that this is an annual commitment. This will cover 2 in-home check-ups, core vaccinations, medications and delivery which includes 12 months of flea, tick, and heartworm medication, lab testing, and unlimited consultations. Extra services come with additional cost.
Fuzzy knows that caring for a pet is a lifetime commitment so they put primacy on ongoing health and behavior support. Your pet’s health conditions do not go away overnight. That is why Fuzzy promises to be with you for the long haul. You get the medications in the mail, carry out lab services done in your home, and get constant digital check ins and support from. And because of the membership model, your vet will never push for products. They will only do what is best for your fuzzy best friend.
| PROS | CONS |
| Round the clock online veterinary consultation | Membership fee is required |
| Questions are answered by licensed veterinarians and pet technicians | Annual membership fee can be overwhelming |
| Friendly and accommodating staff | The $50 monthly fees comes with an annual commitment |
| Interactive mobile application design | |
| App is very easy to navigate | |
| Fuzzy application is available in multiple platforms | |
| The membership comes with all the essential pet health and care needs |
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BANFIELD PET HOSPITAL
“Together for the life of your pet.”
Watch: BanField Vet Chat
Banfield Pet Hospital believes that the relationship between a pet and its human companion can be made tighter through creating a better world for pets. Banfield is insistent on the primary role of preventive care education, strengthening the pet-human bond and disaster relief and preparedness. This vision began in 1995 when veterinarian Warren J. Wegert pushed towards providing high-quality veterinary services in Portland, Oregon. From Banfield’s humble beginning, Banfield Pet Hospital is not composed of more than 975 pet hospitals across the United State. The hospital managed to go beyond borders and extended its services to Puerto Rico. Emphasizing the value of community, Banfield Pet Hospital is driven by the understanding that the best relationships are those that are formed when we all work together.
The company by its five basic principles – Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency, and Freedom. These Five Guiding Principles are the foundation of the vision that Banfield aims to effect in the services it provides, and through excellent client relationships. Banfield Pet Hospital is dedicated to the highest quality of pet health care with an uncompromising set of standard guidelines. Veterinarians and pet technicians who are part of the company are empowered to take direct responsibility for client satisfaction. All of Banfield’s associates are credentialed and licensed veterinary professionals. Through the principle of mutuality, Banfield ensures that every step the company takes is mutually beneficial to all stakeholders. With an efficient service model, the physical, financial and human resources are designed to maintain efficiency and the highest quality of pet veterinary care.
For Pet Owners
Banfield Pet Hospital offers pet owners a smarter way to love your pet. With the company’s Optimum Wellness Plan®, you have access to high quality veterinary medical care for your beloved animal companion. The plan includes a 24/7 Vet ChatTM feature which will give you the much-needed peace of mind in terms of medical emergencies. Members can connect to hand-picked veterinarians anytime, day or night. Simply download the Banfield app on your mobile device, and have medical care right at your fingertips. Having your pet’s veterinarian on-demand is a useful feature especially for troubled pets. Plus, you are ensured that all medical advice received via chat is reliable pet care advice.
An Optimum Wellness Plan is a specially customized pet care package for all the essential pet care services. It is designed to provide pets and pet owners annual preventive care, making sure that pets remain healthy and happy. It does not, however, work like insurance. Meaning, it does not cover treatment for unpredictable or abnormal conditions that may affect your pet. But Banfield promises to give members a discount for whatever procedure your pet may need to undergo. The wellness plan is an annual membership and is automatically renewed at the end of every 12-month period. If you are interested on becoming a member, simply ask for a quotation so you can start experiencing the Banfield Pet Hospital standard of care.
| PROS | CONS |
| Access to proprietary VetChatTM | Membership fee is required |
| Impressive Optimum Wellness Plan | The estimated quotation of annual membership fee is not available on the website |
| Round the clock online veterinary consultatiob | The plan does not include incidental pet care |
| ]Questions are answered by licensed veterinarians and pet technicians | Limited coverage |
| Friendly and accommodating staff | |
| Interactive mobile application design |
Our Verdict
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VETBABBLE
“Home for the helpful, fun and factual pet information.
VetBabble is a reliable online pet health and medical information portal run by licensed veterinarians. Pet owners and pet parents can rely on VetBabble because the team of vets behind the website promises to only publish helpful, fun and factual information. All you have to do as a pet parent is to enjoy being one!
It aims to become the one-stop-shop for everything pet-related. The team behind VetBabble understands that sometimes, a trip to the veterinary clinic may lead to more questions afterwards. This is where they come in. Explore the website with confidence as you discover and learn the complexities of being a pet owner. Every article published on VetBabble is vetted by vets and pet experts. You can quickly find useful information, answers to frequently asked questions, and even fun facts about your pet. Read on fun opinions and veterinarian facts in your spare time and become an empowered pet owner.
For Pet Owners
Every pet owner of every species is welcome. Easily navigate on the page and select Dog Care, Cat Care, Reptiles, Small Pets, and Birds. For every pet parent out there, VetBabble will feel like home to you. All the helpful information on the website is based on real-life experiences of other pet owners, published to help you become the best pet parent possible. You can browse through an abundance of reliable pet care information and testimonials of the VetBabble community.
Everything is fun in VetBabble because everything is accessible, and for free. Receive free pet advice by clicking on Ask A Vet feature on the page. You will get real-time answers from licensed vets who are willing to assist you any time of day and night. if a vet is not available, the VetBabble welcoming community of pet owners are always ready to lend a helping hand.
VetBabble also works as an online platform where pet owners can connect with pet experts through a consultation. You can request for information and pet care advice when you choose to avail this service. Create a new Consultation via the webpage, or you can go ahead and post a listing. In order to do so, you must first register and create a VetBabble Account. Caveat, consultations must not include nutritional, fitness or other health-related diagnosis, especially prescription or treatment. Pet owners are advised to seek advice from a local veterinarian for immediate response.
| PROS | CONS |
| Free online pet care resource | No on-demand vet chat |
| Free consultation with a veterinarian | Ask a vet is limited to pet care |
| Home to an abundance of pet-related articles | No online diagnosis and prescription |
| Helpful, fun, and factual pet care information | |
| Straightforward website design |
Our Verdict
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