With pet care evolving rapidly, video vet consultations, also known as veterinary teleconsultations, are becoming a go-to solution for pet parents seeking convenience, timely guidance and access to care from the comfort of home. Veterinary healthcare professionals can now provide remote consultations that make care easy to deliver and enhance communication with pet parents.

Types of Video Vet Consultations

Video consultations in veterinary care typically fall into two categories:

Telehealth: This includes non-clinical services such as general health guidance, behavioral advice, nutrition tips and preventive care instruction which are useful for initial concerns like follow-up questions or when pet parents simply need professional reassurance.

Telemedicine: This includes clinical services like diagnosing a condition, recommending a treatment or prescribing a medication. This is provided when there is an established veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR).

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How to Prepare for a Virtual Vet Visit

Before the Appointment

  • Choose a quiet space: Make sure the area is well-lit and calm, where your pet has free movement yet still be observed by the vet.
  • Test your tech: Check your internet connection, make sure your device’s camera and microphone are functioning well, also install any required apps or logins in advance.
  • Gather relevant medical history: Collect your pet’s past medical records, vaccination details, current medications and any recent photos or videos of concerning symptoms.
  • Document concerns: Put down all the symptoms, behavioral changes and ask specific questions/concerns that you want to discuss during the consultation.
  • Prepare your pet: Have treats, toys or calming items nearby to keep your pet comfortable and cooperative during the consultation.

During the Consultation

  • Stay engaged: Be ready to interact, take notes and respond as the vet asks questions.
  • Assist with examination: Follow instructions to assist in showing specific areas or behaviors about your pet using camera.
  • Clarify instructions: Don’t hesitate to ask the vet to repeat or explain any aspect of the diagnosis or further steps.

After the Visit

  • Review and follow up: Go through the vet’s summary, follow care instructions and administer medications as directed.
  • Book follow-up appointments: If needed, you can schedule in-person visits or additional virtual check-ins.
  • Keep digital records: Save any prescriptions, vaccine certificates or care plans received for quick access.

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Benefits of Video Consultations

Convenience: Video consultations eliminate the need for travel and reduce waiting times, making it easier for pet parents to seek care from home. This further decreases stress for pets, particularly those that become anxious when they come to the practices.

Quick Access to Expert Advice: Pet parents can receive timely guidance for early symptoms or general wellness questions without waiting days for an in-person appointment. This allows for faster reassurance and proactive care.

Efficient Screening: Teleconsultations assist in finding out whether a physical visit is needed, saving time for both the practice and the pet parent. It ensures that urgent cases are prioritized while handling less critical ones remotely, reducing travel and waiting time to minimize pet’s stress.

Stay Connected, Virtually

Video vet consultations make high-quality care more accessible and stress-free for everyone involved. With thorough preparation, considerate communication and the right technology, veterinary professionals can provide personalized guidance and strengthen long-term relationships with pet parents from anywhere.