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If you’re looking for expert veterinarian advice without having to spend the time and money visiting your vet’s office, what are your options? Fortunately, several reliable and surprisingly affordable services online can connect you with licensed, virtual vets. They can evaluate your pet’s situation and give treatment advice without needing in-person visits. Read on to learn which are your best options and why I recommend them.
Table of Contents
| Overall | Non-Urgent Advice | Prescriptions | Emergency Fund | Subscription | Free For Auto-Shippers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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| Visit Website | Visit Website | Visit Website | Visit Website | ||
What Services Can Online Veterinarians Provide?
In most cases, virtual veterinarians can give an online vet consultation to help tele-triage patients, offer first aid advice, and general advice about nutrition or behavior issues. However, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), a Veterinarian-Client-Patient relationship (VCPR) is legally required to diagnose medical conditions or prescribe medication for your pet. State regulations can differ in how a VCPR can be established.
This means that you may not be able to get a diagnosis or telemedicine services (prescription medicine) depending on where you live and where the online vet you’re consulting with is licensed. Many states require that the VCPR be established in person. Some allow a VCPR to be established virtually with patients they’ve previously seen in person. Other states have varying restrictions regarding prescribing medication virtually. It can be confusing for pet parents, but the Veterinary Virtual Care Association has an interactive map to show you the laws in each state.
A mobile vet might fit your needs better if you cannot travel with your pet. Please read our guide on the best mobile vets and how to find in-home pet care near you.
6 Best Websites & Apps For Veterinarian Advice
Our vet telehealth reviews and rankings are based on several factors, including quality of advice, accessible hours, response time, communication methods, cost, ability to get telemedicine services (where legal), and more. It’s important to note that some of the sites I review here have veterinarians who don’t diagnose or write prescriptions at all. When this is the case, I’ve stated this in my review.
Expert Advice About Emergency Funds
Some sites I review here offer an emergency fund that pays for life-saving care for your furry friend. While these sites are a blessing to help you cover emergency treatment fees, you must chat with them beforehand to qualify for access to your fund. However, if your dog is experiencing a life-threatening situation, I urge you also to contact your local vet clinic (emergency or regular) and the 24/7 Pet Poison Helpline (if you suspect a toxic reaction).
Best Overall: Airvet Review
Airvet launched in 2018 and has quickly become one of the leaders in the veterinary telemedicine industry. Airvet now has a network of thousands of veterinarians across all 50 U.S. states and Canada. They also received huge backing in 2020 — $14 million in Series A funding. You can immediately connect with a licensed vet for urgent matters for a flat fee of $75 with no time limit. Or, for less urgent cases, you can request a free tele-triage session with your chosen primary veterinarian. They will contact you as soon as they’re available. In this case, each vet sets their fee, but they’re competitively priced and far cheaper than an in-person vet visit.
For both requests, your session can last up to 72 hours for any needed follow-up care. You can authorize a payment hold until the case is complete. Another option is to become an Airvet member for $35/month. This includes unlimited 24/7 video calls and access to a $3,000 life-saving emergency fund. How does this fund work? If an AirVet licensed vet determines that your pet is experiencing a life-threatening emergency, you may access up to $3,000 to help pay for your pet’s emergency care. You can use this fund once a year for one pet (after an initial 14-day waiting period).
You can sign up for free, and whether you’re a member or not, the App service (via mobile device) keeps track of your recent visits and upcoming appointments. Watch this short video to see how easy their app is to use.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 24/7 on-demand access to licensed veterinarians | No desktop chat is available (but they say it’s coming soon) |
| Video calls and chats are available | A bit pricier than some competitors |
| A top preferred telemedicine provider for veterinary practices | Mobile-only (not on desktop) |
| $3,000 emergency fund available for members | |
| Airvet vets can write prescriptions where legal | |
| User-friendly Android and iOS apps |
Best For Non-Urgent Advice: PetCoach Ask A Vet Review
PetCoach by Petco Animal Supplies Stores is an excellent resource for people looking for pet vet advice. The PetCoach mobile App has over one million articles and answers to all kinds of user questions. You can easily search these for your specific needs for free. These can be found in PetCoach’s Educational Center, all answered by their vet experts over the years. You cannot get telemedicine services, but there are lots of helpful services for pet owners.
They have two “Ask A Vet” services via their free App, both reasonably priced. After you register and create a profile for your pet, for $5, you can submit a single question. Receive an answer from a vet tech or licensed veterinarian within 12 hours (many users say it only takes a few hours to hear back). Or, for $20, you can get an in-depth back-and-forth chat consultation with a licensed vet within six hours, with unlimited messages and photos.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable in-depth consultation | No on-demand, immediate access to vets |
| User-friendly mobile apps for Android and iOS | No video chat is available |
| Most users say responses are very helpful and reliable | Can’t get a prescription |
| You can browse previously asked questions and answers for free | No desktop version |
| Excellent website knowledge base | |
| Satisfaction guarantee |
Best For Prescriptions (Where Legal): Vetster Review
Vetster launched in November 2020 and has a network of 1,800+ licensed veterinary professionals. They are based across the U.S. and Canada and are available 24/7 through video, chat, and text sessions. You begin by searching for an available vet in your city or state to make an appointment, whether your need is urgent or for a later time. Depending on where you live, you may have to wait several hours for an appointment. However, in most cases, you can make a same-day appointment. You can see available appointments without signing up. If you decide to book, register for an account and pay for your visit online.
Unlike Airvet and PetCoach, which require an app, you can use Vetster on your desktop computer or app. Vets set their rates, typically ranging from $50 to $75 per session. However, each telehealth vet has a profile page with detailed information about their credentials and what they specialize in. So, choosing who you want to use may be worth paying extra.
If your pup needs telemedicine services, Vetster vets can prescribe virtually in the states where it’s legal. Fortunately, each vet’s profile lets you know if they can prescribe. You can get a prescription through Vetster (at the vet’s discretion) if you live in Delaware, Idaho, Iowa, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, and Washington. But keep in mind that these regulations can change. Vetster is located in 50 countries worldwide and can greatly help when traveling with your pet.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 24/7 on-demand access to licensed veterinarians that you can choose | Expensive compared to other services we review |
| Chat, text, and video sessions available | May not have immediate access to a vet |
| Available in 50 countries worldwide | |
| Vetster vets can write prescriptions where legal | |
| You can choose from their available vets | |
| The website has detailed profiles for each vet | |
| User-friendly apps for Android and iOS |
Our readers can use the coupon code IMPACT15 to get 10% off their first Vetster appointment. Use this link to take advantage of this offer.
Best For Emergency Fund: Pawp Review
Pawp was the first online vet site to offer a $3,000 emergency fund to help cover unexpected emergency vet bills, and it’s become a popular option for many pet parents. How does Pawp work? Pay $19 monthly for unlimited 24/7 telehealth with vets and pet experts and access the emergency fund. You can use the fund for one life-threatening pet emergency per year (after a 14-day waiting period), and it covers pre-existing conditions. We’ve seen a lot of positive customer feedback about the quality of vet advice and speedy access to licensed vets.
The caveat is that you must first have a face-to-face virtual call with a Pawp vet to determine whether your pup’s symptoms are a life-threatening emergency. And you must take your pet to a clinic within eight hours of activating your fund. Even if you (hopefully) don’t have to use Pawp’s emergency fund, the monthly subscription fee is reasonable compared to many other services. You can try Pawp for one month for free and cancel your subscription anytime.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 24/7 access to licensed veterinarians and pet professionals | No one-time consults are available (monthly subscription only) |
| Unlimited video calls and texts | Can’t get a prescription |
| Includes a $3,000 emergency fund | No online version (mobile app only) |
| No appointments or wait times | |
| Covers up to 6 pets (but an emergency fund is only available one time per year) | |
| User-friendly Android and iOS app |
For more information on this online veterinarian service, please read our full Pawp review.
Most Affordable Subscription: WhiskerDocs Review
With over three million customers, WhiskerDocs is a well-respected online vet service that provides access to licensed vets 24/7 with various options. They stand out as one of the most affordable subscription plans. They are available at $16.99 per month or $129.99 per year, giving you unlimited phone, chat, and email support 24/7. WhiskerDocs also offers on-demand single phone or live chat appointments for $39.99 per session. And if your need isn’t urgent, you can consult with a vet via email for $4.99 per session.
WhiskerDocs also partners with several pet insurance companies. If you have a pet insurance policy with companies such as Pets Best, 24PetProtect, or Spot, you get access to WhiskerDocs. This can be a great option if you’re looking for pet insurance and want 24/7 remote access to licensed vets for peace of mind.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 24/7 on-demand access to licensed veterinarians | Single phone and live chat sessions are pricey compared to some other services |
| Phone and live chat are available | No video chat is available |
| Competitively priced monthly subscription | Can’t get a prescription |
| User-friendly mobile app for iOS | No Android app |
| Works with some pet insurance companies |
Our Personal Experience With WhiskerDocs
I have Pets Best pet insurance which includes WhiskerDocs on demand vets for those times I just need some advice but not sure I need to take my dog to the vet. I called them and was on hold for a few minutes before they prompted me for a call back which was less than five minutes later. The person who called stated she was a registered vet tech up front, which assured me, and then asked if I was calling about health or behavioral problems. She then asked if it was an emergency and it was not.
Since it was my first time using the service, she had to gather some information, including my name, email address, zip code, pet’s name, whether it’s a dog or cat, male or female, age, and breed. I then described the issue, and she asked about symptoms and any history of this issue. She told me she couldn’t say without examining or diagnostic testing but thinks the issue I was describing (red eyes) was just allergens (dust, pollen, blade of grass in his eye) but to monitor if there is more discharge, or discoloration again to see his primary care vet. She also said he seems in pain or discomfort and starts pawing or rubbing at his eyes to see the emergency vet.
I asked about home remedies if it is allergies (eye drops, Benadryl). She said plain saline solution to help flush it, but it might not resolve. It could help relieve it, but not unless it gets flared up again, and the vet should give him a better treatment plan should he need it. I thanked her for the advice and for putting my mind at ease, and she said they are here for me 24/7 if we have further questions or other issues in the future. Overall, I’d say the experience was a good one. The doctor’s friendliness and customer service (and, most importantly, knowledge) were 10/10.
– Sadie Cornelius, Dog Mom & Creative Marketer For Canine Journal
Best Free (For Auto-Shippers): Chewy Review
The immensely popular pet product website Chewy has a fantastic free telehealth service for auto-shipping customers (and reasonable fees if you don’t want to sign up for auto-shipping). With this “Connect With A Vet” service, you can access licensed vets on-demand via live chat or video on your smartphone or desktop. It’s available every day of the week from 6 am to midnight EST in all states except Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico.
This tele-triage service is an excellent perk if you want to sign up for auto-shipping for your pet’s food, treats, kitty litter, or anything else on Chewy’s site. There is no extra fee for signing up for auto-shipping, and you get discounts on products. For those who aren’t auto-ship customers, Chewy has low telehealth fees of $14.99 for a live chat session and $19.99 for a 20-minute video consult. Video calls are free for some CarePlus pet insurance customers.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| On-demand access to licensed veterinarians | Not available 24/7 |
| Entirely free unlimited access for auto-ship customers | Can’t write prescriptions (but they can fill ones from your vet) |
| Affordable one-time consult fees for non-auto-shippers | |
| Live chat or video availability | |
| User-friendly apps for Android and iOS or desktop |
What About AskVet, BondVet, JustAnswer, Reggie & Banfield?
Those are the standout online vet companies, but there are a few other tele-triage services worth mentioning as well.
AskVet Review
AskVet is a well-established vet telehealth web portal. It gives pet owners 24/7 access to licensed veterinarians 365 days a year. You can access unlimited live chats with their experts by purchasing their membership for $29.99 monthly. And there are no time limits for a session. It also includes a “Rainy Day Fund” to help cover emergency pet care costs. AskVet members get up to $1,000 each in their Rainy Day Funds, which you can use once per year. AskVet adds $45 monthly to your fund until it reaches $1,000, so it’s not as lucrative as Pawp, Airvet, or OneVet‘s emergency funds.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 24/7 access to licensed veterinarians | No one-time consults are available (monthly subscription only) |
| Up to a $1,000 Rainy Day Fund | Can’t get a prescription |
| User-friendly apps for Android and iOS | No video consults |
| Includes a smart ID tag for your pet’s collar | |
| It gives you a personalized lifestyle plan for your pup |
BondVet Review
Bond Vet is a quickly growing company with several vet clinics nationwide. They provide in-person wellness, urgent care, and live tele-triage video calls with licensed veterinarians. You search for available slots in your local area for an in-person appointment. You can pick one that suits you that day or in the future. To request a video chat, you join the queue, and the next available vet will connect with you. However, they’re only available 8 am-6 pm (Sunday-Thursday) and 10 am-6 pm EST (Friday-Saturday).
A video call is pricey at $95 for a 20-minute session. However, many customers like the convenience of this service. Still, if you think your pup may need a prescription, Bond Vet could be a good alternative to Vetster. Currently, their telehealth vets can prescribe and ship medication to residents of NY, NJ, D.C., and VA (as well as MA who have visited Bond within the last year). There are several Bond Vet locations, with many more opening soon.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| On-demand single video consults with licensed vets | Limited hours |
| No subscription or appointment is required | Expensive compared to many other services |
| Can prescribe and ship medication to NY, NJ, DC & VA residents (more states coming soon) | |
| See each vet’s credentials on website |
If you are interested in this online veterinarian service, please read our comprehensive Bond Vet review.
JustAnswer Review
JustAnswer is a popular expert Q&A website that connects visitors with verified experts in various categories, including medical, legal, automotive, tech support, and veterinary medicine. Once you submit a question about your pet, JustAnswer will notify you by text or email when your answer is ready. Their average response time is six to seven minutes.
They offer a seven-day trial for $5 for unlimited chats (via text, phone, or email), so that’s the best way to try them out. But make sure you cancel your trial if you don’t want to continue, or you’ll be charged a monthly membership fee. Monthly membership fees are $55, with a $5 signing–up fee. It offers unlimited follow-up chats with veterinarians and 25% off all in-house medical services at participating veterinarians.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 24/7 access to licensed veterinarians | Can’t get telemedicine services |
| User-friendly mobile apps for Android and iOS (for members only) | No video chat is available |
| Generally good user reviews for quality of advice and helpful experts | |
| You can browse previously asked questions and answers for free |
If you want more details on JustAnswer, head to our JustAnswer guide for a more comprehensive review.
Reggie Review
Reggie is a relatively new company specializing in all-natural dog supplements, but they also offer a vet telehealth subscription. For $19 per month, you can message a vet 24/7 or schedule a video chat anytime. Their website says they can deliver “prescription-based treatments” to your door. But there’s no detailed information about how that works. There are a few customer reviews about their telehealth services. But I did see many glowing reviews for their dog supplements, so you may want to check those out.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 24/7 on-demand access to licensed veterinarians | No one-time consults available (monthly subscription only) |
| Video and live chat are available | No mobile apps |
| May be able to get a prescription where legal | Very few customer reviews online for telehealth service |
| You can cancel your subscription anytime | |
| Free skin & coat health supplement when you join |
Vet Chat From Banfield Review
If you’re already a member of Banfield Pet Hospitals’ Optimal Wellness Plan (or want to join), you get 24/7 on-demand access to their licensed vets through their handy Vet Chat app. They can give you general advice for many questions, but this option is pricey if you’re not a member and want occasional online advice.
Banfield’s wellness plans offer preventive care, including comprehensive bi-annual wellness exams covering vaccinations, parasite control, dental, nutrition, and behavioral consultations. The plan requires a one-time sign-up fee, and monthly payments start at around $30 for dogs and $25 for cats. However, monthly payments vary depending on breed, age, location, and other factors. According to my research, the average Banfield plan costs $42 monthly.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 24/7 access to licensed veterinarians | Must have a Banfield wellness plan to use Vet Chat |
| Mobile apps for Android and iOS | No video chat is available |
Please head to our comprehensive Banfield Wellness Plan review for more details on this option.
When Pet Insurance Can Help
While these online vets are a great alternative for everyday advice and less serious issues, there are definite times you’ll need to visit a vet. Vet costs for severe conditions and accidents can rack up quickly — sometimes into thousands of dollars. So, you may want to consider getting pet insurance. It can help protect your wallet from a major blow while ensuring your pet receives the necessary care. See our reviews of the best pet insurance companies. Not sure which pet insurance company is best? We’ve made this easy by creating a free quote widget below. It pulls prices from our top companies when you fill out one short form.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many of our readers still have questions about the best online veterinarians. If you don’t see your question below, please ask us in the comments, and we’ll find the answer.
Is A Virtual Vet Worth It?
Online or virtual veterinarians can be a great option in some situations, such as for owners with limited travel capabilities, those who live in rural areas, or who need quick answers. They are also ideal for those who need regular follow-up appointments as they can be cost-effective. However, virtual vets do not replace the need for in-person vet visits, diagnostic imaging, and procedures like surgery.
Can A Virtual Vet Prescribe Antibiotics?
In most states, vets must examine pets physically to prescribe antibiotics. However, some states allow vets to set up a VCPR via virtual consultation in some circumstances. Online veterinary practice and VCPR laws are ever-evolving. So, be sure to use the Veterinary Virtual Care Association’s interactive map for more clarity on the laws in each state.
Other Ways To Help Your Dog In An Emergency
If you’re looking for ways to be prepared for a Fido emergency besides having a virtual vet, we have lots of information ready to help. A pet first aid kit at home or in your vehicle is useful. An emergency detox kit like Dr. Cuddles ReadyRESCUE can assist when Fido eats something toxic. To help prevent pet emergencies, keep dangerous items out of reach. Also, consider crate training your pup to keep them safe when you aren’t around.
Do you have experience using an online veterinarian service? We love to hear from our readers, so please share your thoughts and stories in the comments section below.
Why Trust Canine Journal?
Emma is a multiple dog owner with over 20 years of experience. She has also worked as a professional dog walker and sitter for many years. She has cared for countless dog breeds with different needs and has a pet first aid certificate. Emma spends hours researching the latest pet care, health, food, and training developments to keep her two best buddies and other doggy clients as happy and healthy as possible. She works with a professional and experienced team to bring Canine Journal readers the best, most accurate, and up-to-date information.
