11+ Best online vets: Your partners in accessible pet health [2025]

Dutch is an online subscription-based veterinarian care platform that gives pet parents access to licensed vets, prescriptions, and follow-up care without leaving home, with unlimited vet calls for less than the price of one typical vet appointment. With unlimited care for up to five pets per plan, guaranteed low prescription prices, and member-only discounts, Dutch makes expert care both affordable and accessible.

Every consultation is with a licensed veterinarian, not a vet tech or chatbot, so pets get professional, compassionate attention whenever they need it. Same-day appointments, including nights and weekends, mean care starts fast and without the stress of a clinic visit. Prescriptions ship directly to your door so you know your pet’s treatment will be consistent and convenient.

Best for: Online vet care and prescriptions for pet owners with pets experiencing chronic conditions, skin issues, anxiety, or other common health concerns

• Same-day access to licensed vets, including nights and weekends
• Care and prescriptions for over 150 conditions
• Unlimited vet callsand follow-ups
• Guaranteed low prescription prices
• 20% off flea and tick medication
• $25 off your first product order
• Care for up to five pets per plan
• At-home test kits for some conditions and pet ancestry
  

Pros:

• Affordable subscription pricing compared to per-visit fees
• Wide range of treatable conditions
• Care from licensed veterinarians, not vet techs or bots
• Convenient prescription home delivery

Cons:

• Cannot treat emergency or severe cases that require in-person exams

Pricing:

• 1 year: $11/month billed yearly
• 2 years: $8/month billed yearly

Get expert care from home with Dutch.

2. Vetster

Vetster is an online veterinary platform that connects pet owners with licensed veterinarians. Users can select their preferred vet from Vetster’s verified professionals, review their profiles, and book appointments. Appointments take place through video calls, and each booking includes instant messaging with the vet and a 48-hour follow-up.

Best for: Pet owners wanting on-demand, vet-matched care

Features:

• Verified licensed veterinarians
• Available 24/7 via secure video calls
• Instant messaging and follow-up included
• Supports care for multiple conditions and species
• Prescriptions available with delivery or local pickup

Pros:

• Convenient scheduling for quick care
• Knowledgeable and thorough vets

Cons:

• Prescriptions and shipping can take days
• Appointments may be canceled unexpectedly 

Pricing:

• Vetster Plus: $11.49/month
• One-time appointment: Starts at $50

3. Banfield Pet Hospital

Banfield Pet Hospital provides veterinary services focused on preventive care through its Optimum Wellness Plans (OWPs). These plans bundle exams, vaccinations, diagnostics, and other routine services into a single package paid annually or monthly. In addition to preventive care, Banfield offers illness and injury treatment, dental services, and nutritional support.

Best for: Pet owners seeking bundled, preventive veterinary care

Features:

• Optimum Wellness Plans for dogs and cats at all life stages
• Annual and biannual exams included in all plans
• Diagnostic testing such as bloodwork, radiology, and fecal exams
• Virtual visits for established patients
• 24/7 Pet Chat access to veterinary professionals

Pros:

• Access to both in-person and virtual services
• Comprehensive plan options tailored by age and health stage

Cons:

• Plans do not cover emergency or specialty care
• Services may vary between locations

Pricing: Pricing not publicly stated on the website.

4. PetCoach

PetCoach is a digital platform, owned by Petco, that connects pet owners with licensed veterinarians, trainers, nutritionists, and other pet experts for tailored advice. Available through the website and mobile app, PetCoach allows users to ask questions, receive personalized guidance, and browse a library of articles covering common pet health concerns, behavior issues, nutrition plans, and preventive care.

Best for: Pet owners looking for answers via chat

Features:

• Integration with Petco services and products
• Accessible via website and mobile app
• Option to connect with trainers and other pet specialists

Pros:

• Wide range of pet care topics covered
• Backed by Petco’s national network and resources
• Convenient access through multiple devices
• Ability to get advice without scheduling a clinic visit

Cons:

• Availability may vary depending on expert's schedules
• Quality of advice may depend on individual expert

Pricing: Pricing not stated on the website.

5. WhiskerDocs

WhiskerDocs is a 24/7 pet telehealth service offering guidance from licensed veterinary technicians via phone, live chat, or email. It’s designed to help pet owners get quick answers about their pet’s health, behavior, and general care without a trip to the clinic. While WhiskerDocs does not provide diagnoses or prescriptions, it helps pet owners understand symptoms, decide on next steps, and determine when an in-person vet visit is necessary.

Best for: Pet owners needing 24/7 symptom guidance anywhere

Features:

• 24/7 access via phone, chat, or email
• Licensed veterinary technicians on every call or chat
• Complimentary follow-up after each consultation
• Individual call, chat, or email options, plus unlimited yearly plans

Pros:

• Always available including nights, weekends, and holidays
• Fast response times
• Patient, knowledgeable, an professional vets

 Cons:

• Cannot replace in-person exams for urgent or complex cases
• Vet tec, not veterinarian, answers your chat
  

Pricing:

• Phone call: $39.99
• Chat: $39.99
• Email: $4.99
• Unlimited yearly plan: $129.99/year

6. TelaVets

TelaVets connects pet owners with licensed veterinarians through secure video calls. After each visit, vets arrange prescriptions and ship them directly, including compounded options when needed. The service charges a flat price per visit and requires no membership. Pet owners book appointments, receive follow-ups, and manage medication fulfillment entirely online.

Best for: Pet parents who want per-visit vistual care and the option for prescription delivery without joining a subscription plan

Features:

• Video consultations via secure link
• Flat per-visit pricing
• Prescription fulfillment with shipping options
• Treatment guidance for common conditions in dogs, cats, and select other species
• Zoom-based appointment workflow

Pros:

• No membership required

• Transparent flat rate per visit

Cons:

• Not available for emergencies or procedures

• Variable prescription availability based on state rules

Pricing: $65 per virtual consultation

7. Chewy Connect With a Vet

Chewy’s Connect With a Vet service offers online access to licensed veterinarians and veterinary technicians for pet health guidance. Customers can use live chat or scheduled video calls to discuss symptoms, behaviors, and general wellness concerns.

The service does not diagnose, treat, or prescribe medications, but it can help assess urgency and advise on whether your pet needs in-person care. It’s currently available for dogs and cats in most U.S. states.

Best for: Pet owners with Chewy accounts

Features:

• Live chat with licensed vets and vet techs
• 15-minute video consultations
• Option to share photos and videos of pets
• Consult reports provided after sessions

Pros:

• Free live chat for Chewy account holders
• Access to licensed professionals

Cons:

• No prescriptions or treatment plans provided
• Not available in Alaska, Georgia, Hawaii, or Puerto Rico

Pricing:

• Live chat: Free for Chewy customers
• Video call: $19.99 per 15-minute session

8. Pawp

Pawp is a membership-based telehealth service that connects pet owners with licensed veterinarians, nurses, and technicians. Through the Pawp app, members can use chat, video, or phone calls to get real-time guidance and follow-up care for their pets. The service provides personalized care plans and continuous support but does not prescribe medication.

Best for: Pet owners wanting membership-based telehealth service

Features:

• 24/7 access to licensed vets, nurses, and technicians
• Unlimited chats, video calls, and follow-ups
• Available on mobile app for iOS and Android
• Annual membership model

Pros:

• Access to a knowledgeable vet 
• Helpful for minor ailments

Cons:

• Long wait times
• Customer service is slow to respond

Pricing: Annual membership (first month free),  price not specified on site.

9. Airvet

Airvet is an all-in-one pet care platform that offers virtual vet consultations, an online pharmacy, pet insurance, wellness plans, and specialty care. Airvet connects pet parents with screened veterinarians for guidance on health concerns, behavior, nutrition, and preventative care. Some employer benefit programs offer Airvet as a service for vet health. 

Best for: Pet owners and employers seeking all-in-one pet care

Features:

• 24/7 virtual vet visits
• Online pharmacy with delivery
• Pet insurance and wellness plan options
• Multiple language support

Pros:

• Large network of licensed vets

• Comprehensive service beyond telehealth

Cons:

• Prescription capabilities vary by state
• May not fully replace in-person care for emergencies

Pricing: Pricing not publicly stated on the website.

10. AskVet

AskVet is an AI-driven veterinary and animal wellness platform that serves both companion animal owners and livestock managers. Using its VERA AI technology, AskVet offers veterinary support, sales and marketing automation, and operational process automation for clinics, farms, and pet-related businesses. The platform integrates Internet of Things (IoT) data, diagnostic analysis, and centralized data portals to improve efficiency, animal health outcomes, and client engagement.

Best for: Veterinary practices, livestock managers, and pet businesses seeking AI-powered veterinary support and automation tools

Features:

• AI-driven customer acquisition and engagement tools
• Automated appointment booking and prescription refills
• Unified data portal for veterinary practices

• IoT integration for livestock health monitoring

Pros:

• Combines veterinary expertise with AI automation
• Supports both companion animals and livestock

• Centralized access to veterinary and operational data

Cons:

• Primarily targeted to businesses, not individual pet owners

• Requires integration with existing systems

Pricing: Pricing not stated on the website.

11. PetDesk 

PetDesk is a veterinary client communication and practice management platform designed to improve efficiency, reduce staff burnout, and strengthen client relationships. It offers tools for online booking, automated communication, VoIP phone integration, and digital marketing, all integrated with leading practice information management systems (PIMS).

Best for: Veterinary clinics wanting client communication and workflow tools

Features:

• Mobile app for pet owners with self-service tools
• Online scheduling with customizable booking rules
• Digital marketing and custom veterinary websites

• Automated reminders and two-way messaging

Pros:

• Ability to link to vet records

• Automatic appointment reminders

Cons:

• Designed for clinics, not individual pet owners

• Requires PIMS integration for full functionality

Pricing: Pricing is not publicly stated on the website.

When to seek in-office or emergency vet care

Not every problem can be handled online. Some situations need a vet’s hands, tools, and immediate attention. The licensed veterinarians at Dutch can provide expert advice if your pet’s issue requires in-person medical attention, but here are a few red flags that might mean your pet needs immediate in-office veterinary care:

• Severe injuries: Broken bones, deep cuts, or bleeding that will not stop
• Trouble breathing: Wheezing, choking, or rapid shallow breaths 
• Seizures or collapse: Sudden shaking, stiffness, or loss of consciousness
• Possible poisoning: Drooling, tremors, vomiting, or acting strangely after getting into something toxic
• Heatstroke: Heavy panting, confusion, or collapse after being in the heat

• Sudden loss of movement: Not being able to stand or walk 

These are situations where only an in-person vet can run tests, give strong medication, or perform emergency care. Acting quickly can help you protect your pet’s health.

Get top-notch pet care with an online vet from Dutch

Fast, reliable care often determines how well a pet recovers from health issues.In-person vet visits and the delays they often involve often mean more discomfort, more stress, and sometimes more serious problems for your pet. Having expert help available right away gives your pet the best chance at staying healthy and happy.

Treatment plans at Dutch are built on the latest science and shaped by veterinary specialists. Dutch gives pet parents simple, accessible veterinary care. Licensed veterinarians provide same-day appointments, and Dutch ships prescriptions straight to your door at guaranteed low prices. Each plan includes unlimited visits and follow-ups so your pet’s care continues beyond a single appointment. Instead of waiting days for an in-person visit, you get continuous support for issues like anxiety, allergies, skin problems, and more.

Pets deserve care that works. Dutch removes the stress of travel, high costs, and long delays, providing timely care built on proven science and expert guidance. It combines treatment, prescriptions, and ongoing support in one plan so pets feel better and stay healthy at home.

Sign up today and put top-quality veterinary care within easy reach —   anytime, anywhere.

 

 

Best online vet FAQs

What is a veterinarian-client-patient-relationship (VCPR)?

A VCPR, is the legal foundation for most veterinary care. It means the vet has enough knowledge of the pet’s health to make informed decisions and the client agrees to follow their guidance.

A VCPR usually requires a recent in-person exam, depending on state laws. Without it, vets in many places cannot diagnose conditions, prescribe medication, or start treatment. This rule helps ensure pets receive safe, effective care based on accurate information.

Can an online vet give you a prescription?

In some states, online vets can prescribe medication, but only if a valid VCPR exists under local law. This often means the pet has been examined in person within a certain time frame.

When the rules allow, online prescriptions work much like in-person ones. The vet reviews symptoms, looks at photos or videos, and then decides if medication is safe and appropriate. If it is, they can send prescriptions directly to a pharmacy or an online pet medication service. At Dutch, you can even skip the additional pharmacy — just visit our pharmacy for easy online ordering and delivery straight to your home.

What states allow online vet prescriptions?

Laws on online vet prescriptions are not the same everywhere. In many states, a vet must have an established VCPR before issuing any prescription, even through a virtual visit. This might mean the pet has had an in-person exam within the last year.

Some states now allow vets to form a VCPR entirely online, which opens the door for prescribing without a recent physical exam. Because the rules change often, checking the current law in the pet’s state is the safest way to know what’s possible.

What can’t a virtual vet service do?

Virtual vet care works well for many everyday health issues, but there are limits. Some problems need physical exams, specialized tools, or immediate in-person treatment.

Things that cannot be done online include:

• Surgery: Operations require anesthesia, sterile tools, and a physical facility.
• Imaging: X-rays, ultrasounds, and CT scans can only be done with in-clinic equipment.
• Lab work: Blood draws, tissue samples, and other diagnostic tests need hands-on collection.
• Emergency treatment: Severe bleeding, blocked airways, or traumatic injuries require immediate in-person stabilization.

• Physical exams: Detecting heart murmurs, checking for lumps, or assessing joint movement requires a vet’s hands-on evaluation.

These tasks rely on direct contact, specialized machines, and veterinary expertise, which makes in-person visits the only safe option in such cases.

Does my primary vet offer virtual vet services?

Many clinics now offer telehealth, but the services vary. Some provide full video consultations, while others only offer phone check-ins or follow-up calls.

A quick call or email to your local clinic can confirm if virtual visits are available, what they cover, and how to book them. This information is worth having before an urgent situation comes up, so the process is clear when it’s needed most.

How much does a vet video visit cost?

A video visit with an online vet usually costs between $30 and $75 for a single session. Prices vary depending on the service, the length of the consultation, and whether follow-up calls are included. Some platforms offer memberships that lower the cost per visit or provide unlimited consultations for a flat fee.

Dutch offers one of the most affordable options through its subscription plans. The annual plan is $11 per month (billed $132 once a year) and includes same-day access to licensed vets, unlimited calls and follow-ups, custom prescription plans, and discounts on medication. It covers up to five pets, includes $25 off the first product order, and comes with a free gift worth up to $99.

For longer-term savings, the two-year plan costs $8 per month (billed $195 upfront). It includes everything in the annual plan plus two free gifts valued at $169. Both options give unlimited access to vet care without paying for each individual visit.

Is a virtual vet worth it?

For many pet owners, virtual vet care is a smart choice. It offers fast access to licensed vets, often at a lower cost than in-clinic visits, and it works well for everyday health concerns. The ability to get help from home can reduce stress for pets and save time for owners.

Online care isn’t a replacement for emergencies or issues that require a physical exam. Serious injuries, breathing problems, and urgent conditions still need in-person care. But when used for the right situations, virtual vet services can deliver real value. With subscription plans like Dutch’s, the cost stays predictable while giving unlimited access to professional guidance and prescriptions from home.