12+ Best televets for dogs

When your dog starts vomiting or feels itchy, or when you notice a change in appetite, waiting for days for a clinic appointment can just add to your stress. This is where televets for dogs can be of great aid. These virtual vet platforms connect you — within minutes — with a licensed vet from home so that you can get a timely diagnosis, treatment, and guidance from a professional. 

Vet telemedicine has come a long way. Today, televet platforms offer amazing perks, including same-day video calls with licensed vets, digital prescriptions, and personalized treatment plans for a variety of conditions. Virtual vet visits let you keep up with your pet’s health needs and ensure access to professional advice, no matter where you are or when you need care. 

In this guide, we’ll talk about the best televets for dogs. Learn all about online pet platforms, what to expect from virtual vet care, and how to choose the one that meets your dog’s needs the most.

How do televets for dogs work?

Vet telemedicine simplifies connecting with a licensed vet. Rather than waiting at a local vet clinic with an unwell or anxious dog, you just need a stable internet connection and a phone or laptop to get expert advice. 

Although the process differs from platform to platform, it usually works like this:

• You sign up and pay for a membership or one-time fee, depending on the platform’s concept. 
• You add your dog’s basic information, such as age, weight, breed, medical history, and any medications.
• You add/choose your pet’s concern and the symptoms. 
• You upload photos and videos of your pet that clearly show the issue or symptoms.
• You’re connected to a licensed vet, usually instantly or the same day. 
• You’re asked about your dog’s behavior, symptoms, and environment.
• Your pet is assessed visually, and the vet reviews your photos and videos.
• You get medical and/or behavioral advice, a diagnosis, and prescriptions if necessary and legally allowed in your state.

• If deemed necessary, your vet will recommend in-person care.

Telemedicine vs. tele-triaging

Differentiating between telemedicine and teletriage helps you understand what level of care your dog can receive through each option. 

During vet telemedicine, a licensed veterinarian evaluates and treats your dog online. They review symptoms and complaints, create personalized treatment plans, give medical advice, diagnose, and prescribe medication. It’s the ideal option for pet parents who need treatment or diagnosis for non-emergencies such as allergies, anxiety, behavior issues, coughing, hair loss, itching, and more.

On the other hand, tele-triage provides guidance rather than treatment, helping parents make informed decisions about their pet’s health. Tele-triage vets can assess symptoms, answer questions, and help you determine if you should monitor your pet’s condition at home or take it to the clinic. They also offer general pet health education and behavioral guidance, but they can’t diagnose conditions or prescribe meds. 

Best televets for dogs

Here are some of the best televet options for dogs today:

1. Dutch

Dutch offers same-day, science-backed pet care for issues such as fleas, ticks, arthritis, anxiety, skin conditions, allergies, and more. The veterinarians at Dutch each hold a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine and have at least three years of clinical experience.

Available 24/7, including nights and weekends, Dutch provides unlimited vet calls and follow-ups, prescriptions, free standard shipping for prescriptions, and membership gifts. You can submit photos and videos of your pet and its symptoms and answer a detailed questionnaire so the vet has a better insight into your dog’s symptoms and stressors. They also create a personalized treatment plan for all pets after an initial assessment, so you feel confident in your next steps.

Its personalized treatment plans combine FDA-approved prescriptions, supplements, and recommendations for at-home exercises, supportive therapies, and behavioral practices. With this expert advice, youcan ensure your pet’s long-term health and well-being.

Best for: Pet parents in need of a quick, effective, affordable, and compassionate treatment from licensed veterinarians for a variety of concerns, as well as routine care advice and prescription medication management.

Available on: Web

Pros:

• Affordable membership plans (start at just $8 per month for up to 5 pets)
• Budget-friendly medication pricing
• Same-day care with unlimited vet visits and follow-ups
• Home delivery service (free standard shipping for prescriptions)
• Personalized treatment plans created in collaboration with experienced dermatologists and behaviorists
• 24/7 availability

• Easy signup — get peace of mind for your pet’s struggles within 10 minutes

Cons:

• Not suitable for emergency care
• Service availability depends on the state

• No app

Cost: 

• 1-year plan: $11 per month

• 2-year plan: 8$ per month

Join Dutch today for science-backed, compassionate vet care for your furry family member.

2. PetDesk

PetDesk is a free pet health management application. It helps pet parents stay organized and connected to their vets. It’s used to streamline communication, schedule appointments, handle refills, and access medical records.

It helps with the management of pets’ health logistics, creates appointment reminders, synchronizes visits and calendars, stores photos and notes for future visits, and more.

If your vet clinic uses PetDesk, you can access additional features, such as appointment booking, lab results, and vaccination calendars. Some clinics offer a loyalty program through PetDesk.

Best for: Dog parents seeking a single and simple system to manage their pet’s vet appointments, records, clinic communication, and reminders online, especially if their clinic already uses PetDesk.

Available on: Web & iOS/Android App

Pros:

• Free to use 
• Stores pet data in one place 
• Syncs with a personal calendar
• Simplifies appointment scheduling 

• Loyalty program with rewards and discounts 

Cons:

• Not a standalone televet platform 
• Features depend on whether your vet clinic uses PetDesk

Cost: Free

3. Ask a Vet

Ask a Vet is a pet health app that offers vet consults, AI support, and health-tracking tools. Pet parents can store their pet’s full health history, manage data, consult vets, and connect smart collars, GPS trackers, and QR/NFC ID tags.

It offers 24/7 access to vet advice, lost pet protection, and health-tracking tools. It’s also available to farmers caring for working animals and livestock. Vets and clinics can also use it to simplify collaboration and communication with pet parents and farmers through consultations, health monitoring, and record sharing using the latest vet AI software. 

The platform also partners with animal charities to support animal welfare with tools that monitor health and ensure safe rehoming.

Best for: Pet parents seeking a comprehensive solution (telehealth, health tracking, and GPS/ID tools) for their pets (cats, dogs, etc.), farmers, veterinary clinics, and animal charities.

Available on: Desktop & iOS/Android App 

Pros:

• 24/7 vet availability
• Digital health logs, tracking tools, and medical records in one
• GPS and health collar integration for live health insight
• ID tags for lost pet protection

• Designed for pet parents, farmers, vet clinics, and animal charities

Cons:

• Availability of real vetsnot AI) is unclear 
• No information about membership or subscription costs

• Trackers and ID tags are sold separately

Cost: Free-to-download app

4. Airvet

AirVet is an employer-sponsored pet health benefit offering pet parents perks like virtual vets, insurance support, end-of-life guidance, and an online pharmacy. 

It’s not a regular telehealth app but more of a workplace benefit. All members receive real-time medical advice, information when their pet needs an in-person visit, tips on behavior and nutrition, and ongoing vet coordination. 

Members can also access wellness plans, in-clinic visit discounts, backup care options, and exclusive member offers. 

Best for: Pet parents with employers that offer Airvet, seeking unlimited access to licensed vets and other pet health perks, such as online pharmacy, insurance, and professional guidance on behavior and nutrition.

Available on: iOS/Android 

Pros:

• On-demand 24/7 access to vets
• Access to vet consults, insurance, pharmacy, wellness plans, end-of-life guidance, and more
• Smooth integration with the pet’s primary vet

• Available in multiple languages

Cons:

• Available only through specific employers

• Exact features may depend on the employer’s benefit package

Cost: Free employer-sponsored benefit

5. Chewy

Chewy’s Connect with a Vet offers flexible video consults with licensed vets. Pet parents can connect with professionals for advice, prescriptions, and personalized care. The service is available 8 am to midnight ET, 365 days per year, including late-night, weekend, and same-day appointments.

Although this service is currently available in Virginia only, there’s a free chat option with a licensed vet tech for general inquiries outside the state, but without diagnoses, prescriptions, or vet diet authorizations. This service is available 6 am to midnight ET every day.

Best for: Virginia residents seeking advice from licensed vets, prescriptions, and guidance on common dog- and cat-related issues, and those outside Virginia who need general advice about their pets.

Available on: Desktop

Pros:

• Year-round video chats with licensed vets (8 am to midnight ET)
• Diagnosis, treatment, prescriptions, and follow-ups for various pet issues
• Free vet chat for general guidance outside of Virginia

• Easy web access from anywhere

Cons:

• Full service limited to Virginia 
• Free chat is unavailable in  Alaska, Georgia, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico
• Price per call is almost half the cost of yearly memberships on similar platforms

Cost: $49.99 per call

6. Pawp

Pawp offers 24/7 access to vets and nurses through its app, with a 30-day free trial and unlimited, on-demand appointments. They provide personalized care plans, follow-ups, reminders, and recommendations.

Their Handy Membership Plan comes with all those perks, plus coverage for multiple pets and an emergency fund up to $3,000, priced at $15.20/month.

It includes professional help for pets and prescriptions for anxiety, fleas and ticks, behavioral, digestive, dental, and joint issues, ear and eye conditions, infections, and more.

Best for: Pet parents with multiple pets seeking on-demand online vet care for ongoing problems, preventative advice, and long-term health management.

Available on: iOS/Android app 

Pros:

• 24/7 availability and unlimited, on-demand appointments
• Personalized treatment plans, preventative guidance, and long-term health management
• 1-month free trial with risk-free cancellation at any time

• Online prescriptions service

Cons:

• Requires a membership fee after the free trial
• Access to services only via the app

• Emergency fund excludes vaccinations, planned surgeries, regular visits, or routine procedures

Cost: 1-month free trial; $15.20 per month after 

7. Vetster

Vetster is a virtual vet platform available 24/7 in 50 countries. Pet parents can book video calls or chat with licensed vets within minutes, no matter the time of day. They offer guidance and support and recommend helpful non-medicated products for common issues like behavioral problems, skin and ear issues, arthritis, and more.

Users can browse vet profiles and check reviews before choosing a vet. After the visit, pet parents receive a personalized care plan, and the pet’s full medical records remain stored for easier access later.

Best for: Pet parents who value control and flexibility in choosing a vet and those who don’t need prescribed medications, but rather guidance, support, and advice on non-medical products.

Available on: Web only

Pros:

• 24/7 on-demand access to vets via text or video
• Ability to choose a vet by specialty, availability, reviews, etc.
• Support for various health issues, from skin and ear conditions to behavioral problems

• Access to pets’ medical history and treatment records

Cons:

• No prescription medication availability
• No native app

• Price per session varies

Cost: Price per call varies by veterinarian and location

8. WhiskerDocs

WhiskerDocs is a pet telehealth service operating in North America, offering 24/7 teletriage and connecting pet parents and licensed vet techs within minutes, day or night, via phone, chat, and email. Every connection to a vet includes follow-up messages to see how your pet is doing.

It assists pet parents in determining the next steps for a variety of medical and behavioral issues. The platform also partners with businesses, offering WhiskerDocs as a benefit through some employers.

Best for: Pet parents in need of quick triage support via email, phone, or chat rather than a video vet appointment.

Available on: Web, live chat, email, and phone

Pros:

• Quick response times
• Professional advice and guidance on various medical issues
• Follow-ups after each session
• Employee benefits with certain employers
• Usable via phone, chat, or email

Cons:

• Price per chat or call is higher compared to other offerings
• No video appointments available 
• Prescription availability depends on the state

Cost: 

• One-time phone call: $39.99
• One-time chat: $39.99
• One-time email: $4.99
• Anytime Unlimited Plan: $129.99/year (unlimited phone, chat, and email, can be canceled anytime)

9. Banfield Vet

Banfield Pet Hospital offers remote appointments via Optimum Wellness Plan (OWP), designed for cats and dogs in various stages of life. Pet parents can access remote vet consultations, 24/7 chat support, and personalized wellness coaching alongside other package benefits, including in-person exams, diagnostics, vaccinations, and preventive care.

It’s used by pet parents who need advice for giving their pet medicine, answers to vaccination or parasite prevention questions, suggestions for socializing, potty training, behavior, and nutrition for puppies and kittens, or a review of their senior pet’s pre- or post-surgical test results and X-rays. 

Best for: Pet parents who currently use a Banfield Pet Hospital or are planning to do so.

Available on: Website & iOS/Android app

Pros:

• The yearly membership can be paid at once or monthly
• Access to Banfield vets, 24/7 chat, and 1:1 nutrition or wellness coaching with a trained advisor
• Designed for all dog life stages (puppies, adults, and seniors)
• Every OWP is active at 1,000+ Banfield locations nationwide and includes unlimited office visits

• Discounts for OWP members

Cons:

• No access to virtual vet care without a yearly OWP subscription 
• Price varies depending on the pet’s current life stage and state 
• Pricing isn’t transparent; pet’s details first
• Unclear if prescriptions are available online

Cost: Varies depending on the pet’s current stage of life and location

10. FirstVet

FirstVet is a digital vet service that provides video consultations for pet parents seeking guidance, advice, or a referral to a vet clinic. It’s active in the US, Sweden, the UK, Denmark, Germany, Finland, and Norway.

The platform’s vets are available 24/7 through the platform’s native app, but it isn’t suitable for emergencies and doesn’t offer prescriptions. 

Best for: Pet parents who need advice for non-emergencies and routine care.

Available on: iOS/Android app

Pros:

• 24/7 access to licensed vets 
• Unlimited consultations and follow-ups
• Available in the US and Europe

• Lower price compared to similar options

Cons:

• No prescriptions 

• Not suitable for emergencies

Cost: 

• 6-month plan: $15/month (unlimited vet bookings) 

• 1-year plan: $11/month (unlimited vet bookings)

Pros and cons of televet for dogs

Thinking of introducing a televet for your dog? Here’s a quick overview of the main advantages and potential drawbacks so that you can make the best decision aligned with your pet’s unique needs:

Pros:

• Convenience: Televets are perfect for busy days, avoiding waiting rooms and travelling in bad weather, as well as solving late-night worries.
• Increased access to expert care: Some platforms offer 24/7 or prolonged availability, providing help within minutes rather than hours or days. 
• Easier follow-ups: You can access simpler follow-ups, preventing stress and additional expenses.
• Easier chronic condition management: Pets with arthritis, allergies, or chronic digestive problems benefit from regular check-ins without travel — less stress, more comfort.
• Frequent communication: Televets provide timely access to vets, allowing pet parents to address any concerns about behavior and symptoms.
• Clear costs: Per-visit flat rates or transparent monthly or yearly memberships simplify budgeting and can be less expensive than unpredictable in-person visits.
• Less stress: Online calls help anxious dogs avoid the stress and discomfort associated with car rides, vet clinics, or other animals.

• No geographical limits: This helps pet parents from rural or underserved areas with a limited number of vet clinics.

Cons:

• Not suitable for emergencies: Virtual vet visits don’t offer bloodwork, X-rays, surgeries, or other laboratory tests — these procedures require taking your dog to the vet in person.
• Limited diagnostic capabilities: Some meds or treatments can’t be authorized or delivered online due to state laws or regulations.
• Technology barriers for some pet parents: Online vet appointments require a suitable device, a stable internet connection, and familiarity with video calls.
• Internet or device issues can interrupt care: Connection or device issues can interrupt the video calls, preventing care delivery.
• Risk of misdiagnosis: Video call pet assessments may sometimes result in missed subtle symptoms, despite the vets’ best efforts.

• Potential privacy concerns: Some online vet platforms store medical records, raising data safety questions.

How to choose the best televet for dogs

When looking for a televet, make sure it checks all the important boxes:

• Licensing and credentials: Always check the vets’ licenses and regulations in your state. 
• Quality of care: Choose platforms that provide personalized treatments, one-on-one video appointments, follow-up support, and prescriptions that increase the chance of successful treatment.
• Reliability and trust: Opt for providers with strong reviews, transparent policies, clear veterinarian information, and well-defined service offerings.
• Features offered: Compare services’ offerings: unlimited calls vs. individual session fees, prescriptions or no prescriptions, follow-ups or one-time assistance, packages for one or multiple pets, and more. 
• Accessibility: Ensure the platform is easy to navigate and offers 24/7 availability.
• Cost and value: Consider the price and how you’ll use the platform: Subscription options are better if you have a dog with a chronic condition and you need frequent consultations. Per-visit prices may be more helpful for occasional concerns.
• Local vet integration: Some telehealth services can share pet records with an in-person vet to ensure uninterrupted care when you need a local clinic. 

Keep your dog healthy with Dutch’s follow-ups and affordable rates

The right televet for your dog can significantly improve your pet’s health and well-being by offering access to licensed veterinarians, 24/7 support, and personalized treatment plans. 

Platforms like Dutch offer the whole package: licensed vets (no nurses, techs, or AI bots), unlimited calls, personalized treatments, prescriptions, and follow-ups for a budget-friendly price. Choosing Dutch means that you’ll always have an expert to turn to when concerns pop up, no matter the time of day. 

For only $11 per month for a 1-year plan and $8 per month for a 2-year plan, you can say goodbye to stress and expensive one-time vet video calls. 

Join Dutch today. 

Televet for dogs FAQs

Can telehealth vets prescribe medication?

Yes, they can. However, a veterinary-client-patient relationship (VCPR) between you, the vet, and the pet has to be established first. It can be done either in person (in most states) or remotely in Arizona, California, Idaho, Ohio, Virginia, New Jersey, Vermont, the District of Columbia, and Florida. 

To check the telemedicine laws in your state, refer to the Veterinary Virtual Care Association’s interactive map. 

Is an online vet as good as an in-person vet?

Of course. Veterinarians are licensed and vetted in accordance with veterinary standards before they can practice, whether remotely or in person.

Virtual vets provide high-quality, accessible care for a wide range of pet health needs, making them a reliable long-term option for many pet parents. They’re especially well suited for non-emergency concerns, behavior and nutrition guidance, prescription refills, follow-ups, and ongoing management of chronic conditions.

That said, online care can’t provide some services. Physical exams, diagnostic testing, vaccinations, and emergency treatment require hands-on care at a local clinic. Used together, virtual and in-person vets create a more complete, convenient approach to your pet’s health.

How much does a virtual vet visit cost?

The exact pricing depends on the platform. Generally, pay-per-visit platforms may cost anywhere between $30 and $75 per call, and membership platforms between $10 and $30 per month. 

Dutch is a budget-friendly alternative that pairs the convenience of unlimited access to top-rated vets and FDA-approved prescriptions with a low monthly rate of $11 or $8. It’s much cheaper than many per-visit telehealth options and traditional in-person vet visits, ensuring premium pet care is a possibility for every pet parent.