What to expect in a virtual vet visit

Pet care is ever-evolving, and the days of having to take your pet to the clinic for every concern are a thing of the past. Thanks to telemedicine for pets, pet parents can connect with licensed vets without leaving the comfort of home. 

A virtual vet visit is a great way to get a prompt solution for a pet problem, whether you need guidance on a new concern, follow-up care, or medication recommendations. Virtual vets save time, reduce stress, and provide professional support in critical moments.

Not sure what to expect during an online vet call? Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you prepare and make the most of your appointment.

What to expect from your online vet appointment

If your pet is feeling unwell, you want to get them the care they need, but you also don’t want to stress them out even more. Pet telemedicine provides easy access to professional advice without travel and peace of mind for you and your furry family member through easy virtual calls with a licensed vet. We’ll review what else to expect from pet telemedicine and what to have with you during an online appointment. 

Telemedicine vs. teletriage/telehealth vs. at-home lab services 

Understanding the differences between telemedicine, telehealth, and at-home lab services will help you know what to expect from a virtual vet visit. Let’s explore each of these services in more detail below: 

• Telemedicine: This is a virtual consultation during which a licensed veterinarian examines a pet via video or phone call, provides a diagnosis, and prescribes medication as needed. 
• Teletriage/Telehealth: This type of online consultation provides general guidance on a specific issue, rather than diagnosing or prescribing meds. It’s an option for pet parents who need help determining if the problem can be resolved virtually or requires in-person consultation. 

• At-home lab services: This service brings testing to your doorstep. Dutch provides test kits that pet parents can use to take the necessary samples from their pet. Each includes a 2-day return shipping label and collection tube, specimen bag, gloves, and ice pack.  

What you’ll need for your appointment 

A little preparation helps you get the most from your virtual vet visit and ensures your pet receives the best possible care. Make sure you have these things ready for your call:

• Medical records: Prepare your pet’s vaccination history, previous diagnoses, and recent lab results. This ensures the vet can get direct insight into your pet’s health background to inform their exam and diagnosis. 
• Photos/videos of the symptoms: Take clear photos and videos of symptoms, such as a rash, unusual behavior, or limping. This helps the vet more clearly determine the pet’s condition. 
• Your questions: Write down your questions and concerns so you don’t forget to ask them during the appointment. 
• Check your device and internet: Ensure the device you’re using is fully charged and that you have a stable internet connection to avoid interruptions. 

• Choose a quiet area: Find the calmest area of your home, one where your pet feels the most comfortable, and keep them relaxed with treats and toys nearby. 

What you can use an online vet for

With online vet care, you don’t have to feel alone when a health concern comes up. Whether your dog or cat has been dealing with a long-term issue or you just have a quick question, the veterinarians at Dutch are here to support you — all from the comfort of home. 

Discover the amazing uses of online vet services like Dutch: 

• Get care and prescriptions for over 150 issues: From the most common pet conditions like dog or cat dermatitis to underserved concerns, you get access to premium pet care and prescribed treatments, including FDA-approved products.
• Review treatment plans and get second opinions: You can double-check diagnoses or have follow-ups after in-person consultations.
• Start caring for a new pet the right way: Get professional insight into becoming the best pet parent for your new puppy or kitten from day one. 
• Receive lifestyle advice: Keep your pet thriving with personalized tips from experienced vets. 
• Be prepared for travel: Ensure your pet’s optimal health and well-being no matter your location. 
• Rely on night and weekend assistance: Get support when traditional clinics aren’t available. 
• Get peace of mind fast: Vets at Dutch can advise if your pet needs in-person care.
• Be proactive in prevention: Keep your pet ahead of diseases and behavioral issues by learning effective strategies for their health and training. 
• Refill prescriptions: Fill pet prescriptions without a drive to the clinic — Dutch will ship medications straight to your door with free standard shipping. 
• Manage long-term treatment plans: Support your pet’s chronic condition and ensure quality of life.

• Ask questions: Get professional advice for every concern — no matter how big or small it seems.
  

The cost of online vet care

The cost of online vet care depends on the provider and the type of services included. Some platforms charge per visit, while others offer membership plans.

Dutch keeps pricing simple and transparent. Membership plans give you unlimited access to licensed vets, FDA-approved medications, and follow-up care, all without leaving home. 

Dutch offers the following membership plans:

1-year membership:

• $11 per month 
• Same-day access to vets 
• Unlimited vet calls and follow-ups
• Coverage for up to five pets
• Custom prescription plans
• 20% discount on tick and flea meds 
• $25 off your first order

• A welcome gift of up to $99

2-year membership:

• $8 per month for all the benefits included in the 1-year plan

• Two gifts valued at up to $169

Register with Dutch today. 

Advantages and disadvantages of online vet care

Online vet care is a practical alternative to traditional in-person clinics, offering the following benefits:

• It’s convenient: Access professional help from the comfort of your home without spending extra on travel or causing additional stress to your pet. 
• It’s cost-effective: Pay once for the subscription and unlimited access to vet calls, which often costs less than a single in-clinic consultation. 
• It’s safe: Connect with licensed vets same-day — they can answer your questions, diagnose many issues, and prescribe the medications your pet needs.
• It’s a long-term solution: Get unlimited follow-ups and tips on behavior, nutrition, exercise, and disease prevention. 

• It supports the whole pack: Get coverage for up to five pets in your household with one plan at Dutch, easing care for all your four-legged friends.

There are some limitations, however. Here’s what you should  consider before subscribing: 

• You can’t access physical exams: Some pet conditions require a hands-on examination, imaging, or lab work that you simply cannot do virtually. 
• It won’t replace urgent care: Virtual vet care is not a replacement for true emergencies. 

• You need stable internet:  Virtual vet care requires a reliable internet connection to avoid interruptions. 
  

Dutch combines the best of online care with science-backed, vet-prescribed, FDA-approved pet treatments. Our licensed, experienced vets guide pet parents through treatment, follow-ups, and prevention, ensuring pets get fast relief without needing a stressful clinic visit. 

Dutch has made premium virtual vet care simple, reliable, and affordable — register today for same-day access to the remote pet care you need. 

Can online vets write prescriptions?

As long as your state allows it, virtual vets can legally prescribe medications for dogs and cats online. Dutch makes the prescription process quick and stress-free, so your pet gets the care they need without extra hassle. 

To access the online pharmacy at Dutch, just sign up for a plan for a plan, book a call, and get the prescriptions you need from your vet. The meds arrive at your doorstep for free. 

In our pharmacy, you can find treatments for over 150 issues, like pet allergies, anxiety, worms, fleas, urinary issues, and more. All meds are sourced from trusted, established brands like Purina, Bravecto, NexGard, Revolution, and Clavamox, so you know that you’re providing the best for your pet. Save time, money, and stress with virtual vet calls and prescription delivery service from Dutch. 

Register to access pet prescriptions today.

When to take your pet to an in-person vet

Sometimes, a virtual vet call isn’t an option, especially during emergencies or if your online vet determines that your pet requires an in-person examination, lab work unavailable through our online pharmacy, or imaging. 

Here are some of the situations that require an in-person clinic visit: 

• Your pet has a true emergency: Severe bleeding, difficulty breathing, a seizure, trauma (e.g., hit by a car), or collapse
• Your pet has severe, unexplained pain: Vocalizing, limping, or an inability to move comfortably
• Your pet can’t stop vomiting and has diarrhea: Repeated or bloody episodes that don’t go away
• Your pet ingested foreign objects or toxins: Household chemicals, chocolate, grapes, or a toy
• Your pet has a serious allergic reaction: Hives, facial swelling, or difficulty breathing
• Your pet can’t urinate or defecate: Urinal or fecal blockage, which may be a life-threatening emergency

• Your pet needs testing for more complex conditions: For example, diabetes, arthritis, or heart disease

Although these emergencies require in-clinic visits, online vets can still help you determine the urgency of your pet’s condition and provide guidance for next steps, whether that’s an in-person visit or something our vets can help you with virtually. Plus, even if your pet requires in-person testing and diagnosis, for many issues, our licensed vets can take over with follow-up care. 

But if the pet is in a life-threatening situation, skip the online consultation and head to the nearest clinic.

Support your pet’s health with a Dutch virtual vet visit

Virtual vet care has transformed how we support our pets — professional advice, prescriptions, and peace of mind are now just a video call away. Thanks to virtual vet platforms like Dutch, you can get quick guidance about a pet concern and access a strong support system with our team of experienced vets who can prescribe premium pet medication online.

Affordable and transparent pricing and personalized pet treatments are the core values at Dutch, with a platform created to ensure a stress-free experience for both your pet and you. 

From helping you manage an allergic reaction to guiding you through a chronic condition, we ensure your pet lives its best life. Take that next step into the world of easy virtual pet care.

Register with Dutch today for the simplest access to virtual pet care and online vet prescriptions. 

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Virtual vet visit FAQs

Are online vets legitimate?

Yes, licensed vets can provide virtual appointments similar to those that take place in a physical clinic. In addition to offering professional advice on a specific issue, they can prescribe medications or direct you to the nearest clinic in case of an emergency. 

What is the best online vet service?

The best online vet service depends on what your pet’s current needs are. 

Dutch stands out among the rest because it offers virtual vet calls with licensed and experienced vets, FDA-approved meds, tailored, scientifically backed care plans, transparent pricing, and unlimited calls for your dogs and cats. 

Can vets give advice online?

Licensed vets can give advice and prescribe medication online. They can assess the pet’s symptoms, investigate their history, and recommend proper treatment or lifestyle changes. If they believe imaging or an in-person exam is necessary, they’ll offer guidance for getting the clinic care your pet needs. 

When are online vets available?

The availability of online vets depends on the provider. The good news is that with Dutch, you won’t need to worry about limited hours. As a member, you can book unlimited, same-day online vet appointments, all included in your membership. 

Just log in at dutch.com/account, click “Book a Vet Call,” answer the short questions, and choose the date and time that works for you. Once you’ve booked the call, you’ll receive a confirmation email with a Zoom link and instructions for rescheduling or cancelling if needed. 

Which types of pets can I talk to an online vet about?

Different online vets specialize in different kinds of pets — vets at Dutch specialize in providing care and prescribing meds for dogs and cats only. Pet parents can feel confident that they’re receiving premium service for everything from everyday concerns to more complex conditions from experts in canine and feline health.