1800 Pet Meds vs. Dutch: Comparing Virtual Vet Care Options

Access to quality veterinary care has become more convenient than ever with the rise of online platforms like 1800 Pet Meds and Dutch. Both platforms offer the convenience of getting prescriptions delivered right to your home and provide veterinary services. However, there are some key differences pet parents should consider.

If you're researching virtual vet care options and wondering about 1800 Pet Meds vs. Dutch, you've come to the right place. Keep reading to learn more about these two options to help you make the right decision for you and your pet. 

• Overview of 1800 Pet Meds
• Overview of Dutch Virtual Vet Care
• 1800 Pet Meds vs. Dutch: Comparison of Key Features
• Considerations for Pet Parents
• FAQs
• Final Notes

Overview of 1800 Pet Meds

1800 Pet Meds is primarily an online pet pharmacy that has served over 11 million pet parents and is licensed to dispense prescription medications in all 50 states. They offer all major brand medications sold at veterinary offices and dispense using only US FDA/EPA-approved medications.¹ 

Additionally, 1800 Pet Meds has the world's largest number of veterinary pharmacists. These individuals monitor drug interactions, ensure prescription accuracy, check expiration dates, and suggest generics to help customers save money on their pet's medications.¹ 

1800 Pet Meds doesn't offer virtual vet care themselves, but they've partnered with Vetster to provide virtual services that give pet parents access to online veterinary appointments, allowing pet parents to consult with licensed veterinarians virtually.

This virtual vet service, VetLive, allows pet parents to connect with vets for same-day appointments. These vets can diagnose and treat various conditions and prescribe medications, which are filled through the 1800 Pet Meds pharmacy.² 

We recommend reading 1800 Pet Meds reviews to learn more about the experiences of other pet parents who have used their services. While they're a reputable platform for pet medications and access to virtual vet care through VetLive, exploring reviews can help you learn more about customer satisfaction, quality of service, and effectiveness of treatments. By reading 1800 Pet Meds reviews, you can understand how their offerings align with your overall expectations and requirements for your pet's health care. 

Overview of Dutch Virtual Vet Care

Dutch telemedicine for pets offers unlimited access to licensed veterinarians over video chat, providing convenient and comprehensive care for your pet whenever you need it. 

With monthly or annual plans, pet parents can enjoy unlimited visits and follow-ups, with prescriptions delivered straight to your doorstep with free shipping. The platform ensures that all veterinarians are 100% licensed professionals, ready to address common questions and chronic issues like allergies, anxiety, flea and tick problems, ear health, UTIs, and more. 

Upon consultation, vets create personalized treatment plans, including prescriptions or over-the-counter medications, behavioral plans, and diet recommendations. 

Dutch membership plans include 24/7 access to licensed vets, unlimited video calls and messaging, customized treatment plans, free shipping on every order, and ongoing care and follow-up for up to 5 pets. 

Dutch aims to streamline the process of pet healthcare, offering fast access to licensed vets, customized treatment plans, and much more. We're a more comprehensive solution than 1800 Pet Meds, allowing you to get treatment plans, medication, and follow-up care all in one place.

Learn more about the Dutch experience directly from our members by reading our reviews, or find out how it works by checking out our FAQs.

1800 Pet Meds vs. Dutch: Comparison of Key Features

1800 Pet Meds and Dutch are two options for pet parents who want their pet to get convenient, comprehensive care without the stress of an in-person vet visit. They also offer access to online vets who write prescriptions. 

However, while both platforms offer veterinary services, they differ in key features. Let's compare 1800 Pet Meds vs. Dutch to give you an overview of their similarities and differences: 

Pet types

• 1800 Pet Meds: Dogs, cats, fish, reptiles, birds, small mammals, exotic pets

• Dutch: Dogs and cats 

At this time, Dutch caters to dogs and cats, providing comprehensive virtual vet care services for these common household pets. 

However, VetLive extends services to a broader range of pets, including fish, exotic pets, reptiles, birds, small mammals like rabbits and guinea pigs, and much more. This broader coverage may appeal to pet parents with diverse pet species.² 

Platform

• 1800 Pet Meds: Video chat

• Dutch: Video chat, messaging

Both 1800 Pet Meds and Dutch offer live video chat as their primary mode of communication between pet parents and licensed vets. 

That said, Dutch also offers direct messaging to give you better access to vets. With Dutch, you get more comprehensive care that includes follow-ups and ongoing care, which is especially crucial for pets with chronic conditions. Instead of a one-off virtual vet visit, you can get ongoing care for your dog or cat to ensure they're on the right treatment plan and monitor their progress. 

Subscription

• 1800 Pet Meds: Estimated cost per visit

• Dutch: Unlimited vet visits and follow-ups with a monthly or annual membership, starting at $7 per month

Subscription models vary between the two platforms. Dutch offers subscription plans based on monthly or annual memberships, starting at just $7 per month. 

In contrast, 1800 Pet Meds operates on a per-visit basis, with costs varying depending on the service provided and the vet. You can see their estimated costs when you browse available vets in your area. Pet Meds customers can also get free appointments if they have at least one scheduled AutoShip order.¹ 

Keep in mind that many vets charge rates that are above $50, which equals about 5-7 months of your Dutch membership, so if you need multiple vet visits through 1800 Pet Meds's partnership with Vetster, you may end up paying much more in the long run. 

On-demand consults

• 1800 Pet Meds: On-demand consults available

• Dutch: On-demand messaging and convenient appointments

Both platforms offer on-demand consultations, with same-day appointments typically available for pet parents looking for veterinary advice. However, vet availability can change regularly. 

Virtual vet services are not meant to replace regular in-person veterinary care or emergency visits. If you need to see a vet the same day for an emergency, please go to your local emergency vet clinic to ensure your dog's safety and health. 

Access to specialists

• 1800 Pet Meds: Access to specialists dependent on availability in your area

• Dutch: Unlimited access to vets trained on protocol developed by the industry’s top specialists 

With Dutch, you receive access to general practice veterinarians for consultations and treatment plans. However, we consult with board-certified behaviorists, pet dermatologists, and other specialists in their field to create our treatment plans so that we can provide your pet with the best care possible. 

Conversely, VetLive allows pet parents to search for specialists by specialty, such as obedience specialists or dermatologists.² However, keep in mind that these specialists aren't available in every area. Therefore, depending on where you live, VetLive may not be able to provide your pet with this specialized care. 

Diagnosis

• 1800 Pet Meds: VetLive veterinarians can diagnose and treat pets

• Dutch: Veterinarians can diagnose and treat pets 

Both VetLive and Dutch offer diagnosis capabilities via virtual vet consultations, allowing veterinarians to assess pet health issues remotely. 

Keep in mind that whether a virtual vet can diagnose your pet depends on their condition. For instance, if the vet believes your pet needs lab work, they may send you to an in-person vet to ensure the best outcomes for your pet. 

Online pharmacy and prescriptions

• 1800 Pet Meds: Yes

• Dutch: Yes; members get free shipping on all pharmacy orders

Both 1800 Pet Meds and Dutch provide online pharmacy services, allowing you to purchase prescribed medications and other pet care products conveniently. 

Dutch takes it a step further by offering free delivery of medications and pet care products, enhancing the overall experience and convenience for pet parents. 

Other perks

Both platforms offer various perks and value-added services to enhance the pet parent experience. 1800 Pet Meds has the largest number of veterinary pharmacists, ensuring quality assurance and expertise in medication management. These pharmacists monitor drug interactions, ensure prescription accuracy, validate product expiration dates, and suggest generics to help you save money.¹ 

Dutch's online pet pharmacy also does these things, but Dutch offers the added benefit of letting up to 5 pets be treated under one membership, providing cost-effective solutions for multi-pet households. 

In addition, Dutch offers pet insurance for emergency situations when you simply have to see an in-person vet. This insurance coverage provides peace of mind to pet parents, knowing that they have financial protection in case of unforeseen emergencies or urgent medical needs that require immediate attention from a physical veterinary clinic. 

Dutch also emphasizes ongoing care, not just one-off appointments. Through our membership-based model, we encourage pet parents to maintain regular contact with licensed veterinarians, fostering a more proactive approach to pet healthcare. 

This commitment to continuous care allows vets to monitor your pet's progress, address any emerging health concerns, and provide ongoing support and guidance. 

Considerations for Pet Parents 

You should understand several important considerations when considering virtual veterinary care options like 1800 Pet Meds vs. Dutch. 

Firstly, it's essential to recognize that veterinary telemedicine does not replace in-person care entirely. While virtual consultations offer convenience and accessibility, they have limitations, particularly when it comes to emergency situations or physical examinations requiring hands-on assessment. 

Pet parents should always ensure they have access to in-person veterinary care when necessary. 

Additionally, budgetary considerations should play a role in your decision. Pet parents should evaluate their budget constraints and determine the affordability of virtual care or insurance options for emergency situations. 

Ultimately, while virtual vet care offers numerous benefits, pet parents must weigh these considerations carefully to ensure they provide the best possible care for their beloved pets.

FAQs

Does 1-800 Pet Meds require a prescription?

Yes, 1800 Pet Meds does require a prescription for medications. You can obtain a prescription through their partnership with Vetster, known as VetLIve. Alternatively, you can get a prescription from your regular in-person veterinarian and have it sent to 1800 Pet Meds, similar to how you would with a traditional pharmacy. 

With Dutch, you can schedule a virtual veterinary appointment, get a diagnosis and treatment plan, and place pharmacy orders all in one place! Learn how Dutch works and experience the Dutch difference!

How much do pet prescriptions cost?

The cost of pet prescriptions can vary depending on the specific medication and where you choose to purchase them. 1800 Pet Meds gives you access to pharmacists who can help you find generic alternatives to save money. 

On the other hand, Dutch offers a price match if you find a cheaper option elsewhere. Both platforms are excellent options for comparison shipping based on your pet's needs. 

However, it's important to note that shipping costs can also impact the overall price. With a Dutch membership, you receive free shipping on every order, whereas 1800 Pet Meds may offer discounts on shipping or auto-ship orders. 

How can I save on pet prescriptions?

There are several ways to save on online vet prescriptions. Firstly, consider exploring generic alternatives, which are often more affordable than brand-name medications. 

Additionally, compare prices across different platforms or pharmacies to find the best deals. Taking advantage of Dutch's membership benefits, such as free shipping and price matching, can also help you reduce costs. 

Finally, consider signing up for autoship programs, which can offer discounts or incentives for recurring orders. 

Final Notes

When comparing virtual vet care options like 1800 Pet Meds vs. Dutch, it's essential to consider factors like your budget and the scope of service provided. While both platforms offer the convenience of online consultations and prescription delivery, they differ in key aspects such as subscription models, access to specialists, and additional perks like pet insurance. You should weigh these considerations carefully to choose the option that's best for you and your pet. 

If you're looking for comprehensive virtual vet care, try Dutch. With unlimited access to licensed vets over video chat, personalized treatment plans, ongoing care, and free prescription delivery, we offer a holistic approach to pet care. Sign up for a membership today.