Veterinary care has come a long way over the years. The pandemic propelled telemedicine for people and pets. It allowed everyone to have access to care without the risk of getting sick, all from the comfort of our own homes. It also opened doors for individuals with animal companions who aren’t keen on the car ride to the clinic. Sometimes, it can help you avoid the hassle of taking your pet to the vet altogether by answering questions virtually.
Our guide to the best online vet services includes everything you need to know about this novel offering. We cover the costs and other things to expect in the below reviews. However, please note that online vet services don’t replace in-office visits. Instead, they offer another option for quick, non-emergency care, with the added benefit of convenience.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024
The 6 Best Online Vet Services – Reviews & Top Picks 2024
1. PangoVet – Best Overall
| Cost: | $30–$60 for a 20-minute video call |
| Services: | Personalized and actionable advice, online resource center |
| Best for: | Pet parents looking for a quick, streamlined process with trusted advice |
PangoVet stands out from the rest thanks to its easy and reliable process from start to finish. All you have to do is fill out a quick form, pay the consultation fee, and join the video chat to receive actionable advice. The team is made up of trusted veterinarians, and they can help with anything from ear and skin issues to nutrition to training and behavioral problems. If you’re on the fence, they even have a growing online resource center to refer to. However, please note that the company is not able to prescribe medications at this time.
Pros
- Upfront pricing
- Quick and easy process from start to finish
- Helps with a large range of issues
- Reliable team of trusted veterinarians
- Online resource center
Cons
- Doesn’t currently provide prescriptions
2. Chewy Connect With a Vet – Budget Buy
| Cost: | Free live chat, $20 video appointments |
| Services: | Convenient online portal for purchases |
| Best for: | Budget-minded customers |
Chewy Connect With a Vet is a free service to help pet owners get the answers they want when they need it. You can either schedule a 20-minute appointment or get quick answers via online chat, and the latter is unlimited. You can schedule same-day appointments or schedule them up to 2 weeks ahead of time. Plus, since the chat is free and video calls are only $20, this makes it our pick for the best online vet service for the money.
Chewy Connect cannot prescribe or refill medications. It also has some state restrictions, which are beyond the scope of the company. The service also only deals with cats and dogs.
Pros
- Affordable
- Live chat or video appointments
- Online shopping portal
- Same-day appointments available
Cons
- Cannot prescribe or refill medications
- Only for cats and dogs
3. Pawp
| Cost: | $99 per annum, plus $19 per month for the Emergency Fund |
| Services: | 24/7 availability |
| Best for: | Those looking for a full-service offering |
Pawp fills several niches as pet insurance continues to evolve. It has 24/7 veterinary availability for members. It also has an emergency fund, which insurers usually provide. The company offers a subscription plan with unlimited follow-up visits, which is valuable for pet owners with cats with chronic health conditions. The service includes actionable aftercare plans.
You can access the services via chat or video. We liked the fact that employees must have at least 5 years of clinical experience and continued education requirements, so you know you’re dealing with trusted professionals. However, our biggest gripe is that they mainly offer member-only services, so you have to pay to benefit from them in any way.
Pros
- 24/7 chat and video chat for members
- An emergency fund for members
- Unlimited follow-up visits
Cons
- Mainly member-only services
- Pricey
4. Vetster
| Cost: | Varies by location, starting at $50 |
| Services: | Prescription refills, 24/7 service |
| Best for: | Individuals wanting on-demand care |
Vetster succeeds on several scores to help pet owners with their pressing needs with 24/7 on-demand vet appointments. You can get four free meetings with a subscription plan. That’s enough to push it to the head of the class for the value it provides. You can also get refills for prescriptions, which definitely sets it apart from many other online vet sites.
Vester can connect you with a local vet to make care seamless. The site includes an informative blog and an extensive knowledge base to help you understand issues facing your cat. The customer support is top-notch as well. However, according to some customer reviews, there are times when the vets will cancel at the last minute.
Pros
- Prescription fulfillment (with limitations)
- 24/7 on-demand vet appointments
- Subscription plans
- Four free video appointments with a subscription
Cons
- Reviews that vets will sometimes cancel
5. Whisker Docs
| Cost: | $16.99 per month or $129.99 annually |
| Features: | Multiple access options |
| Services: | Phone calls or video chats |
| Best for: | Tech and non-tech-savvy clients |
Whisker Docs makes it easy to consult with a vet, no matter what form of communication or whether it’s a one-time visit or a subscription. You can get free follow-ups and unlimited visits with a plan. The setup is brilliant because it appeals to all pet owners with varying tech experience. Even older pet parents will feel comfortable connecting with a vet 24/7.qq
This company’s customer service is excellent, from the online library to the FAQs. It’s definitely user-friendly on all fronts. We liked the email option, which many non-techy pet clients may find appealing. On the downside, there isn’t an emergency fund, so you’ll need to keep your pet insurance policy current.
Pros
- Email consult option
- Complimentary follow-up calls
- One-time options
6. Banfield Vet Chat
| Cost: | Prices vary with the location |
| Features: | Wellness care |
| Services: | Virtual vet visits |
| Best for: | Seamless pet care |
Banfield Pet Hospital strives to provide service on all fronts. The online vet services are a no-brainer. The advantage for pet owners is seamless care. You don’t have to worry about your cat’s info being in the system with a detailed medical history. That makes it convenient since you often have to have this option available for follow-up care, and you can appreciate this benefit if you’ve ever dealt with multiple clinics.
These services are a boon for pet owners and clinics. That’s why it’s a part of the company’s wellness plan. It’s a win-win since many states require a relationship with the patient.
Pros
- Brick-and-mortar option
- 24/7 care
- Virtual office visits
Cons
- Must have their wellness plan
- Unclear pricing
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Online Vet Service
Pet owners likely see online vet services as a boon. You don’t have to take a fearful or reluctant cat to the vet. Instead, you can get comparable care without having to leave your home. It’s less stressful for your kitty. If any handling is necessary, you’re doing it as a familiar face to your pet, although there are some instances where you will still have to take them in to see someone in person. Also, some may see it as a more affordable option. However, that’s not always the case.
If you’re deciding to go this route, things to consider with these services include:
- Cost
- Features
- Services
- Insurance coverage
Cost
Cost is an integral part of your decision. We mentioned that online vet services don’t replace office visits. However, there are times when taking your pet to the vet could cost more than just money—your time and peace of mind. Taking a pet to the vet can be stressful, and some people even need to take work off to do so. If your pet seems out of sorts but you don’t believe they’re having a medical emergency, this is when an online service can save you both time and money, as a vet will be able to give you their professional opinion and advice all from the comfort of your own home and in a quick, often 20-minute session.
Features
Features you may see include contact options, like whether it’s an online text chat or a video call. It’s a personal preference, although the latter has a distinct advantage. The vet can observe your pet. It’s not just seeing your cat but viewing them in a familiar environment. A common problem with feline research is being able to observe natural behavior unimpeded by the animal’s natural wariness. This feature is priceless.
Some sites offer virtual libraries with curated information not tainted by anecdotal content or blatant misinformation. After all, Google isn’t always right. Some can write prescriptions, which can save you a lot of hassle if a visual diagnosis is possible. You’ll see this offering with many skin conditions in people. You’ll find some services for one-off calls and chats or subscription plans.
Services
The nature of these services limits their scope. Federal law and regulations are the controlling agents, and understanding these limitations is imperative. We’re sure many platforms would like to offer several options if they were legal and ethical, such as offering prescriptions, which vary from state to state.
So, good customer service is essential despite these concerns. Also, when shopping, think about how you would use the services offered. You’re more likely to go straight to the emergency vet clinic for poisoning and injuries, for example. Meanwhile, it’s a different story if your dog has a chronic condition that you must monitor. Thus, the value of the services offered varies.
Insurance Coverage
Many insurers offer their versions of online vet services, while others accept claims for them. That adds another layer of complexity when using these platforms. We suggest checking the fine print on coverage to see if the site has this option. Remember that most companies provide reimbursement instead of paying the bill outright. Some may require you to use a specific service. Meanwhile, some plans don’t cover online services at all.
Conclusion
Based on our reviews, PangoVet was the best overall choice on our list of the best online vet services. Meanwhile, Chewy Connect With a Vet is an affordable option for budget-minded pet owners with free chat or personalized online appointments. However, there are many of these services to choose from, so ensure you find one that offers exactly what you need for a price within your budget.
Featured Image Credit: PhotodriveStudio, Shutterstock