An online pet vet subscription may not seem a top priority until your furry friend falls ill and you need immediate assistance. With the rise of COVID-19, the online pet health service has become increasingly popular and continues to be in high demand.
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We love the ease of scheduling a virtual appointment with a licensed vet from the comfort of our home. Our pets no longer have to travel and can avoid the stress of clinic visits or car sickness. The best part—online vets can promptly answer urgent pet health questions, even at night.
At Bored Panda, we understand how crucial it is for pet owners to have access to real-time advice at their fingertips. In this guide, we compared the top online veterinarian services currently leading the space. We also looked at some AI-powered platforms to see how they stack up against their human counterparts.
The information provided herein is for informational purposes only. Please refer to our disclaimer for more details.
Our Community Picks
Best Overall: Chewy
Runner-Up: Vetster
Also Great: Dutch
Note: All prices and deals listed are accurate as of the time of publishing. Please check the provided links for the most current pricing.
Best Value Online Vet Services
From online consultations to prescription refills, these vet services prioritize affordability without compromising on the well-being of your beloved pets.
This post may include affiliate links.
Pawp
Ease of Use: 3/5 | Price: $99/year | Available On: Web, iOS, and Android | Best For: Ongoing care
Pawp is an online veterinary service that offers personalized care plans and tailored treatment for your pets all year round. Unlike other services that provide one-time consultations, Pawp offers ongoing care and reminders for things like vaccines and flea and tick medicine. If you have concerns about your pet’s health, one of their vets can help you decide on the next best steps.
In addition to online vet appointments, Pawp provides an emergency fund that you can access by paying an extra $19 monthly. This fund offers a one-time payment of $3,000 that you can use at any vet, even for a pre-existing condition. The reviews of Pawp are positive, with many owners appreciating the high level of care and attention their pets receive.
What We Like:
• Up to 5 additional pets included in the plan
• 1-month free trial
• 24/7 access to vets
• Emergency vet fund available
What We Don’t Like:
• Some owners report it was hard to make an insurance claim
• There is a chance for you to be signed up for unwanted subscriptions
Petcoach
Ease of Use: 5/5 | Price: $5 per question or $20 for in-depth private consultation | Available On: Web, iOS, Android | Best For: Non-emergency care
Created by Petco, PetCoach offers an uncomplicated live chat service available 24/7. Users can submit their questions to a paid online forum for a nominal fee of $5. This forum provides vet techs, veterinarians, nutritionists, and behaviorists access.
Pet owners are encouraged to seek health advice and can even send pictures of their pets, such as lumps or lab reports. However, PetCoach may take a while to respond compared to other providers, with response times often taking several hours.
If you require a more comprehensive and personalized consultation, that costs $20 per consultation. There is no time limit; you can communicate with the veterinarian until your problem is resolved. If time is of the essence, you can set a time limit. You won't be charged if your query isn't answered within the provided time frame.
What We Like:
• No subscription required
• Easy to use
• A huge directory of answers and articles
What We Don’t Like:
• Slow to reply
• Not suitable for emergency care
Top-Rated Online Vets
When it comes to web services, scanning reviews is never a bad idea. We’ve handpicked some of the best-rated options with a solid track record.
JustAnswer
Ease of Use: 4/5 | Price: $55/month (plus $5 joining fee) | Available On: iOS, Android, and Web | Best For: Accessing multiple services
JustAnswer is a platform that connects pet owners to international vets, including US-based experts, 24/7. If you are unsatisfied with the answer you received, you can request a new expert free of charge.
In addition to typed conversations, JustAnswer also offers a phone call option. However, there is no video call option at this time, and prescriptions can't be issued. You can opt for an additional premium service if you need more advanced services like x-ray or blood result interpretation.
What We Like:
• One-on-one chat with real vets 24/7
• Free follow-up chats
• Easy to send photos and videos
• International experts
What We Don’t Like:
• Fuzzy subscription terms
• Brief call duration
• Hard to opt out of the follow-ups
Wag!
Ease of Use: 4/5 | Price: $30 one time call or $9.99/month | Available On: iOS and Android | Best For: Quick Chats
Wag! is more than just a website with reliable medical articles. It’s an all-in-one solution with an online advice service accessible to everyone. However, to chat with a vet, you need to download the app, which might be a downside for those who prefer typing on a laptop or talking over the phone. On the other hand, many pet owners appreciate the prompt response and the sound advice they receive from the vet.
What We Like:
• 24/7 service
• Easy to set up
• Reliable advice
• Chat time limit is 24 hours
What we don't like:
• Questions close after the time limit expires
Chewy
Ease of Use: 3.5/5 | Price: Free for Chewy customers or $19.99 | Available On: Web | Best For: Affordable advice
Chewy offers an online vet chat service from 6 a.m. to 12 a.m. ET. This service isn't intended to replace in-person vet care, but the vets can assist you with any questions.
You can schedule a call for $19.99 if you need more support. The call could be a video call, allowing you to show the vet your dog live.
This service is free for Chewy customers. Anyone who uses the “auto-ship” feature when purchasing from Chewy is a member. Since Chewy sells a vast range of products, including toys, food, and parasite prevention, you should take advantage of this excellent offer.
What We Like:
• Option for video chat
• Free for Chewy customers
• Reliable experts
What We Don’t Like:
• Not available 24 hours
• Not available in Alaska or Hawaii
Online Vets with Prescription Service
Before seeking an online vet for a prescribed product, always make sure they offer this service before paying for a subscription.
Note: Availability varies by provider and location.
Vetster
Ease of Use: 2.5/5 | Price: $19.99/month | Available On: Web, iOS, and Android | Best For: Scheduled phone calls
If you’re not interested in a Vetser monthly subscription, you can pay $55 for a consultation. Although it may seem pricey compared to other options, this consultation involves a video call with a vet, and you’ll be given a specific time slot to speak with them. During this time, they’ll be solely focused on you.
In certain states, you may be able to obtain a written prescription from the vet. You can choose the vet you’d like to speak with, and many users find that they develop a connection with a particular vet over time.
What We Like:
• 24/7
• International service
• You can buy prescription medicine from Vetster’s pharmacy
What We Don’t Like:
• Not all vets can issue prescriptions
• Sometimes, the vet may need to cancel the scheduled appointment
Dutch
Ease of Use: 5/5 | Price: From $132/year | Available On: Web | Best For: Getting prescription medicine for cats and dogs
Establishing a solid vet-client professional relationship (VCPR) is often necessary for a veterinarian to prescribe medicine. Nowadays, some states allow remote VCPR, meaning online veterinarians can also provide prescriptions.
In addition, vets may add recommended items to your cart for purchase. While this can be convenient, it may also create pressure to buy the item, even if it is cheaper elsewhere or you’re unsure if it is your desired product.
What we like:
• Free shipping on prescriptions
• Up to 5 pets covered in a single membership
What we don't like:
• Prescriptions aren't always an option
AI-Powered Online Vet Service
While artificial intelligence may not be able to replace a real vet just yet, it can do a decent job of giving you practical advice. However, remember that occasionally, it may still provide you with a flawed answer.
AskVet
Ease of Use: 4.5/5 | Price: $9.99/month | Available On: Web, iOS, and Android | Best For: General advice
When you want to contact a veterinarian, hearing that the service is available in 10 minutes or an hour isn't always acceptable. AskVet boasts a one-minute waiting time, which their users report rings true.
This is possible because AskVet uses a digital vet called VERA. This stands for Veterinary Engagement and Relationship Agent. Vera is trained on several million vet-owner conversations, six veterinary college curricula, and veterinary-reviewed data sets. Call us old-fashioned, but we would still prefer talking to a real vet, at least for now.
What We Like:
• Average waiting time is up to a minute
• You’ll get broad advice for companion, exotic, and farm animals
What We Don’t Like:
• You aren't talking to a real person
• A chance of being signed up for unwanted subscriptions
Online Vet with Brick and Mortar Locations
A hybrid pet care approach offers the best of both worlds, providing you with the convenience of online communication and the reassurance of physical veterinary care.
Banfield Vet Chat
Ease of Use: 5/5 | Price: From $29.95/month | Available on: Web | Best For: Banfield clients
Banfield is a leading veterinary care provider with over 1,000 clinics across the USA, and it recently introduced an online appointment system to make pet care more accessible. This new service enables pet owners to have virtual visits for services such as post-op checks, weight checks, puppy advice, and parasite prevention consultations.
To use this service, you need to pay for their wellness plan, regardless of whether you are a Banfield client. Nevertheless, many pet owners prefer using the same provider for virtual and in-person vet care, making Banfield’s service highly in demand.
What We Like:
• Schedule visits with vets any time of the day
What we don't like:
• Text only chat
• Must pay extra, even if you are already a Banfield client
• You won't get a diagnosis or prescription medication online
How We Picked the Best Online Veterinarians
Availability. It’s frustrating to schedule a virtual vet visit and discover that the vets are unavailable when needed. That’s why we’ve curated a list of services that provide round-the-clock advice from a pool of veterinarians. Some of these services even have international vets based in countries like the UK and Australia, so you can get expert help whenever needed.
Affordability. A significant advantage of getting a remote vet’s assistance is that it’s usually more affordable than going to a physical clinic. Online veterinarians have fewer expenses to cover, such as rent and staff salaries, which allows them to offer their services at a lower cost. This makes it an excellent option for people concerned about the cost of vet services.
Subscription type. Pet care services are usually available online through a subscription model. To avoid any confusion, check the terms of the service upfront. This will help you understand the fees involved and the subscription duration.
Added extras. Some websites offer more than just typed consultations with licensed vets. They also provide extra services like video calls and second opinions on lab tests or X-rays. In some cases, online vets may even prescribe medication.
When Should You Seek Emergency Veterinary Care
Consider using a telemedicine service for your pet if you’re unsure whether their condition requires immediate medical attention. Emergencies such as traumas, toxin ingestion, difficulty breathing, ongoing seizures, and active bleeding require prompt veterinary care. If you’re convinced that your pet requires immediate medical attention, it’s best to skip online consultations and head straight to the nearest emergency clinic.
FAQ
What pet health questions can an online vet service answer?
Online vet services can help you decide the urgency of seeking veterinary care for your pet. They are also helpful in creating behavioral plans, weight loss management, seeking second opinions, and assessing photos and videos.
Can an online veterinarian give you a prescription?
A virtual vet may offer prescription and written prescriptions only if your pet is cared for and known to them. However, they can't issue a prescription if they have never seen your pet.
What are the limitations of virtual veterinary service?
While veterinarians can offer guidance through a computer screen, a physical examination and in-depth consultation with a vet are necessary for accurate diagnosis. Tests and imaging studies that require a hands-on approach can only be performed in person.
