Rise of Telehealth for Pets: Convenience or Risk?

July 31, 2025 — In a move set to fundamentally reshape how millions of pet owners access veterinary care, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has officially modernized its policy on the Veterinary-Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR). The landmark update, which took effect this month, relaxes the long-standing requirement for a hands-on, in-person examination to establish a VCPR, opening the door for veterinarians to diagnose and prescribe for pets entirely through virtual means under specific circumstances. This policy shift acknowledges the explosive growth of the telehealth for pets sector but has ignited a fierce debate among veterinary professionals about the future of animal healthcare, pitting unprecedented convenience against potential diagnostic risks.

For decades, the VCPR has been the bedrock of veterinary ethics and law. It ensures that a veterinarian has sufficient knowledge of a pet, obtained through a physical examination and familiarity with the animal’s environment, before making a medical judgment. The previous AVMA policy was clear: a VCPR could not be established solely through digital or phone consultations. This new guidance represents a seismic change, driven by technological advancements and shifting consumer expectations accelerated by the global pandemic.

The Shifting Landscape: A Closer Look at the VCPR Update

The core of the AVMA’s revised policy centers on providing veterinarians with greater flexibility, while building in safeguards for animal welfare. Under the new model, a VCPR may now be established remotely if the veterinarian determines they can gather enough information to make a safe and accurate diagnosis through advanced telehealth technology, such as high-definition video consultations and client-provided diagnostic information. The policy emphasizes that this is not a blanket approval for all virtual care but a professional judgment call to be made by the licensed veterinarian on a case-by-case basis.

“This is a carefully considered evolution, not a revolution,” stated Dr. Eleanor Vance, current President of the AVMA, in a press conference announcing the change. “Our goal is to leverage technology to increase access to veterinary care, particularly for pet owners in underserved rural areas, individuals with mobility issues, and for situations where a trip to the clinic could cause significant stress to the animal. The veterinarian remains the gatekeeper of quality care and is empowered to tell a client when an in-person visit is necessary. This isn’t about replacing clinics; it’s about augmenting them.”

The policy outlines that remote establishment of a VCPR is most appropriate for non-emergency situations and when the technology is sufficient to conduct an appropriate evaluation. It also maintains that veterinarians must be licensed in the state where the pet is located and must be prepared to provide follow-up care or refer the client to a local clinic for in-person treatment if needed.

A Divisive Debate: Industry Experts Weigh In

The AVMA’s decision has been met with a mix of enthusiastic support and profound skepticism, reflecting a deep division within the veterinary community. Proponents, particularly those in the burgeoning pet tech industry, hail it as a long-overdue modernization.

“This is the watershed moment the telehealth for pets industry has been waiting for,” says Julian Carter, CEO of the popular virtual care platform PetConnect Now. “This aligns AVMA policy with the reality of how modern families live. Our data shows that owners are already turning to the internet for advice. Providing a regulated, professional channel for that interaction is infinitely safer. This decision will unlock immediate, low-stress care for millions of pets for issues like dermatology, nutritional counseling, and behavioral support. It enhances the relationship between vets and clients by making expert advice more accessible.”

However, many frontline veterinarians express significant reservations. They argue that the intangible diagnostic clues gathered during a physical exam are irreplaceable and that a screen can create a false sense of security.

“A video call can’t replace my hands,” argues Dr. Samuel Greene, a veterinarian with 25 years of clinical experience in Chicago. “I can’t palpate an abdomen to feel for a subtle mass, listen to a heart for a faint murmur, or check the tension in a painful joint over an iPad. My greatest fear is that a pet owner, seeking convenience for what they believe is a minor issue like intermittent vomiting, will use a telehealth service and miss the early signs of something serious like kidney disease or an intestinal blockage. This delay in diagnosis could be the difference between life and death.”

Dr. Greene’s concerns highlight the central conflict: while telehealth excels at convenience, it inherently lacks the comprehensive data-gathering capabilities of a hands-on physical exam. The debate underscores the new responsibilities placed on pet owners to be discerning consumers in this evolving digital health landscape.

What This New Telehealth Landscape Means for Pet Owners

This major policy shift is more than just industry news; it directly impacts how you manage your pet’s health. The rise of sophisticated telehealth for pets offers incredible opportunities but also requires you to be a more informed and proactive partner in your pet’s care. Here is a practical, expert-backed guide to navigating this new era of virtual veterinary medicine safely and effectively.

1. 1. Know When Virtual Care is Appropriate (and When It’s Not)

   Understanding the limits of telehealth is the single most important factor in using it safely. Virtual consultations are powerful tools for specific situations but are dangerously inadequate for others.

   Excellent use cases for a virtual vet visit include:

   • Triage: Determining if a condition requires an emergency visit.
   • Post-operative follow-ups and incision checks.
   • Nutritional counseling and weight management plans.
   • Behavioral consultations (e.g., for anxiety, aggression, or litter box issues).
   • Chronic disease management follow-ups (for stable patients).
   • Hospice and end-of-life care guidance.
   • Minor skin issues, like a small rash or hot spot, where clear photos can be provided.
   • Questions about flea, tick, and heartworm prevention.

   The following symptoms require an IMMEDIATE in-person veterinary visit. Do not use telehealth for:

   • Difficulty breathing, choking, or constant coughing.
   • Major trauma (e.g., hit by a car, animal attack, significant fall).
   • Seizures or collapse.
   • Signs of severe pain (e.g., whining, hiding, aggression when touched).
   • Ingestion of a known toxin (e.g., antifreeze, chocolate, rat poison, human medications).
   • Inability to urinate or defecate, especially in male cats.
   • Repeated vomiting or severe diarrhea, especially with lethargy.
   • A bloated, swollen, or hard abdomen.

2. 2. Vet Your Virtual Vet: How to Choose a Reputable Service

   Not all telehealth platforms are created equal. As new services emerge, it’s crucial to do your homework to ensure you are receiving credible medical advice.

   Before booking a consultation, verify the following:

   • Veterinarian Licensing: The platform should clearly state that its veterinarians are licensed to practice in your specific state. This is a legal requirement.
   • VCPR Transparency: The service should be upfront about its policy on the VCPR. Does it require a prior in-person exam, or is it operating under the new, more flexible guidelines?
   • Continuity of Care: Choose a service that provides you with a detailed summary or medical record of the consultation. This record is vital for your primary veterinarian to maintain a complete health history for your pet.
   • Clear Pricing: Fees for the consultation should be transparent and provided before you book. Beware of hidden charges.
   • Platform Security: Ensure the website or app is secure to protect your personal information and payment details.

3. 3. Maintain Your In-Person Veterinary Relationship

   Perhaps the most critical piece of advice is this: telehealth for pets should be viewed as a supplement to, not a replacement for, your local veterinarian. Your primary vet is the quarterback of your pet’s health team. They are the only ones who can perform the annual or semi-annual physical exams that form the foundation of lifelong wellness.

   These in-person visits are non-negotiable for essential services like vaccinations, dental cleanings, blood work, and the hands-on exams that catch problems early. Think of your local vet as your pet’s primary care physician and a telehealth service as an urgent care clinic or a specialist consultant. A strong relationship with a local clinic ensures you have a trusted partner for both routine wellness and critical emergencies.

4. 4. Prepare for a Successful Virtual Consultation

   To get the most value out of a virtual visit and to help the veterinarian make the most accurate assessment, you need to be well-prepared. An unprepared owner can lead to a frustrating and unproductive consultation.

   Follow this checklist before your appointment:

   • Document Symptoms: Write down a clear, chronological list of your pet’s symptoms. When did they start? Are they getting worse? What have you tried so far?
   • Take Photos and Videos: A picture or video is often worth a thousand words. Before the call, take clear, well-lit photos of any skin lesions, wounds, or rashes. Record a short video of your pet limping, coughing, or exhibiting an unusual behavior. It’s much easier to show the vet a pre-recorded video than to try and coax your pet to perform on camera.
   • Find a Good Location: Choose a quiet, well-lit room for the consultation to minimize distractions and ensure the vet can see your pet clearly.
   • Recruit a Helper: If possible, have a second person available to help hold, comfort, or position your pet so you can focus on communicating with the veterinarian.
   • Have Records Ready: Have your pet’s medical history on hand, including a list of current medications, known allergies, and major past health issues.

5. 5. Understand the Nuances of Remote Prescribing

   The ability to prescribe medication without an in-person exam is the most significant aspect of the new AVMA policy, but it comes with caveats. Veterinarians are bound by a strict ethical and legal duty to prescribe responsibly.

   Don’t expect a prescription for every issue. Vets will likely reserve remote prescribing for clear-cut conditions or for refills of existing medications. They will be justifiably hesitant to prescribe powerful drugs like new antibiotics, steroids, or any controlled substances to a patient they have never physically met. If a prescription is issued, ensure you are directed to a reputable, VIPPS-accredited (Veterinary-Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites) online pharmacy or your local pharmacy.

6. 6. Check Your State’s Specific Regulations

   This is a crucial final step. The AVMA provides national guidance, but veterinary medicine is regulated at the state level by individual veterinary medical boards. Some states may quickly adopt the AVMA’s modern model, while more cautious states may choose to maintain the stricter, traditional requirement for an in-person exam to establish a VCPR.

   Before relying on a service for a prescription, confirm that establishing a VCPR remotely is legally permitted in your state. A reputable telehealth platform should be able to provide this information, or you can check your state’s veterinary board website directly. This ensures both you and the veterinarian are acting within the bounds of the law.

The Future is Hybrid: A Balanced Approach

The rise of telehealth for pets marks an exciting and transformative time in veterinary medicine. It promises a future where expert advice is just a click away, reducing barriers to care and providing peace of mind for millions of owners. However, this convenience must be balanced with caution. The most successful and responsible pet owners will be those who embrace a hybrid model of care—leveraging the power of virtual consultations for convenience and triage while remaining deeply committed to the foundational importance of in-person, hands-on care from their local veterinarian.