How to Schedule and Attend a Veterinary Appointment Online

What an online vet appointment is and when you can use one

An online vet appointment is a video or phone consultation with a licensed veterinarian who can see and hear your pet through your device. The vet can examine your pet visually, ask detailed questions about symptoms, review medical history, and in many cases prescribe medication or recommend next steps — all without you leaving home.

Online appointments work best for follow-up visits, behavioral questions, skin conditions you can show on camera, medication refills, and general information about diet or exercise. They do not work for situations that need hands-on examination: checking ears and throat, palpating the abdomen, drawing blood, or performing surgery. If your vet suspects your pet needs physical handling, they will tell you to come in person or go to an emergency clinic.

Most veterinary clinics now offer online visits through their own website or through third-party platforms like Vetster, Chewy Health, or Petco's telehealth service. Some clinics use a mix — their own platform for existing patients and a third-party service for new ones.

Key Takeaways

• Online vet appointments happen by video or phone and work for follow-ups, medication refills, and behavioral questions, but not for physical exams or emergency care.
• You can book through your vet's own website, through a third-party platform like Vetster or Chewy Health, or by calling the clinic directly.
• You will need your pet's medical records, a description of the problem, and a quiet space with good internet and camera access for the appointment.
• The vet may prescribe medication that you pick up at the clinic, have mailed to you, or send to a pharmacy, depending on the clinic's policies.
• If the vet determines your pet needs in-person care, they will refer you to the clinic or an emergency facility rather than continuing the video visit.

How to find and book an online appointment

Start by checking whether your current veterinary clinic offers online visits. Call the clinic directly or visit their website — most clinics now list telehealth as an option on their appointment page. Ask whether they see existing patients only or whether they accept new patients for online visits.

If your clinic does not offer online appointments, or if you do not have a regular vet, you can use a standalone telehealth platform. Vetster, Chewy Health, and Petco's telehealth service all let you search for available vets in your area and book a time slot. These platforms typically show the vet's credentials, experience, and price per visit before you book. Prices range widely depending on the vet and the platform, so compare a few options.

When you book, you will be asked for your pet's species, age, and a brief description of why you are scheduling the visit. Have this information ready before you start. If you have your pet's previous medical records or vaccination history, upload them at this stage — it saves time during the appointment.

What to prepare before your appointment

Gather your pet's medical history, including any previous diagnoses, current medications, and vaccination records. If this is your first visit with this vet, you may be asked to provide records from your previous clinic. Have your pet's date of birth and microchip number (if applicable) on hand.

Set up your space: find a quiet room with good lighting, a stable internet connection, and a device with a working camera and microphone. Test your camera and audio before the appointment starts. Have your pet nearby but not necessarily on your lap — the vet will ask you to show them specific areas or behaviors, so you need to be able to move around and position your pet for the camera.

Write down your questions and the symptoms you have noticed, including when they started, how often they occur, and what makes them better or worse. The vet will ask these questions, but having notes ready means you will not forget anything important during the call.

How the appointment itself works

A few minutes before your scheduled time, log into the platform or click the link the clinic sent you. You may be asked to check in or confirm your information. The vet will join the call at the scheduled time, or you may see a brief wait if they are running behind.

The vet will start by asking about your pet's symptoms, medical history, and what you have already tried. Be specific: instead of "my dog is not eating," say "my dog ate normally until Tuesday morning, has not touched food since then, and vomited twice yesterday." The vet will ask you to show them your pet on camera — move around so they can see the whole body, the area you are concerned about, or the behavior you are describing.

The vet may ask you to perform a straightforward check: look in the ears, check the gums, feel the abdomen, or observe a specific behavior. Follow their instructions exactly. If the vet determines your pet needs in-person care, they will end the video visit and refer you to the clinic or an emergency facility.

Getting a prescription and follow-up care

If the vet prescribes medication, ask where you can fill it. Some clinics mail medication directly to you, some send it to a pharmacy you choose, and some require you to pick it up at the clinic. The vet will provide the prescription details and any instructions about dosage, frequency, and whether to give it with food.

Ask about follow-up: does the vet want to see your pet again in person, or can you schedule another online visit? If your pet is not improving after a few days, should you call the clinic or go to an emergency vet? Get the clinic's phone number and after-hours contact information before you hang up.

Most platforms send you a summary of the visit by email, including the vet's notes, any prescriptions, and instructions for follow-up. Save this for your records.

When to go to an in-person or emergency visit instead

Do not wait for an online appointment if your pet is in obvious distress: difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, inability to stand, unconsciousness, or signs of extreme pain. Go to an emergency clinic when ready. Online appointments are not suitable for these situations.

If your pet has not eaten or drunk water for more than 24 hours, is vomiting repeatedly, has diarrhea that lasts more than a day, or shows any sign of injury or trauma, schedule an in-person visit or emergency care rather than an online appointment. The vet may recommend this during an online visit as well — if they do, follow that recommendation.

Puppies and kittens under a certain age (usually 16 weeks) typically need in-person visits for their initial vaccinations and health checks. Pregnant or nursing animals also usually require hands-on care. Ask your vet whether your pet's situation requires an in-person visit.

Cost and what to expect to pay

Online vet appointments typically cost less than in-person visits, but prices vary by clinic, platform, and vet experience. A telehealth visit might range from $30 to $100 or more, depending on where you book. Some clinics charge the same for online and in-person visits; others discount telehealth. Ask about the cost before you book.

Most pet insurance plans do not cover telehealth visits, but some do — check your policy or call your insurer. If you are paying out of pocket, ask whether the clinic offers payment plans or discounts for multiple visits.

If the vet prescribes medication, that is a separate cost. Prices for the same medication can vary significantly between the clinic's pharmacy, mail-order services, and retail pharmacies like Chewy or Walmart. Ask the vet which option is cheapest and whether the prescription can be filled at a pharmacy of your choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a vet prescribe medication during an online appointment?

Yes. If the vet determines your pet's condition from the video visit and your description, they can write a prescription. You will pick it up at the clinic, have it mailed to you, or send it to a pharmacy. Some states have restrictions on what vets can prescribe without an in-person exam, so the vet may decline if your pet's situation requires hands-on evaluation.

What if my internet cuts out during the appointment?

Reconnect as soon as possible. Most platforms will hold your spot for a few minutes. If you lose connection for more than a few minutes, the vet may end the visit and reschedule. Contact the clinic or platform to let them know what happened and ask to reschedule without an additional fee.

Do I need to have my pet on camera the whole time?

No. The vet needs to see your pet during the examination part of the visit, but you can discuss history and symptoms while your pet is in another room. Have your pet nearby so you can show them quickly when the vet asks.

Can I get a second opinion from another vet online?

Yes. You can book an appointment with a different vet through any telehealth platform or clinic. Bring your previous vet's notes and any test results so the new vet has full information. You do not need permission from your first vet to seek a second opinion.

What happens if the vet says my pet needs to come in person?

The vet will end the online visit and give you a referral to the clinic or an emergency facility. You will need to schedule an in-person appointment separately. The vet's notes from the online visit will be available to the in-person vet, so you will not have to repeat the whole history.