Virtual doctor visits or telemedicine are a product of the pandemic and the restrictions it has imposed. However, virtual vet visits still serve a purpose and have many benefits for pet owners, especially for cats. Dogs often ride in cars, whether going to the vet or the doggie park.
Meanwhile, cats don’t usually get this exposure, making virtual vet visits a more practical option to relieve stress and anxiety. However, there are times when virtual visits just make more sense, especially if it’s not an emergency situation and you just have a few questions about your cat’s signs and behavior.
How does this work?
The premise of a virtual vet visit is to make an appointment online instead of in person. Instead of taking your cat to the clinic, almost anything goes. Your veterinarian will take a history from you and ask you questions for clarification. They can also observe your pet for signs of certain issues. You get the same dedicated time to ask questions for the scheduled duration.
The biggest difference is the setting. The appointment happens at home instead of at the clinic. It requires a good Internet connection to put it on a par with an office visit. However, they obviously can’t perform a physical exam, and some vets can’t make a diagnosis or even prescribe medications.
What Are the Different Types of Virtual Vet Visits?
There are no different types of virtual vet visits, per se, due to meeting limitations. However, you can provide your veterinarian with valuable information to help them arrive at a diagnosis or at least an assessment of what is going on with your cat. After all, cats are known for hiding pain or other signs of an issue. A vet should rely on your evidence and your cat’s signs and then make suggestions from there.
Where is this used?
Virtual vet visits usually happen at home. You should do this in a small room, such as a bathroom, so that your cat is visible and accessible. Avoid calling in a place where your kitten might hide under a bed or other place. The visual component is important for the value of this offer. For example, if your pet is blindfolded, your vet should be able to see how this is affecting their mobility in order to make an accurate assessment of the problem and advise on next steps.
You can carry out the visit wherever you and your cat are, adding to their value. You can do the virtual vet visit at home or on the road. The only criterion is a reliable connection. We suggest keeping notes of what’s going on with your kitten to make the most of your limited time.
Advantages of Virtual Vet Visits
The biggest advantage of a virtual vet visit is stress reduction. Too much stress can mask the clinical signs your vet needs to diagnose your kitten’s issue. They are more likely to see normal animal behavior than something caused by stress. Cats will guard elsewhere, which may hinder the examination.
It will also save you time and money to make the visit virtually. It’s one thing if you work from home, but another thing if you need to take time off from work. That adds to your stress and can make the appointment more expensive for you. Often, virtual vet visits are less expensive than going to the office.
It is worth noting that some appointments are not worth taking your cat to the clinic. That may include behavioral issues or follow-up visits. Sometimes, a veterinarian may not need to physically touch or examine your pet. It will also save your vet time when dealing with these cases.
Disadvantages of Virtual Vet Visits
A virtual vet visit cannot accurately diagnose every problem. Your veterinarian may need to examine your cat physically to make a diagnosis. They may need to take tests that cannot happen online. This can delay your pet’s examination and treatment, or cost you more if you have to bring your pet to the clinic.
If you don’t have an existing veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR) with the veterinarian you talk to most, they won’t be able to diagnose or prescribe medication. A VCPR usually needs to be established by having your pet examined by a veterinarian in person, although some states allow it to be established remotely.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does Pet Insurance Cover Virtual Vet Visits?
Some pet insurers cover virtual vet visits or vet calls to discuss issues. There is no doubt that they will save money and time for keepers and veterinarians. Companies also want to optimize costs. We suggest reviewing the details of these tests before scheduling one. Take advantage of these savings when they apply.
Can Vets Prescribe Medications During the Virtual Exam?
It depends, as state laws vary. Some online veterinary clinics can prescribe medications, while others cannot. We suggest checking in advance if this is possible in your state and the clinic.
What Does a Virtual Vet Visit Cost?
Service costs vary. However, they are usually less expensive because the vet does not have to rely on support staff such as techs and receptionists. You may see limits on the number of visits. In some cases, they may not replace an in-person exam, which could negate any savings.
Conclusion
Virtual vet visits are a great time-saver for situations where they can help with pet issues. They take the stress out of the car ride to the clinic and allow the vet to observe the pet’s normal behavior. That’s a problem with cats especially, making it a godsend in some cases. However, there are limitations. This includes the nature of the issues and state regulations. However, they benefit pet owners and their cats in many cases.
Featured Image Credit: Katcha_Natsarin, Shutterstock
