The 10 Most Popular Telehealth Apps for Pets
Key takeaways:
Veterinary telehealth apps can connect you with a vet for pet care services, including diagnosis and treatment.
General pet care apps have vets and other animal experts, like behavior specialists and nutritionists, available 24-7.
Most telehealth apps for pets are free to download but charge fees either by the service or per month or year.
Table of contents
Pet care apps offer a range of services. Some connect you directly to your pet’s veterinarian. Others put you in touch with a different vet, a pet nutritionist, or a behavior specialist. You can schedule video chats, send text messages, and track your pet’s medical history from your smartphone or tablet.
Here’s a quick overview of how to use these apps, followed by some of the most popular apps for getting care from your vet and for getting answers to general pet questions.
How do telehealth apps for pets work?
Telehealth apps for pets work much like telehealth for people. You download an app, set up an account, and schedule the service your pet needs.
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Some pet health apps offer monthly or annual subscriptions. Others charge a flat fee. Many charge fees based on the vet you interact with and the type of visit.
Once you’re connected to a veterinarian through an app, you can communicate via text or email for simple questions. For video visits, your pet may need to be on camera with you. You can use the app to schedule a visit that works for you.
What apps can I use to connect to my vet?
Most states require you to have an established relationship with a vet — a veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR) — for your pet to be diagnosed and treated via telehealth. That means a vet must have seen your pet in person for an exam, usually within the past 12 months.
Apps that connect you directly to your vet typically meet the VCPR requirement. Ask your vet if they offer telehealth services and, if so, what app they use. The apps are usually free. But your vet will probably charge you for virtual visits.
Apps that established vets use to connect with their regular clients include:
1. Otto
Apple rating: 4.8/5
Google rating: 4.8/5
Request appointments
Get prescription refills
Schedule follow-up visits
Pay for appointments
Share pet information with other providers (groomers, boarders)
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2. Vet Hero
Apple rating: 4.2/5 stars
Fees for care depend on your veterinarian’s fee schedule and visit type
Offers monthly payment plans for users
Offers wellness exams, emergency care, and more
Sends text reminders for appointments and syncs appointments with your calendar
3. PetDesk
Apple rating: 4.9/5 stars
Google rating: 4.7/5 stars
Fees vary by veterinarian and visit type
Lets you access a vet 24-7
Syncs reminders and appointments to your calendar
Saves the names of all your pet care professionals, such as vets, groomers, and sitters
Rewards you with points for money spent at pet care locations
Refills pet prescriptions
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Best apps for answers to general pet questions
Your vet’s app may provide everything you need in telehealth care for your pet. But if you want to connect with other vets for questions and behavior and nutrition tips, a general pet app may be right for you.
These apps charge fees depending on how you use their services. Some of the apps share their fees on their websites; others don’t. We included fee information if we were able to find it. Here are six popular apps:
1. Airvet
Apple rating: 4.9/5 stars
Google rating: 4.8/5 stars
Vets available 24-7
Connects you with a vet for dogs, cats, fish, horses, lizards, and more
Provides virtual wellness exams with advice about nutrition, dental health, behavioral issues, and more
Includes access to your pet’s case history on the app
2. AskVet
Apple rating: 4.1/5 stars
Google rating: 3.9/5 stars
Team of experts and vets available 24-7
Provides a free welcome package after you register
Helps you set up a fund for pet emergencies
3. PetCoach
Apple rating: 4.6/5 stars
Google rating: 3.6/5 stars
Team of experts available 24-7, including veterinarians, dog trainers, and pet nutritionists
Provides answers to thousands of frequently asked questions for free
Gives you access to hundreds of articles written by veterinarians
4. Chewy
Apple rating: 4.9/5
Google rating: 4.9/5
Free live chat for Chewy customers from 6AM to midnight ET
Does not prescribe, diagnose, or treat
Connect with vets or vet techs
5. Pawp
Apple rating: 4.8/5
Google rating: 4.7/5
Connect with a vet, vet tech, or veterinary nurse 24-7
Personalized care plan
Free follow-ups
Unlimited on-demand visits
6. Vetster
Apple rating: 4.5/5
Google rating: 4.6/5
One-time appointments start at $50, and unlimited access costs $137.88 per year
Lets you pick a vet from a directory
Fees vary depending on the vet and type of service
Appointments are 30 minutes
Video appointments are available 24-7
Can telehealth vets prescribe medication?
In most states, a telehealth veterinarian must establish a VCPR with your animal to prescribe medications. This means that the veterinarian must have examined your pet in person within the last 12 months.
Can GoodRx be used for pets?
The GoodRx app isn’t a telehealth app, but it can help you save money on prescription medications for your pet. Download the app, put the medication’s name in the search bar, and GoodRx will show you a list of pharmacies and their medication prices.
Here’s what you should know about the app:
GoodRx
Apple rating: 4.8/5 stars
Google rating: 4.7/5 stars
Gathers prices and discounts to help you find the best price for your pet prescriptions
Provides coupons for pet medications that can save you up to 80% on prescriptions
Offers valuable savings tips
Sets up refill reminders
Frequently asked questions
Virtual visits can be worth it if you’re looking for convenience, a quick answer to a pet question, or easy follow-up appointments. If your pet needs hands-on veterinary care or emergency care, schedule an in-person visit.
Chewy customers can schedule a 20-minute video call with a vet or vet tech for $19.99.
Virtual vets are available from 8AM to 11PM ET, including on holidays. Live-chat consultations are free and available from 6AM to midnight ET.
It’s hard to tell if Ask a Veterinarian Online is legit. It’s owned by JustAnswer, an e-commerce platform that connects customers with experts who answer questions on many topics, including legal issues, computer problems, and medical symptoms. But the company has amassed close to 7,500 complaints with the Better Business Bureau over the past 3 years. Proceed with caution, or try one of the apps mentioned above.
The bottom line
Telehealth apps offer pet owners a way to care for their animals at home. They provide many services, including virtual visits with your established vet and advice from other pet health experts. Start by asking your vet if they provide telehealth services. They may offer all the care your pet needs. Other pet health apps can help with general guidance and concerns.
Why trust our experts?
Pawp. (n.d.). Pricing notice.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2024). Veterinarian-client-patient relationships, prescribing/dispensing animal drugs and telemedicine.
