The veterinary industry is facing a critical shortage of veterinarians and support staff. There simply are not enough professionals to care for the growing number of pets. Experts predict this shortage may worsen in the coming years. By diverting non-urgent or routine cases to telehealth, virtual veterinary care can help bridge gaps in access to care.
With the current shortage of veterinarians and staff, telehealth can be a practical solution for many pet concerns. In the past, strict regulations from professional organizations and regulatory bodies limited the availability of veterinary telehealth to pet owners. However, the industry is slowly evolving as it becomes clear that many pet parents cannot obtain timely care through traditional clinics.
Issues Addressed with Telehealth
While telehealth cannot replace hands-on veterinary care, it can address many common issues. Telehealth veterinarians can:
- Diagnose many skin conditions, such as allergies or localized infections
- Address behavioral concerns, with or without medication
- Treat simple ear infections
- Evaluate minor wounds and prescribe antibiotics when appropriate
- Provide nutrition counseling
- Explain vaccine protocols and recommendations
- Offer second opinions on previous treatments
- Provide expert witness consultations when needed
However, telehealth does have limitations. Virtual veterinarians cannot perform:
- Surgery
- Radiographs (X-rays)
- Ultrasounds or echocardiograms
- In-clinic blood or urine testing
- Other hands-on diagnostic procedures
When used responsibly, telemedicine can reduce animal suffering, remove financial and logistical barriers to care, and improve overall pet well-being and retention.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) offers this perspective:
https://www.aspca.org/improving-laws-animals/public-policy/telemedicine
They ask pet owners to consider the following:
- Is your pet afraid of the veterinary clinic?
- Is transportation to the clinic stressful or difficult?
- Does your pet become anxious or aggressive during visits?
- Do you face mobility, scheduling, or transportation challenges?
- Do you live in an area with limited veterinary access?
- Would it help to obtain routine prescriptions online?
- Do you have a senior or terminally ill pet that could benefit from virtual hospice support?
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, telemedicine could be highly beneficial for you and your pet.
Telemedicine is the delivery of veterinary care through remote technology, such as video calls. It has already become a mainstream option in human healthcare, improving access and convenience. The same approach can expand access to veterinary care across geographic and economic barriers.
Virtual hospice care, for example, can provide compassionate end-of-life support, helping pets remain comfortable and helping families make informed, humane decisions.
Veterinarians should be trusted to determine when telemedicine is appropriate and to use it when it benefits the patient. Updating outdated regulations can expand access to care and improve animal welfare.
