In today’s fast-paced world, virtual pet care has surged in popularity, especially since the pandemic when pet owners sought safer, more accessible ways to address their pets’ health needs. Telemedicine services like TelaVets bridge the gap for those needing veterinary advice without the time or ability to attend an in-person visit.

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I’m Dr. Sarah, a veterinarian and telehealth advocate with a decade of experience in telemedicine. In this review, I share my firsthand experience with a TelaVets appointment for my (fictitious) cat’s inappropriate urination, covering everything from booking to follow-up. My goal is to help you decide if TelaVets is right for you and your pet.

TelaVets offers virtual consultations with licensed veterinarians across multiple states via video or phone, ideal for non-emergency issues like fleas, digestive upset, itchiness, behavioral concerns, or follow-up questions. Appointments are accessible on computers, tablets, or smartphones with a stable internet connection, and availability is often 24/7, though this depends on vet schedules.

What Makes a Great Telemedicine Visit?

Before diving into my experience, here’s what I look for in a quality telemedicine appointment:

  • The veterinarian asks detailed questions to understand your pet’s symptoms.
  • They explain multiple potential causes of the issue.
  • They recommend a course of action (e.g., at-home care, diagnostics, or an in-person visit).
  • They collaborate to find a plan you’re comfortable with.
  • They outline worst-case scenarios and signs that warrant immediate in-person care.
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My TelaVets Experience

Booking with TelaVets was seamless. The website is user-friendly on both desktop and mobile, with clear navigation to the booking section. I entered my cat’s details—name, breed, age, weight, and the issue (urinating outside the litterbox)—plus my state to confirm a licensed vet’s availability. Scheduling was quick; I secured a next-day appointment without needing an app, though a strong internet connection is recommended for video calls through my browser. A pop-up clarified whether prescribing medication via telemedicine is legal in my state, setting clear expectations. Pricing was transparent, displayed before confirmation, and payment was secure via credit card. The process felt hassle-free and straightforward.

Appointments are conveniently scheduled in 10-minute increments, making it easy to fit a quick consultation into a busy day. The veterinarian was professional, friendly, and clearly knowledgeable, taking time to ask thoughtful questions about my cat’s symptoms, history, and environment. While they didn’t request to see my cat on camera (which may be a missed steo for visual assessment when feasible), the overall experience still felt efficient and reassuring.

As a veterinarian, I chose a common issue, urinating outside the litterbox, that could stem from a medical emergency (e.g., urinary blockage), a medical condition that may require diagnostics and treatment (e.g., urinary tract infection or kidney disease), or behavioral stress.

The veterinarian prioritized ruling out a blockage and asked questions to assess for a UTI or kidney disease. They didn’t explore the behavioral angle, even after I mentioned a new dog in the household that may be causing stress and this could be due to the ten-minute time increment, which would not allow for a more detailed behavioral assessment.

The veterinarian quickly identified a likely UTI and recommended an appropriate course of antibiotics, with clear instructions to follow up in person if symptoms persisted. While the discussion could have included more detail on other potential causes or warning signs for indicating emergency care, the advice was practical, timely, and gave me confidence in the next steps.

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Post-appointment, the prescription arrived via email, ready to fill at a human pharmacy or any online pharmacy. Note that prescribing laws vary by state; and even if a prescription is appropriate, the laws of that state may prevent prescribing. I did receive a text about 10 days after the appointment saying that my provider wanted me to schedule a paid followup virtual appointment with them. 

Despite the time constraint, the appointment was convenient and reassuring, eliminating the need for travel, waiting rooms, or stressing my cat with a carrier and car ride. While advertised as 24/7, availability likely depends on individual vet schedules, making it ideal for busy times like between meetings, evenings, weekends, or possibly holidays. Compared to in-person visits, TelaVets’ pricing is competitive, offering good value for minor concerns.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Super convenient for those short on time, those who don’t live near a veterinary clinic or those who otherwise have difficulties getting their pet to the vet
  • No stressful car rides, carriers or clinic waiting rooms
  • Transparent pricing
  • Often your pet can be seen sooner than in-clinic appointments
  • Knowledgeable, licensed veterinarians

Cons:

  • Not a substitute for in-person annual exams or emergencies
  • The recommendation may be that your pet needs in-clinic care
  • May not cover all questions in a short consult
  • Prescription limitations depending on state laws
  • Difficult to get prescriptions right away (many pet medications are not available at human pharmacies)

Final Verdict: Is TelaVets Worth It?

TelaVets is an excellent option for pet parents seeking clarity on next steps: can your pet be treated at home, or do they need an in-clinic or emergency visit? 

It’s perfect for busy professionals, parents of young children, rural residents, or owners of anxious pets who value convenience, access to a prescription, and quick advice for everyday issues. However, it may not suit complex medical cases, emergencies, or those needing in-depth discussions about all possible causes and options.

TelaVets provides peace of mind for minor issues or to determine if an in-person visit is necessary. For those who value the advice of a veterinarian without necessarily needing to arrange an in-person visit, the cost is worth it. 

To get the most out of your appointment, provide detailed symptom descriptions, ask about all potential causes and treatment options, and be upfront about financial limitations. If prescribed medication or recommended at-home care, clarify what signs indicate a need for urgent in-person care.

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