How do online vet consultations work: A pet owner’s guide?
Why are pet owners choosing online vet consultations?
For pet owners, their furry companions are their family members. They notice small changes in their pets’ behaviours, like when their dog refuses to eat food or their cat hides more than usual (which is due to illness or injury). This often creates panic in the minds of pet owners. However, consulting professional veterinarians isn’t so simple. Expensive consultations, long waiting hours, long travels, and anxious pets in pet clinics can make even routine check-ups a big headache.
This is where a pet care consultations app comes up as a modern solution. Within just a few clicks, you can book online vet consultations with certified veterinarians and pet care experts and get pet health advice at the convenience of your home.
In India, the increasing number of pet owners has led to a rapid rise in the popularity of online pet care consultations. Busy professionals, elderly pet owners, and people living in small towns find virtual pet care delivery highly affordable and practical. In fact, an increasing number of pet owners are relying on online vet consultations before deciding if a physical visit is necessary. This saves both time and money.
This blog will act as a guide and help you explore: How online vet consultations work step-by-step, their benefits and limitations, what to prepare, and how to choose the best online vet consultation services in India. By the end of this blog, you will be confident in using telemedicine as a valuable tool to keep your pet healthy and stress-free.
What is an online vet consultation, and how does it work?
At the very core, an online vet consultation is a modern way of accessing veterinary advice with the help of digital platforms like consultation apps, for example, Conbun, websites, and even social media apps. Instead of physically going to pet care experts or veterinarians, you can just consult them through an online medium, share your concerns, and receive expert solutions.
Just think of it as the telemedicine model, but it's actually for your little companions, where you can:
- Explain the symptoms related to behavioural or physical changes of your pet
- Show the physical signs like (rashes, wounds, or limping) on a video consultation
- Share the medical history of your pet, like vaccination records or photos
- Get instant advice on your pet’s health, like grooming, immediate care, pet grooming, training, and preventive measures
- Get digital prescriptions
While it can be argued that online vet consultations may not replace physical healthcare, it has to be observed that for a large number of cases like routine check-ups and follow-ups, minor illnesses, pet nutrition and training advice, etc, online consultation with veterinarians proves to be a cost-effective and professional solution.
Rising demand for online pet care services
The demand for online pet care services is increasing rapidly due to increasing pet ownership in comparison to the past, greater acceptance of pets as family members, and the strong desire for convenient tech-enabled solutions. With Indian pet care ownership booming alone gives rise to increasing demand for more accessible pet care services, as traditional services cannot meet these increasing demands, as India has only 4000-5000 practicing veterinarians.
In addition, traditional pet care services have the following challenges:
- Accessibility: The practicing population of veterinarians is mostly concentrated in urban and semi-urban areas, due to which people living in small towns and rural areas do not have access to a pet clinic nearby.
- Affordability: In-person clinical visits often include long travel costs, consultation, and follow-up costs.
- Convenience: Taking time out of busy schedules during working hours for travelling and appointments is not at all convenient.
These are the reasons why online vet consultation 24/7 is becoming increasingly popular. Just like telemedicine has now become mainstream for us, virtual pet care consultations are becoming mainstream to manage pet health.
How to book an online vet consultation (Step-by-step)
Many first-time users may wonder how online vet consultations work. The process is simple and straightforward, which is designed to make pet owners as stress-free as possible. Here is the breakdown of the booking process.
Apps and platforms that offer online pet care consultations
In India, there are various apps that offer these services, like Dr. Pashu, Practo, Vets and care, but the app that stands out among all these is Conbun. Conbun is the most versatile app that has a never-ending list of pet care experts and veterinarians for all the needs of pet owners. In addition, the booking and consultation process on the app is designed in such a way that pet owners get access to pet care services instantly and effectively.
1. Appointment scheduling and payment process
Booking consultations on Conbun is extremely simple. You just need to download the app and register to make a profile. The app lets you book consultations across various categories, including pet care. After successful registration, you can simply search “pet care” in the search bar and browse numerous pet care experts’ or veterinarians’ profiles.
While surfing through profiles, don’t forget to check out experience, expertise, service portfolios, and ratings and reviews so you can judge their credibility and expertise. After being completely satisfied with a profile, you can book an audio/video call with the vet for just ₹99 and ₹199, respectively.
The app allows you to book appointments with wallet recharges, which can be done through various online payment modes, including credit/debit cards, all popular UPI apps, mobile wallets, and net banking. Payment processing on the app is fast, secure, and reliable. All the payments you make on the platform are processed through secure payment gateways and are reflected instantly in your account.
The app also features an in-app appointment scheduler that allows you to schedule an appointment instantly for the same date at your convenience.
2. What should you prepare before an online vet visit?
During, before, or after the consultation, you may be asked by the vet to:
- Fill in basic details like pet’s age, breed, weight, etc
- Documents related to medical history, like vaccinations, illnesses
- Details related to current symptoms like behavioural changes, coughing, vomiting, or limping, etc
These steps ensure that the pet care expert has the proper context to offer accurate expert health advice.
Pro tip: You can upload photos or short videos of your pet coughing, limping or skin-related issues, which makes remote diagnosis even more effective
3. What happens during an online veterinary appointment?
Connecting with a verified veterinarian
After you have booked a pet care consultant, he/she will call you as per the time slot you have selected through the interaction option you have chosen, i.e., video or audio calls. It is advised to select the video call option if you are seeking advice for the injury or illness of your pet, which will allow a physical examination. For general advice and opinions audio call may be chosen.
During the consultation, the vet may:
- Ask detailed questions about your pet’s condition
- Conduct a physical examination of your pet through video consultation
- Offer guidance on immediate care
- May suggest in-person treatment if needed
- On Conbun, unlike online forums, you get personalized advice and care. .
Receiving online care and prescriptions
Experts on Conbun offer personalized care advice and step-by-step procedures so that the current condition of your pet gets better. They may prescribe medications depending on the health condition. In India, pet care experts can prescribe medications; however, this depends on state-wise regulations.
You will receive:
- Digital prescriptions
- Dosage instructions
- Health management advice
- Follow-up care guidelines
Follow-up and ongoing care
Conbun believes that good care does not end with one call. It allows users to avail themselves of follow-up care by
- Allowing scheduling follow-up appointments
- Continued interaction with vets on the chat feature 24/7
- Keep and access digital health records of your pets for future reference.
This ensures continuity in pet care and also ensures that your pet’s health management is consistent.
4. When should you use an online vet consultation
Online vet consultations are not replacements for clinic visits, but they are surely an effective tool for everyday pet health, nutrition, and training/grooming-related concerns. Knowing when to use online consultations allows pet parents to save time and money while also offering their furry companions the care they need.
Common health issues that are handled online:
Licensed vets can guide you through various pet health conditions during an online pet care consultation, especially when the symptoms are mild or manageable at home: These include:
- Skin-related issues: Issues like rashes, ticks, allergies, itching, or excessive hair loss in pets can be diagnosed online with photos and videos. It has been observed that many skin problems respond well to early treatments prescribed online. While taking time out of your busy schedule, travelling to a vet’s clinic and waiting long hours can be tiring, your pet can receive early treatment online.
- Behavioural issues: If your dog suddenly becomes restless at night or your cat is having problems using the litter box, an online vet can offer effective behaviour management techniques for these and many other pet behaviour-related issues.
- Minor injuries: Small cuts during play, limping without severe pain, or minor paw wounds can be evaluated online through physical assessment on video calls with instructions on pain-relieving medication, cleaning, and bandaging, etc.
- Preventive care: Online consultations are best for routine queries like nutrition planning, vaccination schedules, grooming, and deworming etc.
- Digestive concerns: Upset stomach, diarrhoea, vomiting, constipation, etc, are amongst the common issues regarding which pet parents seek pet health advice online. Vets may suggest nutrition tips, temporary medication, and some dietary adjustments.
The above-discussed are common health issues for which pet parents generally turn to online pet health advice. However, in many cases, in-person visits are a must. These include:
- Choking or breathing difficulties
- Broken limbs or severe injuries due to an accident
- Seizures or repetitive collapsing
- Difficulties in defecating or urinating
- Emergencies due to poisoning
- Unexplained weight loss, changes in behaviour, and lack of energy
However, it has to be observed that even in these cases, online vet advice can still be valuable. Conbun has expert and certified vets who can offer quick first-aid guidance while you travel to your nearest pet clinic. This can be life-saving, particularly in emergencies. This combines both online vet consultations and physical visits to ensure your pet receives the best care.
Benefits of online vet consultations for pet owners
As we advance, we will discuss why thousands of pet owners are choosing online vet consultations
1. Cost-effective in comparison to traditional vet visits
A typical in-clinic visit may include costs like travel expenses, hefty consultation fees, and expenses related to tests, etc. On the other hand, if you choose an online consultation app like Conbun, you can consult vets and pet care experts for as low as ₹99, making online consultations incredibly affordable. Many other apps offer subscription plans for unlimited pet care advice, thereby making pet care budget-friendly.
2. 24/7 Accessibility
One of the biggest advantages of online vet consultations is that pet owners can take advantage of them at any time during the day or night from the convenience of their home. Pets rarely fall sick at convenient hours, and late-night emergencies may cause panic. As online platforms like Conbun offer 24/7 online consultations, you can now connect to vets instantly instead of waiting for clinics to open.
3. Access to specialists in remote areas
As stated above, India still faces a severe shortage of pet care experts and veterinarians, especially in remote areas. Online vet consultations bridge this gap by connecting pet parents in rural areas to certified pet health specialists across Indian.
4. No risk of infections
Veterinary clinics are a hotspot of infections for pets, as there are other pets with severe infections. If your dog is over-friendly in nature, there is a higher risk/they will catch new infections. With online consultations, this risk is eliminated.
What limitations do online vet consultations have?
We now know that online vet consultations have numerous benefits, and thus, they are a huge step forward. However, they still have certain limitations, and understanding these can allow use them wisely.
1. Conditions requiring physical tests or imagery
While there are many things that can be managed, there are certain conditions that cannot be diagnosed and treated without physical tests like X-rays, ultrasounds, or blood work. In addition, surgical cases like tumour removal or spaying are out of the scope of online care.
For example, an online vet can suspect kidney disease during an online consultation; however, may still recommend a urine or blood test for clinical confirmation.
2. Restrictions by region or veterinary laws
In some regions in India, laws limit what online vets can prescribe. While some regions offer relaxations on these, others may require in-person visits to clinics to prescribe controlled painkillers and antibiotics to animals. This implies that while online pet consultation services offer initial advice related to common medications, complex treatments may require physical visits.
How do you choose the best online vet consultation services?
Not all platforms offering online vet consultations are equal. Each platform has its own strengths and limitations. Therefore, the goal must be to choose a platform that is versatile to ensure your pet receives professional, safe, and effective treatment.
Check for licensed veterinarians and certifications
While choosing a platform, verify that it lists licensed veterinarians with recognized degrees like BVSc and AH in India. A platform can only be trustworthy when it displays years of experience and the area of specialization. Try to avoid those platforms that do not list vet details.
Conbun displays vet details like their degrees, years of experience, and area of specialization in the service portfolios of vets to ensure smart and informed choices.
Read user reviews from other pet owners
- Reviews are the best indicators of a service. Look for user feedback on:
- How helpful or professional are the vets?
- Whether their advice solves the issue?
- How quickly were the appointments booked and confirmed?
- How good was the overall experience of pet parents?
Compare consultation fees and availability
Prices for online pet care consultations in India may vary widely. While affordability is also important, you should not compromise on quality. In addition, choose the platforms that offer 24/7 availability of experts, as this is not a one-time transaction, and you can continue to consult for general health tips, routine check-ups, etc, at regular intervals for the long term. Conbun offers online pet care consultations for as low as ₹99 and also offers 24/7 access to veterinarians.
What Technology and Tools Are Used in Online Pet Care?
Technology is at the heart of online vet consultation services, making it easier for pet owners to access and enjoy pet care from anywhere, anytime. These digital tools create a seamless experience for both pet owners and vets, making sure that the communication is smooth and hassle-free.
Secure video platforms and mobile applications
The foundation of virtual veterinary care is the ability to connect pet owners with vets through seamless video calls. Unlike other platforms that offer video chats, mobile apps like Conbun are encrypted to protect sensitive medical information. In addition, it allows pet parents to schedule appointments, upload photos, and join video calls in just a few clicks. In addition, all the medical information is saved so that pet owners can revisit it anytime.
Example: A dog owner travelling to another city got instant medical help for her dog’s sudden skin rash without interrupting the trip.
Digital payment systems
Only accessing instant access to pet health care services is not convenient. Faster checkouts, seamless payments also count as convenience. Most platforms offer multiple payment options like UPI, credit/debit cards, mobile wallets, and net banking etc.
In addition to this, Electronic Health Records or EHRs are another critical tool. These tools allow certified vets to know information on past illnesses, track vaccination records, and existing medications, etc. It also saves pet parents from the hassles of misplaced medical files. Everything is stored in online databases securely.
Wearable devices for pets
Modern pet technology is also shaping the current landscape of digital pet care consultations. There are various pet wearable devices like smart collars or fitness trackers that collect valuable information on heart rate, SpO2 levels, sleep, and even calories. This data, when synced with vet apps, offers strong insights during online vet consultations.
All these innovations signify that online pet care tips are not generic now and have become highly tailored due to real-time information.
Microchips are another example of wearable devices that have become increasingly common in pets. It is a special kind of chip that is permanently implanted under a pet’s skin and that has the owner's contact information in case of situations like the pet getting lost.
What Questions Do Pet Owners Frequently Ask About Online Vet Consultations?
1. Is an online vet as reliable as an in-person vet?
Yes. Licensed veterinarians offering pet health expert advice online use the same knowledge and experience as in clinics. Most of these experts work at offline clinics; however, they have enrolled on an online platform to extend their services to new clients. Online care is, in fact, more effective than in-person visits for non-emergency care, routine checkups, nutrition advice, and follow-up issues.
2. How long does an online consultation usually last?
Typically, online consultations last about 15-30 minutes. This allows vets to get enough time to understand symptoms, review medical history, and offer tailored guidance. Some platforms also allow providing additional sessions for follow-ups.
3. Can online vets handle emergencies?
Yes. Online vets can offer quick guidance like first-aid instructions or immediate pain-relieving medications, etc, in case of emergencies to stop blood loss or alleviate symptoms. However, they cannot replace physical treatment in life-threatening cases. For example, If your pet has accidentally swallowed any toxic substance, through an online consultation, you can get guidance on inducing vomiting or stabilizing your pet until you can reach the clinic.
4. Can I get a free consultation online with a veterinary doctor?
Some platforms do offer a free online consultation with a veterinary doctor for basic queries or for first-time users. However, for detailed diagnosis and care, paid consultations are reliable. Conbun also has a free chat feature where users can type in their queries and get quick guidance from reliable pet care experts.
5. Are online pet care services available in my area?
With online vet consultation services, location is not a barrier. If you search for online vet consultation near me, various platforms typically connect you to certified vets in your specific region.
What is the future of online vet consultations?
The current landscape of pet healthcare is changing rapidly. The way telemedicine is transforming human healthcare, online vet consultations are a new normal for pet care.
Increasing role of AI in health monitoring
Artificial Intelligence is already being implemented to analyse patterns in pet behaviour and health-related data. AI can help in flagging early signs of disease like obesity and arthritis in pets, thereby allowing pet doctors to offer timely health-related advice. For example, AI systems can collect data related to a dog’s walking patterns and changes in the same to alert an owner to potential joint issues.
Integration of smart pet devices
GPS trackers, smart feeders, and wearable monitors, etc will directly be connected to online platforms. Imagine scheduling a routine consultation where all the real-time data related to your pet’s health is directly shared with your vet with your permission. Such a data-driven approach will ensure that online pet care tips are precise and highly personalized.
Hybrid care: A combination of online and offline services
The most promising trend we might see in the pet care industry is a hybrid care model that combines both offline and online consultation services. This implies that a pet parent may start with an online consultation session for pet health-related advice, get medicines delivered to their home, and then continue with an in-person visit for the follow-up session.
Conclusion: Should you try an online consultation for your pet?
For today’s busy pet parents, online vet consultation is more than just a convenient option. It is a practical approach to make sure that your little pets receive timely attention and care. It saves time, money, and reduces stress for your pets while offering instant access to pet health expert advice from certified vets.
Key takeaways for pet parents:
- You can use online consultations for preventive and routine care, minor illnesses, and other things like nutrition-related guidance.
- Always be prepared with your pet’s medical history, photos, and videos of ailments before the appointment
- Remember that emergencies and critical care still require offline visits.
At the end of the day, your pet’s well-being is what matters to you the most, and with the rise of online consultation apps like Conbun, expert pet care is just one video call away.
