Virtual vet visits for dogs & cats: included with Fetch Pet

Coverage for virtual vet visits comes standard with Fetch Pet — it’s not an add-on or part of an optional wellness plan. Not all pet insurance providers cover virtual appointments, and some make you pay extra for that care. When you sign up for Fetch Pet, you can call, text or video chat with a licensed veterinarian to get support, whether you have a quick medical question about your pet or need to follow up on an ongoing health issue. Fetch Pet reimburses 100% for virtual vet visits up to $1,000/yr., with no copay and no deductible.

A virtual vet visit costs $114 on average, according to Fetch Pet claims data. Fetch Pet reimburses that cost 100%, up to $1,000 per year. You won’t get that from other pet insurance providers — even if they cover telehealth, you’d still be responsible for any copay and deductible costs for those appointments.

Virtual vet visits can absolutely be worth it for situations where you have a quick question about your pet’s health or behavior, your vet is monitoring your pet for an ongoing issue or if you need an expert’s opinion on whether an issue requires an in-person visit. If you have a pet that’s afraid of the doctor or has mobility issues, a virtual appointment can save them from the stress of going to a clinic. They can also be convenient for situations where a vet doesn’t necessarily need to touch your dog or cat to assess an issue, like behavioral questions or nutritional consults. There will always be times when an in-person trip to the vet is necessary, but Fetch Pet’s coverage for virtual care also gives you the option to get answers from the comfort of home.

Yes, a virtual vet can prescribe medications in most states, but depending on where you live the vet may need to see your pet for an in-person exam first. Laws vary from state to state, but it generally comes down to how a VCPR (Veterinary-Client-Patient Relationship) can be established. The VCPR allows a vet to care for your pet, including prescribing meds. In some states, as the VVCA (Veterinary Virtual Care Association) notes, a VCPR can begin virtually. In others, an in-person exam is required first. You can speak with your vet and check the laws in your state to find out more information.

Fetch Pet’s virtual vet coverage lets you use any telehealth provider in the U.S. and Canada, but the hours those vets are available will vary depending on the provider. It’s important to note that not all virtual vets operate 24/7 — some are open around the clock, some are not. No matter what time of day or night your pet needs care, Fetch Pet’s complete coverage lets you call, text or video chat with a licensed vet to get support. Other pet insurance providers don’t cover any online vet services at all, or limit you to a helpline that typically cannot prescribe medications or diagnose your pet.

Fetch Pet’s virtual vet coverage is different from Vetster because Fetch Pet gives you the coverage for virtual vet appointments (which you can use with any vet in the U.S. and Canada), while Vetster is a provider you can use for your pet’s virtual care. Vetster is our preferred partner, but no matter which vet service you choose, telehealth appointments are covered 100% — no copay, no deductible, up to $1,000/yr.

We partner with Vetster because they’re North America’s top-ranked pet health app. Access to Fetch Online Vet, powered by Vetster, is included in your policy at no extra cost. To recap, Vetster is just one option you can use with your Fetch Pet policy, but Fetch Pet’s complete coverage gives you the option to choose any virtual vet service you like.

A virtual vet visit can be a fast and convenient tool when you have a question about your pet’s health or behavior and aren’t sure if it might require an in-person vet visit (this can be especially useful if your dog or cat gets anxious when going to the doctor). Common uses include skin issues, GI issues, behavioral concerns, minor cuts and wounds, dietary or nutritional advice, puppy or kitten wellness and general pet health concerns. During a virtual appointment, the vet can assess if it’s possible to diagnose your pet remotely, or recommend in-person care.