February 25, 2026
1 min read

Is Telemedicine Legal for Pets?

Is veterinary telemedicine legal? Yes—rules vary by state. TelaVets works with licensed vets to provide compliant online pet care.

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Is Telemedicine Legal for Pets?

Yes. Veterinary telemedicine is legal in the United States, but regulations vary by state. TelaVets operates within state veterinary laws and ensures all care is provided by licensed veterinarians.



How Veterinary Telemedicine Laws Work



Each state’s veterinary board sets rules regarding:


  • Establishing a VCPR
  • Prescribing medications
  • Telemedicine vs teletriage
  • Follow-up care



TelaVets matches pet parents with veterinarians licensed in their state and compliant with local regulations.



Can a Vet Prescribe Without Seeing My Pet in Person?



In some states, yes. In others, prescriptions require a prior in-person exam. TelaVets veterinarians follow state-specific rules to ensure compliance and patient safety.



What TelaVets Ensures



  • State-licensed veterinarians
  • Legal compliance in all appointments
  • Clear communication about prescribing eligibility
  • Safe, ethical veterinary care
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Only $65 per appointment

No monthly subscription • All veterinarians licensed

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about TelaVets online veterinary care

TelaVets is a leading online veterinary care platform that connects pet owners with licensed veterinarians through secure video consultations. Our telemedicine service makes professional veterinary care accessible from the comfort of your home. Here's how it works: • Schedule an appointment through our easy online booking system • Join a secure video call with a licensed veterinarian at your scheduled time • Discuss your pet's symptoms, health concerns, and medical history • Receive a professional diagnosis and personalized treatment plan • Get your pet’s prescription via email the same day. Upload it to any online pharmacy or take it to your local pharmacy for quick fulfillment. Our platform is perfect for non-emergency consultations, follow-up visits, behavioral advice, new and renewing prescription and managing chronic conditions for dogs, cats, and chickens.

Our licensed veterinarians can diagnose and treat a wide range of non-emergency conditions through virtual consultations:

For Dogs:

For Cats:

For Chickens:

While virtual consultations are great for many conditions, emergency situations requiring immediate physical examination should be handled by your local emergency veterinary clinic.

TelaVets offers transparent, affordable pricing with no hidden fees: • Virtual Consultation: $65 per visit • No membership fees or recurring charges • Same-day appointments available • Follow-up consultations at the same rate • Medication delivery included (prescription costs separate) Our flat-rate pricing makes veterinary care accessible and predictable. You'll know exactly what you're paying upfront, with no surprise bills or additional charges for the consultation itself. We accept all major credit and debit cards, making payment simple and secure. Many pet insurance companies also reimburse telemedicine visits, so check with your provider to see if you're covered.

Absolutely! Every veterinarian on the TelaVets platform is fully licensed and highly qualified: • All vets are licensed to practice veterinary medicine in the United States • Our team includes specialists in small animal care, avian medicine, and exotic pets • Years of experience in both traditional and telemedicine veterinary practice • Ongoing continuing education to stay current with the latest treatments and protocols • Rigorous vetting process to ensure only the most qualified professionals join our team Our veterinarians have the same qualifications and expertise as those you'd find in traditional brick-and-mortar clinics. The only difference is the convenience of meeting them through a secure video platform instead of traveling to an office. You can trust that you're receiving professional, expert care for your beloved pets from anywhere in the United States.

TelaVets is designed for convenience and speed: Appointment Scheduling: • Same-day appointments often available • Flexible scheduling to fit your busy lifestyle • Weekend and evening slots available • Quick online booking process takes just minutes Medication Delivery: • Next-day delivery of prescribed medications • Medications shipped directly to your door • Secure packaging and proper handling of all prescriptions • Tracking information provided for all shipments • No need to visit a pharmacy or wait in line Emergency Support: • While we don't handle true emergencies, we can often accommodate urgent consultations • For immediate emergencies, we'll help you locate the nearest emergency veterinary clinic • Follow-up care after emergency visits can be provided through our platform Our goal is to make veterinary care as accessible and convenient as possible, reducing stress for both you and your pet while ensuring they receive the professional care they deserve.

Preparing for your TelaVets consultation is simple and straightforward: Technology Requirements: • Computer, tablet, or smartphone with camera and microphone • Stable internet connection for video calling • Quiet, well-lit space for the consultation • Google Meet (we'll send you a secure link) What to Have Ready: • Your pet (calm and accessible for examination) • Any previous medical records or test results • List of current medications and supplements • Photos or videos of symptoms (if applicable) • Your pet's weight (if known) • Questions or concerns you want to discuss During the Appointment: • Our vet will guide you through any physical examination steps • Be prepared to hold or position your pet as directed • Take notes on treatment recommendations • Ask questions about care instructions The entire process is designed to be user-friendly, and our veterinarians are experienced in conducting thorough examinations through video consultations. They'll walk you through everything step by step.

Our licensed veterinarians are ready to help.

Talk to a Vet Now

TelaVets is a nationwide online veterinarian service offering virtual vet appointments with licensed vets.