You think your dog has an upper respiratory infection or skin infection, but your vet is booked out for several days. Do you take your vet to an emergency hospital, or can you get antibiotics prescribed through an online veterinarian? In most states, vets must examine your pet virtually before prescribing antibiotics. Some states make an exception and allow vets to set up a VCPR via virtual consultation.

Can Online Veterinarians Prescribe Antibiotics?

In many cases, your pet will need to see a veterinarian at a physical location, usually within the year, for the veterinarian to prescribe medication for your dog or cat. Laws are constantly evolving, so staying up to date on changes is essential. In most states, your dog won’t have an established VCPR unless they have been to the veterinarian’s office.

If your veterinarian offers telemedicine visits and your dog is a regular patient, your vet would likely be able to write a prescription for antibiotics if the vet deems it necessary.

What Is a VCPR in Veterinary Medicine?

A VCPR is the shorthand term for a Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship. You and your veterinarian are responsible for your dog or cat’s health care decisions. Your veterinarian examines your pet and asks pertinent questions to understand your furry family member’s health. In contrast, you ask questions to thoroughly understand treatment options and offer information about your pet’s history, from diet to exercise levels.

In most states in the US, your dog needs to see a veterinarian in person before a VCPR is established. That in-person contact lets your vet learn about you and your pet and evaluate underlying health issues. While these exams might only be for sick visits, it’s generally better for your pet to have regular preventative care visits. Your veterinarian can perform fecal and heartworm testing, administer vaccines, and other routine care.

Establishing a VCPR

To prescribe medication to your pup, your veterinarian needs to see your dog and establish the VCPR. In most states, your dog will need to go into the office for an exam. If your dog is due for a rabies vaccine or heartworm test, that exam visit will likely count toward establishing a VCPR.

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) points out that if you don’t see this veterinarian periodically, your dog will no longer have a VCPR.

To confuse matters, some states allow vets to establish a VCPR electronically. However, there are cases where an in-person visit would still be necessary, such as prescribing controlled medications or completing legally binding documents like health certificates.

What States Allow a Virtual Vet Exam to Prescribe Antibiotics?

According to the Veterinary Virtual Care Association, you can establish a VCPR with a vet electronically in several states:

That means the vet can prescribe antibiotics if your vet deems them necessary for your pup (even if they’ve never met your pup beyond a computer screen).

Costs of Telemedicine Visits for Your Dog

Costs of telemedicine vary widely depending on the company or site that offers the service. Some veterinary hospitals offer telehealth consultations as part of your dog’s routine care if you have a preventative care package of services with the hospital. Certain companies offer subscription-based telehealth visits, or you can pay outright for a consultation.

Some specialized services, such as animal poison control consults with Pet Poison Helpline or ASPCA Poison Control, charge an outright fee but will provide you or your veterinarian with a case number. That case number allows your veterinarian to consult with the toxicology specialists as needed to determine follow-up care.

When Is Telemedicine a Good Idea for Your Dog?

Telemedicine can be limiting in some cases; your veterinarian will often need to complete diagnostics to diagnose and treat your pet. However, it can be beneficial when used correctly. This is great for consultations, such as determining if a dog needs an urgent care visit or could wait a few days to be seen. Certain toxicology-specialized vets can discuss what steps you or your vet need to take if your dog eats something toxic. Telemedicine is also very effective for many recheck visits. Your vet can discuss behavior changes or a response to medication.

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Conclusion

Veterinarians usually need to examine your pet before prescribing antibiotics virtually. Some states make an exception and allow vets to set up a VCPR just by having a virtual consultation.

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