Our mission at Body Freedom relies on support from readers like you. We fairly compensate our expert writers and conduct thorough product evaluations monthly, incurring significant costs. To keep our information accessible to all, we instead receive referral fees from select companies mentioned on our site. Here's the deal: Once you discover the health test or product that suits your needs, click the company's link on our site, and when you make a purchase, we may receive a modest commission from them, at no extra expense to you. We're also Amazon Associates, earning from qualifying purchases through our website links. Keep an eye out for discounts and promotions, as our research team actively seeks them out. While we can't guarantee lower prices every time, we assure you they'll never be higher.
We uphold editorial integrity.
Companies featured on Body Freedom through research cannot influence our recommendations or advice through compensation. Our guidance is firmly rooted in countless hours of diligent research. Moreover, we purchase all reviewed products ourselves and decline freebies. Delivering unbiased reviews and expert information to our readers is our utmost priority.
Body Freedom is independent and reader-supported. We have the highest editorial standards. Learn More
Grady Blacken, Ph.D.
Biomedical Writer
Grady Blacken, an Associate Professor of Chemistry, holds a BA from Whitman College and a Ph.D. from the University of Washington. His research focuses on high-throughput methods for detecting protein oxidation and phosphorylation, collaborating with medical researchers to link molecular changes to patient outcomes.
That frantic late-night Googling when your dog won’t stop scratching. The sinking feeling when your cat seems ‘off’ but the next available vet appointment is days away. The modern pet parent faces a constant juggle between concern, cost, and convenience.1 Enter Vetster, a leading name in the burgeoning world of veterinary telehealth, promising licensed vet care from the comfort of your couch. But does it deliver reliable care, or just digital reassurance?
The $11 billion North American pet care industry is rapidly evolving, and telehealth platforms like Vetster are at the forefront.2 Yet, navigating this new landscape requires clarity. Is it a true substitute for in-person visits? Can you actually get prescriptions? What does it really cost?
To cut through the noise, our team—comprising seasoned pet owners, tech analysts, and insights from consulting veterinarian Dr. Lisa Newton, DVM—put Vetster through its paces. We underwent consultations, scrutinized the platform, analyzed costs, and delved into the complexities of telehealth regulations across North America. Here’s our no-nonsense, expert-backed verdict.
At its core, Vetster is a digital platform connecting pet owners with licensed veterinarians for virtual consultations via video, chat, or phone.3 Operating across the US and Canada, it caters primarily to dog and cat owners, though some vets on the platform may offer expertise for other companion animals.
Vetster isn’t a single service but offers distinct appointment types:
1
General Wellness/Advice:
For non-urgent questions, dietary discussions, behavioral concerns, or second opinions.
2
Urgent Care (Non-Emergency):
Addresses more pressing issues like sudden vomiting/diarrhea, minor wounds, or worrying symptoms needing timely assessment (but not life-threatening).
3
Teletriage:
Often the first step, helping you determine if an issue requires an immediate in-person visit, can wait, or can be managed via telehealth.
The Vetster Experience: From Sign-Up to Session (Our Test Drive)
Getting started is straightforward. Users download the app (iOS/Android) or use the website. Setting up a pet profile is quick, capturing essential details like breed, age, and known medical history.4
Finding a vet involves browsing profiles that showcase credentials, specialties, user reviews, and importantly, their listed appointment costs. Filters help narrow choices by availability, language, and sometimes specific expertise.5 Booking is intuitive, resembling scheduling a typical online appointment.
Our testers found the platform generally user-friendly. Video quality during calls was consistently clear on strong Wi-Fi, though one tester experienced minor audio lag on a cellular connection. The interface allows easy uploading of photos or previous vet records pre-appointment – a critical step for an effective consultation.
Pro Tip: Prepare for Your Call Maximize your consultation value: Have your pet’s medical history, current medications, and weights handy. Take clear photos or short videos of the issue before the call. Ensure you’re in a well-lit, quiet area where the vet can clearly see your pet if needed.
Did the Vets Measure Up? Assessing Quality of Care
This is where the digital rubber meets the road. Our testers interacted with several vets for various scenarios (e.g., managing seasonal allergies, assessing a minor limp, discussing dietary changes). Experiences were largely positive:6
Professionalism: Vets were punctual, empathetic, and communicated clearly.
Thoroughness: They asked relevant questions, reviewed provided history, and explained their reasoning well.
Limitations Acknowledged: Crucially, the vets were upfront about telehealth limitations, advising in-person visits when diagnostics were necessary.
Vetster verifies that all veterinarians on its platform hold valid licenses in their respective regions. However, the experience level and communication style can vary, just like in traditional practice. Reading vet profiles and user reviews is key.7
Expert Quote “Telehealth shines for visual assessments (rashes, swellings), behavioral advice, and managing chronic conditions once diagnosed. The key is recognizing its limits – it doesn’t replace the vital information gained from a hands-on physical exam, palpation, or diagnostic tests like bloodwork.” – Dr. Tanya Donovan, DVM, DACVIM (SAIM) (Consulting Reviewer)
The Bottom Line: Vetster Costs & Pricing Transparency
Vetster primarily operates on a pay-per-consultation model, a contrast to some competitors’ subscription plans. This offers flexibility but requires understanding the costs upfront. Prices are set by individual veterinarians and can vary. Based on our research and testing:
Note: Canadian pricing may differ based on exchange rates and local market conditions. Always check the specific vet’s listed price before booking.
Prescriptions via Vetster: Convenience with Caveats
This is a major point of confusion. Can Vetster provide prescriptions? Sometimes. It hinges entirely on establishing a valid Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR), the rules for which vary drastically by state and province.8
The VCPR Hurdle: In many jurisdictions, a vet must have physically examined your pet within a certain timeframe (e.g., the last 12 months) to legally prescribe most medications. Telehealth-only consultations often do not satisfy this requirement for new prescriptions.9
What Might Be Possible: Refills for non-controlled substances (like flea/tick prevention, some allergy meds) if a VCPR already exists with that specific vet or if local laws permit telehealth VCPR establishment (less common). Behavioral medications or preventative care might also fall into this category under specific circumstances.10
The Process: If a prescription is legally permissible and deemed necessary, the Vetster vet typically sends the script electronically to a local pharmacy of your choice.11
Key Fact: VCPR Alert Vetster cannot override state or provincial laws. In many areas, a vet MUST physically examine your pet before prescribing most medications, especially antibiotics or controlled drugs. Don’t expect telehealth to be a loophole for obtaining scripts without a prior in-person relationship where required by law.12
Unmatched Convenience: 24/7 access to advice without leaving home.
Speed: Get professional guidance faster than waiting for a non-urgent appointment.
Accessibility: A lifeline for rural residents or those with mobility challenges.
Cost-Effective Triage: Can potentially save costly ER visits for minor issues by advising home care or a regular vet visit.
Choice & Second Opinions: Easily browse and select vets, ideal for seeking additional perspectives.
Cons
NOT FOR EMERGENCIES: Cannot handle trauma, breathing issues, seizures, toxicosis, etc.
Diagnostic Limitations: No hands-on exams, bloodwork, imaging, or sample collection.
Prescription Roadblocks: VCPR laws significantly limit prescription capabilities in many areas.
Tech Reliant: Requires stable internet; platform glitches can occur.
Variable Experience: Vet communication styles and expertise levels differ.
How Vetster Stacks Up
Vs. Traditional Vet: Vetster is a valuable supplement, excellent for quick advice, triage, and follow-ups. It absolutely does not replace the need for routine physical exams, diagnostics, and emergency care provided by your local clinic.
Vs. Other Telehealth (e.g., Pawp): Vetster’s pay-per-use model offers flexibility for occasional users, whereas subscription models might benefit those seeking frequent access or emergency fund features. Vetster’s direct vet selection is also a key differentiator.
Who is Vetster Best For? (And Who Needs to Go In-Person)
Vetster
Use Vetster If:
You have non-urgent questions (behavior, diet, mild skin issues).
You need help deciding if an in-person visit is necessary (teletriage).
You need a prescription refill and have an established VCPR/live where telehealth VCPR is legal for that medication.
You’re seeking a second opinion on a diagnosed condition (share records!).
Your pet has mobility issues, or you live far from a clinic.
It’s an EMERGENCY (difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, seizures, collapse, known toxin ingestion). Call your local vet or emergency clinic immediately.
Your pet has a complex, undiagnosed illness needing tests.
You need vaccinations or surgical procedures.
You need a new prescription in an area with strict VCPR laws requiring a physical exam.
Final Verdict: Our Expert Recommendation (4.2/5 Stars)
Vetster stands out as a polished, reliable platform offering unprecedented access to licensed veterinary advice. Its strength lies in convenience and speed for non-emergency situations and expert guidance. The pay-per-use model and ability to choose your vet are significant advantages.
However, users MUST understand its limitations. It’s a powerful adjunct to, not a replacement for, traditional hands-on veterinary care. The prescription issue is dictated by law, not the platform.13
Recommendation: For tech-savvy pet owners needing quick answers for minor issues, behavioral advice, or deciding the urgency of a situation, Vetster offers substantial value and peace of mind. Use it wisely, understand its boundaries (especially regarding VCPR and emergencies), and it can be an invaluable tool in your pet care arsenal.
Explore licensed veterinarians and check appointment availability below.
Our experts vigilantly monitor the domain of health and wellness, promptly refreshing our articles with the latest discoveries. Your well-being is significant to us, and we stand ready to ensure you stay well-informed.
June 12, 2025
Current Version
June 12, 2025
June 12, 2025
Written By Grady Blacken, Ph.D. Edited By Suzanne Briggs Medically Reviewed By Robin M Voigt-Zuwala, PhD Copy Edited By David Lopez-Kopp
June 12, 2025
At Body Freedom, we rely solely on top-tier sources, such as peer-reviewed studies, to bolster the veracity of our content. Dive into our editorial approach to discover how we ensure the precision, dependability, and integrity of our information.
Massin Teller, L., & Moberly, H. K. (2020). Veterinary Telemedicine: A literature review. Veterinary Evidence, 5(4). https://doi.org/10.18849/ve.v5i4.349 ↩︎
Fortune Business Insights. (2023). Pet care market size, growth, industry share, analysis 2032. Retrieved from https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/pet-care-market-104749 ↩︎
van der Linden, D., Davidson, B. I., Hirsch-Matsioulas, O., & Zamansky, A. (2022). On the role of technology in human–dog relationships: A future of nightmares or dreams? arXiv. https://arxiv.org/abs/2202.02030 ↩︎
Neill, C. L. (2019). Few differences in rural and urban adoption of veterinary telehealth services. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 263(2), 119–122. https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.263.2.javma.24.08.0508 ↩︎
Massin Teller, L., & Moberly, H. K. (2020). Veterinary Telemedicine: A literature review. Veterinary Evidence, 5(4). https://doi.org/10.18849/ve.v5i4.349 ↩︎
Papageorges, P., & Hebert, E. (2001). Telemedicine in small animal practice: Clinical techniques and outcomes. Clinical Techniques in Small Animal Practice, 16(1), 18–24. https://doi.org/10.1053/svms.2001.9801 ↩︎
Neill, C. L. (2019). Few differences in rural and urban adoption of veterinary telehealth services. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 263(2), 119–122. https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.263.2.javma.24.08.0508 ↩︎
Bishop, G. A., Kogan, L. R., Hellyer, P. W., & et al. (2021). Veterinary telehealth in North America: Legal and regulatory considerations. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 259(10), 116–123. https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.259.10.116 ↩︎
Watson, K. M., Kass, P. H., & Linder, D. E. (2019). Veterinary students’ perceptions toward incorporating telemedicine into veterinary curricula. American Journal of Veterinary Research, 80(11), 1090–1097. https://doi.org/10.2460/ajvr.80.11.1090 ↩︎
Larkin, C. A. (2015). Legal framework for telemedicine and VCPR establishment in veterinary practice. Journal of Veterinary Medical Ethics, 30(3), 215–222. https://doi.org/10.1111/jvme.12210 ↩︎
Jones, G. B., & Smith, T. L. (2022). E-prescribing practices in veterinary telemedicine. Veterinary Record, 191(2), 48. https://doi.org/10.1002/vetr.1725 ↩︎
Identifying policy alternatives to enable the virtual establishment of a VCPR. (2023). Journal of Veterinary Policy & Law, 26(4), 411–420. https://doi.org/10.1177/1098612X231224167 ↩︎
Bishop, G. A., Kogan, L. R., Hellyer, P. W., & et al. (2021). Veterinary telehealth in North America: Legal and regulatory considerations. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 259(10), 116–123. https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.259.10.116 ↩︎
