Trusted Veterinary Advice From the Comfort of Home

What Is Telemedicine for Pets?

Qualified Veterinarians

Veterinary telemedicine lets you connect with a qualified veterinarian online — for advice, triage, follow-ups, and ongoing care — without leaving your home.

 

Video & Messaging

Through video or message-based consultations, we can help you make informed decisions about your pet’s health quickly, conveniently, and safely.

No Waiting Rooms. No Travel.

Qualified veterinary care when you need it. We offer online video and chat consultation through an annual subscription, tailored for pet owners seeking an established Veterinarian-Client-Patient relationship; just like your family doctor.

 

Benefits of Telemedicine

Fast, Convenient Care:

Get advice from a qualified, registered vet.

Stress-Free for Pets:

No car rides, no waiting rooms, no stress.

Ongoing Support:

Perfect for chronic conditions or post-treatment check-ins.

Affordable Plans:

Subscribe for unlimited advice and peace of mind.

How it Works

1. Choose a plan:

All plan durations are for 1 year to encourage a valid and genuine veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR).  Payment options are weekly or annually

2. Arrange a physical exam:

If choosing the Comprehensive Plan, your veterinarian will reach out and arrange a time for an at-home patient physical exam. This will establish a Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR).

3. Connect with a veterinarian:

Reach out any time, and our veterinarians will reply with timely and appropriate advice.

For video consultations, you and your chosen veterinarian will work together to triage concerns and arrange the most appropriate consult length and time. A quick chat will help your vet figure out whether a video consultation is appropriate, or if urgent referral to emergency is required.

And that’s it! Our team of veterinarians are always available to discuss how to improve our service for our clients.

What we can help with:

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Determining emergencies or if in-person vet exams are needed

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Prescriptions where appropriate

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Mild symptoms

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Second opinions and general guidance

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Chronic condition management and follow-up

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Advice raising puppies and kittens

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Questions about medications

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Behaviour concerns and anxiety

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Nutrition and weight management advice

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Skin and coat issues

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Discussing flea, worm, and parasite prevention

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Follow-ups after surgery or treatment

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Quality-of-life and palliative care advice

FAQs

General

What is veterinary telemedicine?

Veterinary telemedicine allows you to consult with a registered veterinarian remotely via secure messaging or video calls. It’s ideal for triage, minor ailments, general advice, follow-up care and long-term management – all without leaving home.

What kinds of issues is telemedicine good for?
Telemedicine brings professional qualified advice in a world where the internet too often has misinformation and unregulated advice. We can help with a wide range of everyday health and behaviour concerns, including:

  • Skin issues (itchiness, rashes, hotspots)
  • Ear problems (scratching, discharge, shaking)
  • Behaviour concerns (anxiety, toileting, basic training advice)
  • Chronic condition management (arthritis, allergies, etc.)
  • Post-surgery follow-ups and healing checks
  • Parasite prevention and treatment advice
  • Diet and nutrition guidance
  • General wellness questions
  • Triage for whether in-person care is needed

Telemedicine is not suitable for emergencies, major injuries, or conditions requiring immediate diagnostics or hands-on care.

Can telemedicine replace a physical exam?
Not always. While many conditions can be managed remotely, some cases still require a hands-on physical exam. If you’re on the Comprehensive Plan, we’ll arrange an annual physical exam to support a valid clinical relationship and enable diagnosis and prescription for low level conditions, where appropriate.
Is this service only for cats and dogs?
Primarily, yes. We focus on cats and dogs but may be able to assist with other small animals depending on the issue – feel free to ask.

Using Our Service

How do I book a consultation?

Once you’ve signed up, just message us through Signal. We’ll determine whether a telemedicine consult or an in-person vet visit is the best next step. If needed, we’ll arrange a convenient time for the consultation as early as possible.

How long are video consultations?

Most video consultations last around 30 minutes, allowing plenty of time for a thorough discussion, visual exam, and treatment plan.

Can I message you anytime?
Yes — you can message us 24/7. We’ll respond during service hours and triage cases by urgency.
When will I hear back?

We can help with a wide range of everyday health and behaviour concerns, including:

  • Typical response time: Within 0 – 2 hours during the day (7am-9pm).
  • Evenings and overnight: Responses may take longer, we prioritise urgent cases and aim to be as responsive as possible.
  • What if it’s an emergency? We’re not an emergency service. If your pet is in immediate danger, please visit your nearest emergency or after-hours veterinary clinic right away.

Prescriptions

Can you prescribe medications through telemedicine?

Yes — but only if a valid Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR) exists. In practice, this means:

  • You must be on the Comprehensive Plan
  • Your pet must have had a recent physical exam with us
  • The condition must be one we can confidently diagnose and manage remotely

If a prescription is not appropriate or legal under these conditions, we’ll explain why and help you get the right in-person care.

Our prescriptions will be sent to you to be filled by either an online pharmacy or your local veterinary GP clinic.

Plans & Pricing

What’s included in the Basic Plan?
  • Unlimited secure messaging
  • Triage of concerns
  • General advice and care recommendations
  • Educational resources
  • No video consults or physical exams
What’s included in the Comprehensive Plan?

You will get everything included in the basic plan, and also:

 

  • Initial or annual physical exam
  • Access to video consultations
  • Ongoing case management
  • Prescription services (where appropriate)
How does billing work?

All plans are on a yearly membership, but you can choose to pay:

  • Weekly (for flexibility)
  • Yearly (for a discounted rate)

You’ll get full access throughout your membership term, regardless of payment frequency.

Cost & Value

How does telemedicine compare to a traditional vet visit?

A typical 15 minute appointment in New Zealand often costs $80 – $120+ per consult – not including follow-ups, prescriptions, or travel time.

An emergency examination may cost $300.

Our plans offer ongoing access to a vet for a fraction of that cost:

  • From $4.95 – $9.95 per week,
  • Unlimited messaging, follow-ups, and ongoing care – no extra consult fees
Will subscribing to Vetline save me money?
Absolutely. Telemedicine sorts out the necessary from the unnecessary in-person visits, saving you time and money. Clients use us for triage, general advice, chronic issues, second opinions, and follow ups.

Safety & Privacy

Is my data secure?
Yes. We use the encrypted Signal app for communication, and all medical records are securely stored in accordance with the New Zealand Privacy Act 2020.
Will you share my information with anyone?
Never – unless it’s required by law or needed to coordinate referral care (with your consent). We don’t sell or share your data for any marketing or third-party use.