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Telemedicine Rules​

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Veterinarians are able to establish a veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR) through remote methods in CA, AZ, ID, FL, VA, NJ, and VT. As of July 1, 2024 FL also allows VCPR via remote efforts. Other states may/may not allow veterinarians to develop telemedicine VCPRs if they have physically seen the pet patients. Please refer to the Virtual Veterinary Care Association or your state’s veterinary medical board website for more information.

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The below are key guidelines for awareness:

• A pet parent authorizes the veterinarian to assume responsibility for medical care.

• The veterinarian is responsible for making medical judgements and developing a treatment plan.

• The veterinarian must have sufficient information about the l patient.

• The pet parent agrees to have a virtual consultation and is aware of the potential limitations of virtual consults

• Expected limitations include, but not limited to:

  • Ability to give injections

  • Perform diagnostics such as diagnostic imaging, lab tests, or diagnostics based on palpation, auscultation, and/or direct visualization of oral, nasal, aural cavities.

  • Treatment procedures such as surgery, bandaging, dental work, or grooming.

  • Immediate dispensing of necessary medications.

  • In case, any of the above procedures is deemed necessary, pet parents will be directed to seek medical care from a local or family veterinarian. 

  • Some medications may be dispensed from your local drug stores or online pharmacies. 

 

• The VCPR relationship must be reestablished every 6 months to allow the veterinarian to diagnose, treat and prescribe medications.