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The online world has expanded so much that people can skip going to the office, the grocery store, or even the doctor’s office, respectively choosing to do work, buy food, and seek medical advice online instead. This convenience has even spread into veterinary medicine, with vet telehealth becoming quite popular among pet owners.
While it may seem like a real luxury to be able to have your pet checked out from the comfort of your own home, it’s important to know that telehealth can’t offer complete care for your pet, as some states have strict laws about prescribing medications online. Here, we go over which states allow online vet prescriptions, so you’ll know whether an online or in-person visit is best for you.
What Is Required for a Veterinarian to Prescribe Medications?
Having a veterinary license doesn’t give vets the power to give out medications however they see fit. Rather, they are bound by rules and regulations that require them to have a valid veterinary-client-patient relationship (VCPR) with the animal in need. They must have personal knowledge of the pet, meaning they have seen and kept records of them. Sometimes, this means the vet has to see the pet in person, and other times, the relationship can be established virtually. There is also often a specified timeframe; for example, your vet may need to have seen your dog within the last 12 months in order to prescribe them a medication.
Maintaining a VCPR is not a hoop to jump through; it’s to ensure the safety of your pet. You don’t want to get a medication that a vet prescribed without really knowing what is going on with your pet, and a good vet doesn’t want to potentially put your pet in harm’s way due to not understanding the whole issue.
What States Allow Online Vet Prescriptions?
When it comes to online vet prescriptions, the VCPR is the deciding factor. The difference in how a state allows a veterinarian, client, and patient to enter into a valid VCPR determines whether and to what extent pet owners can get online prescriptions.
Getting Online Vet Prescriptions From Your Current Vet
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States |
All 50 |
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Potential Restrictions |
Seen within the past 12 months |
If you got your current vet via a telehealth appointment, they can prescribe a medication as long as they have seen your animal in person in the last 12 months, depending on your pet’s condition. You already have a valid VCPR with regular record keeping.
Of course, all vets can choose to see your pet first if they feel that hands-on diagnostics are necessary. This is a common way to get refills on current prescriptions or things like regular flea-and-tick or heartworm preventatives.
States That Allow for Online VCPR and Prescriptions
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States |
Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wyoming |
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Potential Restrictions |
Timeframe, state of licensing |
These 34 states enable veterinarians to enter into a VCPR online and then prescribe medications. You may seek veterinary care online without the vet having seen your pet beforehand. However, there may be certain restrictions related to the timeframe in which the pet was last seen by a vet, or the vet may only be able to prescribe medication to pets that live in a state they are licensed. For example, a vet licensed in Idaho may only prescribe to pets living in that state. The types of medications that can be prescribed are also at the discretion of the vet, and some may require a physical exam.
Virtual Pet Care as a Whole
It’s important to keep in mind that the world of virtual pet care is ever-evolving, and states change their stance frequently. If virtual pet care and online vet prescriptions are the most suitable healthcare methods for you, you’ll need to learn your specific state’s requirements. Also, check out a local veterinary telehealth company, as they will be knowledgeable of all the applicable rules and regulations.
Conclusion
Telehealth and veterinary medicine have a dynamic relationship that is continuously being tweaked and changed. Currently, 34 states allow veterinarians to prescribe medications online during a telehealth visit. However, there may be further restrictions surrounding those prescriptions, so keep in mind that your pet’s specific issues may still require an in-person appointment. Also, states alter their stance and laws around veterinary telehealth at a fairly rapid pace, so the rules that are there now might not be there tomorrow.
If you have any questions about veterinary telehealth and getting prescriptions online, reach out to your veterinarian or ask a vet telehealth service.
Featured Image Credit: Iryna Imago, Shutterstock