Telehealth & telemedicine in veterinary practice

Coalition for Connected Veterinary Care

Telehealth has arisen as one of the greatest opportunities and challenges facing medicine in this digital age. Using telemedicine in the delivery of veterinary medical services offers benefits for animal owners, patients and the profession. However, veterinary services must be provided with professionalism and adhering to the same standard of care, whether delivered in person or through electronic means.

The AVMA is committed to ensuring access to the convenience and benefits afforded by telemedicine, while promoting the responsible provision of high-quality veterinary medical care.

Telehealth basics

What is telehealth? How is it different from telemedicine? Know these and other definitions, and get answers to frequently asked questions about all aspects of veterinary telehealth.

Telehealth and the VCPR

Delivery of veterinary medical care requires the existence of a Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR). Learn what compliance with the VCPR requirement looks like in the context of telehealth.

Steps to implement telemedicine

When deployed properly to support communication and care coordination, telemedicine may improve patient triage and clinical outcomes, and benefit patients, animal owners, and the veterinary practice. Follow these steps to implement telemedicine programs successfully in your practice.

Service models for veterinary telemedicine

Telemedicine is not a one-size-fits-all proposition. You can customize your program and services to fit the needs of your veterinary patients, clients and practice. Here, we outline and compare a variety of existing service models.

Case studies

Learn from your colleagues' experience. Explore this growing library of case studies to discover how veterinarians like you are using modern technology to improve patient care and meet business challenges.


The information provided on these pages is designed to help veterinarians learn about telehealth in veterinary medical practice, and should not be construed as legal advice or a legal opinion on specific facts. This information is not intended as a definitive statement on the subject of telehealth in veterinary medicine, but rather is intended to serve as a resource providing practical information.

References to individual service providers on this site are for information only; these providers have not been evaluated, nor endorsed, by the AVMA. Such references should not be construed as an endorsement or recommendation by the AVMA of any provider or their products or services. The selection of a service provider, product, or service must take into account the needs of a particular veterinary practice.

This information was compiled by AVMA and may contain information provided by third parties. AVMA shall not be responsible nor liable for any inaccuracies or incomplete information.

AVMA veterinary telehealth guidelines
Resource

AVMA guidelines: Use of telehealth in veterinary practice

Use this hands-on reference as a practical, step-by-step guide to implement and expand telehealth in your practice.

Download

AVMA/AAHA joint guidelines for small-animal practice

Coalition for Connected Veterinary Care

Coalition for Connected Veterinary Care

AVMA is a lead partner in the Coalition for Connected Veterinary Care, an alliance of veterinary and animal health organizations working to help veterinarians explore and adopt telehealth tools in practice.

Learn more