Connected care: Telehealth in veterinary practice
Telehealth has arisen as one of the greatest opportunities and challenges facing medicine in this digital age. Using telehealth 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 telehealth, while promoting the responsible provision of high-quality veterinary medical care.
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.
AVMA/AAHA joint guidelines for small-animal practice
AVMA is a lead partner in the Coalition for Connected Veterinary Care, an alliance of veterinary and other animal health organizations working to help veterinarians explore and adopt tools of telehealth in practice.
Telehealth basics
What is telehealth? How is it different from telemedicine? Become familiar with the terminology, and get answers to frequently asked questions about all aspects of veterinary telehealth.
Telemedicine and the VCPR
Delivery of veterinary medical care requires the existence of a Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR). Learn what compliance with VCPR requirements looks like in the context of telemedicine.
Telehealth FAQs
Find answers to frequently asked questions about telehealth, including telemedicine, in veterinary practice.
Telehealth resources for AVMA members
Steps to implement telehealth
When deployed properly to support communication and care coordination, telehealth may improve patient triage and clinical outcomes, and benefit patients, animal owners, and the veterinary practice. Follow these steps to implement telehealth successfully in your practice.
Service models for veterinary telehealth
Telehealth 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 the AVMA and may contain information provided by third parties. The AVMA shall not be responsible nor liable for any inaccuracies or incomplete information.