Your cat’s ears are itchy again, or your dog has a cough, and you’d love to skip the clinic and have medicine sent over. So, can online vets prescribe medication? Only in some cases, depending on where you live and whether a vet has already examined your pet in person. NYP TeleVet vets don’t prescribe at all, and below we explain why, plus what they offer instead.
It comes down to something vets call a VCPR, short for veterinarian-client-patient relationship. It means a vet knows your pet well enough to take responsibility for their care, usually because they’ve examined your pet, and is available for follow-up.
In many places, a vet needs a VCPR before they can prescribe, and setting one up requires an in-person exam. According to the AVMA, many US states still require that hands-on step, while a small number now let vets set it up virtually, but only with limits on prescribing. Canada, the UK, Australia and other countries have their own rules, and rules everywhere change over time.
So an online vet who has never met your pet often can’t prescribe for them, even if that vet is licensed. Your regular vet, who already knows your pet, may be able to handle some medicine questions remotely. To see how remote care fits together, read our online vet consultation guide.
Medicines that help one pet can harm another. Before choosing a drug, a vet may want to check your pet’s weight, listen to their heart and lungs, look at the problem up close or run tests like bloodwork. A photo can show a rash, but it can’t always show what’s causing it.
These rules exist to protect pets. They also explain why a trustworthy online vet will be upfront when something needs an in-person visit.
No. Our vets can’t prescribe medication, but they’ll tell you what’s likely needed and when an in-person visit is the next step. Here’s what that looks like in practice:
That kind of guidance can save you an unnecessary trip, or make sure you don’t skip a needed one. Our guide to what an online vet can do covers more.
When a vet can’t prescribe right away, it’s tempting to reach for the medicine cabinet. Please don’t. Many common human medicines, including some pain relievers and cold medicines, can be toxic to dogs and cats, and cats are especially sensitive. Don’t share another pet’s leftover medicine without a vet’s okay either.
If your pet has already swallowed a human medicine, contact an emergency vet or a pet poison hotline now. Our pet poison guide lists other household dangers.
It depends on the service and your local rules. Your regular vet may be able to handle refills remotely if they’ve examined your pet recently. NYP TeleVet vets can’t prescribe or refill medication.
In many places, the rules require a hands-on exam first. It also protects your pet, since the right medicine depends on things a vet can only check in person.
Yes. NYP TeleVet vets can explain what’s likely needed, so you can talk it through with your regular vet, who can decide on treatment.
If you’re not sure whether your pet needs medicine, a visit or just rest, a vet can help you sort it out tonight. Talk to a licensed vet 24/7, even on holidays, by chat, voice call or video call. Your first month is free with code FREEMONTH, then US $9.99/month, at NYPTeleVet.com. One membership covers up to 6 pets, and you can cancel anytime.
If your pet is struggling to breathe, having a seizure, bleeding heavily or has collapsed, go to the nearest emergency vet now.
⚠️ Disclaimer: NYP TeleVet is not a substitute for professional veterinary care. For emergencies (trouble breathing, seizures, severe bleeding, collapse), go to the nearest veterinary clinic immediately.
🚫 Currently not available in Hong Kong.
Not sure what to do next? Ask a vet now.
