Online Vet Help

In California, veterinary telemedicine can only be used when pets already have a VCPR (veterinarian-client-patient relationship). In other words, before you can consult with us online, your dog or cat needs to see one of our licensed Papaya veterinarians in-person. Once you've established a VCPR from an in-person examination, you will able to utilize Papaya's online veterinary care.

How is telemedicine used in veterinary medicine?

Telemedicine is typically used in non-emergency situations and times of uncertainty. A pet owner can receive professional guidance from a licensed vet without the hassle of booking or traveling to an in-person appointment. You might ask whether a behavioral change is a cause for immediate concern or simply something to monitor, or whether you should take action after your pup tore into a tasty human snack you left on the counter. Under this model, pet parents can receive helpful advice without having to drive to a clinic on top of dealing with their dog's diarrhea.

Can virtual vets write prescriptions?

Veterinarians are able to virtually prescribe medications and approve prescription refills, which you can pick up at your convenience at your nearest pharmacy. That said, your pet's health is always our top priority—after providing online vet service, we may recommend that you bring your pet for an in-person follow-up at one of our clinics before writing any scripts.

Can an online vet prescribe antibiotics?

As long as the veterinarian has seen your pet before, they should be able to prescribe antibiotics during a virtual visit. However, they may choose to schedule an in-person follow-up first to make sure this is the right choice for your pet's health.

How can telehealth change the practice of veterinary medicine?

Whether you're too busy to schedule an in-person appointment, are out of town on vacation, or just want to enjoy high-quality veterinary care from the comfort of your own couch, an online vet consultation will change how you think about and receive pet care. An online vet appointment improves the channels of communication between pet parents and a licensed veterinarian, provides quicker and more widespread access to vet care, and streamlines follow-ups.