The rise of online veterinary consultation services is making life easier for nearly half of the UK population which own a pet (49%). A stressful trip to the vet is now not always the first step to finding out what’s wrong with our furry friends, as pet owners can book online vet checks. However in some incidences after the online consultation pet owners are then referred to a vet practice meaning they are paying a double consultation fee.
With a typical consultation fee costing £16 per time, this could mean pet owners could lose up nearly £100(2) per year pet per due to ‘double consultation” fees.
That’s why a new service called Online Vets has launched with a unique approach to vet bills. Online Vets, which is part of the Independent Vet Care network, is unlike other online providers. If following the online consultation a pet needs to be taken to a veterinary surgery, the cost of the initial online consultation is deducted from the final vet bill keeping pets and their owners’ wallets happy and healthy.
Douglas Veitch MRCVS and Head of Online Vets said: “In human healthcare, an online doctor can prescribe medication to their patients. However under the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) legislation, vets cannot do that. This impacts the wallets of our clients, as it will often mean they pay twice; once for the online consult and then for the subsequent consultation in practice. That’s why we have launched our Online Vets service as the digital vet team can refer into one of our 800+ practices and ensure the initial online consult fee is deducted from the bill.”
Paul Cowling, UK CEO of Independent Vet Care said: “This is a genuinely exciting innovation and part of our digital strategy to deliver exceptional veterinary care in a changing world. This moves the service offering forward and makes veterinary care more accessible to more people.”
With online consultations costing only £16 why not visit an online vet? To find out more and to book your first appointment visit:https://www.myfamilypet.co.uk/online-vets
