Hey there, fellow pet parents! If you‘re like me, your pets are part of the family. And when something seems off with their health or behavior, it can be stressful trying to figure out what to do. That‘s where Vetster comes in.
In this Vetster review, I‘m sharing my personal experience using this online vet service for my furry friends. From how it works to the pros and cons, cost, and what other pet owners are saying, I‘ll cover it all. By the end, you‘ll have a clear idea if Vetster is right for you and your pet squad!
What is Vetster?
Vetster is an online platform that connects pet owners with licensed veterinarians for virtual video consultations. It‘s basically like telehealth for pets! Through the Vetster app or website, you can book an appointment 24/7 to chat with a vet about your pet‘s health or behavior concerns from the comfort of home.
Vetster offers appointments for dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, reptiles, horses, and more. So whether you have a sick iguana or a horse with a mysterious rash, Vetster has a vet who can help.
The company was founded in 2020 by a team of tech entrepreneurs and veterinarians who saw a need for more accessible, affordable pet care. Their mission is to provide a convenient way for pet parents to get the expert advice they need to keep their animals healthy and happy.
How Does Vetster Work?
Using Vetster is a breeze. First, you create a free account and add profiles for your pets with their basic info. Then, you can browse available appointment times and choose a vet who fits your needs. You can filter vets by things like specialty, experience with certain animal types, price range, and more.
Once you book, you‘ll get a confirmation email with a link to join the secure video call at your scheduled time. During the appointment, you can discuss any health issues and even show the vet physical symptoms using your device‘s camera. The vet can offer guidance, recommend treatments or medications, and answer any questions you have.
After the virtual visit, you can message with the vet for 72 hours to clarify anything or get additional support. If the vet prescribes medications, they‘ll send the Rx straight to your preferred pharmacy for pickup or delivery. Easy peasy!
One of the coolest features of Vetster is that each vet has a detailed profile where you can see their education, specialties, experience, and ratings from other pet owners. This transparency helps you feel confident you‘re getting quality care from a qualified professional.
Benefits of Vetster
So why use Vetster instead of going to an in-person vet clinic? Here are some of the key benefits:
- 🕰️ 24/7 availability for when issues pop up outside regular vet hours
- 🏡 Convenience of getting vet care without leaving home (great for anxious pets!)
- 💸 Often more affordable than in-office visits, with upfront pricing
- 🩺 Access to vets with different specialties to fit your pet‘s needs
- ⏱️ Ability to get fast answers and peace of mind about your pet‘s health
- 😷 A safe option for vet care during COVID-19 to limit exposure
In a 2021 survey, 91% of pet owners said they were satisfied with their pet‘s virtual vet care experience. And 85% said they would use virtual vet visits again in the future. The convenience and accessibility are hard to beat!
What Can Vetster Treat?
Vetster vets can address a wide range of pet health and behavior topics, including:
| Preventive Care | Skin Issues | Digestive Problems | Nutrition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual check-ups | Allergies | Vomiting | Diet recommendations |
| Vaccination advice | Itching | Diarrhea | Weight management |
| Parasite prevention | Rashes | Constipation | Food allergies |
| Dental care | Hair loss | Appetite changes | Supplements |
| Behavior Concerns | Mobility Issues | Chronic Conditions | Senior Pet Care |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anxiety | Arthritis | Diabetes | Quality of life assessment |
| Aggression | Joint pain | Thyroid disease | Cognitive dysfunction |
| House training | Limping | Kidney disease | Hospice care |
| Destructive behavior | Rehabilitation | Cancer | Pain management |
Of course, some situations require hands-on care that can only happen in-person. Things like surgical procedures, x-rays, or lab work will mean a trip to your local vet clinic. But for many common issues, Vetster can be a great first step to getting expert advice and deciding on next steps.
Vetster‘s Veterinarians
One of my top priorities in choosing a vet is knowing they are highly qualified to care for my pets. With Vetster, I was impressed by the rigorous vetting process for their veterinarians. All vets on the platform are licensed, insured, and registered to practice in their state or region.
Vetster looks at each vet‘s education, work history, license status, and any disciplinary actions before approving them to consult with pet parents. They also do annual license checks to ensure vets maintain their credentials over time. This gives me peace of mind that my pet is in good hands!
It‘s also reassuring to read the vet bios and see their years of experience and special focus areas. For example, when my senior dog was having trouble with stairs, I was able to find a vet who specializes in mobility issues and pain management for older pups. She offered great tips and a treatment plan tailored to my dog‘s needs.
Vetster Cost
Prices for Vetster consultations range from around $50-$150 depending on the vet and appointment length. Most appointments are 15-30 minutes. There‘s no subscription fee to use the platform, and you pay per appointment.
While virtual vet visits are generally less expensive than in-office ones, the exact cost difference depends on your location and specific vet. It‘s always a good idea to contact your pet insurance provider too, to see if virtual vet care is covered under your plan.
Personally, I view Vetster as an affordable way to get quick guidance on whether something is an emergency or can wait for an in-person visit. The 24/7 peace of mind alone is worth the cost to me!
Real Vetster Reviews
But don‘t just take my word for it. Vetster has tons of glowing reviews from happy pet parents. The company has a 4.9 out of 5 star rating on Google based on over 1,000 reviews! Here‘s what customers are saying:
"We recently moved and didn‘t have a new vet yet when our dog started vomiting. We booked an emergency Vetster appointment and were able to video chat with a vet within 30 minutes! She determined it wasn‘t anything serious and recommended a bland diet for a few days. So grateful for this service as new pet owners!"
"Vetster has been a lifesaver for my senior cat who hates going to the vet. We‘ve used it for general health questions and to check on a recurring ear infection. The vets are always so compassionate and take time to explain everything. Plus getting meds delivered right to our pharmacy is super convenient."
"I was skeptical about how thorough a virtual vet visit could be, but I was blown away by the level of care and attention we received. The vet asked detailed questions, had me show specific angles of my pet‘s issue, and followed up regularly after the appointment. It was like she was right there with us!"
Reviewers consistently praise Vetster‘s quality of care, convenience, and affordability. The few negative reviews tend to mention technical issues or limited appointment availability with certain vets. But overall, the vast majority of customers are thrilled with the virtual care their pets received.
Is Vetster Right For You?
If you‘re looking for a convenient, affordable way to get trusted guidance on your pet‘s health and wellness, Vetster is definitely worth checking out. It‘s an excellent option for general pet care advice, minor health concerns, and after-hours peace of mind.
While virtual visits can never fully replace in-person vet care, telehealth is becoming an increasingly popular part of modern pet parenting. A 2021 survey found that 67% of pet owners have used virtual vet care, and 92% of vets say telehealth options enable them to provide better care for their patients. It‘s truly a win-win!
Vetster has a user-friendly platform, highly qualified vets, and stellar customer reviews. They make getting expert pet care advice as easy as a few taps on your phone. And the company has big growth plans, so expect even more vets and expanded services over time.
As a busy pet mom myself, I‘m grateful to have Vetster as a trusted resource in my back pocket. It gives me peace of mind to know I can get guidance for my furry crew whenever I need it. If that convenience, quality, and affordability sound good to you too, give Vetster a try! Your pets will thank you.
