Online veterinary hospice consultations have become an increasingly valuable tool for pet carers—especially those supporting elderly or chronically unwell pets, but some conditions can be treated through online veterinary hospice consultations . While they will never replace the need for hands-on veterinary examinations, online consults can provide timely, accessible and stress-free support for many everyday concerns.

As a hospice vet working mainly with older animals, video calls have become an essential part of my work. They allow me to observe pets in their natural home environment, where they are more relaxed and more likely to show their true behaviour. This gives us a unique advantage when assessing subtle symptoms that might be hidden in a clinic setting.

So what exactly can be safely managed or assessed online? Below are the most common conditions and concerns that are well suited to remote veterinary guidance.

1. Chronic Pain and Mobility Issues

Online veterinary hospice consultations are particularly useful for assessing chronic pain in elderly pets.
During a video call, I can watch:

• how a pet rises from lying down
• whether they favour certain limbs
• how they navigate stairs or flooring
• small behavioural changes that may indicate discomfort

Because pets often mask pain when stressed, seeing them at home provides a truer picture of how they’re coping. We can then discuss options such as pain-relief reviews, home adaptations, gentle exercise routines, and monitoring strategies.

2. Quality-of-Life Assessments

This is one of the most common reasons carers seek online support.
Quality of life is deeply personal and can be difficult to judge alone. Through video, I can observe:

• appetite and eating habits
• engagement with family
• sleep patterns
• mobility around the home
• subtle signs of anxiety or withdrawal

We can then work together to assess how a pet is feeling and create a plan to support comfort, dignity and wellbeing.

3. Long-Term Condition Check-Ins

Pets with established diagnoses—such as arthritis, kidney disease, diabetes, heart disease or cognitive decline—often benefit from online follow-ups between in-clinic visits.

Remote consultations can help with:

• reviewing symptom changes
• monitoring any new concerns
• discussing medication tolerance
• determining whether blood tests or exams are due
• adjusting daily care routines

These check-ins can save unnecessary trips while ensuring a pet’s condition remains well managed.

4. End-of-Life Guidance and Support

One of the most compassionate uses of online veterinary hospice consultations is supporting carers through end-of-life decision-making. Video calls allow us to:

• talk openly about decline and comfort
• assess the pet’s behaviour and mobility
• review quality-of-life indicators
• help carers understand what to expect
• discuss timing, preparation, wishes, and aftercare

Doing this without moving a fragile pet helps reduce stress at an already emotional time.

One of the things I have really learnt from providing this support over the years, is the reduction in stress for the pet carers too. We often focus so much on the pet’s stress when it comes to a practice visit, but in my experience the stress is real for us humans too. Having these emotionally difficult and often deeply personal conversations is just so much better at home.

What Advice Can Be Given Remotely?

In an online veterinary hospice consultation, carers can safely receive:

• guidance on whether a condition can be managed at home
• advice on over-the-counter products appropriate for mild issues
• clarity on whether an emergency visit is needed
• support with monitoring symptoms
• pain-assessment help
• behaviour and routine adjustments
• advice on environmental modifications
• quality-of-life discussions
• second opinions before making difficult decisions

While remote veterinary professionals cannot diagnose or prescribe , the reassurance and practical guidance they provide can be invaluable.

Summary: The Most Common Conditions Treated Through Online Veterinary Hospice Consultations

Online veterinary hospice consultations are a brilliant tool for many conditions, particularly for elderly pets who find travel stressful or painful. They allow for calmer assessments, quicker guidance, and better understanding of a pet’s day-to-day life.

However, they work best when pet carers understand their limits and know when in-person care is essential.

Used together—online and in-clinic—these modern tools help us support pets with more compassion, flexibility and clarity than ever before.

Remember, online veterinary hospice consultations work best as part of comprehensive care alongside your regular veterinary practice, and potentially a multidisciplinary team. They’re not replacements but valuable tools for monitoring, guidance, and support—particularly for those difficult moments when you’re struggling with quality of life decisions or wondering if something needs urgent attention.

Ready to try an online veterinary hospice consultation? Download our free Dignipets app today and take the first step toward stress-free veterinary support for your elderly pet. Our compassionate team is here to guide you through every stage of your pet’s care.

Written by RCVS-registered veterinary professionals with over 10 years’ experience, specialising in hospice and palliative care. All Dignipets team members are Certified in Veterinary Hospice and Palliative Care.