If you’re caring for an elderly or poorly pet, you’ve probably wondered whether an online veterinary hospice consultation could help. Perhaps your pet finds travel stressful, or you’re unsure about their quality of life and need guidance. As a hospice vet who has used video consultations for years—long before the pandemic made them mainstream—I can tell you that online vet consults are an invaluable tool for pet carers, particularly those with senior pets.
Let me walk you through what an online veterinary consultation actually is, how it works, and what you can realistically expect from your appointment.
What Is an Online Veterinary Hospice Consultation?
An online veterinary hospice consultation is a virtual appointment where you connect with a qualified veterinary professional via video call. It’s not a replacement for in-person veterinary care, but it can be an incredibly valuable first step in many situations.
Think of it as similar to a GP telephone appointment for yourself—it helps determine whether you need further investigation, provides guidance on managing ongoing conditions, or simply offers reassurance when you’re worried.
What Happens During an Online veterinary hospice consultation?
Before Your Appointment
You’ll typically need to:
- Download an app or access a video consultation platform
- Complete a Quality-of-Life assessment or questionnaire about your pet
- Upload any relevant medical history or records
- Have your pet present in a comfortable, well-lit space with good wifi
During the Appointment
The vet or veterinary nurse will:
- Ask you detailed questions about your concerns
- Observe your pet moving and interacting in their home environment
- Watch for subtle signs of pain or discomfort
- Discuss their findings with you
- Provide guidance, advice, or a care plan
- Recommend whether an in-person visit is needed
Why Video Is Better Than a Phone Call
I love seeing pets on video—it’s far more useful than a simple phone conversation. Being able to watch your pet walk, see how they settle, observe their breathing, and notice their interaction with you provides crucial information that we simply can’t gather over the phone.
What an Online veterinary hospice consultation Can’t Do
It’s important to be realistic about the limitations:
- No physical examination: We can’t feel lumps, listen to the heart, check temperature, or palpate the abdomen
- No prescriptions: Vets and nurses cannot prescribe medication based solely on an online veterinary hospice consultation
- Not for emergencies: If your pet is in acute pain, having difficulty breathing, or showing signs of a medical emergency, you need to visit an emergency clinic immediately
- No diagnostics: We can’t run blood tests, take X-rays, or perform procedures
An online veterinary hospice consultation will never be “instead of” traditional veterinary care—but it can be invaluable as a supportive tool.
Getting Started with Online veterinary hospice consultations
If you’re considering an online veterinary hospice consultation for your elderly pet, look for services that:
- Employ RCVS-registered vets and nurses
- Specialise in or understand hospice and palliative care
- Offer Quality of Life tracking tools
- Provide follow-up support and written care plans
- Work alongside your existing veterinary practice
At Dignipets, our team has over 10 years of experience and is Certified in Veterinary Hospice and Palliative Care. We use our free Quality of Life tracker app to help you monitor your pet’s wellbeing between appointments and guide you through every step of the process.
Final Thoughts
Online veterinary hospice consultations are a valuable addition to your pet’s healthcare toolkit, particularly for elderly pets with complex needs. They won’t replace your family vet, but they can provide affordable, accessible support exactly when you need it—without the stress of leaving home.
If you’re struggling to judge your pet’s quality of life, worried about their pain levels, or simply need guidance on what to do next, an online veterinary hospice consultation might be exactly what you need.
Ready to try an online veterinary hospice consultation? Download our free Dignipets app today and connect with our compassionate hospice team.
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.
