Telemedicine is becoming more and more commonplace in human medicine as an important tool for providing accessible prompt care to a growing human population.
The growing pet population and the pandemic emphasized the need for easily accessible veterinary options. Virtual Veterinary consults can help fill the gap between in person appointments.
The online platform allows veterinary real-time consultations when an in person appointment may not be available, when a second opinion is desired, or when the question if an immediate in person appointment is warranted. As of now the Florida Board of Veterinary medicine does not allow the prescribing of prescription medications without an in person visit. (If your pet has been seen within the past year, this does not apply) It does allow for evaluation, discussion and suggestion for treatment of conditions without prescription medications.
But that is changing...as of July 1, practicing Telehealth, along with the prescribing of certain medications will be allowed as long as a realtime virtual exam has been performed. There will be certain restrictions, but the addition of this resource will help ease the burden on pet owners and veterinary staff.
For more info refer to Florida Senate Bill 1040
To book an online Veterinary consult with Dr. Reiff click Vetster.
For in person veterinary appointments we are recommending Town & Country Animal Hospital at 239-353-4060
and Animal Wellness Center of Bonita at 239-405-8387.