Rising veterinary costs and expensive pet insurance are making it harder for San Diego pet owners to afford care, pushing some to delay or skip treatment altogether. Now, virtual veterinary services are emerging as a more affordable option. NBC 7 Responds has been tracking the rising costs and ex ploring ways pet owners can save. After previously highlighting lower-cost care options in Tijuana, there is now another alternative that does not require leaving home: telemedicine for pets. Vet in your pocket “A vet in your pocket” is how Kate Elden, chief medical officer of Dutch, described veterinary telemedicine. “Telemedicine is providing a bridge, closing that gap, making veterinary care more accessible and more affordable for pet parents,” Elden said. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, virtual veterinary care is growing quickly across the country. It offers convenience for busy pet owners and lower costs for those on tight budgets. Still, Elden makes it clear that virtual care is not meant to replace traditional vet visits. Kate Elden, chief medical officer for Dutch, smiles as she explains the benefits of telemedicine for pets. Complements in-person vet care “Veterinary virtual care is meant to complement — not compete with — in-person care, and there will always be a need for you to sometimes take your pet in person and have that physical exam,” Elden said. Elden noted that some pets experience stress at the vet’s office, making virtual consultations easier. In many cases, early virtual care can also prevent more serious — and expensive — health issues. “When people delay getting care for their pets, the simple things like itchiness, skin allergies — they turn into something much worse, and the pets suffer, and your pocketbook suffers because what was once treatable is now an emergency, much more expensive,” Elden said. The American Veterinary Medical Association supports telehealth as a tool to expand access to care, especially for pet owners facing financial or logistical challenges. It can be useful for general advice, triage, follow-up care and the management of chronic conditions. However, the association stresses that diagnosing, prescribing or administering specific treatments typically requires a veterinarian-client-patient relationship, which usually begins with an in-person exam. “Any time a veterinarian believes that you need to go in person, we recommend that right away,” Elden said. “And a lot of pet owners come to us just for that reason: They don’t know if they need to go in or not.” For many pet owners, especially those with multiple animals, virtual vet services can be a cost-effective option. Some platforms cost about $10-15 a month and allow multiple visits for multiple pets. Ultimately, experts say, the most important thing is ensuring pets continue to receive the care they need — whether that care happens in a clinic or through a video conference. This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC San Diego. AI tools helped convert the story to a digital article, and an NBC San Diego journalist edited the article for publication. ...read more read less