INFORMED CONSENT

Teleconsulting Agreement for Veterinary Care

​

Teleconsulting offers a convenient and accessible way for pet owners to receive veterinary care, especially when access to a specialist may be limited due to location, time constraints, or other barriers. As with any form of veterinary care, there are both benefits and risks associated with teleconsulting that you need to be aware of.

​

Benefits of Teleconsulting:

• Access to Specialists: Teleconsulting allows pet owners to consult with veterinary specialists they might not otherwise be able to see due to geographic limitations or long wait times.

• Reduced Wait Times: Appointments can be scheduled more quickly than in-person consultations, potentially leading to faster access to expert advice.

• Supplementary Care: Teleconsulting can provide additional insights and guidance for your pet’s condition, complementing the care your pet receives from your primary veterinarian.

 

Limitations and Risks of Teleconsulting:

• No In-Person Examination: Teleconsulting is an alternative to traditional, in-person veterinary visits. However, it is limited by the fact that the specialist is unable to perform an in-person physical examination, which is often necessary to fully assess your pet’s health. Because no physical exam is performed, the specialist can not prescribe medications directly for your pet.

• Incomplete or Inaccurate Information: The quality of the consultation may be affected by incomplete, inaccurate, or unclear information provided by you or issues with diagnostic images or specimens due to electronic transmission.

• Not a Complete Solution: While teleconsulting can be a valuable supplement to your pet’s care, it may not provide a full diagnosis or treatment plan. In some cases, you may need to seek additional in-person veterinary care for your pet.

 

By booking your consultation, you acknowledge and agree to the following:

1. You understand and accept the risks associated with teleconsulting, including the possibility that it may not be a complete solution for your pet’s care and that you may need to seek further in-person consultation if necessary.

2. You recognize that an in-person physical exam and consultation are the most comprehensive and accurate ways to assess and address your pet’s health. However, you accept the limitations of teleconsulting (e.g., video, telephone, or email consultations) and are proceeding with this format in recognition of those limitations.

3. You wish to proceed with this teleconsultation as a supplement to, rather than a replacement for, your pet’s ongoing care with a primary veterinarian.

 

Please note that the consultation will not replace any medical or emergency needs requiring in-person veterinary attention.