In-person vs. telemedicine vet visits: this is what American pet parents prefer

New research by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) suggests that the majority of pet parents prefer an in-person conversation (72%) and a physical veterinary examination (88%) to provide the best care for their companion animals.

The top priority for choosing an in-person visit is the health and safety of the pet (46%), followed by affordability (16%) and the proximity of the vet practice to their home (10%).

An additional 7% of respondents agree they prefer to take their animal to an in-person visit due to the good relationships they have with the veterinarians.

The survey also found that the health and safety of the animal is 1 of the top 3 priorities for 76% of respondents when deciding to take their pet to an in-person vet appointment.

Nearly 8 out of 10 pet parents (79%) prefer a licensed veterinarian over a vet technician or a mid-level employee to oversee their pet’s health. Additionally, four-fifths of respondents agreed it would be dangerous for non-licensed vets to make life-or-death decisions for their pets.

Waiting time and telehealth

The AVMA’s findings suggest the normalization of pre-pandemic levels of demand for in-person veterinary care.

According to the survey, on average, 76% of pet parents wait under a week for non-emergency routine checkup appointments. Nearly 8 out of 10 respondents (78%) received help within 2 hours or less in emergency situations.

The survey also revealed cat owners were likelier to prefer in-person treatment to telemedicine services. Urban pet owners were also more likely to opt for telemedicine than pet parents in suburban or rural areas.

Middle-income pet owners were more positive about telemedicine vet appointments than high-income pet owners, who perceived in-person examinations to deliver better care to their furry friends.