Telemedicine

Telemedicine

At Mercy Pet Hospital, we’re making veterinary care more accessible than ever with our telemedicine services—allowing you to connect with the same trusted veterinarians who care for your pet in person. Whether you need a follow-up visit, chronic disease management, or guidance on a minor health concern, our team is here to provide expert care from the comfort of your home.

What Can Telemedicine Help With?

Our telemedicine appointments are a convenient option for:

  • Skin & Allergy Issues – Itching, allergies, rashes, mild infections
  • Mild Respiratory Symptoms – Sneezing, coughing, nasal discharge
  • Digestive Concerns – Mild diarrhea, occasional vomiting, appetite changes
  • Lameness & Mobility – Limping, joint discomfort, arthritis management
  • Behavior & Training – Crate training, socialization, general behavioral concerns
  • Follow-Up Care – Post-surgical checks, chronic disease monitoring
  • Prescription Management – Medication refills and dosage adjustments
  • Nutritional Guidance – Weight management, diet recommendations

Same Trusted Doctors, Same High-Quality Care

Unlike some telemedicine services, when you schedule a virtual visit with us, you’ll be speaking with the same Mercy Pet Hospital veterinarians who already know your pet. This allows for seamless continuity of care, particularly for follow-ups and ongoing management of chronic conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, and allergies.

Instructions for Telemedicine:

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING REGARDING VIRTUAL CARE FOR PETS:

  • Telemedicine is not a replacement to in-person vet care. It can only serve as an adjunct to in-person care when needed. And while we may not be able to solve all of your pet’s problems over telemedicine, we can guide you through the short term until we can see them in person.
  • The pet must be present and available at the time of the telemedicine appointment.
  • Please join the zoom meeting 10 minutes prior to your appointment time. Please wait for the doctor to join you. Sometimes there can be a wait of up to 15 minutes.
  • In the event we get disconnected, please try to log back into the Zoom meeting. Alternatively, we may try to call you at the number you have listed in your chart if Zoom has decided it needs a break.
  • A deposit will be taken at the time your telemedicine appointment is made. For cancellation of appointments with a start time before noon, we ask that you let us know by the end of the prior business day or leave a voicemail overnight. For all appointments with a start time after noon, reschedule appointments 4 or more hours in advance to avoid a cancellation charge of 50% of the deposit. Canceling with ample time will help us fill your appointment time and provide care to pets that are waiting to be seen.
  • The same standards of care apply to services provided via telehealth and in-person, so please note that you may be required to bring your pet into the hospital for diagnosis, treatment, and/or follow up care. Alternatively, you can also choose to come in for an examination if you do not feel the telemedicine appointment is sufficient. Please note that there will be additional examination fees for in-person care (typically charged as a “recheck”).
  • In the event of an adverse reaction to the treatment, please call Mercy Pet Hospital during regular business hours or if life threatening, go to a 24 hour care facility. For a list of after hour emergency hospitals, visit our website and click on emergency.
  • You can pick up medications from either of our hospital locations or use our online store for home delivery. Some prescription drugs or medications may also be available at a local pharmacy and, if requested, we can fax a prescription to a pharmacy of your choice. Non-affiliated online pharmacies do require you to mail a physical copy of the prescription.
  • There are some limitations to the medications we are allowed to prescribe over telemedicine. Controlled substances are currently prohibited from being prescribed without an in-person examination of your pet.

Telemedicine Appointment Policies

To ensure we can provide timely care to all pets in need, we kindly ask that you follow our cancellation and rescheduling policy:

For appointments before noon: Please notify us by the end of the prior business day or leave a voicemail overnight.

For appointments after noon: Please reschedule at least 4 hours in advance to avoid a cancellation fee. No-Call, No-Show Policy: Missed appointments without notice will be charged 100% of the deposit. Late cancellations (within 4 hours of the appointment) will result in a charge of 50% of the deposit. Canceling in advance allows us to accommodate other pets in need.

Telemedicine Disclosure

As part of our commitment to providing convenient care, telemedicine appointments are available to address certain aspects of your pet’s health.

Veterinary Medical Board: If you have any questions or concerns regarding veterinary care, you may contact the Veterinary Medical Board for assistance.

Medical Records: To request a copy of your pet’s medical records, please submit this online form.