Prescriptions in Veterinary Telemedicine: What Pet Owners Need to Know

As veterinary telemedicine continues to grow, more pet owners are turning to virtual visits for convenience, faster care, and peace of mind. But one of the most common questions we get at Hubavet is: “Can I get a prescription through telemedicine?”

The short answer: It depends.

When it comes to prescribing medication via telemedicine, the rules aren’t the same across the board. Each U.S. state has its own laws governing what’s allowed—and what’s not—when it comes to remote prescribing for animals.

The Basics: What Is a VCPR?

To legally prescribe medication for your pet, a veterinarian must have a Veterinary-Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR). This is a legal definition that essentially means your vet knows your pet well enough to make medical decisions, including prescribing medication.

Some states require an in-person exam to establish a VCPR, while others allow a VCPR to be formed via telemedicine. That difference is crucial.

At Hubavet, our veterinarians are fully licensed and trained in telemedicine protocols, but we always follow the law in the state where the pet is located at the time of the consultation.

Can I Get a Prescription Online?

Here’s how it generally breaks down:

- In states that allow telemedicine-based VCPR, our veterinarians can often prescribe medications remotely, assuming your pet’s condition is appropriate for telemedicine care.

- In states that require an in-person VCPR, we can still provide valuable medical advice, guidance, and support—but we may not be legally allowed to prescribe medications unless your pet has been examined in person by one of our vets or your local vet.

We know—it’s confusing. But it’s all about keeping your pet safe, ensuring accurate diagnoses, and protecting animal welfare.

What Kind of Medications Can Be Prescribed?

If your state allows it and a valid VCPR is in place, our telemedicine vets may be able to prescribe:

- Flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives

- Allergy medications

- GI support meds (like anti-nausea or anti-diarrheal drugs)

- Skin treatments

- Chronic medications (for pets with ongoing conditions, when appropriate)

What If I Can’t Get a Prescription?

Even if we can’t legally prescribe in your state, our veterinarians can still:

- Help you understand what’s going on with your pet

- Offer at-home care advice

- Let you know what over-the-counter options may help

- Guide you on whether an in-person visit is needed

- Communicate directly with your primary vet to support continuity of care

Final Thoughts

Telemedicine is revolutionizing how we care for pets—but veterinary medicine is still grounded in laws meant to protect your animal’s health.

At Hubavet, we’re committed to working within those laws while delivering high-quality, convenient, and compassionate care. Whether or not we can prescribe medication during your virtual visit depends on your location and your pet’s medical history—but we’ll always do everything we can to help.

Have questions about prescriptions or telemedicine in your state?

Reach out to us at Hubavet@gmail.com or book a virtual consult by downloading the app on the App Store or Google Play.