Yes, veterinarians can prescribe certain medications online as long as a vet client patient relationship, or VCPR, is in place. That relationship allows a veterinarian to make safe medical decisions for your pet, whether the visit happens in person or through telemedicine.
A VCPR (Vet Client Patient Relationship) is the medical and legal relationship between you, your pet, and a veterinarian. In practical terms, it means the vet has enough information to responsibly assess your pet’s health and recommend treatment.
That information usually comes from your pet’s medical history, current symptoms, and the vet’s ability to evaluate the condition. Traditionally, this required an in person exam. Today, several states allow veterinarians to establish a VCPR through telemedicine when they have enough information through detailed intake questions, photos or video, and follow up communication to make a safe decision. These states include Arizona, California, Washington DC, Florida, Idaho, New Jersey, Ohio, Virginia, and Vermont.
At Otis, if a veterinarian does not feel they have enough information to safely treat your pet, they will recommend an in person visit rather than prescribe medication.
Online prescribing works best for conditions that are visible, familiar, or already being managed over time.
Common examples include
• Allergy and itchy skin medications when symptoms and history are clear
• Parasite prevention like flea, tick, or heartworm medications
• Follow ups for chronic conditions
• Adjustments to existing treatment plans
For example, allergy medications like Apoquel may be prescribed online in appropriate situations. This typically happens when a veterinarian can clearly see skin symptoms, understand timing and triggers, review medical history, and rule out warning signs that require testing or a hands on exam.
Telemedicine supports this kind of prescribing because it allows vets to evaluate patterns over time rather than relying on a single snapshot visit.
Otis is designed to support safe online prescribing by gathering the information veterinarians need to make informed decisions.
Pet parents complete a structured intake that covers symptoms, timing, environment, diet, and medical history. Photos or videos are uploaded when relevant, which is especially important for skin and allergy concerns.
A licensed veterinarian reviews the full picture. When medication or other treatments such as supplements, wipes, or medicated shampoos are appropriate, Otis ships them directly to your door. If a condition cannot be safely treated online, the vet clearly recommends in person care.
There are clear limits to what can be handled virtually.
Online vets generally cannot prescribe when
• A physical exam or diagnostic testing is required
• Symptoms suggest an emergency or rapid decline
• The vet does not have enough information to establish a VCPR
• State law does not allow virtual prescribing in that situation
Even then, telemedicine can still help clarify next steps and reduce uncertainty.
