Pet Insurance Australia reports a growing increase in policyholders accessing free registered veterinary advice via phone and video consultations.
As Australian pet owners continue to feel the pressure of rising household costs and ongoing veterinary workforce shortages, Pet Insurance Australia is seeing more policyholders turn to tele-veterinary support before deciding whether an urgent clinic visit is required.
Recent reports have highlighted Australia’s continuing veterinary shortage, with demand placing pressure on clinics across both regional and metropolitan areas. Animal Medicines Australia also reported that 12% of pet owners required financial assistance for veterinary care in its latest national pet survey.
Pet Insurance Australia has recorded a 50% increase in policyholders using tele-vet services over the past year, with over 600 new and returning customers accessing Live Vet 24/7 support by phone or video in the past month of May.
“The cost-of-living crisis is changing the way pet owners approach veterinary care,” says Nadia Crighton, spokesperson for Pet Insurance Australia. “We are seeing more people wanting trusted advice before they make a decision, especially after hours or when they are unsure if something is an emergency.”
Pet Insurance Australia provides eligible policyholders with complimentary access to registered veterinary advice through phone and video consultations, helping pet owners better understand symptoms, urgency, and next steps.
“This is not about replacing your local vet,” Crighton says. “It is about giving pet owners access to qualified veterinary guidance when they need it most, particularly when they are worried, unsure, or facing the possibility of an emergency vet visit.
“As many pet owners understand, emergency care does not come cheaply; having a qualified vet on call can be the difference between a dash to the emergency room or making an educated choice to book an appointment.”
The trend comes as pet owners navigate both financial pressure and increased difficulty accessing veterinary appointments in some parts of the country. ABC reporting in 2025+ noted that pet owners are increasingly turning to veterinary telemedicine for non-emergency support, while providers stress it is not a substitute for hands-on veterinary care when a pet needs urgent treatment.
“One of the most valuable parts of tele-vet support is triage,” Crighton says. “A registered vet can help determine whether a pet needs immediate emergency care, whether an appointment can wait until the next day, or whether simple monitoring and practical steps at home may be appropriate.”
Pet Insurance Australia is also encouraging pet owners to check who is providing online pet health advice.
“There are many wonderful animal health professionals, including highly skilled vet nurses, who play an essential role in pet care,” Crighton says. “However, there are times when pet owners really do need to speak with a registered veterinarian, particularly when symptoms are complex, worsening, or potentially urgent.”
Common reasons pet owners may seek tele-vet advice include vomiting or diarrhoea, limping, skin flare-ups, behavioural changes, concerns about toxins, post-surgery questions, eye issues, coughing, or uncertainty about whether a pet’s symptoms require urgent attention.
Top Conditions Live Vet10 Support Consultations:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Skin Issues
- Medication Query
- Mobility
- Hazard Toxin Exposure
- Itchy Skin
- Lumps and Bumps
- Paw Issues
- Ear Issues
“Sometimes a tele-vet call confirms that a pet needs to be seen immediately, and that can be lifesaving,” Crighton says. “Other times, it may help a pet owner avoid unnecessary panic, reduce stress, and make a calmer, more informed decision.”
With emergency vet visits often occurring after hours, when costs can be higher and clinics may already be stretched, Pet Insurance Australia says registered veterinary telehealth has become an increasingly important support tool for modern pet ownership.
“For many families, pets are family,” Crighton says. “When something goes wrong, owners want fast, reliable advice. Tele-vet services can offer reassurance, education, and direction, and that can make a huge difference during a stressful moment.”
Sources
+ https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-06-19/veterinary-telemedicine-ease-stress-on-pet-owners-and-vets/105421918
*https://animalmedicinesaustralia.org.au/news-and-media/australias-most-comprehensive-pet-survey-shows-nearly-three-quarters-of-australian-homes-now-have-a-pet
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Nadia Crighton is a renowned and accomplished professional in the fields of Journalism, Public Relations, and Writing, with an extensive career spanning over 25 years, 20 of which have been dedicated to promoting the health and well-being of pets.