This post is sponsored by Vet on Demand and the BlogPaws Professional Pet Blogger Network. I am being compensated for helping to spread the word about the Vet on Demand App but Oz the Terrier only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Vet on Demand is not responsible for the content of this article.
Oh good, you are here and right on time. Please sit. I have to tell you about a very interesting phone call I had with Dr. Phil Baxter, a veterinarian in Alabama. We spoke via the new Vet on Demand App - the first mobile App utilizing the first-to-market Vet on Demand™ Interactive Care Platform™ to provide personalized, real time health advice from experienced, licensed veterinarians who can offer top-notch care for your pet.
Get #pethealth advice from trusted veterinarians w @vet_on_demand app #ad #VetOnDemand Dr OztT http://t.co/o4XShxjjjg pic.twitter.com/BypG3oLnwZ— Oz the Terrier (@Oz_theTerrier) May 12, 2015I spoke with Dr. Phil on video chat through the Vet on Demand App on my iPhone. Dr. Phil, like all the licensed veterinarians in the Vet on Demand network, was on video chat on his desktop computer which was equipped with a camera and microphone. The App is currently available in the Apple App Store and will be available for Android in the Google Play Store soon, if it isn't there already.
So, why would you need the Vet on Demand App?
Well, we all know our pet parents want to provide the best care for us but sometimes they may not be able to recognize an illness and if that illness warrants a trip to the vet. With the Vet on Demand App, your pet parent can quickly and conveniently get in touch with a licensed veterinarian for answers and advice to keep you healthy and happy.
And then there's affordability. Did you know that in the 2012 US Pet Ownership and Demographic Sourcebook, 21.5% of cat owners and 29.3% of dog owners who did not visit a veterinarian in the past year said they could not afford it? With predictable and competitive pricing of $2.50 per minute, Vet on Demand allows everyone to have access to licensed veterinarians.
As Dr. Oz the Terrier, one of my opinions about the Vet on Demand App was it would be good for pet emergencies when you are away from home. Like when Ma and I are camping, she always tries to research a local emergency vet clinic in or around the area we will be at, just in case something happens. But now, with Vet on Demand, she could call a veterinarian right away if I was injured to get advice. Note: when we tested the App it was still only functional on wi-fi, which was a little disappointing BUT the folks at Vet on Demand assured us it will be functional on 3G/4G soon and we are definitely looking forward to that!
Using Vet on Demand
Now, back to my conversation with Dr. Phil. Before I could even get started, Ma and I needed to complete our Profiles in the downloaded app. It was a simple process. Your pet's profile is visible to the veterinarian when you call and it is where your Call History and Call Notes are kept so you can refer back to them later.
Once connected, we could see Dr. Phil and he could see us. I even showed him the allergic rash that was clearing up on my belly (a few days before the call, I had a huge allergy attack) and he could see it just fine. After that, we engaged in some additional doctor-speak, said good-bye and disconnected. I even saved Dr. Phil in my Favorite Vets within the App.
At Vet on Demand, they believe happiness is a right, not a privilege. That is why they have teamed up with some of the nation's top veterinarians to offer quality On Call Paw Care at prices that will have all tails wagging. And soon, the App will allow you to do all the things I discussed here as well as call a favorite vet directly, schedule calls for a later date, connect via text messaging, and speak to a vet near you (geolocation). In addition, Vet on Demand wants to add specialty vets for small animals, birds, exotics, equine and livestock.
Do you want a convenient way to connect with a trusted veterinarian? How would you use the new Vet on Demand App?
It sounds like a great idea - providing you watch the minutes - as we all know a 'few minutes' chat on the phone can turn into an hour really easily and that would be an expensive call. It is a pity they didn't release the android version at the same time.
ReplyDeleteThe Android version may be out already...we aren't sure as we do not own any Android phones. And yes, a "few minutes" can turn into a long time if you are not careful but you can monitor your time on the app!
DeleteWhat a great idea Oz. Do you nose if it works in the UK as well?
ReplyDeleteLoves and licky kisses
Princess Leah xxx
I think it is only US veterinarians right now, Princess Leah. They are still recruiting vets so they can have a bigger network.
DeleteIt's a great idea... and I hope the pet pawrents will ask a real vet before they ask google or who-knows-what... to get an advice or a tip from a vet is much more than to follow any advice you found somewhere in www.
ReplyDeleteGreat Post Dr. Oz!
easy rider
Yes, better to be able to ask a real vet than to ask Dr. Google, Easy. And this app makes it easy and convenient to do so.
DeleteWe heard about this, interesting
ReplyDeleteSnorts,
Lily & Edward
Yes, several of us are in the campaign for the new app!
DeleteHey Oz!
ReplyDeleteWow, you look so official in your dogtor pix! This is cool. I'll see about my Mom getting this added to her smartie-pants phone. BOL
Grr and Woof,
Sarge, Police Commish
Oh cool! I think your mom would like it a lot, Sarge!
DeleteOz...if you were a vet I'd be one of those patients who falls in love with their Doc!
ReplyDeleteHugs madi your bfff
Awww, Madi, you are making me blush! Thank you.
DeleteGood to know about this! And you Oz, we LOVE your dogtur outfit!
ReplyDeleteYour Pals,
Murphy & Stanley
Are you going to try the app, pals? And thank you...I like being a dogtur every once in a while. BOL
DeleteWith such a big pack in a rural area, we think this is a good fit for us!
ReplyDeleteWe just had Mama put the app on her phone and will probably ask Dad to do the same when he gets home from work!
Thanks Dr. Oz!
Smileys!
Dory, Jakey, Arty & Bilbo
Awesome, Dory! Let me know what you think of the app!
DeleteThat worked like Clock Work... hope they get one fur Android Phones soon.
ReplyDeletePaws crossed...though it may be in the Google Play Store already.
DeleteWell that is pretty cool!!
ReplyDeletestella rose
I thought so!
DeleteI love Vet on Demand! I recommend to all of my pet parent friends. It is so convenient and takes the stress out of after hours illnesses!
ReplyDeleteI agree! I love that when we are away from home, we can still get emergency advice from a trusted vet!
DeleteWhat a neat and good app for those who are not in the veterinary field. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteWow... And, it is very cool that they are anticipating being able to serve the exotic community. It can sometimes be difficult to find a vet for an exotic, or the distance may be much greater than that for a typical pet. I'm fortunate that I have an excellent nearby vet, and I have excellent 24 hour emergency services only a couple of hours away.
ReplyDeleteSounds interesting.
ReplyDeleteThat is a very interesting app. I think if my vet wasn't a good friend (whose home number I have in my phone) I would look at that.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like a great idea to get information from someone who knows rather than Google! We hadn't heard of this app before so thanks for telling us about it!
ReplyDeleteWhat an awesome idea! That would really be nice for the times when we're out hiking or far from home for some reason!
ReplyDeleteBunny
Pawsum idea!! Thanks fur lettin' us know!
ReplyDeleteOh I am definitely checking this out! It sounds fantastic!! Thanks Dr. Oz!!
ReplyDeleteღ husky hugz ღ frum our pack at Love is being owned by a husky!
We have friends in very remote and rural areas who would love to be able to chat with a vet before hopping in a car for two hours to get to the clinic. It would also be a nice back up plan for when you're traveling with your pets. Still, nothing will replace the great relationship we have with our regular vet. We would look at this as an add-on service.
ReplyDeleteI would absolutely use this app and would love to try it. One of our cats is nearing the end and this would be a great resource for us
ReplyDelete