Virtual Care Guidance
Guidance for select concerns, with in-person visits recommended when hands-on care is needed.
Can’t make it into the clinic?
Some pet concerns can start with a conversation. Fair Oaks Pet Hospital offers virtual care guidance for select minor concerns, follow-up questions, and general pet care advice when a virtual appointment is appropriate.
Our team can help you better understand your pet’s symptoms, discuss next steps, review progress after a recent visit, and determine whether your pet should be seen in the hospital.
Virtual care is not a replacement for a complete physical exam. Some pets need an in-person visit so we can perform a hands-on exam, diagnostic testing, treatment, or prescription approval.
When Virtual Care Guidance Can Help
Virtual guidance may be appropriate for:
Follow-up questions after a recent appointment
Minor concerns that do not appear urgent
General pet care advice
Behavior, nutrition, or lifestyle questions
Post-surgical or treatment follow-ups
Help deciding whether your pet should be seen in person
If we believe your pet needs a hands-on exam, diagnostic testing, treatment, or prescription approval, we will recommend an in-hospital visit.
How It Works
Request Virtual Care Guidance by phone, text, email, or through our site.
Enter the chat on a computer with any web browser through the link provided. If using a mobile device you will need to download the Microsoft Teams app.
Connect with our veterinary team – Discuss your pet’s symptoms, behavior, or follow-up needs.
Get a Plan – We'll recommend next steps or an in-clinic appointment if needed.
When Your Pet Should Be Seen In Person
Some concerns require an in-person visit so our team can properly evaluate your pet. We may recommend an in-hospital appointment if your pet needs a physical exam, diagnostic testing, treatment, vaccines, procedures, or prescription approval.
Virtual care is not appropriate for emergencies or urgent symptoms. If your pet is having difficulty breathing, repeated vomiting, collapse, seizures, severe pain, toxin exposure, uncontrolled bleeding, inability to urinate, or another urgent concern, please call us right away or seek emergency veterinary care.
Important: If your pet is experiencing difficulty breathing, uncontrolled bleeding, collapse, or other life-threatening symptoms, virtual care is not appropriate. Please contact us immediately or proceed to a 24-hour emergency hospital.
Connected Care, When Appropriate
Our goal is to make getting guidance easier while making sure your pet receives the right level of care. Virtual care guidance can be a helpful starting point for select concerns, and our team will let you know if an in-person visit is the better next step.