With countless communication platforms to keep us connected, finding veterinary help is easier than ever, no matter where you are. It isn’t only that technology has improved. Televet services have expanded, laws have adapted to changing needs, and much of the care your dog may need is now only a phone call away.
Communication advancements offer peace of mind for pet parents planning adventures with their dogs to remote locales, ensuring they’ll have support anywhere they go. Still, it takes more than having your vet’s number saved in your cell.
When you want to ensure you’ll always get the advice and care your dog needs, we’ll explore five ideas to help you talk with a vet if you’re in the middle of nowhere.
The 5 Tips on How You Can Talk With a Vet in the Middle of Nowhere
1. Talk to Your Vet Before Leaving
If you’re planning a trip to a remote area, your usual vet will be your best resource should you need medical help. They will have experience with your dog and access to their medical history, making the experience more personalized. Make sure you have their telephone numbers for day, and out of hours care, stored in your phone and written down somewhere as back up.
Another consideration is the veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR). A VCPR is established with in-person visits, which are usually legally necessary for vets to offer diagnoses, treat pets, and write prescriptions. While some states now let vets establish VCPRs remotely, most have required in-person visits within the past year.
Your vet can provide the most informed advice and broadest remote medical care possible. Ask if they have a telehealth platform for phone or video calls and who you can call if they aren’t available. You can create a dependable action plan for emergencies by discussing your upcoming circumstances.
2. Contact a Televet Service
Assuming you have cell service or an internet connection and can’t contact your usual vet, a televet service is your next best bet to talk with a professional when you’re in the middle of nowhere.
Popular Televet Options
- Vetster: 24/7 app-based paid vet video chat services by appointment
- PangoVet: 24/7 paid vet video chat services by appointment
- Chewy Connect with a Vet: Free online vet advice available 6 am to midnight ET
- Pawp: 24/7 app-based on-demand veterinary support
- Whisker Docs: 24/7 paid call, chat, or email veterinary services
- Dutch: 24/7 paid membership-based video chat and messaging service with prescription capabilities in some states
- AskVet: 24/7 membership-based, on-demand veterinary help
If you have pet insurance, you may also have a free televet service available through your provider. Regardless of who you contact, the help vets can provide remotely is generally limited to answering questions, offering advice, or determining whether you should take your dog to a clinic. They offer a valuable resource and access to qualified veterinarians when you most need it regardless of time of day or night. However, due to the lack of VCPR they may not be able to make diagnoses and prescribe medications.
3. Contact a Poison Helpline
Accidental poisoning can easily happen when your curious pup gets their mouth on the wrong thing during your wilderness adventures. If you’re stuck in the middle of nowhere needing poison control help, you have a few emergency hotlines available, including:
Poison helplines are available 24/7 via online chat or by phone. For a fee, they can help you determine if your pet needs to see a vet and offer first-aid advice and instructions to help in the meantime.
4. Get a Satellite Phone
A satellite phone is a straightforward, albeit pricey, way to reach a vet from almost anywhere. Buying one will set you back over a thousand dollars. You’ll then have to purchase minutes, which also gets expensive.
Buying a phone can make sense if you do lots of traveling to out-of-the-way places and plan to only use the phone for short, emergency calls, but the upfront costs can be substantial.
A satellite phone rental is a cheaper way to ensure you can talk to your vet in the middle of nowhere. Going this route generally only costs a few hundred dollars for minutes and a few weeks of renting the phone. Daily or monthly rental options are available, depending on how long you’ll be in an off-the-grid area.
5. Purchase a Starlink Kit
Starlink satellite internet is an on-the-go solution to get you online and enjoy the full range of veterinary telehealth services, whether you need to talk on the phone, chat, or make a video call.
Better Communication with Your Vet
Enhancing visual communication with your vet can lead to a deeper understanding of your pet’s issues, more tailored advice, and effective guidance for pet care.
How Starlink Works
Setting up Starlink kits is a simple process. By pointing the unit towards the sky to receive the signal, even remote areas can access it. While the initial equipment cost may be high, it is generally more affordable than many satellite phones. However, the monthly cost may be higher compared to per-minute plans of satellite phones, and there are no multiple service tiers available for different usage habits or budgets.
For emergencies where contacting your vet is essential, a satellite phone could be a more cost-effective monthly investment after the initial equipment purchase.
On the other hand, portable satellite internet offers a wide coverage area and access to various online resources, including televet services, articles, forums, and videos. This allows you to search for solutions and reach out to professionals conveniently.
Tips for Caring for Your Dog in the Middle of Nowhere
By ensuring reliable communication through a satellite phone or internet service and maintaining a list of veterinary experts, you can prepare for safe travels to remote locations with your dog. It is crucial to gather the necessary supplies for emergencies when you are far from immediate help.
Having the right tools in the middle of nowhere is essential to provide your dog with necessary care during emergencies. While remote vets can offer advice, having the equipment to implement it is equally important.
First Aid Kit
Begin your preparation with a well-stocked first aid kit. You can purchase one with essential items or create your own to ensure nothing is lacking.
Key items to include in your emergency care kit:
- Blunt or round-ended scissors
- Tweezers
- Eyedropper
- Flashlight
- Rectal thermometer
- Gauze and adhesive tape
- Cotton balls
- Saline solution
- Alcohol wipes
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Antibiotic spray
- Activated charcoal
- Bandaging supplies
Power Sources
Portable power banks are essential for keeping your devices charged and staying connected. Invest in a quality solar charger or multiple power packs to ensure you have sufficient power. If traveling by car, a reliable charger can help keep your devices charged while on the go.
Conclusion
By ensuring effective communication methods and proper preparation, you can stay connected and provide the best care for your pet. Update your pet’s microchip information, pack essential supplies, and explore televet options with your vet before embarking on your journey. With the right investments and a solid plan, you can ensure your pet’s safety, health, and happiness, even in remote locations.
Featured Image Credit: Michael Carni, Shutterstock
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