With a shortage of veterinarians in Ontario and an increase in pet adoptions during the pandemic, many pet owners are finding it difficult to find a ‘family’ veterinarian. The problem has reached severe levels in Thunder Bay, where, as of December, no vet clinics were accepting new patients.
TELUS Health is stepping in to fill the gap.
TELUS Health MyPet is a highly-accessible virtual veterinary platform that will help pet owners of dogs and cats across northern Ontario — including those living in very remote communities and those who face challenges traveling to and from appointments, especially in winter — to access high quality veterinary care where and when they need it.
App reduces many stresses related to in-person vet visits
TELUS Health MyPet is easy-to-use and provides access to a team of Ontario-licensed veterinarians for preventative and non-urgent medical care. They can address issues including overall wellness, nutritional and weight management, allergies, parasite control, minor infections, mild stomach upset, chronic disease management and behavioral challenges.
According to a 2021 Ontario Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA) survey of pet owners, approximately 75 percent of problems seen through virtual appointments can be treated solely through telemedicine without ever visiting a clinic.
“A lot of learning came out of the pandemic,” says Dr. Koharik Arman, lead veterinarian for TELUS Health MyPet. “We began to do virtual consultations out of necessity, and it taught us a lot in the profession about what we can accomplish without a physical exam.”
Reducing non-urgent in-person trips to the vet
Developed with the support of veterinarians, TELUS Health MyPet aims to lower the number of non-urgent visits to clinics, as well as reduce the need for trips to a clinic with a furry friend who may not travel well in vehicles. The app is free to download for iOS and Android smartphones, with vet consultations charged on a per-session basis.
Dr. Arman goes on to assure pet owners that if the consulting MyPet veterinarian does conclude that the pet requires urgent and timely hands-on care, the client will be redirected to a nearby clinic and receive a full refund of their consultation fee.
“Even after a full consultation, when owners are directed to seek additional hands-on care, many find it comforting to have confirmation from a veterinarian that their pet does indeed need to be seen in person,” she says. “There is a lot of value for owners in knowing that they are not going to be stressing their pets needlessly.”
“My own cat is one of my feistiest patients, and needs to be medicated for in-clinic visits. It’s great to have an option that is so convenient and less stressful!”
Take a more active role in preventative health for your dog or cat by downloading TELUS Health MyPet from your preferred app store or going online.
