24 Sept 2025
VetChat, Australia’s leading provider of veterinary telehealth services, has released the first comprehensive Veterinary Telehealth in Australia 2025 report, marking a major milestone for the profession and the future of accessible pet care.
The report provides data on how Australians and veterinarians are engaging with telehealth, and highlights the role it plays in addressing the nation’s veterinary workforce shortages, cost of living pressures and access challenges.
Key findings include:
1 in 6 Australians skipped a vet visit in the past year due to affordability concerns or access barriers such as regional location.
Only 20% of Australians know vet telehealth exists, but 81% would use it once aware.
53% of online consultations happen after hours (6pm–9am), when clinics are closed.
80% of vets working in telehealth also continue to work in-clinic, underlining that telehealth complements traditional practice.
75% of vets in telehealth report a positive or substantially positive impact on their mental health, citing flexibility and sustainability as key drivers.
Dr Claire Jenkins, CEO and Founder of VetChat, said the report underscores how telehealth supports, not replaces, the veterinary profession:
“Telehealth is not a substitute for in-clinic care. It’s a tool that complements the work of veterinarians, reduces pressure on emergency clinics, and ensures more pets get timely care. By filling critical gaps after-hours, in regional areas, and for carers facing cost-of-living pressures, telehealth improves access while helping make the profession more sustainable.”
VetChat works with clinics across Australia to provide after-hours triage support. With over 40 Australian-registered vets on its team, VetChat is uniquely positioned to demonstrate how telehealth can relieve pressure on stretched practices while creating new opportunities for veterinarians to work flexibly and sustainably.
The report also calls attention to the outdated regulatory framework in Australia, with most state guidelines drafted over five years ago and failing to recognise the safe use of online Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationships (VCPR). This gap leaves many pets without care options, despite the model being widely adopted in countries such as the UK, US, and Canada.
Veterinary Telehealth in Australia 2025 is designed to provide policymakers, industry leaders, and practitioners with a clear evidence base to inform future regulation and adoption.
The full report is available here: VetChat - Chat with a Vet Online 24/7 - Speak to a Vet Now
About VetChat
VetChat is Australia’s leading veterinary telehealth provider, dedicated to improving access to expert veterinary care for all pet carers. Since launch, VetChat has delivered over 200,000 consults and partners with clinics, insurers, and welfare organisations to support sustainable veterinary care nationwide. Head to vetchat.com.au to speak to a Vet via video call 24/7.