When to see a veterinary technician

By Dr. Ko Arman and Madi Webber, RVT

Exciting news! TELUS Health MyPet now offers virtual consultations with registered veterinary technicians (vet techs) for cat and dog owners across Canada (excluding Quebec). Wellbeing consultations with vet techs are useful for many different animal care issues.  That said, many pet owners may find themselves wondering, ‘how do I know when to book a consultation with a vet techs versus a veterinarian?’ Fortunately, the answer isn’t a complicated one. 

Great topics to discuss with veterinary techs include: 

Training advice
If you have a new puppy or kitten, a vet tech can help get you and your fur baby off on the right paw. Vet techs are experts in behaviour management and can help you prevent many unwanted behaviours like excessive barking, furniture scratching, unwanted chewing or park etiquette.

Behavioural modification
If you have a pet exhibiting new or unwanted behaviour, vet techs can help get them back on track. Separation anxiety,  leash reactivity and house soiling are a few examples of concerns a vet tech can help with.

Expert answers to non-emergency questions
Virtual care for pets makes it easy to ask questions and get answers to many concerns. It can also help make non-emergency care on topics such as nutritional information, life stage care and grooming tips more accessible, particularly if you live in a rural area where there may not be a veterinary clinic close by. 

Wellbeing consultations with a vet tech are an affordable option to help ease your mind when wondering if you are doing the right thing for your pet, or if you are simply seeking preventative care advice which is critical to maintaining the overall health of your pet and avoiding unwanted illness. If you have medical concerns about your cat or dog, or have noticed a new symptom, then a consultation with your local veterinarian is better suited for your pet’s needs. Upon request, Wellbeing consultation notes can be forwarded to your local veterinarian for reference.

The TELUS Health MyPet app is free to download and register — get started today and try us risk free. If during the first few minutes of your consultation, the vet tech determines your pet needs in-person care, you’ll be refunded the cost of your consultation.¹

1. TELUS Health MyPet now offers virtual consultations with registered veterinary technicians (vet techs) for cat and dog owners across Canada (excluding Quebec).
2. Vet techs have a wealth of clinical experience and pet care knowledge. Vet techs can help you with behavioural and health maintenance concerns like grooming, life stage care, nutrition, and dental hygiene.¹
3. Consulting with a vet tech is an affordable option to help ease your mind when wondering if you are doing the right thing for your pet, or if you are simply seeking preventative care advice.
4. Unlike veterinarians, veterinary technicians cannot provide diagnoses, prescriptions, or specific treatment plans.¹

^{1. Not applicable to all cases. A registered vet tech may decide that an in-person visit is required to ensure your pet receives appropriate care.}