Your dog’s last heartworm chew is gone, fleas are showing up on the couch, and your regular clinic cannot fit you in until next week. Florida law says your pet needs a relationship with a licensed veterinarian before refills, but that does not always mean a trip to the clinic, because a live video visit may be enough to start one.
We are Vetzi, and our licensed veterinarians offer online vet appointments across Florida for dogs and cats. By video, we can evaluate your pet, explain what state rules allow, and tell you whether a refill may be handled from home or needs an exam in person.
What Florida Law Says About Prescription Refills
Florida’s veterinary telehealth law requires a veterinarian-client-patient relationship before any telehealth care begins. A first evaluation may be done by live video with audio, but text messages, questionnaires, and chatbots do not count. In other words, a chat alone cannot establish the relationship, and a real-time video visit is the place to start.
The law also sets limits on refills. A prescription based only on a telehealth evaluation may cover up to one month for products labeled solely for flea and tick control, and up to 14 days of treatment for other animal drugs. It cannot be renewed without an in-person exam, and your veterinarian must also tell you the prescription may be filled at the pharmacy of your choice.
How Video Visits Fit Into Flea and Heartworm Prevention
For flea and tick prevention, a video visit may let our veterinarian prescribe up to a one-month supply when your pet is a good candidate. Heartworm preventives, including combination products, are not labeled solely for flea and tick control, so the shorter 14-day limit may apply. Veterinary heartworm guidelines also call for yearly testing, and that testing usually happens at a clinic.
Once your veterinarian writes a prescription, you may fill it at any pharmacy you choose. If you prefer convenience, our online pet pharmacy in Tampa, powered by Vetsource, ships refills to your door. Our veterinarians also stay available for follow-up questions, such as what to try if your dog turns up its nose at a chew.
What to Prepare Before Your Video Visit
If you have general questions first, our FAQ page is a good place to look, and a little preparation helps our veterinarian make a safe decision about refills. Before your visit, gather these details:
- Current products: the names and doses of every flea, tick, and heartworm product your pet takes now
- Last doses: the date of each most recent dose and any doses you missed
- Medical history: the date of your pet’s last in-person exam and heartworm test, if you know it
- Photos and videos: clear images of your pet’s skin and coat, plus any new coughing or tiredness
- Weight: your pet’s most recent weight, because dosing depends on it
With these details ready, our veterinarian may be able to decide quickly whether a short refill by video makes sense or an in-person exam is the better choice.
When Your Pet Needs an In-Person Visit Instead
Some situations call for a clinic right away. Go to an emergency or in-person veterinarian if your pet has trouble breathing, a persistent cough, collapse, repeated vomiting, or extreme tiredness, or if your pet shows a serious reaction after a dose. Heartworm disease and heavy flea infestations can both make pets sick, so do not wait if symptoms appear.
Our veterinarians can help you sort out what is urgent and what can wait, which may save you an expensive emergency visit when one is not medically necessary. We may recommend an in-person exam when your pet is due for a heartworm test, needs a longer prescription, or has not been seen by a veterinarian in a while.
Talk to a Vetzi Veterinarian About Heartworm and Flea Prevention
Refills do not have to mean a stressful drive or a long wait. Our licensed veterinarians offer video visits for dogs and cats across Florida, and we can tell you honestly whether your pet’s prevention can be handled from home. Whether your regular clinic is closed or your schedule is full, a video visit may get you answers faster. Vetzi is vet-owned and operated, and Dr. Azza Diasti-Kennedy, our founder, remains a practicing veterinarian herself.
We keep the process simple: tell us about your pet, meet a veterinarian by video, and find out what your pet needs next. If your pet is running low on prevention, book a video visit with a Vetzi veterinarian today.