Last reviewed: July 01, 2026
The Telemedicine Policy applies to customers in the USA only.
This document explains how Joii provides remote veterinary care, the difference between telehealth and telemedicine, the US states in which a vet–client–patient relationship may be established online, the conditions that apply in those states, and the terms on which you give your informed consent to virtual care.
This document is provided for general information and to support informed consent. It is not legal advice. The veterinary laws of your state take precedence over anything described here, and your Joii vet will confirm what is possible in your location before any treatment. Several of the rules referred to below were enacted or amended during 2025–2026 and have staggered effective dates; where anything here conflicts with the current requirements in your state, those state requirements apply.
1. Definitions
1.1 Telehealth. The use of technology to deliver veterinary information, education or guidance remotely, where no formal treating relationship with a specific animal is created. As used by Joii, telehealth comprises teleadvice and teletriage.
1.2 Teleadvice. General guidance and information that is not specific to an individual animal. Because it does not constitute a diagnosis, it does not require a vet–client–patient relationship.
1.3 Teletriage. A timely assessment of the urgency of an animal's situation and of whether the animal should be referred for emergency or in-person care. Teletriage is not a diagnosis or a treatment plan and does not require a vet–client–patient relationship.
1.4 Telemedicine. The remote practice of veterinary medicine for a specific animal, including evaluation, diagnosis, treatment and, where appropriate, prescribing. Telemedicine may only take place within an established vet–client–patient relationship.
1.5 Vet–client–patient relationship (VCPR). The formal relationship that must exist before a vet may diagnose, treat or prescribe for an animal. It requires that the vet has assumed responsibility for the animal's care, holds sufficient knowledge of the animal to reach at least a preliminary diagnosis, and is available for follow-up. Most US states require an in-person examination to establish a VCPR for the first time.
1.6 Electronic VCPR (eVCPR). A VCPR established by electronic means, typically a live, two-way video examination, without a prior in-person examination. Only certain states permit a VCPR to be established this way.
1.7 A note on wording: in some state laws, "telehealth" is used as an umbrella term that also includes telemedicine. For clarity, Joii groups its services into the two categories set out in sections 2 and 3.
2. Telehealth services
2.1 Telehealth services (teleadvice and teletriage) provide information and guidance without creating a treating relationship with your pet.
2.2 Because these services do not involve diagnosing or prescribing for your specific animal, they do not require a VCPR and are available to you regardless of your location.
3. Telemedicine services
3.1 Telemedicine is the remote practice of veterinary medicine for your specific pet. Unlike telehealth, it may only take place once a VCPR exists.
3.2 Establishing the relationship. Where state law permits a VCPR to be established online (an eVCPR), Joii may begin caring for your pet entirely remotely. Where state law does not permit this, telemedicine remains available, but only after an in-person examination has established the VCPR.
3.3 States in which a VCPR may be established online
As at the review date of this document, the following ten US jurisdictions permit a VCPR to be established through telemedicine rather than requiring an in-person examination first:
- Arizona
- California
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Idaho
- New Jersey
- New York
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
- Virginia
4. Your informed consent to telemedicine
When you use Joii for telemedicine in a state that permits it, you acknowledge and agree to the following. Your vet will confirm these matters with you before care begins.
4.1 The same standard of care applies to a virtual visit as to an in-person visit.
4.2 Your vet may determine that telemedicine is not appropriate for your pet's situation and may recommend an in-person examination.
4.3 Choosing a virtual visit does not restrict your freedom to be seen in person at any time.
4.4 Federal and state requirements limit what may be prescribed following a virtual visit. Controlled substances in particular require an in-person examination.
4.5 Your vet will provide their name, licenced details and contact information, and a means of contact for follow-up.
4.6 Your information is handled in accordance with applicable privacy laws, and records of your visit are retained.
4.7 Where a prescription is issued, you may have it filled at the pharmacy of your choice.