Veterinary video consults need a quiet consult room or office, a sharp webcam with good lighting so the vet can see the patient clearly, a speakerphone or headset for clear audio, and a veterinary telehealth platform or a standard meeting app. For case rounds and specialist calls with several staff in the room, add a small video bar.
Types of veterinary video use
| Use | Format | Gear |
|---|---|---|
| Client video consults and follow-ups | 1 vet, 1 client | Webcam + headset or speakerphone at a desk |
| Triage and post-op checks | 1 vet or tech, 1 client | Same, plus a second screen for records |
| Specialist and referral consults | Vet + specialist, often with images | Webcam or small bar, content sharing |
| Case rounds and staff meetings | Group in a room | Small-room video bar |
| CE and training | Group viewing | Video bar or display + speakerphone |
Rules first
Whether a vet can diagnose or prescribe over video depends on the veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR) rules in your state, and those rules have been changing. Check your state veterinary board and the AVMA's current guidance before offering video consults to new clients. The equipment here works with whatever service model your state allows.
The consult station
| Component | What to look for | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Camera | 1080p or 4K, good low-light, autofocus, privacy cover | Jabra PanaCast 20 |
| Audio | Headset for privacy, or a speakerphone for a quiet office | Jabra Speak2 55 |
| Display | Two monitors: one for the call, one for records and imaging | Any business monitor |
| Lighting | Soft front light on the vet's face | See video conference lighting |
| Network | Wired Ethernet at the station | See network bandwidth for video calls |
Getting a good look at the patient
The client controls the camera on their end, so much of the exam quality comes from coaching:
- Send clients a short guide before the call: good light, phone held steady, pet on a table or floor near a window.
- Ask them to show specific areas slowly (gait, eyes, wound site).
- Ask for photos or short videos uploaded before the call through your platform. They are usually sharper than a live stream.
- Use your platform's screenshot or recording features if your records policy allows.
Room setup
- Quiet room. Barking from the kennel area carries. Use a closed office or consult room away from wards. AI noise removal on the speakerphone or headset helps.
- Professional background. A clean wall, not a cluttered treatment area.
- Privacy. Client records on the second screen shouldn't be visible to the camera.
- Cleaning. Gear in clinical areas needs wiping. See how to clean conference room equipment.
Group rooms for rounds and referrals
For case rounds with remote specialists or staff at other locations:
- 3-6 people: Logitech MeetUp 2 or Poly Studio R30 on the display, connected to a PC.
- 6-10 people: Yealink MeetingBar A30 or Jabra PanaCast 50.
- Share radiographs and lab results from the practice PC.
Budget tiers
| Tier | Setup |
|---|---|
| Starter | Existing PC + Jabra PanaCast 20 + headset |
| Standard | Dual monitors, PanaCast 20, Jabra Speak2 55, desk light |
| Multi-vet practice | Consult stations plus a small video bar in the conference room |
Related: telehealth equipment, how to set up a telehealth cart and dental office video consults.
Setting up consult stations? Tell us how many and we'll put together a kit for each.
Related guides
- Telehealth equipment: camera, mic and setup for providers
- Home Office Video Conferencing Setup and Equipment
- Medical Practice Telehealth Room Setup Guide
- Conference Room Setup for Video Interviews
- Video Conferencing for Dental Offices: Consult Room Setup
- Therapy and Counseling Telehealth Room Setup Guide
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