Pet Telehealth vs. In-Person Vet Visit: How to Know Which One You Need
Pet Telehealth vs. In-Person Vet Visit: How to Know Which One You Need
One of the most common questions we hear from Urban Pawz clients since launching our telehealth service is: ‘How do I know which type of visit to book?’ It is a great question — and the answer is simpler than you might think.
This guide gives you a clear framework for deciding between a virtual vet visit and an in-person appointment, so you can always get the right care at the right time for your dog or cat.
The Core Difference: Observation vs. Examination
Many health concerns can be meaningfully addressed through observation alone. Others genuinely cannot. Knowing the difference is the key to using both options well.
Telehealth is built on observation — what the vet can see, hear (through your description), and assess based on your pet’s history and the visual information you provide via camera. In-person visits add the critical layer of physical examination: palpation, auscultation, blood draws, urinalysis, imaging, and hands-on diagnostic tools.
Choose Telehealth When...
- Your pet has a minor skin irritation, small cut, or superficial wound that does not appear infected
- You want a nutrition consultation or dietary review
- You need a post-surgery check-in and the incision looks generally clean
- Your pet has a mild behavioural change and you want professional guidance
- You are a new pet owner with general questions about vaccination schedules, parasite prevention, or life stage care
- Your pet is on an ongoing medication and you need a routine prescription review
- You want a second opinion before committing to a treatment plan
- Your pet is extremely anxious in clinical settings and you want to triage before deciding whether a visit is necessary
Choose an In-Person Visit When...
- Your pet needs vaccinations, a microchip, or blood work
- You have noticed a lump, bump, or mass that needs to be felt and assessed
- Your pet is limping, has joint pain, or has reduced range of motion
- Vomiting or diarrhea has lasted more than 24 hours or is accompanied by lethargy
- Your pet’s eyes appear red, cloudy, or are producing unusual discharge
- Weight loss has been significant or rapid
- Your pet requires dental cleaning, scaling, or oral surgery
- Any procedure, injection, or physical intervention is needed
Emergency: Skip Both — Go Directly to Emergency Care
Neither telehealth nor a standard in-person appointment is appropriate for a genuine pet emergency. If your pet is experiencing any of the following, call an emergency animal hospital immediately:
- Difficulty breathing or choking
- Collapse, seizure, or loss of consciousness
- Suspected poisoning or toxin ingestion
- Severe bleeding that cannot be controlled
- Suspected broken bones or inability to bear weight after trauma
The Urban Pawz Hybrid Approach
One of the advantages of booking telehealth with Urban Pawz is that it is fully integrated with our in-person practice. If our vet begins a virtual consultation and determines that your pet needs to be seen physically, we can schedule that appointment immediately — with full context from the telehealth call already in your pet’s record. You never start from scratch.
Many pet owners find that a telehealth call first actually makes the subsequent in-person visit more efficient, because the vet already knows exactly what to look for.
Still Not Sure? That Is What the Call Is For.
If you are uncertain whether your pet needs a telehealth visit or an in-person appointment, book the telehealth call. Our team will assess the situation in the first few minutes and redirect you to an in-person slot the same day if needed. You will never be turned away if your pet needs more than a screen can offer.
Telehealth Frequently Asked Questions
Coverage varies by provider and plan. We recommend checking with your insurer directly. We can provide a visit summary and invoice to support any reimbursement claim.
Yes. New patients are welcome for telehealth consultations. For ongoing care, we may recommend an in-person visit to establish a full medical record.
Please contact us or visit our booking portal for current pricing. Telehealth visits are priced to be accessible and transparent — no hidden fees
A smartphone, tablet, or computer with a camera and a stable internet connection. Good lighting in the room helps us see your pet clearly.
Testimonials
What some of our amazing customers are saying about us!
Cássia Corrêa Ziroldo
04:32 14 Apr 26
We had an excellent experience at Urban Pawz Animal Clinic with Dr. Marcelle. From the reception to the nurses, everyone was welcoming, kind, and very attentive, providing a truly humanized service.
Dr. Marcelle is amazing! Very caring, patient, and thorough in her explanations, which made us feel confident and at ease. Our dog (Billy) was treated with great care and affection.
We highly recommend Urban Pawz Clinic!
Dr. Marcelle is amazing! Very caring, patient, and thorough in her explanations, which made us feel confident and at ease. Our dog (Billy) was treated with great care and affection.
We highly recommend Urban Pawz Clinic!
Gizella Figueira
01:58 02 Apr 26
I had an amazing experience at Urban Pawz Animal Clinic with Dr. Marcelle and her assistant , from the moment I arrived, the team was warm, welcoming, and truly caring. Dr. Marcelle took her time to examine my dog Nico, explained everything clearly, and made sure I understood each step of the treatment.
The clinic is clean, modern, organized, and you can tell they genuinely love animals. Nico felt safe and comfortable the entire time, which means everything to me.
The clinic is clean, modern, organized, and you can tell they genuinely love animals. Nico felt safe and comfortable the entire time, which means everything to me.
Daniela Figueiro Inacio
12:29 21 Mar 26
Amazing! All staff is super friendly and willing to help. Facility is Super clean, easy to park. Diaz is amazing with animals! She is very knowledgeable, attentive and friendly with animals!
Rosangela Oliveira
05:08 07 Mar 26
Aidan Nogueira
21:01 06 Mar 26
Took my two cats to see Dr. Dias today and it was honestly the best veterinary experience we’ve had since moving to the U.S. She was incredibly kind, patient, and attentive the whole time. You can tell she truly cares about the animals and takes the time to make them feel safe instead of rushing through the appointment.
Her assistant was also wonderful and helped create a calm environment for the cats. One of my cats gets very nervous and sometimes urinates when stressed, and they were so understanding about it. They even offered to change the pad in the carrier and gave them Churu treats to help them relax. Small gestures like that make a huge difference for both the pets and the owners.
The whole visit felt thoughtful, gentle, and very professional. It’s rare to find a place where the staff treats your pets with that level of care and patience. We left feeling really grateful.
Dr. Dias will definitely be our cats’ veterinarian from now on. Highly recommend.
Her assistant was also wonderful and helped create a calm environment for the cats. One of my cats gets very nervous and sometimes urinates when stressed, and they were so understanding about it. They even offered to change the pad in the carrier and gave them Churu treats to help them relax. Small gestures like that make a huge difference for both the pets and the owners.
The whole visit felt thoughtful, gentle, and very professional. It’s rare to find a place where the staff treats your pets with that level of care and patience. We left feeling really grateful.
Dr. Dias will definitely be our cats’ veterinarian from now on. Highly recommend.
Ana Fernandes
15:06 21 Oct 25
I’ve been bringing my dog to Dr. Marcelle for over seven years, and I couldn’t be happier with the care we receive. She is an exceptional professional—knowledgeable, attentive, and truly passionate about what she does. The clinic is not only beautiful and welcoming, but it also has an atmosphere that makes you forget you’re even in a veterinary facility. I absolutely love her work and the outstanding environment she has created. Highly recommended!
David R
23:55 18 Oct 25
Dr Dias-Appelblattt is excellent. She is caring, knowledgable and full of empathy. She took the time to really get to the issues our dog was having and she went above and beyond. I’d recommend her to anyone!!
Gabriela Assuncao
23:49 18 Oct 25
This place is amazing! Marcelle takes a good care of our dogs(kids). Every time we walk in our dogs feel at home. If I could give 10 stars I would! Great service.
Antonio Santos
23:43 18 Oct 25
I normally don't write reviews, but this place deserves a 5 start, Marcelle and her team is just amazing how they treat our kids(dogs) I highly recommend this place!
Arletis Gamez
15:20 17 Oct 25
They are super good at their job, I would come back 🙏🥰
priscila godoy
15:41 11 Oct 25
I had such a wonderful experience at Urban Paws Animal Clinic! I brought my 5-year-old Maltese, and from the moment we walked in, the entire team made us feel so welcome and cared for. The staff is incredibly kind, patient, and professional — you can tell they truly love animals and take the time to make sure both pets and owners feel comfortable.
Dr Marcelle was gentle, thorough, and explained everything clearly, which really put me at ease. My Maltese was calm the whole time (which never happens at vet visits!), and I could tell she was being treated with genuine care.
The clinic itself is clean, modern, and organized — and the attention to detail in how they handle each appointment really stands out. I left feeling confident that my dog was in the best hands possible.
I highly recommend Urban Paws Animal Clinic to anyone looking for compassionate, high-quality veterinary care. They’ve definitely earned our trust and future visits!
Dr Marcelle was gentle, thorough, and explained everything clearly, which really put me at ease. My Maltese was calm the whole time (which never happens at vet visits!), and I could tell she was being treated with genuine care.
The clinic itself is clean, modern, and organized — and the attention to detail in how they handle each appointment really stands out. I left feeling confident that my dog was in the best hands possible.
I highly recommend Urban Paws Animal Clinic to anyone looking for compassionate, high-quality veterinary care. They’ve definitely earned our trust and future visits!
Steven Roper
00:08 28 Sep 25
What a fantastic find for those that love their pets! Dr. Dias and her team (shout out to Noelle) are wonderful. The space is very modern and inviting to both pets and their owners and the obvious love and attention to pets is obvious. We had a counseling session for our little guy for weight problems, and Noelle did a fantastic job of walking us steps to keep him healthy. He also had surgery to have two teeth removed for his cleaning. While not cheap, it was incredibly professional. I would not just our little guy to any else. Steven
Sherry Swerdlow
17:52 24 Sep 25
All I can say is wow!! We have been searching for a vet that we liked and was taking new patients since moving to this area 4 years ago. The clinic is beautiful, clean, comfortable & warm. The office staff was amazing, and Dr. Dias was so wonderful and thorough. We found our new “fur-ever” animal clinic, for our beloved dog, Kaine..
Run don’t walk to Urban Pawz!!!
Run don’t walk to Urban Pawz!!!
Rosana Julio
00:33 19 Sep 25
The best vet care I’ve ever experienced! From the moment you walk into the new clinic, you can feel the warmth and genuine care for both pets and their families. The facility is beautiful, modern, and welcoming, and the entire team goes above and beyond to make sure every fur baby receives the best treatment. Dr. Marcelle and Brian have truly created a space filled with compassion, professionalism, and love for our community’s pets. So grateful !
garret sacks
22:15 18 Sep 25
Last Monday, I was faced with the heartbreaking decision to put my cat down. I was distraught and anxious the entire day, calling around and eventually choosing to take her to Urban Pawz.
I can honestly say I have never been treated with as much compassion and care at any other vet. The staff was absolutely amazing—so kind, supportive, and consoling. They made me feel truly comforted and accommodated during one of the most difficult moments of my life, allowing me to say a peaceful goodbye to my beloved pet.
I would highly recommend Urban Pawz to anyone. The staff, the doctor—everyone—was incredible.
Rip oopsie 🪽
I can honestly say I have never been treated with as much compassion and care at any other vet. The staff was absolutely amazing—so kind, supportive, and consoling. They made me feel truly comforted and accommodated during one of the most difficult moments of my life, allowing me to say a peaceful goodbye to my beloved pet.
I would highly recommend Urban Pawz to anyone. The staff, the doctor—everyone—was incredible.
Rip oopsie 🪽
Tom G
01:07 11 Sep 25
Urban Pawz is awesome. New, modern space is clean hi-tech and spacious. Easy to get to location.
I have been going to Dr. Dias for years. She is friendly and personable and clearly has so much compassion with animals. I would highly recommend Urban Pawz for all your pet care needs
I have been going to Dr. Dias for years. She is friendly and personable and clearly has so much compassion with animals. I would highly recommend Urban Pawz for all your pet care needs
Ana Anauate Hirschbruch
19:54 06 Sep 25
I’ve known Dr. Marcele for many years, and she’s been taking care of my Golden with incredible love and dedication since we got her. She’s truly exceptional — not just highly skilled, but also one of the most caring and compassionate professionals I’ve ever met. Now that she has her own clinic, I couldn’t be more excited! The clinic is amazing — modern, clean, and with great facilities that show how much thought, and care went into creating this space.
Anaclaudia Sale
21:13 02 Sep 25
Great place with a great doctors .
My dog loved Dr Marcelle Dias!
Thank you.
My dog loved Dr Marcelle Dias!
Thank you.
Cristiane Oliveira
21:06 14 Aug 25
Dr. Dias is the most amazing vet, and my dog Bailey absolutely loves her! She’s kind, compassionate, and incredible at what she does. Her passion for caring for animals is clear in every visit. She’s been taking care of my 2-year-old Cane Corso since he was a puppy, and I trust her completely. Her new practice is beautiful, welcoming, and by far the cleanest vet clinic I’ve ever been to. Highly recommend!
Anthony Karlin
20:51 14 Aug 25
Marcelle is the absolute best vet ever! She is amazing and everyone else here is amazing too, 11/10 if you need a vet come here! Very knowledgeable and caring. Anything you need for your pets this is the place to go.
Ella Carter
16:33 12 Aug 25
After 15 years in America, I finally found a truly special place for my Shih Tzu. This clinic is absolutely exceptional — probably the best in Florida, maybe even the whole USA. The Brazilian veterinarian is incredibly skilled and caring, the clinic is spotless, elegant, and fully equipped with everything from a surgical center to travel documentation, all in one place. Every single staff member is kind and attentive, and the doctors… simply beyond words. I feel so grateful to have found them.
Thank you Dr. Marcelle
Anna and MiMi 🐶
Thank you Dr. Marcelle
Anna and MiMi 🐶
Renata Rodrigues
02:01 12 Aug 25
From the moment I walked in, I was impressed, beautiful decor, a calm atmosphere, and a warm welcome from everyone I encountered. The entire team, from the front desk to the vet staff, was genuinely kind and attentive. After having so many disappointing experiences with other vets, finding this place feels like such a relief. They treated my pet with compassion, took the time to explain everything clearly, and made us both feel truly cared for. I can honestly say this is the best veterinary experience I’ve ever had!
Thais Souza
17:20 10 Aug 25
Absolutely wonderful experience! The clinic is clean, welcoming, and very well-organized. Dr. Dias is incredibly knowledgeable, kind, and genuinely cares about the animals. She took the time to explain everything clearly and made sure my pet felt comfortable the whole time. The entire staff is friendly, attentive, and professional. I couldn’t be happier with the care we received, this is truly the best and safest place to bring your pet!
Jenna Capozzi
17:19 09 Aug 25
Dr.Diaz is amazing! So kind, patient, thorough and gives very honest recommendations with options. She is our new vet! Thank you!
Ronnie Ratner-Sheldon
15:53 07 Aug 25
I’m extremely fussy about my dog as she is like a child to me . I put my dogs life in this vets hands. Most of all she walks out of the clinic with a wagging tail.
Samantha Mirer
18:26 04 Aug 25
Such an amazing clinic. Dr. Marcelle Dias Appelblatt is so loving and knowledgeable. The clinic is beautiful and clean. Definitely recommend taking your pets here!
Ann Marie Bravo
15:35 26 Jul 25
Urban Paws Veterinary Clinic is exactly what this area needed. We brought our dog, Mabel, in for a visit and were blown away by the experience. The clinic is spotless and modern, and every staff member we met was kind, attentive, and clearly loves animals. Dr. Dias-Appelblatt was exceptional — gentle, thorough, and took time to make sure all our questions were answered. You can tell they’ve built a place that truly puts pets (and their humans!) at ease. We’ll definitely be back.
Karen Bean
20:32 25 Jul 25
My cat and I recently had an appointment at Urban Pawz Animal Clinic CoconutCreek. From the esthetically pleasing waiting room to the calming aroma therapy and fuzzy blankets awaiting my pet, I knew I had chosen the right place. Dr. Dias-Appleblatt is an extraordinary vet practicing solid medicine.
She has surrounded herself with a team of like minded employees. All are highly credentialed and share their knowledge and love for your pet with every aspect of the visit. It's not just a"catch"phrase over their door. You really do leave feeling as if you are part of a family!
She has surrounded herself with a team of like minded employees. All are highly credentialed and share their knowledge and love for your pet with every aspect of the visit. It's not just a"catch"phrase over their door. You really do leave feeling as if you are part of a family!
Ready to get Quick Help for your Pet?
Book your virtual or in-person visit at Urban Pawz Animal Clinic, Coconut Creek. Call (954) 445-3018 or book online through our patient portal.
