A new resource mapping the landscape of virtual veterinary care across Europe has been released by the Veterinary Virtual Care Association European Affiliate (VVCA-EA). The map provides a comprehensive overview of how telehealth services in veterinary medicine are regulated across 40 European countries, highlighting significant regional differences in approaches to virtual care.
According to the newly published map, regulations governing virtual veterinary care are predominantly established in Western European nations, while many other regions have less defined frameworks. This resource will be valuable for veterinary professionals looking to navigate the complex regulatory landscape of providing remote care services across different European jurisdictions.
For countries where telehealth is regulated, the map clearly indicates which nations:
Require an in-person physical examination before telemedicine services can be provided
Allow prescriptions to be issued based solely on a virtual Veterinary-Client-Patient-Relationship (VCPR)
Restrict virtual veterinary advice to qualified veterinarians only
Mandate that veterinary professionals providing remote care must be licensed within that specific country
This resource arrives at a critical time as the veterinary profession continues to adapt to technological advances and changing client expectations regarding access to care. Virtual veterinary services have seen accelerated adoption in recent years, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic, making clear regulatory guidance increasingly important.
The telehealth regulatory map represents an important step toward standardizing understanding of how virtual care can be legally and ethically provided across European borders. For veterinary professionals interested in expanding their telehealth services or understanding compliance requirements, this resource provides essential baseline information about the current regulatory environment.
The complete interactive map is available to view on the VVCA website and represents a significant contribution to the organization’s mission of advancing virtual care in veterinary medicine.
References
VVCA Europe Resources: https://vvca.org/resources/europe