About
VVS – Virtual Veterinary Specialists is a multi-disciplinary virtual referral platform designed for first-opinion veterinary practices. Using a dedicated digital platform, VVS enables live, real-time consultations between in-practice vets and specialist clinicians covering Anaesthesia, Cardiology, Dentistry, Dermatology, Diagnostic Imaging, Internal Medicine, Neurology, Oncology, Ophthalmology, and Feline Medicine. Rather than referring a patient to an external specialist centre, the attending vet can connect with a VVS specialist during the consultation, walking through case work-ups, guided ultrasound scanning, treatment planning, and client communication—all while the patient remains in the familiar surroundings of the practice. This reduces patient stress, is more convenient for pet owners, and keeps the clinical and financial value of complex cases within the practice. VVS also delivers Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and mentorship, helping veterinary professionals build practical skills such as echocardiography directly under specialist guidance. The service provides participating practices with the necessary diagnostic kit and ongoing technical support. Testimonials from MRCVS vets highlight improvements in clinical confidence, job satisfaction, and business performance. VVS is available to practices in the UK and the USA, and is positioned as the future of veterinary specialist care—accessible, affordable, and education-focused.
Key Features
- Real-Time Live Specialist Consultations: Connect instantly with board-certified veterinary specialists during an active consultation for guided case work-ups and treatment planning.
- 10+ Multi-Disciplinary Specialties: Access experts in Cardiology, Neurology, Oncology, Dermatology, Dentistry, Diagnostic Imaging, Internal Medicine, Ophthalmology, Anaesthesia, and Feline Medicine.
- CPD & Mentorship: Vets develop practical clinical skills—such as echocardiography and ultrasound—under real-time specialist guidance, earning tailored continuing professional development.
- Practice-Ready Equipment & Support: VVS supplies the diagnostic kit needed to start the service immediately and provides ongoing technical and clinical support.
- In-Practice Patient Care: Patients remain in their familiar clinic environment, reducing stress and making specialist care more accessible and convenient for pet owners.
Use Cases
- A general practice vet seeking immediate cardiology guidance for a patient presenting with a suspected heart murmur, without referring the animal to an external centre.
- A feline-focused practice offering specialist opinions for cats whose owners are unwilling or unable to travel to a referral hospital.
- A veterinary business owner looking to retain the clinical and financial value of complex neurology or oncology cases within their practice.
- A newly qualified vet building ultrasound and diagnostic imaging skills through real-time mentorship from a VVS imaging specialist during live cases.
- A multi-vet practice expanding its service offering by providing in-house access to dermatology, dentistry, and ophthalmology second opinions.
Pros
- Broad Specialty Coverage: Over 10 veterinary disciplines available through a single platform, removing the need to manage multiple external referral relationships.
- Upskills In-House Vets: Real-time mentorship helps practice vets build advanced diagnostic skills, improving long-term clinical capability and job satisfaction.
- Retains Revenue Within the Practice: Complex case work-ups and specialist consultations stay in-house, preserving the financial and clinical value that would otherwise go to referral centres.
- Stress-Free for Patients & Owners: Pets stay in a familiar setting and owners avoid long travel to specialist referral hospitals, improving welfare and compliance.
Cons
- Pricing Not Publicly Listed: Service costs and subscription tiers are not disclosed on the website, requiring direct contact to understand fees.
- Cannot Fully Replace In-Person Specialist Examinations: Some complex cases requiring hands-on physical examination or surgery may still require an in-person referral centre.
- Dependent on Reliable Connectivity: Real-time video consultations require a stable, high-bandwidth internet connection, which may be a limitation in rural practices.
Frequently Asked Questions
What veterinary specialties does VVS cover?
VVS covers Anaesthesia, Cardiology, Dentistry, Dermatology, Diagnostic Imaging, Internal Medicine (including Feline Medicine), Neurology, Oncology, and Ophthalmology.
Do I need special equipment to use VVS?
VVS provides the necessary diagnostic and connectivity kit to get started, along with full technical support, so practices can begin using the service immediately.
Is VVS available outside the UK?
Yes. VVS has a dedicated FAQ section for vets in the USA, indicating the service is available in multiple countries.
How does a live VVS consultation work?
During an active patient consultation, the attending vet connects in real time with a VVS specialist via the digital platform. The specialist provides live guidance on diagnostics, interpretation, treatment planning, and client communication while the patient remains in the practice.
Can VVS help with my professional development?
Yes. VVS includes a CPD and mentorship service. Specialists coach vets through case work-ups, building practical skills such as ultrasound and echocardiography over time.
