FirstVet Review: Cost, Coverage & How It Stacks Up

Waggle Editorial Team••3 min read

Prepared by the Waggle editorial team. This article is educational, not a diagnosis or an individual veterinary review.

A close-up, black and white portrait of a smiling Border Collie dog showing its playful expression.

Photo by Mykhailo Petrenko on Pexels. Illustrative photo; not a patient or clinical diagnosis.

Disclosure: this guide is published by Waggle Vet. Details about other services come from public descriptions and change often, so confirm current pricing, coverage and availability on FirstVet's website.

FirstVet is a name you may see when searching for video vet visits. Here is a practical look at what to check and how it stacks up against other options.

What FirstVet is

FirstVet is generally described as a veterinary video consultation service that connects pet owners with vets by video.

How it generally works

You open the app, pick a consultation option and connect by video. Pricing may be per consultation, with some plan options. Check the current model.

What to check before you pay

  • Pricing. Pay-per-consult, subscription or both
  • Availability. Which hours, and which locations
  • Wait time. How soon you can see a vet
  • Chat vs. video. What you get
  • Pets covered. Which species
  • Follow-up. Whether a follow-up is included or costs extra
  • Records. Whether you receive a written summary
  • Prescriptions and referrals. What is possible in your state

How it stacks up: a simple comparison framework

Use the same questions for every service, including Waggle Vet:

  1. Are the vets licensed?
  2. Is it 24/7?
  3. Can I connect without an appointment?
  4. What is the monthly or per-visit cost?
  5. Are birds and exotics covered?
  6. Are summaries saved?
  7. Is there a free trial?

Where Waggle Vet fits

Waggle Vet offers live chat with licensed vet professionals, 24/7, with no appointment.

  • Price: access depends on current eligibility
  • Trial: subject to current eligibility terms
  • Pets: dogs and cats; ask about species support before relying on the service
  • Records: consultation summaries saved in the app
  • Hardware data: provide relevant readings yourself; automatic sharing is not promised

It works alongside your regular vet, not instead of them. For emergencies, go to an emergency vet near me.

FAQs

Is FirstVet worth it?

It depends on what you want. Compare cost, hours and species coverage.

What is a FirstVet alternative?

A membership service with 24/7 access, such as Waggle Vet.

Can I try Waggle Vet without committing?

Check current access and eligibility terms; a trial is not guaranteed for everyone.

Keep records in your digital pet health vault, and talk to a vet now.

Service limits and further guidance

Waggle Vet currently provides live chat guidance, not a promised live video or phone consultation. Access, response times and species support depend on current availability and eligibility. Do not assume medication can be prescribed: state licensure, a valid VCPR, veterinary judgment and federal requirements apply. An in-person examination may be needed.

AVMA: telehealth and the veterinarian-client-patient relationship

FirstVet: current official service information

Sources checked October 14, 2026. These references do not constitute veterinary review or endorsement of this article.

Related reading

Waggle resources

Explore Waggle Vet

Find nearby veterinary clinics; call to confirm availability

Store pet documents with Waggle Vault

Still have questions?

For non-emergency questions, explore Waggle Vet. Trouble breathing, collapse, suspected poisoning or other severe signs need immediate in-person emergency care—do not wait for an online chat.

Explore Waggle Vet