Author: Dial A Vet Veterinary Team
Central Animal Records (CAR), Australia’s largest pet microchip registry, now offers online veterinary consults powered by Dial A Vet. If your pet is registered with CAR, you can book a video consultation with Australian vets and vet nurses through CAR’s platform, with same-day and extended hours available. This integration is now live.
Key takeaways
- Dial A Vet powers video telehealth for CAR members through embeds on CAR’s platform.
- CAR members can book Dial A Vet video consultations from within CAR.
- Consult access depends on CAR’s membership offering; for more info visit car.com.au.
- Same-day and extended hours are available.
- Online consults help with triage and advice. They do not replace hands-on care when your pet needs a clinic or emergency hospital.
What this partnership means for pet owners
CAR is Australia’s largest national pet database for microchipped pets. Many owners already use CAR for registration and recovery. The Dial A Vet integration adds another practical step: when you have a non-emergency question about your pet’s health, you can request a video consult without leaving the CAR experience.
Dial A Vet provides the clinical video consults. Australian vets and vet nurses join the call, listen to what’s going on, and help you decide what to do next. That might mean monitoring at home with clear warning signs, booking your regular clinic, or heading to emergency care when the situation calls for it.
How CAR members book a Dial A Vet consult
Booking sits inside CAR’s platform. Look for the Dial A Vet video consult option in your CAR membership experience, then follow the on-screen steps to request a consultation.
Access paths include free or included consults inside some CAR membership tiers, plus paid one-off consultations (for example, a $49 one-off option where that path applies). Framing that matters: CAR members get online Dial A Vet consults through the membership integration. For membership detail, see CAR’s membership offering at car.com.au.
What online consults are good for
Video telehealth works well when you need timely advice and a clear plan, and your pet is stable enough to wait for that conversation. Common examples include:
- Mild vomiting or diarrhoea in a bright, drinking pet
- Skin itch, hot spots, or ear concerns that are not rapidly worsening
- Medication timing questions or follow-up after a recent clinic visit
- Diet changes, new treats, or “is this normal?” moments
- Help deciding whether tonight needs an emergency hospital or can wait until morning
Have photos, a short timeline, your pet’s age and weight, and any treatments already tried ready before the call. That detail helps the vet or vet nurse triage faster.
When to go straight to a clinic or emergency hospital
Do not wait for a video call if your pet is in clear distress. Seek in-person emergency care for trouble breathing, collapse, seizures, uncontrolled bleeding, a hard or bloated belly, suspected toxin ingestion with concerning signs, or a pet that cannot stand. Dial A Vet can still help you prepare for that visit when there is time, but do not delay travel for a chat if your pet is crashing.
Online consults do not replace vaccines, surgery, imaging, dentistry, or a hands-on physical exam when those are needed.
Hours and expectations
Same-day and extended hours are available through the CAR integration. If your pet needs care outside available windows, use your local clinic or emergency hospital.
Telehealth advice is educational triage and guidance for your situation. It is not a diagnosis or a prescription written without an appropriate veterinary relationship and exam where those are required.
Why Dial A Vet and CAR
CAR already sits at the centre of microchip registration for many Australian pets. Dial A Vet focuses on accessible video consults with Australian vets and vet nurses. Together, the goal is simple: make it easier for CAR members to get online veterinary help when a question comes up, with clear limits about when in-person care is still essential.
FAQ
Is this available to every CAR user for free?
Not automatically. CAR members can access Dial A Vet online consults through the membership integration. Some membership tiers include consult access. Others may use a paid one-off path (such as $49 where offered). For more info, visit car.com.au.
Are the consults with Australian vets and vet nurses?
Yes. Dial A Vet video consultations for CAR members are with Australian vets and vet nurses.
Is this live now?
Yes. Online Dial A Vet consults for CAR members are now live through CAR’s platform.
Can an online consult replace my regular vet?
No. Think of it as an extra path for advice and triage. Keep your regular clinic for ongoing care, procedures, and anything that needs hands-on assessment.
Get started
If you are a CAR member, open CAR’s platform and look for the Dial A Vet video consult option to book. Prefer to learn more about Dial A Vet directly? Visit dialavet.com. For CAR membership detail, visit car.com.au.
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If your pet is in distress, contact your veterinarian or an emergency clinic immediately.