Can a Vet Prescribe via WhatsApp in Hong Kong?

A vet may be able to provide remote follow-up or prescribe medication when the relevant requirements are met. Sending a WhatsApp enquiry does not guarantee a prescription or a refill. Even if your pet has visited a clinic within the past six months, the vet must assess the medical history, current condition and medication needs before deciding how to proceed.

What are Hong Kong's veterinary telemedicine requirements?

Section 32 of the Veterinary Surgeons Board of Hong Kong (VSB) Code of Practice covers veterinary services provided by telephone, video, text or instant messaging. Apart from the specific exceptions in paragraph 32.3, the usual requirements can be summarised as follows:

1. Consent: The owner, a duly authorised agent, or a person with statutory or lawful authority over the animal has agreed to the service being provided remotely.

2. An existing VCPR: There is a veterinary-client-patient relationship between the vet providing the service, the client and the animal.

3. A recent examination by that vet: The vet providing the remote service has physically examined the animal within the preceding six months.

4. The examination is still sufficient: That examination reasonably enables the vet to provide the service needed now without another physical examination.

The six-month period is one condition, not a guarantee of remote prescribing. A previous visit to the same clinic does not, by itself, meet the requirement relating to the vet providing the remote service.

Does a visit within six months guarantee a refill?

No. The vet must decide whether the earlier examination and available information are sufficient for the current request.

When remote follow-up may be suitable

• The consent, VCPR and examination requirements above are met.

• The pet's condition and medication use are stable.

• The vet considers the existing records and the owner's update sufficient to make a clinical judgement.

When an in-person reassessment may be needed

• More than six months have passed since the vet providing the remote service last physically examined the pet.

• There are new symptoms, a change in the condition or suspected medication side effects.

• Blood tests, diagnostic imaging or other monitoring are needed.

• The vet considers the available information insufficient and needs to examine the pet again.

If reassessment is needed, contact the clinic about a physical examination and general health care appointment. Prescribing, dispensing and monitoring requirements may differ between medicines, so the vet must decide what is appropriate.

Five details to prepare before requesting medication

1. Your pet's name and relevant medical history.

2. The date of the last physical examination and the name of the vet who performed it.

3. The medication name, current dose and administration instructions.

4. The amount remaining and the date it is expected to run out.

5. Any new symptoms, changes in the condition or possible side effects.

Contact the clinic before the medication runs out so the vet has time to review the records and arrange any necessary checks. A clear photograph of the medication label can also help the team confirm the details. Do not increase, reduce or stop the medication yourself.

When should you avoid waiting for a WhatsApp reply?

If your pet has difficulty breathing, loses consciousness, has seizures, continues to bleed, develops a visibly swollen abdomen or shows other emergency signs, do not wait for a message reply. Call +852 2679 1000 to contact Concordia's 24-hour emergency veterinary service and seek care promptly as advised. For exotic pets, call first so the team can confirm immediate support arrangements.

Are there exceptions for extreme weather or emergencies?

Paragraph 32.3 exempts cases from paragraph 32.2.2 when restrictions on outside movement during extreme weather or for other reasons prevent prior establishment of a VCPR or examination, or when complying would endanger the animal's life in an emergency. The vet must determine whether a case qualifies. These are specific exceptions, rather than a routine refill arrangement. Consent and medical-record requirements still apply.

Contact Concordia about a medication refill

The vet will review your pet's records and current condition before deciding whether remote follow-up is appropriate or an in-person reassessment is needed. Sending a message, photograph or refill request does not guarantee that medication can be supplied without another visit.

• Emergencies and telephone enquiries: +852 2679 1000

• Cats and dogs WhatsApp: +852 5919 3038

• Exotic pets WhatsApp: +852 6211 6267

Frequently asked questions

Can a vet prescribe after seeing only a photograph or video?

Photographs and videos can help the vet understand the situation, but may not provide enough information for a diagnosis or prescription. Further information or an in-person examination may be needed.

Can I get a few days of medication if the last examination was over six months ago?

There is no automatic answer. An in-person assessment will generally be needed. The vet must determine whether a specific exception applies and how to manage the medication request in light of the pet's condition and relevant requirements.

If my pet seems stable, can we skip the follow-up appointment?

Not necessarily. Some medication requires regular checks or monitoring even when an owner has not noticed any changes. Follow the attending vet's advice about reassessment.