How I Got Same-Day Vet Care Without Leaving Home

Hilda Castillo-Landrum
Dec 31, 2025
4 min read

Updated: Jan 13

I know this post isn’t directly faith-related but caring for animals is a huge part of my life, my home, and honestly, my ministry.

If you’ve been around here for a while, you know my entire Instagram account is videos of my pets paired with Scripture. Loving them well, stewarding them responsibly, and doing the best we can with what we have matters deeply to me.

This week, I found something that genuinely helped my family, so I wanted to share it in case it helps yours too.

What Happened With My Dog…

One of my dogs recently lost her appetite.

Then the next day… still didn’t want to eat, then I noticed her eating grass. Not long after that, she had a bout of diarrhea; unfortunately on my couch (thankfully there is a cover on it😅).

I immediately called our vet to try to get her in for anti-diarrhea medication or at least guidance. They couldn’t see her for over a week. I called our backup vet; the wait there was even longer!

So I did what many of us do when we’re worried and running out of options. I went to my pet cabinet and looked at a prescription medication that had been written specifically for this dog just a few months ago. The vet had given it to us before a long trip to the coast in case she needed it while we were away.

I was desperate, and if the medication had treated gastrointestinal issues, I likely would have used it because the dosage was correct and it had been prescribed specifically to her.

After researching it more closely though, I realized it was intended for a possible UTI, not GI issues; so I did not use it.

I want to be very clear: I don’t recommend self-medicating your pets. This was a moment of urgency and concern, and it’s exactly why having access to a veterinarian (even virtually) matters so much.

Anyway, while researching the medication, I stumbled across a website that said something like:

“Same-day vet visits via Zoom.”

I’m paraphrasing but I stopped scrolling immediately. I wondered… “Is This Legit… or a Scam?”

I clicked on it, read more, and honestly couldn’t believe what I was seeing.

So I did what any cautious mom would do. I had my daughter help me read reviews, check for complaints and research if it was legit or a scam.

What we found??? Not a scam! Definitely legit!

That’s how I found Dutch.

What Is Dutch?

Dutch is an online veterinary care service (tele-vet is probably the best term) that connects you with licensed U.S. veterinarians via:

Video calls
Chat messaging

For $132 per year, they will see up to FIVE of your pets. Yes, FIVE! That breaks down to about $11/month TOTAL for up to 5 pets.

No per-visit fees.

No copays.

No “$75 just to walk in the door.”

And most of the time, same-day appointments are available, including nights and weekends!

To put this into perspective:

$132/year is about what I’d pay for one or two in-person vet visits, for the visit alone (without meds). That’s a HUGE deal!

I want to be completely transparent, so here’s exactly what’s included in the $132/year membership:

1) Unlimited Virtual Vet Visits.

You can contact licensed veterinarians as often as needed for:

Digestive issues (diarrhea, constipation, gas & vomiting)
Skin problems
Anxiety
Arthritis & joint pain
Appetite changes
Allergies
Ear issues
Minor infections
Behavioral questions
Diet & nutrition
Fleas & ticks
Hair loss
Itching
Urinary health
Tooth health
Trembling or shaking
Ongoing condition follow-ups

2) Covers Up to 5 Pets

Dogs, cats — all covered under one membership at the $132/year price.

3) Nights, Weekends & Same-Day (Often) Appointments

Especially helpful when something pops up and waiting a week isn’t an option. Like what happened to us.

4) Guaranteed lowest Priced Prescriptions When Appropriate

Depending on your state and the condition, Dutch vets can prescribe medications.

They also have their own pharmacy, with home delivery. You will have to pay for the medications themselves but they can be administered.

5) 20% Off Flea & Tick Prevention

This alone can save a significant amount annually!

What It Does NOT Cover

Dutch is not a replacement for emergency or hands-on veterinary care. They don’t cover things that require hands on or similar.

• No X-rays

• No bloodwork

• No surgeries

• No physical exams

• No emergency trauma care

If your pet needs:

Imaging
Surgery
Emergency intervention

You’ll obviously still need an in-person vet or emergency hospital.

Also important:

Medication costs are separate

The membership covers the vet access, not the cost of meds themselves.

Emergency Coverage Add-On (Optional)

Dutch also offers an optional emergency upgrade:

$6/month for cats
$8/month for dogs
Covers up to $10,000

I personally did not add this because I already carry pet insurance but if you don’t have pet insurance, this is a huge deal.

To put it into perspective:

Emergency stomach blockage surgery can cost $7,000–$10,000
Imaging and treatment for a broken bone can cost several thousand dollars

Having any emergency cushion can make a difference in a moment of panic. It can mean the difference between life and death.

I wanted to share this because times are tough right now, the economy is heavy and vet care has become incredibly expensive. We love our fur babies but sometimes finances prevent us from getting care as quickly or thoroughly as we wish we could.

This felt like a practical, realistic solution for everyday situations like: