CAMPBELL, Calif., January 17, 2000 – For anyone who needs to book a last-minute doctor appointment or get quick advice on a sick pet, a new website service is connecting pet owners and veterinarians online. eVET™, recently introduced by pdqVET®, Inc., allows veterinarians to easily and affordably establish a web page and communicate with their patients via the Internet, 24-hours a day.
“Generally, animal hospitals have limited office hours and staff,” according to veterinarian Ron Weiner, pdqVET’s CEO. With more veterinary hospitals online, pet owners can take advantage of instantaneous communication with their doctor to conveniently book appointments, inquire about illnesses, get prescription refills and order recommended pet-care products.
Additionally, pet owners will have access to a host of resources including kennels, grooming facilities and lost and found networks. Beta sites at several veterinary offices are installed and running. The general site, http://www.pdqvet.com, is expected to launch in February.
“Most pet owners see their doctors as the most trusted resource for pet information,” says Dr. Weiner. By taking full advantage of the Internet, doctors can stay in regular contact with their clients allowing them to provide a more personalized approach to pet care.
The Internet is becoming a pervasive influence in our society, even impacting the veterinary industry with the emergence of online pet superstores. However, recent studies1 report that currently, only 11 percent of U.S. veterinary practices have Internet websites.
pdqVET developed eVET, a complete website solution including computer rental (if necessary), set up and maintenance. For only $39.95 per month, plus a nominal transaction fee, each practice can have a custom website that includes one or more of the following practice-building features: Around-the-Clock Appointment Scheduling, E-Commerce “Pet Store”, Prescription Services, “Ask the Vet” E-Mail , My Pet Tracker-Personal Pet Information, News/Medical Alerts, Lost and Found.
According to a 1999 KPMG Peat Marwick Study, on average pet owners annually make 31 transactions for pet-related services and products. Although the veterinarian can influence many of those transactions, typically only two transactions yearly are directly in conjunction with a veterinary hospital.
“Our goal at pdqVET is to level the playing field for the veterinarian by increasing the amount of office visits, whether they are virtual visits, such as an online information exchange, or in person to the doctor’s office,” Weiner added.
To recommend eVET to your veterinarian call (408) 376-4509 or toll-free at 877-993-8387. Veterinarians may call the above numbers or visit http://www.pdqvet.com for more information.
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NOTE TO EDITORS: Dr. Ronald Weiner is available for interview. Please call Kim Stowe at (408) 264-0396 or Dr. Weiner at (408) 376-4510.
pdqVET is a registered trademark of pdqVET, Inc.; eVET is a trademark of pdqVET, Inc.