At Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, the health and wellbeing of animals continue to be our number one priority especially more so during the COVID-19 pandemic. We have a duty to continue to support and protect pet owners and their pets, especially those who are in isolation because their pets are perhaps the only companions they may have.

Therefore as part of our continued support and commitment to pet owners, their pets as well as understanding the needs of veterinary professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic, Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health UK Limited has partnered with VetHelpDirect to offer all veterinary practices in the UK & Ireland free* access to an online video consultation platform for a period of three months.

By offering an alternative to face-to-face consultations, the online platform provides a means to continue to care for animals while protecting both clients and vet practice staff and still maintaining revenue streams. For example, patients can be triaged to determine whether they actually need to be seen and post-operative checks can be performed.

The system can be used by clients on most smart phones or tablet devices. Clients can book online or be sent a link by the practice, and with payment being taken online before the consultation commences, revenue streams are maintained.

With the increasing importance of avoiding unnecessary person-to-person contact, practices using online consultations will be able to provide care for clients that are self-isolating. Self-isolating staff may also be able to continue to work from home, allowing for business continuity.

The VetHelpDirect service will be provided free* of charge by Boehringer Ingelheim for three months for any UK or Ireland veterinary practice. To find out more or to register for the free service, visit https://bit.ly/bi_video_consulting

* Terms & Conditions

1. The VetHelpDirect Video Platform will be available free of charge for three months from the date of sign-up for all UK and Republic of Ireland veterinary practices.
2. The closing date for signing up to the offer is 1st June 2020.
3. VetHelpDirect reserves the right to extend or withdraw the free offer at any time.
4. If a practice wishes to continue to use the service after three-month free period, there will be a cost £20 per practice per month.
5. If, after the end of the promotional period, the veterinary practice is not already registered on the VetHelpDirect Directory, there will be an additional monthly fee of £38 for the first branch plus £16 for each additional branch.
6. Client payments are taken through Stripe and are subject to a 4.8% platforms fee.
7. Money collected for consultation payments will be paid monthly to the practice net of the platforms fee.
8. For further information please call 02382 250 102 or email info@vethelpdirect.com
9. All participants agree to be bound by these terms and conditions.

An educational service from Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health UK Ltd (“BI”) makers of NexGard Spectra^®. Further information available from BI, RG12 8YS, UK. ^©2020 Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health UK Ltd. All rights reserved Date of preparation: Mar 2020. UI-MSP-0014-2020. Use Medicines Responsibly.

VetHelpDirect

In addition to the Video Consultation Platform, VetHelpDirect the UK largest dedicated independent vet reviewing platform and directory website, with interactive symptom checker. Designed and run by vets it directs owners to personalised first aid advice and clear guidelines about when to contact a vet. The Best UK Vet Awards is also managed by VetHelpDirect. www.vethelpdirect.com