Pet health decisions, answered on the first screen
Online vet visits, pet pharmacies, joint supplements and dog DNA tests - every fact read from the brand's own official page, with its source and check date.
Online vet: Vetster Plus is $12/month billed annually and includes 4 same-day video appointments a year plus unlimited messaging with registered vet techs; paying per appointment is also available at marketplace rates.
Pet pharmacy: 1-800-PetMeds ships free on orders over $49 in 2-5 business days, and requires a veterinarian's approval before it ships prescription items. VetsterRx standard shipping is free for Vetster Plus members or orders over $45.
Joint supplements: Cosequin publishes 25+ formulas for dogs, cats and horses and does not list prices on its own site - the price you pay is set by the retailer.
Dog DNA tests: Embark's Breed + Health test is listed at $139 and screens 270+ genetic health conditions, with results in 2-4 weeks.
Every line above is sourced in the tables below and on each brand page, with the official URL and check date.
The four brands at a glance
Vetster
Vetster Plus $12/mo
Billed annually; includes 4 same-day video appointments a year, 50% off additional bookings, carry-over of up to 2 unused appointments, unlimited messaging with registered vet techs, free standard shipping and 50% off pharmacy fees. Paying per appointment instead is also available at marketplace rates.
Source: https://vetster.com/en-us/plus · checked 2026-09-25
Vetster is an online vet service with thousands of licensed veterinarians for video appointments and follow-up messaging. Its Vetster Plus subscription is $12/month billed annually and includes 4 same-day video appointments a year plus unlimited messaging with registered vet techs.
1-800-PetMeds
Free shipping on $49+
Standard delivery in 2-5 business days, as stated in the shipping banner on 1800petmeds.com; for prescription items a veterinarian's approval is required before shipment.
Source: https://www.1800petmeds.com/ · checked 2026-09-25
1-800-PetMeds sells prescription and non-prescription pet medication online. It requires a veterinarian's approval before shipping prescription items, ships free on orders over $49 with standard delivery in 2-5 business days, and gives AutoShip orders 5% off future orders.
Cosequin
Not published on the official site
Cosequin's own site lists its products and shows a Where to Buy CTA instead of prices, so the price you pay is set by the retailer you buy from.
Source: https://www.cosequin.com/ · checked 2026-09-25
Cosequin is Nutramax's joint supplement line for dogs, cats and horses. The brand calls itself the #1 veterinarian recommended retail joint health supplement, publishes over 25 formulas, and says more than 80 quality checks are run per batch.
Embark
Breed + Health test $139
List price shown on Embark's product page on 2026-09-25; the Breed ID Dog DNA Test and the Dog Age Test are listed at $109 each. Sales and promotions change the displayed price.
Source: https://embarkvet.com/products/breed-and-health-dog-dna-test-kit · checked 2026-09-25
Embark's Breed + Health dog DNA test is listed at $139 and screens for 270+ genetic health conditions, traits and allergy risk scores, with results in 2-4 weeks. Shipping within the US is free with a pre-paid mailer.
Guides
Facts with sources
| Fact | Condition to get it | Official source page | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online vet subscription: Vetster Plus is $12/month billed annually and includes 4 same-day video appointments a year plus unlimited messaging with registered vet techs. | Vetster's own FAQ; products and related fees are not included, and benefits are shared by any pet in the home. | https://vetster.com/en-us/plus | 2026-09-25 |
| VetsterRx standard shipping (2-3 business days) is free for Vetster Plus members and for non-member orders over $45, and Vetster says appointments are available in all states. | Fee table on VetsterRx; express shipping is $19 and refrigerated items ship express only, Monday-Thursday. | https://vetster.com/en-us/vetster-rx-online-pharmacy | 2026-09-25 |
| 1-800-PetMeds ships free on orders over $49 with standard delivery in 2-5 business days, and requires a veterinarian's approval before shipping prescription items. | Shipping banner and prescription messaging on 1800petmeds.com; the site says it contacts your vet for approval before shipping. | https://www.1800petmeds.com/ | 2026-09-25 |
| 1-800-PetMeds AutoShip locks in 5% off future orders, sends an email one week before each shipment, and includes a free video call with a licensed vet while enrolled. | AutoShip program description; certain products or categories may not be eligible for discounts. | https://www.1800petmeds.com/ | 2026-09-25 |
| Cosequin calls itself the #1 veterinarian recommended retail joint health supplement, publishes over 25 formulas for dogs, cats and horses, and says 80+ quality checks run per batch. | Survey among small animal veterinarians who recommended oral joint health supplements, retail brands only; figures from Cosequin's homepage. | https://www.cosequin.com/ | 2026-09-25 |
| Embark's Breed + Health dog DNA test is listed at $139, screens for 270+ genetic health conditions plus traits and allergy risk scores, and returns results in 2-4 weeks. | Prices as displayed on 2026-09-25; results window from the product instructions, US shipping free with a pre-paid mailer. | https://embarkvet.com/products/breed-and-health-dog-dna-test-kit | 2026-09-25 |
FAQ
Can a veterinarian see my pet online?
Yes - Vetster lets you book video appointments with licensed veterinarians 24/7 and says both its subscription and per-appointment options are available in all states. Both options include secure video calls, 48-hour follow-up live messaging with your vet, and access to thousands of veterinarians.
Source: https://vetster.com/en-us/plus · checked 2026-09-25
How do online pet pharmacies handle prescription medication?
1-800-PetMeds states that for prescription items a veterinarian's approval is required before shipment and that it reaches out to your veterinarian for approval before shipping. Vetster works differently: its vet decides during your appointment whether a prescription is needed, and you order it through VetsterRx or pick it up at a local pharmacy.
Source: https://www.1800petmeds.com/ · checked 2026-09-25
How much does shipping cost when I order pet medication online?
On the brands' own published figures: 1-800-PetMeds gives free shipping on orders over $49 with standard delivery in 2-5 business days, and VetsterRx standard shipping is free for Vetster Plus members and for non-member orders over $45, with express shipping at $19.
Source: https://vetster.com/en-us/vetster-rx-online-pharmacy · checked 2026-09-25
How much does a dog DNA test cost?
Embark lists its Breed + Health dog DNA test at $139, while the Breed ID Dog DNA Test and the Dog Age Test are listed at $109 each (prices shown on 2026-09-25). Breed + Health adds screening for 270+ genetic health conditions, traits and Allergy Risk Scores, with results in 2-4 weeks.
Source: https://embarkvet.com/products/breed-and-health-dog-dna-test-kit · checked 2026-09-25
Are joint supplements for dogs backed by anything?
Cosequin says its formulas contain ingredients backed by scientific research and that over 80 quality checks are run per batch; it also states it is the #1 veterinarian recommended retail joint health supplement brand, based on a survey among small animal veterinarians who recommended oral joint health supplements, counting retail brands only.
Source: https://www.cosequin.com/ · checked 2026-09-25