Tele-Free Avian Telemedicine Consultation

After booking, you'll receive a digital history form by email. Please complete this before your appointment so we can review your bird's history and make the best use of your consultation time.

Please include any relevant photos, videos, previous veterinary records or laboratory results where requested.

Your consultation will be held via Zoom, with your appointment details and Zoom link sent by email.

If you don't receive your history form after booking, please check your spam folder or contact info@avianempire.co.nz.

Need to book a free follow-up from your telemedicine consultation?

Follow-up support is included for the case discussed during your original consultation.

Where appropriate, you can book a complimentary follow-up consultation within four weeks of your original appointment to review progress, test results, treatment or changes relating to the same case.

New health concerns, unrelated conditions or issues arising outside this period may require a new consultation.

Book a free follow up here

How does it work?

1. Choose your appointment time using the booking calendar.
2. Purchase your consultation. You'll receive an email with your digital history form and Zoom details.
3. Complete your history form before your appointment, providing as much relevant information as possible.
4. Join us on Zoom at your booked time using the link provided.

Who will I be speaking with?

You'll speak with Dr Sam Hurley, our avian veterinarian, alongside Jemma McLean, our avian rehabilitation and bird health consultant.

What species can you help with?

We work with a wide range of birds, including chickens and poultry, parrots, ducks, pigeons, canaries, finches, aviary birds, native birds and other avian species.

Can you prescribe medication?

Yes, where clinically appropriate and veterinary prescribing requirements can be met. In some cases, further diagnostic testing or a hands-on veterinary examination may be required before treatment can be prescribed.

Can you arrange diagnostic testing?

Yes. We can help determine which diagnostic tests may be appropriate, arrange testing where available and help interpret your bird's results.

Do I get follow-up support?

Yes. Case follow-up is included with your consultation. Where clinically appropriate, a complimentary follow-up consultation can be booked within four weeks of your original appointment to review progress, results or treatment relating to the same case.

New or unrelated health concerns may require a new consultation.

Is telemedicine suitable for emergencies?

No. Telemedicine cannot replace emergency or hands-on veterinary care. If your bird requires immediate stabilisation, physical examination, imaging, surgery, hospitalisation or other hands-on treatment, you will need to seek care through a local veterinary clinic.

Do I need to be in New Zealand?

Yes. Our veterinary telemedicine service is available to clients in New Zealand and is provided in accordance with New Zealand veterinary requirements.

Is this suitable for commercial poultry operations?

No. This consultation service is intended for pet birds, backyard flocks and non-commercial bird owners. Commercial and semi-commercial poultry operations should use our dedicated Poultry Veterinary Services.

What if I don't receive my digital history form?

Please check your spam or junk folder first. If it hasn't arrived, contact info@avianempire.co.nz and we'll send it through.

1. Digital History Form Requirement

• A completed digital history form must be submitted prior to your scheduled consultation.
• Failure to submit the required information may result in your consultation being postponed or rescheduled.

2. Cancellations, Rescheduling and Missed Appointments

• Consultations may be cancelled up to 24 hours before the scheduled appointment time.
• Cancellations made within 24 hours of the appointment may not be eligible for a refund.
• Avian Empire reserves the right to reschedule consultations where necessary due to unforeseen circumstances or clinical workload.
• Failure to attend a Tele-free consultation without notice may result in you being unable to book future Tele-free appointments.

3. Non-Emergency Service

• This telemedicine service is not suitable for emergency cases.
• Some conditions may require referral to your local veterinary clinic for physical examination, diagnostics, or treatments that cannot be provided via telemedicine.

4. Prescriptions

Prescriptions may be issued on a case-by-case basis, at the veterinarian’s discretion, and only where clinically appropriate and legally permitted.

5. Follow-Up Consultations

Follow-up appointments may be included where clinically necessary as part of ongoing case management.

6. Species Limitation

This telemedicine service is for bird patients only.

7. Limitations of Telemedicine

Telemedicine consultations are based on the information, images and videos provided by the client. As no physical examination is performed, diagnostic accuracy may be limited, and recommendations are made using the best information available at the time.

8. Geographic Limitation

This telemedicine service is available to New Zealand residents only and is provided in accordance with New Zealand regulations.

9. Commercial Use Exclusion

This telemedicine service is not intended for commercial farming operations.
Commercial poultry clients should refer to our dedicated commercial services at:

https://avianempirepoultry.co.nz

10. Follow-Up Consultations

Follow-up consultations may be included where clinically necessary as part of ongoing case management.

Where included, complimentary follow-up support is available for up to four (4) weeks following the initial consultation.

11. Accuracy of Information Provided

You are responsible for ensuring that all information provided is accurate and complete. Incomplete, inaccurate or misleading information may affect the advice given and the outcome of the consultation.

12. No Guaranteed Outcomes

While every effort is made to provide appropriate advice and treatment recommendations, outcomes cannot be guaranteed. Response to treatment may vary depending on the individual bird, underlying conditions and environmental factors.

13. Urgent Deterioration Clause

If your bird’s condition deteriorates suddenly or becomes urgent, you should seek immediate in-person veterinary care. Telemedicine is not a substitute for emergency veterinary treatment.

14. Recording and Documentation

Consultation notes, submitted forms, and any images or videos provided may be stored securely as part of the medical record, in accordance with privacy and professional record-keeping requirements.

15. Compliance With New Zealand Regulations

This service operates in accordance with New Zealand veterinary and telemedicine regulations. Services, prescriptions and advice are provided only where legally permitted.

Acceptance of Terms

By booking a telemedicine consultation, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to these Telemedicine Service Terms and Conditions.