Yes. Vetster requires all veterinarians to have a clear, professional headshot as part of their profile. This is an important part of building trust with pet owners and ensuring a secure virtual care experience.
Your photo must:
- Clearly show your face, with no hats, sunglasses, surgical masks, or heavy filters
- Be well-lit, in focus, and framed from the shoulders up
- Feature a neutral or uncluttered background
- Reflect a professional appearance — ideally with a white coat
Your profile photo helps pet owners recognize the licensed professional they’re connecting with, much like ID verification on rideshare apps. It also sets the tone for a professional and welcoming appointment.
You don’t need a professional photographer to take a good profile photo. Just follow a few simple tips to take a high-quality photo yourself:
- Dress professionally: Solid colors and a white coat work well
- Use good lighting: Natural light from a window is ideal
- Frame the shot from the chest up with your face centered
- Use a tripod or your phone’s timer to ensure the photo is steady and positioned well
- Smile naturally to convey warmth and approachability
- Avoid heavy filters or editing: Your photo should represent you accurately
Need more help? Check out our blog post for a step-by-step guide.