Prescriptions Explained
23,000,000
Pets In The UK
57%
UK Households Own a Pet
14%
Owners Regularly Buy their Pet's Medication Online
What Is A Prescription?
When your pet needs medication, the vet will write a prescription for it. Unlike a doctor's visit, where you’d head to a pharmacy, the vet often provides the medication directly to you during your appointment or you collect it at the front desk on your way out.
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Why Would I Want One?
When you get your pet’s medication at your vets, you'll pay the veterinary practice directly.
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Veterinary practices set their own prices for medications but you may be able to purchase it for less online using a written prescription issued by your vet.
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This can be especially cost-effective for pets on long-term treatments, but written prescriptions can be used for routine meds like flea and worming treatments too!
How Do I Get One?
Since 2005, it’s been a legal requirement for all vets to provide a written prescription if requested. So, all you need to do is ask.
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There is usually a cost involved, but even so, it often still works out cheaper overall.
How Do I Use One?
Once you have a written prescription from your vet, you’ll need to choose an online pharmacy to purchase the medication. After uploading the prescription or sending it by post, the pharmacy will then dispense the medication for your pet. Just keep in mind that this process can take some time, so remember to allow for this when ordering online.
Why Do I Need To See A Vet?
Vets can only dispense medication for pets they consider “under their care.” This is a professional responsibility and something they take very seriously. In order to be “under their care” a vet must have clinically assessed your pet. This usually means they must have seen and examined your pet. The frequency of these checks can vary: some practices might dispense certain medications with an annual check-up, while other medications may require a check every three months.
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Regular checks are crucial to ensure your pet is still on the right medication. For instance, changes in weight might require a dose adjustment, or your pet may need a different drug if their health condition changes. Remember, our pets age much faster than we do - three months for them can be like two years for us.