Can You Take a Vet Prescription to a UK Chemist?

Yes, you can. In 2005 the law changed to allow patients to buy medication from the supplier of their choice. This law means that a Vet, on request, will provide a prescription that is signed so it can be taken to a dispensing pharmacy in the UK.  

While pharmacies in the UK that are registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPHC) can provide the medication to fulfil the prescription, only Vets can prescribe medicines for animals. (1)

We know that pet medication can be costly, especially if your pet needs a lot of medication over a long time, this is why it’s important to explore your options. Even though you will still need to pay a small fee to the Vets for the prescription, it’s likely you will spend less sourcing your medication elsewhere.  

Can I get a Vet prescription online?

The best news is, these days you don’t need to go to a chemist to get your pet medication, this can be done from the comfort of your own home.  

At OxfordOnlinePharmacy we supply the same medicines as your Vet, we even use the same suppliers, at cheaper prices. Being a registered pharmacy, we can assure the safety and effectiveness of the medicines we sell, including our pet medicines.  

We stock a range of pet medications such as inhalers, heart medication and antibiotics. You may need something that we do not stock such as certain cat medication or antibiotic ear drops for dogs, if you get in touch, we will be happy to check the availability with our suppliers.  

All of our items are sent by Royal Mail and we offer a next-day tracked service, so you can be sure the medication will arrive on time. 

Can I get pet meds without Vet prescription?  

Not all pet medication requires a prescription, these medicines include some flea treatments, dental care products and joint supplements. Prescription-only medicines including antiseizure medications and antibiotics will require a prescription. If you are unsure whether you need a prescription or not, consult your Vet and they will advise you. 

Purchasing prescription-only pet medication without a prescription is prohibited. Legitimate online pharmacies won't skip this step (or make it seem like you could), this is to ensure your pet's safety. 

Thankfully, online pharmacies like ours make buying pet medications with a legitimate Vets prescription quite simple. 

How to order pet meds online  

Ordering your pet’s medication online couldn’t be easier. Simply use the following steps to get your pet’s medication: 

Step 1 – Ask your Vet to write a prescription for the required medication, and don’t forget to ensure they have signed it. 

Step 2 – You can then choose the medication you need on our website here. As mentioned above, if there is a medication you need and it’s not on our website, call us on 01295 262925 and we will see if we can get it from our suppliers.  

When you have found the medication you were looking for, you must send the prescription to us by post. The prescription should be sent to the following address: 

Unit 7 Apollo Business Park
Ironstone Lane 
Wroxton Banbury Oxon 
United Kingdom 
OX15 6AY 

Step 3- Our pharmacists will check the prescription once it’s received and then we will post the medication to your chosen address. 

How much do Vets charge for a prescription? 

Unlike the standard NHS prescription fee, Vet fees can vary depending on where you get it from. The size, breed, age, and location of your pet, as well as the severity of their illness, can all have an impact on costs. 

From experience, the average cost of a Vet prescription can range from £15 - £25, although it could be more or less than this, you should contact your veterinary practice to find out their fee. 

In some cases, if your pet requires long-term medication on repeat prescription, you can request that most of the medications be prescribed in six-month batches so that you only need to pay the prescription price twice a year. 

Is it cheaper to get pet medication online? 

Online pharmacies benefit from providing affordable prices on a variety of medicines. This is because pharmacies often buy in bulk from suppliers resulting in getting a better deal on price. In addition to being more affordable, we frequently provide discounts on our treatments too. Sign up for our mailing list to take advantage of these weekly discounts. 

References
GOV.UK, Guidance Retail of veterinary medicines