In 2003, the law changed to allow pharmacies to dispense pet meds Click here to read. The purpose of that was to create competition in the market with the aim of reducing pet medicine prices for members of the public. Traditional High Street pharmacies tend not to stock pet medications and veterinary surgeons tended to use high mark-ups. In October 2005 the law was changed again to allow other veterinary surgeons to dispense pet meds from a veterinary prescription. Click here to read. From that date VetUK started to offer a lower priced alternative for buying your pet meds from your vet.

How do I get a prescription and where to I send it?
Ask your vet to write you a prescription, in fact you should be offered one by your vet if they feel a prescription only medicine is required to treat your pet. Once obtained place your order and post the prescription to us with the order number written on the top right hand corner. Please address to VetUK (Prescriptions), Units 7 & 8 Europark, Station Road, Thirsk YO7 1GQ.

Will my vet make a charge for providing a prescription? Yes, veterinary surgeons can now charge a "reasonable fee" for the writing and presenting of a prescription. As you are now being charged for the prescription do ensure you make the most of the fee by ensuring all your pet meds are on one prescription and that repeats are allowed. Many vets will try and charge a "Medicine Determination Fee" or other similar fee possibly in addition to the prescription fee, but this MUST be applied to ALL dispensed prescription from that practice and not applied only to those clients who choose to take the prescription elsewhere. Further information can be sought from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.

Can my vet refuse to issue a prescription?
If you are recommended by your vet to use any prescription pet meds in the treatment of your pet's problem then you are entitled by law to a prescription instead if you wish. Sometimes this will not be appropriate, such as in the case of acute conditions, however, if you do obtain a prescription you can take it for dispensing away from the practice and should not be disadvantaged by doing so.

If I get a prescription from my vet can they then insist my animal has more frequent check-ups?
No, that would be illegal. A vet cannot discriminate between customers purchasing animal medicines from themselves and elsewhere. i.e. your pets` check up interval cannot be altered just because you ask for a prescription, an alteration of check up interval is a clinical decision and must be justifiable on that basis only.

How long can I use a prescription for?
With the exception of prescriptions for controlled drugs, a veterinary prescription is valid for use within 6 months from the date signed.

My animal takes long term medication, do I need to get a new prescription every time?
No, ask your vet to write you a repeat prescription which should cover your normal check up period. You can then buy from this prescription up to the quantity specified or until it expires. You will then require a new prescription.

Do I need to purchase everything on the prescription at the time of order?
No, you can buy as much or as little as you like. However, if ordering from a prescription already held at VetUK please ensure you tell us with a message in the message box during checkout otherwise a delay in despatch will occur.

Can I return POM-V medications for a refund?
Unfortunately no. Once any animal medicine has been dispensed we cannot take it back for a refund, only to dispose of.

Can I scan or email a prescription to you?
No, in the interests of animal health, faxed or emailed prescriptions are not acceptable. We require the original prescription to be posted to us.