Your Guide to Buying Your Pet's Drugs Online
Ordering your pet's medication using an online vet pharmacy can save you money, and when it comes to your pet insurance, it can save your vet fee limit too. It's easy to get your pet's medicine prescription fulfilled online, even if it's a new order or regular medication, but if you're not so sure, here's our guide to buying your pet's drugs online.
Benefits of Online Pharmacies for Pet Medication
By using online pharmacies for your pets medicine, you might be able to save money on medications prescribed by your vet. With competitive pricing and ranges of affordable online options, buying your pet's medication online help save more of your vet fee limit when you come to claim for them.
Ordering your pet's medication online is an easy, simple process. First, search for the medication you require and upload your prescription. Once it's fulfilled, the medication will be delivered to your home, saving you a trip to the pharmacy.
The Process: From Vet Visit to Claiming for Medication
We understand it may not feel like the most straightforward process to get your pet's veterinary prescription fulfilled, especially if it's your first time ordering medication online. So we've broken it down for you step-by-step:
Consult Your Vet:
- Discuss your pet’s condition with your vet.
- Request a written prescription for the required medication.
Online Purchase:
- Visit an online pharmacy accredited by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (such as VioVet or others).
- Choose the medication based on your vet’s prescription.
- Place your order.
Claiming Back:
- Submit a claim through the Everypaw Pet Portal.
- On the claim form choose the self-payment option.
- Indicate that the invoice is from an online pharmacy.
- Upload the invoice.
- We’ll assess your claim and process your payment.
When Should I Use an Online Vet Pharmacy?
When thinking about buying your pet’s medication through an online pharmacy, it’s important to understand the urgency of their treatment.
When to Use an Online Vet Pharmacy
While online pet pharmacies offer convenience and cost savings, they may not provide immediate relief for urgent cases. Consider using online pharmacies for non-urgent medications or for refills once your pet’s condition is stable.
Does Your Pet Need Immediate Relief?
If your pet requires urgent relief from an illness, injury, or a specific condition, it’s advisable to obtain medication directly from your vet. Immediate treatment can alleviate discomfort, pain, or distress promptly.
Always Listen to Your Vet:
Always follow your vet’s advice. They understand your pet’s specific needs and can guide you on the most appropriate course of action. Urgent care is vital, especially in critical situations.
Our Group Partner: VioVet
Our Group partner VioVet are a credible online pet pharmacy accredited by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate who can provide you with the medication your pet needs.
VioVet is one of the UK's leading online supplier of pet foods, pet medication and pet accessories. Go to VioVet's Prescription Medication Page to find many pet drugs and see the benefit to buy them online.
Frequently Asked Questions
To start, consult your vet and discuss your pet's condition. Request a written prescription for the required medication. Once you have the prescription, you can visit an online pharmacy, such as VioVet, to place your order conveniently.
If your vet gives your pet medicine during their treatment and prescribes a course of that medication, you can ask the vet for just the prescription so you can buy it online. Your vet is obligated to help you get the medicine for your pet cheaply and easily. Always feel free to discuss your pet's needs with your vet.
Not necessarily. It’s essential to shop around as some online pharmacies offer better prices than others. Compare and choose wisely.
If you're unsure, there are a few things you can look out for to reassure you they're a reliable online pharmacy. Look for VMD Accredited Retailer badge on the pharmacy's site, which ensures they are Veterinary Medicines Directorate Approved. You can also check if they are a member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.
When you order from an accredited online pharmacy, a pharmacist will check your pet’s prescription before they process your order and the medication is dispatched. This means you can’t accidentally order the wrong medication or dosage.
While you can purchase your pet’s prescription medication online, it’s not possible to have an online vet issue a prescription for them in the UK. Your pet needs to be examined by a vet in person before a prescription can be provided.
Your vet can't refuse to give you a copy of your prescription if you ask for it. However, they may charge a reasonable amount for the time it takes to write it out. Remember to call your vet in advance, as they may need 24-48 hours’ notice to prepare your prescription.
Yes, your vet is allowed to charge you for a prescription. However, this charge must be reasonable. Discrimination based on your request for a prescription (such as charging more for other goods or services) is not allowed. We will cover the cost of the prescription within your claim as long as you submit the receipt. However, we do not cover vet administration charges.
Your vet can't refuse to give you a copy of your prescription if you ask for it, but online pharmacies may reject prescriptions for various reasons. Reasons can include:
- Out-of-Date Prescription: Ensure your prescription is up-to-date. If it has expired, you may need to obtain a new one from your vet.
- Early Reordering: Some pharmacies reject orders if you’re requesting another dose of treatment too soon. Follow the recommended dosage intervals.
- Unregistered RCVS Reference: If the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) reference provided by your vet is not registered or valid, the pharmacy may refuse the prescription.
- Prescription Form Errors: Mistakes on the prescription form (such as incorrect dosages or missing information) may require communication between the pharmacy, you, and your vet.
Buying your pet's drugs online can be a convenient and cost-effective option for you and your pet. It's important to follow your vet's advice and to make sure you are using an accredited online pharmacy.