Did you know that you can ask your vet for a prescription? 

Dr Angela Jones BVSc Cert AVP (EM) MRCVS, cofounder, Petscribers 

We are a country of animal lovers, with more than half of UK households owning a pet and considering them part of the family. From dogs and cats to rabbits and horses, our pets are often at the centre of our daily lives. For many owners, veterinary visits are associated with vaccinations, annual check-ups or trips to the vet when something goes wrong. But fewer people realise that they have another option when it comes to sourcing their pet’s medication: asking their vet for a written prescription. 

It may sound obvious, but recent research from the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) suggests otherwise. Despite the potential savings that buying online can offer, many owners don’t realise they can ask their vet for a prescription, and only 1 in 7 regularly purchase medication online. The barriers include not understanding the process, feeling nervous about buying medication online, and worrying about how their vet might react if they ask for a prescription. 

Understanding how prescriptions work, what they cost, and how to safely source medications online can save money, reduce stress, and most importantly, ensure your pet receives the treatment they need in a safe and regulated way. 

What is a veterinary written prescription? 

Certain medications, known as Prescription-Only Medicines for Veterinary use (POM-V), legally require a vet’s prescription. When your vet examines your pet and decides medication is needed, they have two options: they can either dispense the medication directly from the practice or provide you with a written prescription. 

A written prescription is a legal document that includes the name of the medication, the dose, the quantity prescribed, and how many repeats (if any) are authorised. It allows you to buy the medication from a registered veterinary pharmacy of your choice. Creating this prescription requires professional time, clinical judgement and legal responsibility, so there is usually a small charge for it. 

Since 2005, vets have been legally required to provide a written prescription upon request. The British Veterinary Association (BVA), in the interest of transparency and trust, has recently strengthened its guidance, encouraging vets to proactively offer written prescriptions where clinically appropriate.  

This change is part of a broader shift towards giving owners more choice and control in managing their pets’ ongoing health care, particularly for long-term conditions. 

Why might you want a written prescription? 

A written prescription gives you the flexibility to buy your pet’s medication from a pharmacy of your choice, including reputable online pharmacies, and have it delivered directly to your door. It is a practical option that often makes managing ongoing conditions easier and more affordable. 

While you will pay for the prescription itself (the UK average fee is around £23.63, according VetHelpDirect’s Price Comparison), the savings can be substantial. For some commonly used medications, purchasing through an online veterinary pharmacy can save owners up to 70 percent compared to practice prices. For pets on long-term medication, these savings can make a real difference over time. 

If your pet is on multiple medications, most vets are happy to list these on a single prescription to reduce costs. And while prescriptions are not always appropriate in emergency situations when your pet needs immediate treatment, they are an excellent option for ongoing, stable conditions such as arthritis, heart disease, allergic skin problems and for routine parasite control such as flea, tick and worm treatments. 

Even if your pet is insured, you can still buy medication online. This is particularly helpful if you have a co-payment policy, where you pay a percentage of the total cost. Lowering the cost of the medication can make your annual insurance limit stretch further, potentially freeing up funds for other treatments or diagnostics should your pet need them. 

Sourcing medication online safely 

Many pet owners are understandably cautious about buying medication online. In an era where counterfeit products are a real issue, this is a valid concern. With the rising cost of veterinary care, it can be tempting to choose the cheapest option but cheaper is not always safer. 

In fact, 1 in 10 pet owners have purchased counterfeit medication online. At best, these fake products are ineffective; at worst, they can have devastating or even fatal consequences. Third-party sellers on platforms like Amazon and eBay are not authorised by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD), which means their products cannot be guaranteed to be genuine. 

To keep your pet safe, only buy medication from VMD-accredited suppliers. Legitimate veterinary pharmacies display their registration number at the bottom of their homepage, and you can verify this against the official government list of approved retailers. Medication purchased from these suppliers is safe, authentic and held to the same standards as medication dispensed by your vet. 

You can check the official list of accredited pharmacies here. 

Under Our Care 

In order for a veterinary surgeon to provide a written prescription, your pet must be under their care. This means your vet needs to have an up-to-date understanding of your pet’s health. 

Even for ongoing conditions, regular prescription checks are essential to ensure the medication is still effective and appropriate. But why does this matter? 

Although these checks may feel inconvenient, they are a critical safeguard for your pet’s health. They help catch changes early, adjust treatment when needed, and prevent avoidable complications. As an owner, it is also your responsibility to follow the vet’s instructions carefully, report any side effects, and never share medication between animals. 

Top tips for managing prescriptions effectively 

1. Plan ahead 

Vets usually need around 48 hours to create a written prescription, and online pharmacies may take another 24–48 hours to process it. Add postage time on top, and it is easy to see why running out of medication can happen if you do not plan ahead. Try to reorder before your supply gets low. 

2. Set reminders 

Mark your calendar or set a phone reminder to book prescription checks and place repeat orders. Giving yourself at least a week’s buffer can help avoid last-minute scrambles. 

3. Keep a record 

If your pet is insured, keep copies of prescriptions and invoices. This will make claiming back costs faster and less stressful. 

4. Compare prices 

Just like in human pharmacies, prices can vary significantly between veterinary pharmacies. Platforms like Petscribers allow owners to compare medication prices across accredited suppliers, helping to ensure you are getting the best deal without compromising safety. 

5. Stay safe 

Never buy from unverified sources or online marketplaces. Always check for the VMD registration number and logo. If something looks suspicious or too good to be true, it probably is. 

Empowering owners through choice and safety 

Being able to ask for and use a written prescription is not about cutting your vet out of the loop. In fact, it is about working with your vet to give your pet the best care possible while making the process more transparent and affordable. Vets remain responsible for prescribing, and regular checks ensure your pet’s treatment stays on track. 

For owners, understanding your rights, planning ahead, and choosing safe, accredited suppliers can make managing your pet’s long-term care easier, less stressful and more affordable. 

If you have never asked your vet for a prescription before, do not be afraid to bring it up at your next appointment. Most vets are happy to help and will support you in finding the best way to care for your pet. 

Your pet’s health and safety should always come first, and with the right knowledge and trusted sources, you can confidently balance high-quality care with cost-effective solutions.