If things go wrong
Find out how to raise your concern - from talking to your practice to mediation, to contacting the RCVS for serious issues.
Prescription medication
In the UK, some pet medicines can only be prescribed by a qualified veterinary surgeon. We explain the rules around prescription medications, and your options as a consumer.
Prescription medication
As part of your pet’s treatment plan, your vet may prescribe medication.
You can either buy it directly from the practice or request a written prescription to purchase it elsewhere.
When deciding where to get your pet’s medication, consider what’s most practical for you, balancing cost and convenience. In an emergency, it’s usually quickest and safest to buy directly from your vet.
It’s also perfectly reasonable to ask about medication prices upfront. Practices should be happy to discuss costs so you can make an informed decision.
Prescription fees
Veterinary practices usually charge a prescription fee if you plan to buy medication elsewhere, so it’s worth asking about the cost.
If you find the medication significantly cheaper elsewhere, paying the prescription fee may still save you money. However, in some cases, buying directly from your practice can be just as cost-effective.
Online retailers
If you choose to buy your pet’s medication online, always use a regulated, authorised retailer.
The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) maintains a list of accredited online retailers that meet strict standards for storing, handling, and dispensing medicines safely.
Fairness in pricing and prescriptions
You can ask the practice to tell you the cost of any medication that may be prescribed or dispensed.
The price of medication dispensed by your practice should be clearly itemised on your bill.
If you do decide to buy your pet’s medication elsewhere, your vet must not charge you more for other goods or services than they would a client who buys medication from the practice.
Long-term medication
If your pet needs medication for an ongoing condition, it's worth discussing the most cost-effective approach with your vet. Some pets need regular medication for months or even years.
Your vet can advise you on how often your pet should be examined while on long-term medication, and whether you can receive longer prescriptions to reduce the frequency of prescription fees. This helps you plan and budget for your pet's ongoing care.
Regular check-ups remain important even when you're buying medication elsewhere, as your vet needs to monitor your pet’s response to treatment and adjust the treatment plan if necessary.
Medication for parasites
Your vet may need to examine your pet before prescribing antiparasitic medications - such as flea, tick, or worm treatments - to ensure the most appropriate treatment is given. This helps reduce the risk of parasites developing resistance and minimises any potential environmental impact.
Your vet will also take your pet’s lifestyle into account when deciding what to prescribe. This assessment can be carried out during your pet’s annual vaccination or routine health check.
When a vet can prescribe unauthorised medicines
Sometimes, there isn't a medicine authorised in the UK for your pet's species or condition. To prevent unnecessary suffering, your vet might need to prescribe an unauthorised medicine under what's called the cascade system.
This is particularly common for exotic pets, as few medicines are licensed for their species in the UK. Your vet must obtain your written consent before prescribing an unauthorised medicine and explain why this approach is necessary for your pet's treatment.
In emergencies, your vet might recommend a human medicine for your pet. If this happens, it's crucial to follow the instructions exactly as given, since these medicines aren't designed for animals and need to be used very carefully.