Online pet pharmacies are cropping up at a rapid rate, and why wouldn’t they? It is extremely convenient: easy online ordering, the ability to compare prices, and delivery direct to your home. It almost seems too good to be true. The reality is that while some online pet pharmacies are trustworthy resources, there are many that are not. The FDA has encouraged pet owners to make themselves aware of these risks. Please take the following into account when considering purchasing pet prescriptions outside of your veterinarian’s office:

  • Some “pharmacies” are not obtaining medications from legit sources. Fraudulent or poor quality prescriptions have been identified as being sold through these venues.

  • Some of these organizations operate illegally, such as not requiring a prescription. Even if the site has you fill out a questionnaire or complete an online consult, this is an illegal practice.  Prescriptions require a physical examination for good reason. Some medications are inappropriate or even dangerous for certain pets and should only be given under the guidance of your veterinarian.

  • It is hard for your veterinarian to provide good care to your pet when you are giving medications he or she is not aware of. Periodic screening or monitoring tests are advisable for many medications.  Also, drug interactions can occur when multiple medications are being given. An online pharmacy will often not alert you regarding conflicting medications as your vet would.

  • Problems related to medications such as side-effects are not going to be treated by an online pharmacy. Only your veterinarian can help with these issues.

  • Many drug manufacturers will not honor their product warranties when the drug is purchased outside of a veterinary office. This is especially of concern for products such as heartworm preventative.

When it comes to your pet’s health, often the rewards of using an online pharmacy do not outweigh the risks.  Please use common sense and good judgment when choosing where to purchase your pet’s medications. If you do choose to utilize an online pet pharmacy, make sure to follow the FDA’s Online Pet Pharmacy Guidelines.