There have been an increasing number of online pet pharmacies appearing on the veterinary scene here in Australia. Online vet pharmacies are popular with pet owners because they may be able to offer medications, food, toys and other pet products at cheaper prices compared with vets and pet shops.
We asked our experienced veterinarians to weigh in and advise on the the pros and cons of ordering pet medication online and consider when it is appropriate and ethical to purchase online versus when it is not.
We’ll also include consider the quality of products purchased online and the support you receive from online verses your local vet clinic.
How does an online pet pharmacy work?
As the name suggests, an online pet pharmacy is an online shop that sells veterinary medication and other over the counter products such as food, toys, shampoos and so on.
To purchase pet medication from an online veterinary pharmacy in Australia, you need to upload your pet’s veterinary prescription to the website and send in a physical copy to the pharmacy where they will process your order and ship the medication to your preferred address.
To obtain a prescription for pet medication, you need to see your veterinarian. Because a prescription requires a review of your pet’s medical history and current condition. This is essential in order to determine the required medication type, dose rates, repeats and requirement for their next visit.
How do I choose an online vet pharmacy?
If you were to Google “online vet pharmacy”, several results will show up such as My Pet PA, Pet Chemist, Pet Scripts Australia, Pharmacy Direct, Discount Pet Meds and the list goes on!
At Lynbrook Vet and Berwick Clyde Vet, we work closely with My Pet PA. Our close relationship with them saves our customers the hassle of scouring the internet for the best deals and prices. Because of our long-running partnership, we can ensure safety and Australia regulations are adhered to so your pet is in safe hands.
Bonus – We are also able to send your pet’s written prescription(s) to this pharmacy directly with the click of a button, again saving you time and money.
Each month, My Pet PA and our practices send an e-mail with that month’s promotion.
How is an online vet pharmacy different to your local vet clinic?
Comparing an online vet pharmacy and a vet clinic is like comparing apples with oranges – the two are completely different!
- An online vet pharmacy is solely that – a place to purchase pet medications and pet products, online. They’re boxed by pick-packers under the supervision of a pharmacist and sent to your home.
- A vet clinic, on the other hand, is a fully comprehensive hospital providing a range of services from surgery to consults, radiology to pathology, and a pharmacy. Veterinary practices also employ highly skilled veterinary professionals with expert knowledge and abilities.
What are the limitations of an online pet pharmacy?
When you purchase online, you risk errors related to online shopping and the logistics of shipping. Most online pharmacies only ship during business hours and often send medications via Australia Post, where tracking options are up to the buyer. There are cut-off times each day for receiving scripts and the consequent shipment time of medications.
If you have ordered anything online, you will know that invariably shipments get delayed or lost. There may also be problems with the orders being placed or packed inaccurately and this can cause significant delays in starting your pet’s medical treatment in a timely manner.
There is also no guarantee of the correct handling and storage of medications. Did you know that some medications may be sensitive to light, heat, shock and moisture? Veterinary teams are well-versed in understanding medications and their requirements. However, warehouse staff and shipping contractors often aren’t. As a result, there’s no guarantee of the effectiveness of such delicate medications being stored, packed and posted by an online retailer.
Having said this, as your veterinary clinic, we are more than happy to help advise on medications that will be suitable for purchase online and those that might be affected by the postage, handling, and conditions–ie. They’d be better served buying in person.
In summary:
- Potential for errors – in medication and delays
- Shipping logistics
- No guarantee on correct storage
- Handles and shipped by inexperienced staff
When is it not appropriate to source medications from an online pet pharmacy?
If your pet’s medication is close to running out, or you require medication urgently, it is not appropriate to source prescriptions from an online pet pharmacy!
Examples of such times include:
- when your pet is critically unwell
- if your pet is sick
- if your pet is in pain or discomfort
- if your pet requires medication for a chronic condition and you cannot guarantee the arrival of the medication in time, which could result in your pet running out of medication.
In the above circumstances, your local vet clinic can provide instant treatment for your pet– it is our duty to do so.
It is not appropriate for veterinary clinics to write a prescription and have a pet potentially wait for up to 48 hours to receive treatment whilst their medications are posted in the mail.
For example, if your pet has a painful ear infection, they cannot ethically be expected to wait in pain and discomfort for up to 48 hours while their medications arrive.
If you’re not sure when it’s ok to purchase medications online, just ask! Our vets will happily let you know when purchasing from an online pet pharmacy is appropriate, ensuring your pet’s welfare is not compromised.
What are the benefits of buying pet medications from my vet clinic?
There are several advantages of getting pet medications from your vet clinic with the most important being that the appropriate medication and advice is available when you and your pet needs it!
Your vet clinic can guarantee the quality and effectiveness of the medications they dispense and can provide additional support such as showing you how to administer the medication or better yet, they can even give it to your pet for you!
Your vet will also be able to provide ongoing support, especially if your pet were to have adverse reactions from a medication or if you had any concerns or questions. In most cases, your vet should also be able to refund and exchange medications on short notice where they don’t suit your pet’s needs.
Online pet pharmacies are not able to provide any of the above services.
In summary:
- Guarantee of appropriate medication
- Expert advice during purchase
- Additional support, including administration information
- Refunds and exchanges
Why are medications at a vet clinic more expensive than at an online pharmacy?
There are several reasons for this. First being that vet clinics do not and cannot order in bulk. As a result, we’re unable to get the pricing that an online pharmacy might get from the manufacturers.
Secondly, vet clinics also do not receive any support from the government and medications are not subsidised through the PBS scheme.
Thirdly, the operating costs of a vet clinic are significantly higher than those of an online vet pharmacy which are reflected in all services and products sold through the clinic including medications.
Finally, vet clinics offer services that an online vet pharmacy cannot, such as medications on hand when needed, returns and advice.
Purchasing medications from a vet clinic is not the same as purchasing through an online pharmacy. The costs cannot be fairly compared because the service offerings are completely different, albeit for the ‘same’ product.
As small family-owned vet practices, we can also tell you that when you purchase medications and products from us, you are helping to support and fund other programs. Services that we perform pro-bono for the community, rescue groups and local wildlife.
We hope that this article has been informative for you and has helped answer some questions around online pet pharmacies and when it is and is not appropriate for your pet’s welfare, to source medications from online pharmacies.
Remember that we remain here to help you and your pets and will happily support you and guide you on your pet’s medication journey. If you have any other questions about online pet pharmacies, Just ask!
