Skip to main content

Are online pet pharmacies safe? You’d better do your research

We love our pets and want to do what’s best for them, and that includes taking care of their health needs. Those medical expenses include annual health checks, vaccinations, and flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives. According to the American Pet Products Association, pet owners in the U.S. spent $31.4 billion on vet care and health products in 2020. With the cost of veterinary care so high, it’s easy to understand why pet parents turn to online pet pharmacies to fill prescriptions or buy products. Every week, online pet pharmacies offer pet meds online and health products for less than you typically pay at your veterinarian’s office. However, pet parents shouldn’t jump on these bargains without doing some research.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA),  although many legitimate online veterinary pharmacies exist, others operate without FDA approval. Just as with other websites, you should know what red flags to look for so that you can protect yourself and your pet. Experts at the American Veterinary Medical Association say that some illegal online pet pharmacies may sell medicines that are counterfeit, outdated, mislabeled, incorrectly formulated, or improperly made or stored. These medicines may not contain the actual drug, may contain contaminants or the incorrect amount of drug, or may not work as well due to age or being stored incorrectly.

Online pet pharmacies.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

How to tell if an online pet pharmacy is reputable

Speak with your veterinarian

Start with your trusted veterinarian, who will understand that you’re on a budget and need to shop around for cheaper medications or health care products. Ask, for instance, if your veterinarian trusts the online pharmacy you plan to use. Ask if she has ever worked with the pharmacy or has clients who have used the site. Typically, vets will write prescriptions for clients to send to reputable online pet pharmacies and so will be aware of the different online sites.

Does the website require a veterinarian’s prescription?

Ordering medication online still requires a prescription from your veterinarian. A reputable online pharmacy should insist on veterinary permission before selling you a prescription medication. Websites that sell prescription veterinary medicines without requiring a veterinarian’s prescription are breaking the law, according to the FDA.

Where is the online pharmacy licensed?

U.S. pharmacies must be licensed by the state board of pharmacy or similar agency in the state where they are based and where they fill prescriptions. The FDA offers information on how to track down pharmacy license information for each state.

Check for a seal of approval

Check the website for the seal indicating that the site is accredited as a Vet-VIPPS (Veterinary-Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Site) pharmacy. This is a voluntary accreditation program of the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP), which requires rigid standards in the preparation and dispensing of medicines. If the online pet pharmacy operates in the U.S., pet parents can check the NABP website to see if it’s on the list of Accredited Digital Pharmacies.

Where is the pharmacy located?

If the online pharmacy doesn’t have a business address with a phone number or other contact information, then that’s cause for concern. Legitimate pharmacies will list business addresses and provide contact information.

Can you speak with a licensed pharmacist?

If you have questions about your pet’s medicines, is there a licensed pharmacist available to speak with you? Some online pharmacies may not be prepared to answer your questions and have limited knowledge about medicines for animals, according to the FDA.

Pets should visit a vet before starting prescription medications

Just because you can order medications online doesn’t mean you should skip annual physicals for your dog. Veterinary experts caution that whenever pets need prescription medication, it’s essential for the pet to have a complete physical examination so the proper medication can be dispensed. In addition, annual blood tests need to be performed before renewing such products as heartworm preventive medication. According to veterinarian Clarke Atkins in a Today’s Veterinary Practice article, if left undiagnosed, heartworm infections damage pulmonary, vascular, renal, and cardiac tissues. Identifying and eliminating the infection as soon as possible — with the right medicine — lessens the amount of damage to these vital tissues.

Dog being examined by veterinarian.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Pet owners shouldn’t automatically assume they will save money by purchasing medications online rather than through a veterinarian. Many veterinary practices pass along manufacturer’s promotions and rebates to their clients, which can result in significant savings. It’s worth checking with your trusted animal hospital before turning to an online pet pharmacy.

Editors' Recommendations

Vera Lawlor
Contributor
Vera was the pet columnist for 201 Family magazine and has contributed pet and animal welfare articles to Bone-A-Fide Mutts…
When do puppies stop biting? That might be up to their owner
Those sharp little teeth hurt! What to know about your biting puppy
Pup biting on a finger

If you’ve ever watched puppies play together, then you know that biting and nipping are all part of the fun. Chewing and biting help growing puppies investigate the world around them and also help relieve sore gums when teething. However, while mouthing on your hand might have been funny when your little one was a ball of fluff, it’s no joking matter as he gets older. Those razor-sharp puppy teeth can really hurt. If you’re tired of living with broken skin and painful bruises, you’re probably wondering just when do puppies stop biting?

Do puppies grow out of biting and nipping?
While chewing everything in sight may decrease after your puppy is done teething (which can take anywhere from four to six months) they don’t naturally grow out of biting. The more a puppy is allowed to clamp down on your skin, the more he’ll continue to do it. As a responsible pet parent, it’s your job to teach your dog appropriate behavior.

Read more
Best reptile pets: These are the 5 most affectionate reptiles you can welcome into your home
These friendly reptiles will make great additions to your family
Basking Chinese water dragon

When you picture an adorable pet, you probably don't visualize an iguana. Reptiles aren't generally considered the cutest of animals, but that doesn't mean you can't find a cuddly one. Whether you're looking for a new buddy for yourself or for your lizard-obsessed kid, there's a reptilian beast out there that will work great in your home.

With proper socialization, these guys can learn to be handled daily, some even by children. If you want a new pet that enjoys human company, consider one of the most affectionate slitherers — they're the best reptile pets for handling.

Read more
Everything you need to know about the munchkin cat: Some facts may surprise you
Get to know the scoop before you adopt a munchkin cat
A gray munchkin cat kitten stands on top of a white dressing table

Watching cute cat videos has become a hobby in of itself in modern times, and we're here for it. Some particularly cute kitties seem to go viral all the time, and it's no surprise that many of the most popular videos on TikTok feature an adorable munchkin cat. Whether you're a longtime fan or you recently discovered the breed online, you may wonder what a munchkin cat even is. Let's find out more about these curious kitties.

Munchkin cats: Getting to know the breed
With their short, stubby legs, elongated bodies, and insatiable curiosity, munchkin cats are a unique breed in the world of cats. In fact, these short-legged stunners wouldn't look entirely out of place in fantastical literature. (Is it just us, or do munchkin cats look like the noble steeds of fairy kings and queens?) Munchkin cats have appeared and disappeared many times throughout history because this genetic mutation can pop up anywhere. However, the modern-day munchkins come from the tiny town of Rayville, Louisiana.

Read more