- Are UK online pet pharmacies safe?
- Yes, provided they are on the VMD register of approved internet retailers. The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (an executive agency of Defra) inspects every approved pharmacy. We only ever link to pharmacies on this register. Check the register at gov.uk/check-veterinary-medicine-seller.
- Are they the same drugs as my vet dispenses?
- Yes. UK online pharmacies dispense the same manufacturer-branded medication in identical packaging. Apoquel from Pet Drugs Online is the same Zoetis-manufactured product as Apoquel from your vet practice.
- Why is the medication so much cheaper online?
- Online pharmacies operate at higher volumes and lower overheads than a single practice dispensary. Vet practices apply substantial mark-ups (typically 100-200%) on chronic prescription medication because they are a major source of recurring revenue. The CMA's 2026 market investigation flagged this as one of the biggest sources of unfair consumer cost: 'Over 70% of pet owners purchase long-term medication from their vet practice even though many could save £200 a year or more if they bought online.'
- Do I need a prescription?
- For POM-V (Prescription Only Medicine - Veterinarian) products, yes. The CMA Order is legally binding by 23 September 2026 and requires every UK vet to provide a written prescription on request. The fee is capped at £21 for the first medicine and £12.50 for each additional medicine on the same prescription. Our prescription guide has a template email to send to your practice.
- What is the VMD?
- The Veterinary Medicines Directorate is the UK government body that regulates veterinary medicines. It maintains the official register of approved internet retailers, inspects pharmacies, and enforces veterinary medicines legislation. Any pharmacy not on the VMD register is operating illegally for prescription products.
- What is the CMA reform?
- The Competition and Markets Authority concluded a market investigation into UK veterinary services on 24 March 2026. The resulting Order requires vets to inform clients that medication is often cheaper online, offer written prescriptions on request, and cap the prescription fee at £21 (plus £12.50 per additional medicine on the same prescription). The Order is legally binding by 23 September 2026, with remedies rolling out over the following 3-12 months. Smaller veterinary businesses are given an extra 3 months over the large corporate groups (CVS, IVC, Linnaeus, Medivet, Pets at Home, VetPartners).
- Isn't the RCVS launching its own price comparison service?
- Yes. As part of the CMA's reforms the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons is setting up a price comparison service for veterinary practices. Vet Bill Saver is the consumer-friendly companion: RCVS will show what each vet practice charges to consult and dispense; we show what each VMD-approved online pharmacy charges, and how to switch. The two complement each other.
- How accurate are your prices?
- Prices are checked monthly against each pharmacy's public listing. Every medication page shows a 'last verified' date. Pharmacies update prices frequently so always confirm on the pharmacy site before you buy. We mark medications as 'indicative' until a manual verification has been completed.
- Do you give medical advice?
- No. We provide consumer price comparison information only. Always follow your vet's clinical instructions and speak to them before changing or stopping any medication.
- How do you make money?
- We earn a commission when you buy from a pharmacy we link to. It never costs you more and our pharmacy ranking is by price, not by commission rate. If a more expensive pharmacy paid us a better commission, recommending them would destroy the trust this site depends on, so we don't.