The CMA's investigation into the UK veterinary market highlighted medication pricing as a major area where pet owners can save money. One of the simplest ways to cut costs is to buy prescription medications from a licensed online pharmacy rather than directly from your vet.
How It Works
Under UK law, you have the right to request a written prescription from your vet for any prescription-only veterinary medicine (POM-V). Your vet must provide this, though they can charge a reasonable fee. You then send or upload the prescription to a licensed online pharmacy, which dispenses the medication and posts it to you.
How Much Can You Save
Savings vary by product, but typical examples based on current UK prices:
- Apoquel 16mg (100 tablets): Vet price £120–£180, online £80–£110 — saving up to 40%
- Metacam 1.5mg/ml (100ml): Vet price £30–£45, online £18–£28 — saving up to 40%
- Advocate (6 pipettes, large dog): Vet price £60–£80, online £40–£55 — saving up to 30%
- Bravecto (large dog, single tablet): Vet price £30–£45, online £22–£32 — saving up to 30%
For pets on long-term medication (arthritis, allergies, thyroid conditions), the annual savings can be £100–£400 or more.
Prescription Fees
Vets typically charge £10–£25 for a written prescription. Some charge per item, others per consultation. Even accounting for this fee, online purchases are usually cheaper for medications costing more than about £30.
The CMA noted that some practices set prescription fees high enough to discourage owners from shopping elsewhere. If your vet charges more than £25 for a written prescription, this may be worth querying.
Is It Safe
Yes, provided you use a pharmacy registered with the Royal Pharmaceutical Society or the VMD's Register of Veterinary Practice Premises. Legitimate UK online pet pharmacies include:
- Animed Direct
- VetUK
- Pet Drugs Online
- VioVet
- Pharmacy2U (pet section)
Always check for the VMD registration number or RPS logo. Avoid unregistered websites selling medications without requiring a prescription — these may be counterfeit or imported illegally.
What You Cannot Buy Online
Some medications must be administered by a vet (such as injections like Librela and Cytopoint). These cannot be purchased from a pharmacy. Controlled drugs (such as gabapentin) have additional restrictions and not all online pharmacies stock them.
How to Start
- At your next vet visit, ask for a written prescription for any ongoing medications
- Compare prices at 2–3 online pharmacies
- Upload or post the prescription to your chosen pharmacy
- Allow 2–5 working days for delivery — do not wait until you have run out
Your vet may try to discourage you from using an online pharmacy, but this is your legal right. The CMA has specifically recommended improving transparency around this option.
Last updated: March 2026. Sources: CMA veterinary market investigation, VMD guidance on veterinary prescriptions.