Under the Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2013, every veterinary practice in the UK is legally required to provide a written prescription if you ask for one. This allows you to buy prescription-only medications (POM-V) from any licensed pharmacy — and online pharmacies typically charge 40–70% less than vet practices.
What the Law Says
Regulation 16 of the Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2013 states that a veterinary surgeon must, at the request of the owner, provide a written prescription for any POM-V or POM-VPS medicine. The vet cannot refuse this request, and cannot make the provision of treatment conditional on purchasing medication from them.
How to Get a Prescription
- At your next vet appointment, tell your vet you would like a written prescription for your pet's medication
- The vet will write a prescription specifying the medication, dose, quantity, and duration
- They will charge a prescription fee (typically £10–£25)
- Take the prescription to an online pharmacy and place your order
- The pharmacy will verify the prescription (you may need to post the original) and dispatch the medication
Prescription Fees
Vets can charge a "reasonable fee" for a written prescription. Currently:
- Typical range: £10–£25
- Duration: Usually 6 months (so you need 2 per year for ongoing medication)
- CMA action: The CMA has proposed capping prescription fees and requiring practices to proactively offer prescriptions
Savings Examples
Here are real examples of how much you can save by buying online with a prescription:
| Medication | Vet Price | Online Price | Annual Saving |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metacam 100ml | £55 | £28 | £80–£160 |
| NexGard Spectra (3-pack) | £52 | £32 | £60–£80 |
| Felimazole 100 tabs | £65 | £38 | £160–£320 |
| Vetmedin 5mg (100 tabs) | £55 | £32 | £140–£280 |
Even after paying two prescription fees per year (£20–£50 total), the savings are substantial — especially for pets on lifelong medication.
What If Your Vet Refuses?
If a vet refuses to provide a written prescription, they are breaking the law. You can:
- Calmly remind them of their obligation under Regulation 16 of the Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2013
- Ask to speak to the practice manager or senior partner
- Report the refusal to the RCVS (Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons) — this is a professional conduct issue
- Report to the VMD (Veterinary Medicines Directorate) — they enforce the Veterinary Medicines Regulations
In practice, most vets comply when asked. Some may express reluctance or suggest it is not in your pet's interest, but they cannot legally refuse.
Last updated: March 2026. Sources: Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2013, CMA provisional decision (October 2025).