Can My Vet Refuse
a Prescription?
The short answer is no. Under UK law, your vet must issue a prescription if you ask for one. Here is everything you need to know about your rights.
The Law Is Clear:
Vets Cannot Refuse
Under the Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2013 (VMR), specifically Schedule 3, Paragraph 14, a veterinary surgeon must issue a written prescription for any Prescription Only Medicine — Veterinarian (POM-V) when requested by the animal's owner.
This is not a guideline or a recommendation — it is a legal obligation. The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD), which enforces the VMR, has confirmed this position repeatedly. Your vet has no discretion to refuse simply because they would prefer you to buy the medication from them.
The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) also supports this position. The RCVS Code of Professional Conduct states that vets must not unreasonably refuse to provide a written prescription, and must inform clients of their right to one.
There is only one narrow exception: a vet may decline if they genuinely believe issuing a prescription would be prejudicial to the health of the animal under their care. However, this exception is extremely rarely justified, and if invoked, the vet must provide a documented clinical reason.
Key takeaway
If your vet refuses a prescription, they are almost certainly breaching the Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2013. You have the right to complain to the RCVS, the VMD, or Trading Standards — and VetCost Protect can do this for you.
Common Excuses Vets Use
to Avoid Prescriptions
Some vets try to discourage prescription requests. Here are the most common tactics — and why they do not hold up.
"We don't do prescriptions"
This is false. Every vet practice is legally required to issue prescriptions on request under the VMR 2013. There is no opt-out. If a practice tells you they do not offer prescriptions, they are breaking the law.
"You need a new consultation first"
Usually unnecessary. If your pet has had a recent consultation and the vet has already decided to prescribe the medication, they cannot force you to pay for another appointment just to get a written prescription. However, vets can reasonably require that the animal is "under their care" — which typically means a consultation within the past 6-12 months.
"Online retailers aren't safe"
Misleading. VMD-registered online retailers are inspected, regulated, and dispense the exact same licensed medications from the same manufacturers as your vet. The UK has strict regulations for veterinary online retailers. Always check for VMD registration, and you are fully protected.
"The prescription fee will cost you more than buying from us"
Do the maths yourself. Vets mark up medications by 200-400% on average. Even with a prescription fee, buying online is almost always cheaper — especially for repeat or long-term medications. With the new CMA cap of £21, the savings are even greater.
"It's not in the best interest of your pet"
Rarely valid. This is the one narrow legal exception — but it applies only when there is a genuine clinical risk. It cannot be used simply because the vet prefers to sell the medication directly. If your vet invokes this, ask them to provide the clinical reason in writing. If they cannot, they are obliged to issue the prescription.
The CMA £21
Prescription Fee Cap
The Competition and Markets Authority is capping prescription fees at £21 — making it even more worthwhile to shop around.
Following its landmark investigation into the UK veterinary sector, the CMA found that high prescription fees were being used as a deliberate barrier to stop pet owners from buying medications elsewhere.
Many practices were charging £20 to £35 (or more) for a prescription — a fee high enough to wipe out the savings of buying online. The CMA concluded this was anti-competitive and introduced a mandatory cap.
From March 2027 for larger practices (15+ sites) and September 2027 for smaller ones, following the CMA Order in September 2026, no vet practice in the UK may charge more than £21 for a written prescription (£12.50 for each additional medicine). This applies to all practices — corporate and independent. The RCVS will monitor and enforce compliance.
what most vets currently charge for a prescription
the new CMA maximum, effective 2027
typical savings when buying medications online
How to Save Money on
Pet Medications
Ask your vet for a prescription
When your vet prescribes medication, simply say: "I would like a written prescription please." They are legally required to provide one. You do not need to give a reason, and they cannot refuse without a documented clinical justification.
Compare prices on VetCost
Use our medication price comparison tool to find the cheapest price from VMD-registered online retailers. We compare prices across multiple trusted UK online retailers so you can find the best deal in seconds.
Order from a VMD-registered online retailer
Upload or post your prescription to the online retailer. They will verify it with your vet and dispatch the medication — usually within 1-3 working days. The online retailer will also handle any repeats shown on the prescription.
Save hundreds per year
For repeat medications like flea and worm treatments, thyroid tablets, or allergy medications, the savings add up quickly. A typical pet owner on long-term medications can save £200-500 per year by using online retailers — even after paying the prescription fee.
What to Do If Your
Vet Refuses a Prescription
If your vet refuses, you have several options. Here is the step-by-step process.
Step 1: Politely remind them of the law
Calmly state that under the Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2013, Schedule 3, Paragraph 14, they are legally required to issue a prescription on request. Many reception staff may not be aware of this — ask to speak to the senior vet if needed.
Step 2: Ask for the refusal in writing
If they still refuse, ask them to provide their refusal and the clinical reason in writing. Most vets will back down at this point, because they know they cannot legally justify the refusal.
Step 3: Complain to the practice manager
Submit a formal written complaint to the practice manager. Reference the VMR 2013 and the RCVS Code of Professional Conduct. Keep a copy of everything.
Step 4: Escalate to the RCVS or Trading Standards
If the practice does not resolve it, you can report them to the RCVS ([email protected]), the Veterinary Medicines Directorate ([email protected]), or your local Trading Standards office via Citizens Advice (0808 223 1133).
Or: Let VetCost Protect handle it for you
Do not want to deal with the hassle? VetCost Protect can file a formal complaint on your behalf, including RCVS and Trading Standards escalation. We handle the paperwork — you focus on your pet.
Start a VetCost Protect request
How Much Can You
Actually Save?
Here are real-world examples of vet prices vs. online retailer prices for common medications.
| Medication | Vet price | Online price | Annual saving |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apoquel 16mg (dog allergy, monthly) | £70/mo | £30/mo | £480 |
| Felimazole 5mg (cat thyroid, monthly) | £35/mo | £14/mo | £252 |
| NexGard Spectra (flea/tick/worm, 3-pack) | £55 | £28 | £108 |
| Metacam 1.5mg/ml (dog pain relief, 100ml) | £45 | £22 | £92+ |
Prices are indicative and based on typical UK vet and online retailer prices as of March 2026. Actual prices vary by practice, supplier, and dosage. Annual savings assume prescription fee of £21 (CMA cap) per prescription.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Under the Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2013 (Schedule 3, Paragraph 14), a vet must issue a written prescription for any POM-V medication on request. The only exception is if they believe it would be detrimental to the animal's health, and they must document the clinical reason in writing.
Currently, vets set their own fees, which typically range from £20 to £35. However, the CMA's mandatory reforms cap the maximum fee at £21 for the first medicine (£12.50 for each additional medicine). This cap takes effect from March 2027 for larger practices (15+ sites) and September 2027 for smaller ones, following the CMA Order in September 2026. Once it takes effect, any vet charging more than £21 is breaking the law.
First, politely remind them of the Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2013. Ask for their refusal in writing with a clinical reason. If they still refuse, complain to the practice manager, the RCVS ([email protected]), or Trading Standards. You can also use VetCost Protect to file a complaint on your behalf.
No. Under the CMA's reforms, practices cannot penalise, surcharge, or disadvantage clients who buy medications elsewhere. This includes refusing appointments, increasing consultation fees, or removing you from their practice list.
Typically 30-70%. For example, Apoquel (a common dog allergy medication) costs £60-80/month from a vet but £25-35/month online. Even after the prescription fee, savings are substantial — especially for repeat medications.
Yes, provided they are registered with the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD). VMD-registered online retailers are inspected regularly and dispense the exact same licensed medications as your vet. Always check for the VMD registration before ordering.
It applies to all POM-V (Prescription Only Medicine — Veterinarian) medications, which covers the vast majority of prescription pet medications including flea treatments, antibiotics, pain relief, allergy, thyroid, and heart medications.
Your vet cannot refuse a prescription
Know your rights. Compare medication prices. Save up to 70% on pet prescriptions with VetCost.