If you have ever searched online for prescription pet medicines, you’ve no doubt seen attention-grabbing claims.  They sound convincing in their promises of convenience and lower prices.

Internet sites that sell pet drugs can be reputable pharmacies. However, others are fronts for businesses breaking Federal, State and sometimes International laws.

When choosing an online pharmacies there are many things to consider to protect your pet and ensure the medication recieved is aligned with medical standards. Some common challenges to purchasing medication online include:

• sell medicines that are counterfeit
• outdated or mislabeled medication
• incorrectly formulated or improperly stored
• may not contain actual active ingredients
• may contain contaminants or the incorrect amount of the active ingredient
• may be compromised due to being stored in conditions that are too hot, cold, or humid
• may not have the proper directions for administration

Ask Your Vet for a Recommended Pharmacy Online

Veterinary hospitals purchase prescription medications directly from manufacturers.  Therefore, veterinary hospitals are able to assure us that the products have been produced and stored properly. Manufacturers do not typically sell prescription medications to online pharmacies.  Manufacturers also provide veterinarians with rebate coupons to offer to clients who buy directly from the veterinarian.  Therefore, in many cases, veterinarian-provided prescription medications are actually less expensive than those sold by online pharmacies.  More importantly, the manufacturer warranty may be voided for prescription medications purchased from online pharmacies.

Because of the risk associated with purchasing from online pharmacies Harmony Animal Hospital will not fax prescriptions to online pharmacies, nor approve a prescription request over the phone. If you choose to buy from an online pharmacy, we will be happy to write a prescription for you to send in to them yourself.  We simply want the best for your pet, and with the rebates, we feel we are able to provide quality medications for you in a more cost effective way than purchasing from online pharmacies. 

We appreciate your understanding, and thank you for entrusting us with the care of your furry loved ones!

The Staff of Harmony Animal Hospital

Purchasing Pet Drugs Online: Buyer Beware