The Cost of Medicines Explained
Unfortunately there is no NHS for pets and, as a result, UK veterinary practices must all be run as businesses. This means that our prices not only cover the cost of the item, but also a nominal amount to help cover overheads, such as costs of the building, staff wages and equipment maintenance and replacement. In the case of medicines, a mark-up is applied to supplier prices to reflect the cost of delivering the medications to practice, storing them appropriately (often within a closely monitored temperature range), and dispensing them.
We are often asked why the same medicines can be purchased online for reduced costs compared to those charged in practice. This can be largely explained by the fact that the business model for an internet pharmacy is very different to that of a veterinary practice. The overheads of an online retailer are significantly smaller. They have large storage facilities so can hold huge amounts of stock, allowing them to buy in bulk often with resultant discounts. They do not require the majority of staff to hold specific qualifications, and have no need to open during unsociable hours. Internet pharmacies can only dispense medication exactly as prescribed by a vet. If, for example, a certain size of tablet is unavailable, an internet pharmacy cannot legally dispense two smaller tablets to make the same dose, as only a qualified vet can decide that this is safe and appropriate
In comparison, your veterinary practice is continually available for advice and treatment. While only vets can prescribe medication, our nurses are able to dispense and can liaise with a vet directly as needed. The practice can provide a rapid solution in the event that a certain medication is unavailable, your pet will not accept a particular format (such as tablets), or your pet reacts badly to a certain drug. Dose and drug changes can be made flexibly based on clinical assessment. In addition, both vets and nurses are happy to help support administration, whether that’s giving tips for tableting or seeing pets monthly to apply spot-on treatments in the practice.
Ultimately, there are many advantages to purchasing medications directly from your veterinary practice. As well as those already described, we must also consider that by purchasing direct, you are helping ensure your local clinic can stay open and be there in your pet’s time of need. Internet pharmacies are unfortunately inadequate when, for example, your pet cuts themselves on a walk, won’t stop vomiting, or eats something they shouldn’t.
We understand that owning a pet can be expensive, and that not all insurance policies will cover all medications indefinitely. We want your pet to have the right treatment and, ultimately, purchasing medications online may be the only way for this to happen. With this in mind, we would recommend the following:
