Vet Prescription Prices: Your Rights and How to Save

The CMA found that commonly prescribed medicines were typically available at online pharmacies for 50% to 60% less than at vet practices. It estimated that many pet owners could save around £200 to £300 a year by buying these medicines online, even after allowing for prescription or dispensing fees. Your saving depends on the medicine and your pet's needs.

You can request a written prescription from your vet and buy suitable medicine from another regulated supplier. In an emergency, immediate treatment at the practice may be more appropriate.

Your options and the current fee

The RCVS says clients should be able to obtain medicines from their practice or, when appropriate, by written prescription for dispensing elsewhere. A prescription-only medicine requires a vet's clinical assessment of an animal under their care. The vet may currently charge a reasonable fee for a written prescription, so ask what it is before comparing prices.

The RCVS also says vets should not prevent clients from using their chosen medicine retailer or charge them more for other goods or services because they buy medicine elsewhere.

What the CMA's fee cap changes

The CMA has set maximum written prescription fees of £21 including VAT for the first medicine prescribed within a consultation and £12.50 including VAT for each additional medicine prescribed at that same consultation. Those caps start in March 2027 for larger businesses and September 2027 for smaller ones. They do not cap the price of the medicine itself.

Until the cap applies to your practice, ask for its current fee. Compare the medicine price, fee and any delivery charge with the practice's total price. A lower online price may not be worth a separate order for a one-off medicine, but savings can add up for long-term treatment.

Choose a regulated retailer

Check that a UK online supplier is on the Veterinary Medicines Directorate's Register of Online Retailers. If a retailer offers to sell a prescription-only medicine without a valid prescription, do not use it.

How to ask your vet

Ask whether a written prescription is suitable for your pet's medication and when the vet next needs to reassess your pet. For ongoing treatment, ask how long the prescription can be valid and whether it allows repeat dispensing. The clinical decision belongs to the vet.