Written Prescriptions
The flexibility to buy your pet’s medication elsewhere, safely.
We understand that some clients prefer to purchase their pet’s medication through external pharmacies. To support this, we offer written prescriptions, with clear guidance to help you buy safely and choose the option that works best for you and your pet.
Choosing a trustworthy online pharmacy
Online pharmacies can be a great option, just take a moment to ensure they are properly accredited and based in the UK. It’s essential to choose a reputable, UK-authorised pharmacy to keep your pet safe.
Buying medication safely
Tap each section for guidance on checking a pharmacy and how our prescription process works.
Look for:
- VMD accreditation: the website should display the VMD Approved Internet Retailer logo (Veterinary Medicines Directorate).
- A physical UK address: reputable pharmacies clearly list their registered address and contact details.
- A requirement for a valid prescription: genuine pharmacies always ask for a vet-signed prescription before dispensing prescription-only medicines.
- Secure payment pages: the web address should begin with https:// and show a padlock symbol.
- Clear customer support information: including phone or email support for queries.
If a website avoids these checks or offers “no-prescription-needed” medication, it is not safe and may be operating illegally.
Buying from an unverified or overseas supplier can expose your pet to serious risks, including:
- Counterfeit or diluted medication
- Incorrect dosages or unsafe formulations
- Expired or improperly stored medicines
- Unexpected delays, or orders that never arrive
- No accountability if anything goes wrong
Inaccurate or poor-quality medication may fail to treat your pet’s condition, worsen their disease, or cause unexpected side effects.
- Request a written prescription from our client care team, who set up an internal task for our veterinary team.
- We set aside administration time in the vet’s day to review your pet’s records and ensure the medication and quantity are appropriate.
- There is a small charge for the professional time of the prescribing vet (£23).
- You receive the prescription by email or in paper form.
- You place your order with the online pharmacy of your choice.
- Allow extra time for delivery, especially near weekends, bank holidays, or when medication is running low.
If your pet needs their medication urgently, buying directly from Whiskers will always be the quickest and safest option.
Where to buy: a balanced view
We support our clients in choosing whichever option works best for them. Here’s a simple comparison to help you decide.
Buying directly from Whiskers
Pros
- Fast, same-day supply for most medicines
- Instant access to advice and support
- No stress from delivery delays
- Simpler insurance claims (direct invoicing, fewer receipts)
- Our team can quickly spot interactions or issues
Cons
- May cost more than large online retailers
Buying from online pharmacies
Pros
- Often cheaper due to bulk-buying power
- Home delivery
Cons
- Delivery delays can leave pets without medication if not planned ahead
- A written prescription is required from an RCVS-registered vet (£23)
- More steps for insurance claims (receipts and proof of purchase)
- Better suited to stable, chronic conditions than urgent or frequently adjusted medications
Prescription FAQs
Veterinary medicines are regulated, and we must follow strict prescribing guidelines set by the RCVS.
Controlled drugs, one month supply only. For certain medications, such as gabapentin, some epilepsy treatments and other controlled drugs, we are allowed to prescribe one month at a time. This applies even on a written prescription, regardless of where the medication is purchased.
Other long-term medications, usually up to six months. For stable, ongoing conditions (e.g. arthritis, skin allergies) we can usually provide up to six months per written prescription. Exceptions apply if your pet’s condition is unstable, requires close monitoring, or if the vet feels a shorter interval is safer (e.g. diabetes, or thyroid disease in cats).
Using a prescription more times than intended, altering quantities, or submitting the same document to multiple suppliers is illegal and is taken extremely seriously by pharmacies and veterinary governing bodies. Fraudulent use can lead to pharmacies refusing to supply medication, a report being made to regulatory bodies, and potential legal consequences. Please only use your written prescription as directed.
Need guidance?
Written prescriptions offer flexibility and potential cost savings, while buying directly from Whiskers provides speed, convenience and clinical support. If you have any questions, please contact our team on 01626 835002, we’re always happy to help.
