How To Find The Best Pet Pharmacy-Buying Pet Meds Online

If you're searching online for the best pet pharmacy, you're going to have to do a little research. There are a lot of reputable pet pharmacies online, but there are a great number of scams as well. If you jump at the first company that advertises "Discount Pet Medication!" or "Cheap Pet Meds!" there's a good chance you're going to lose your money to a scam artist.

It's not just money you stand to lose, either. Many of the discount pet pharmacies actually pose a danger to your pets. Many of these discount pet pharmacies sell pet meds medications that are:

• Expired
• Counterfeit
• Not stored properly
• Mislabeled
• Don't contain the correct amount (or any amount) of the actual drug

There are even accounts of shady pet pharmacies that that intentionally ship the wrong pet medication, or none at all. Once you fall for the hype and place an order, you might even find that there's no useful contact information for to get your order straightened out.

The best place to buy pet medication will always be your veterinarian. They only deal with licensed and trusted pet pharmacies and offer the highest quality pet meds. If you're after cheap pet medications, ask your vet about generic equivalents.  Just like human meds, there are generic equivalents for most pet medicines. They have the same ingredients and dosages, but are usually available for a fraction of the price.

If you're determined to find the best pet pharmacy online, your vet is still a good place to start.  Your veterinarian's primary interest is what is best for your pet. He is probably familiar with the most reputable online pet pharmacies and can steer you toward the best ones if you ask. If you do find a good discount from an online pet pharmacy (and you can prove it), your vet may even be willing to match the price. Some veterinarians will match prices and some won't, so it never hurts to ask. You should also keep in mind that the manufacturer of your pet medication will probably not honor the guarantee of any pet medication that is bought online.

There are hundreds of websites that claim to be the "best pet pharmacy", but many of these are scams. There are precautions that every pet owner should take before buying pet medication online. First and foremost, don't be fooled by cheap pet medication. If the price is substantially lower then what your vet offers, chances are that the pet meds are expired or outright fake. Again, before you place an order, ask your veterinarian if they're familiar with that particular pet pharmacy, if they've worked with them before, or if any of his clients have placed orders with them. If not, then it's best to move on with your search.

If a pet pharmacy advertises "No Prescription Required", they are breaking the law. According to the FDA, ALL pharmacies, whether for pet meds or otherwise, must require a valid prescription. Other pet pharmacy warning signs include:

• No contact information
• No licensed pharmacist to answer your questions
• Site is not licensed by the State Board Of Pharmacy in the state where they're located
  

If the pet pharmacy is located in the US, it's easy to check with the Board Of Pharmacy where they are doing business. If you get scammed by a site outside of the US, it's unlikely that you'll be able to get your money back.

In 2009, the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) created Vet-VIPPS (Veterinary-Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites). Vet-VIPPS is a voluntary accreditation program for pet pharmacies doing business in the US. In order to receive Vet-VIPPS accreditation, a pet pharmacy must strictly adhere to all state and federal laws, and satisfy the following criteria:

• Must successfully complete a Vet-VIPPS 19 point review and online survey
• Must be licensed in every state where they ship pet medication
• Must complete annual Vet- VIPPS review and re-accreditation
• Must undergo NABP on-site surveys every three years

In order to maintain their Vet- VIPPS accreditation, pet pharmacies must also prove their ability to maintain patient confidentiality, have a strict quality control process in place, and ensure the validity of prescription orders.

Always remember that your vet is the best, most reliable source for pet medication. He is familiar with your pets medical history, will tell you exactly how to use the medication, and explain the side effects in advance. Your vet keeps all pet medications properly stored according to the label instructions and will never dispense expired pet medication; and if your pet ever has an adverse reaction, you know exactly how to contact the clinic.

If you must buy pet medication online, follow these simple guidelines to find the best pet pharmacy:

• Ask your vet
• Watch for pet pharmacy warning signs
• Check pet pharmacy accreditation
• Report suspicious pet pharmacies

Always be sure you receive the right pet meds and the correct dosage BEFORE giving it to your pet.

It's always nice to save a few dollars where you can, but your first concern is your pet's health and safety. Ordering pet medication from the wrong pet pharmacy could put your pet's health in jeopardy, resulting in more veterinarian bills or worse, the death of your faithful friend. Always do your homework so your pet can live a long and happy life.

For more information about pet pharmacies, buying pet medication online, recalls and other issues that may affect your pet's health, visit the FDA Center For Veterinary Medicine animal and veterinary page. It's constantly updated with the latest pet health concerns, issues and advice.