FAQs: Written Prescriptions
How much does a written prescription cost? The fee for a written prescription is £27 per prescription, and it must be paid in advance. This fee is non-refundable.
How long does it take to process a written prescription? We require a minimum of 2 working days to process and prepare your prescription. Please ensure that you allow extra time (ideally 2 weeks) for delivery, as after processing, the product will need to be ordered and shipped from your chosen pharmacy.
What types of medications can I get a written prescription for? We only issue written prescriptions for parasite control and for long-term medications that are required for more than a two-week course. New medications require approval from the veterinary surgeon before a written prescription can be issued.
How recent does my pet’s last exam need to be? Your pet must have been seen by us within the last 3-6 months, depending on the type of medication, in order to be eligible for a written prescription.
What is the maximum quantity of medication I can get with a written prescription? The maximum amount of medication allowed per prescription depends on how much time has passed since your pet’s last exam, as per Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) guidelines. Here’s how it works: 1. For Medications on a 6-Month Repeat: The amount allowed is calculated by 6 - (months lapsed since last exam). For example: If your last exam was 4 months ago, you can get 2 months’ worth of medication. If it’s been 7 months, no medication can be prescribed. 2. For Medications on a 3-Month Repeat: The amount allowed is calculated by 3 - (months lapsed since last exam). For example: If your last exam was 1 month ago, you can get 2 months’ worth of medication. If it’s been 4 months, no medication can be prescribed. 3. For Parasite Control (e.g., Flea, Tick, Worming Treatments): The amount allowed is calculated by 12 - (months lapsed since last exam). For example: If your last exam was 4 months ago, you can get 8 months’ worth of parasite control. If it’s been 13 months, no parasite control can be prescribed.
Can I request a written prescription after my pet’s last exam? It is best to request a written prescription at the time of the consultation or shortly after. Requests made months after the consultation may result in a lower quantity being prescribed, in line with our professional guidelines.
Can I change the medication or quantity after the prescription has been issued? Once a prescription has been dispensed, no changes can be made to the medication or quantity. If changes are required, a new prescription will be issued and the £27 fee will apply.
How long is a written prescription valid for? Written prescriptions are valid for a maximum of 6 months from the date of issue. It is your responsibility to ensure the prescription is used before it expires. If it is not used within this time, a new prescription will be required, and the prescription fee will apply again.
Can I get a written prescription for parasite control for my pet? Yes, we can issue written prescriptions for parasite control if your pet has been seen by us within the last 12 months. The prescription will be for up to a 12-month supply, depending on the last examination date.
Can I get a prescription for my puppy or kitten? Written prescriptions are not issued for puppies and kittens until they have fully grown, as their size and weight may change, potentially leading to incorrect dosages.
Can I get my pet’s medication from any pharmacy? We recommend using a reputable online pet pharmacy; to tell that they are legitimate companies, they will have ‘VMD’ and ‘RCVS’ registration details on their homepage (usually at the bottom). We advise against using human pharmacies unless completely necessary. Full information about this can be found in our written prescription terms and conditions
What should I do if I need a prescription but my pet has not been seen recently? If your pet has not been seen in the last 3-6 months (depending on the medication), you will need to book an appointment for a consultation before a written prescription can be issued.
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