How to Request a Written Prescription from Your Vet (UK)
Many pet owners in the UK are not aware that they can ask their veterinary surgeon for a written prescription for their pet’s medication.
A written prescription allows you to purchase prescribed veterinary medicines from a registered online veterinary supplier rather than directly from your veterinary practice.
This can give owners greater flexibility when sourcing long-term medications for conditions such as arthritis, heart disease, epilepsy, or thyroid disorders.
UK veterinary regulations allow vets to issue written prescriptions when appropriate, although there may be a small administrative fee for doing so.
What Is a Written Veterinary Prescription?
A written veterinary prescription is a legal document issued by a veterinary surgeon that authorises the supply of a prescription-only veterinary medicine (POM-V).
The prescription contains details about the pet, the medication being prescribed, and instructions for how it should be used.
Once you have a valid prescription, you can choose where to purchase the medication. This may include:
- Your veterinary practice
- A registered online veterinary supplier
- Another authorised veterinary medicine supplier
All suppliers providing prescription veterinary medicines must comply with strict regulatory standards set by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD).
Can You Ask Your Vet for a Written Prescription?
Yes. In the UK, pet owners have the right to request a written prescription from their veterinary surgeon.
This right exists because veterinary practices are required to inform clients that prescriptions can be filled elsewhere if they wish.
However, a veterinarian must still ensure that issuing the prescription is clinically appropriate. This usually means the pet must be under their care and have been examined within an appropriate timeframe.
Your vet may charge a reasonable prescription fee to cover the time needed to review the case and issue the document.
When Do You Need a Written Prescription?
You will need a written prescription if you want to purchase certain medications outside your veterinary practice.
This mainly applies to medicines classified as POM-V (Prescription-Only Medicine – Veterinarian).
Common examples include medications used for long-term conditions such as:
- Heart disease medications (for example pimobendan or furosemide)
- Anti-seizure medications
- Thyroid treatments
- Allergy medications
- Long-term pain management drugs
These medicines require veterinary supervision and cannot legally be supplied without a valid prescription.
How to Request a Written Prescription
Requesting a prescription from your vet is usually straightforward.
In most cases you can simply ask during your consultation or contact the practice by phone or email.
The typical process involves:
- Confirming the medication and dosage with your vet
- Requesting a written prescription
- Paying any applicable prescription fee
- Receiving the signed prescription document
You can then upload the prescription to a registered veterinary supplier when ordering your pet’s medication.
How Long Are Veterinary Prescriptions Valid?
In the UK, most veterinary prescriptions are valid for up to six months from the date they are issued.
However, some medicines have shorter legal validity periods. For example:
- Controlled drugs are typically valid for 28 days
- Your vet may specify a shorter expiry period if clinical monitoring is required
Always check the expiry date on the prescription before ordering medication.
Using Your Prescription at an Online Veterinary Supplier
Once you receive your prescription, you can order medication from a licensed veterinary supplier.
The process usually involves uploading a photo or scanned copy of the prescription during checkout.
The supplier will then verify the prescription before dispensing the medication.
Always ensure that the supplier you use is registered with the Veterinary Medicines Directorate and clearly displays the official VMD accreditation logo.
Why Some Owners Choose Written Prescriptions
Many pet owners request written prescriptions for long-term medications so they can compare options when purchasing medication.
This can be particularly useful for pets requiring treatment over months or years.
Having a written prescription allows owners to obtain medication from a supplier that specialises in veterinary medicines while still maintaining veterinary oversight of their pet’s treatment.
References
Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD). Guidance on prescribing and supplying veterinary medicines in the UK.
Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS). Code of Professional Conduct – Prescribing Medicines.
UK Veterinary Medicines Regulations.
This article is intended for educational purposes and should not replace veterinary advice.