When your pet needs medication, your first thought is probably, “What’s best for them?” followed by “How much is this going to cost me?”
Well, you are not alone. The rising cost of pet care can feel overwhelming. Many pet owners are now asking: “Can I buy pet meds online?” and “Is it safe to do so?”
Here’s what every pet owner should know about buying pet medication online, including how to stay safe, save money, and feel confident in your choices.
Is it safe to buy pet meds online?
Yes, if you know where to look.
It’s completely legal and safe to buy pet medication online in the UK, but only when it’s sourced from government-accredited retailers. Sadly, not every site meets that standard.
Fake medications can, and do, appear on online marketplaces, and an estimated 10% of owners have bought a counterfeit medication online without realising it. In June 2025, the government issued an urgent warning to pet owners, as toxic chemicals were found in counterfeit flea treatments. So don’t take the risk, always buy from a verified source.
At Petscribers, we help you find trusted, government-approved pharmacies and products so you can buy safe, authentic medication for your pet with confidence.
Can I buy pet medication without a vet prescription?
For prescription-only veterinary medications (POM-V), you need a written prescription from your vet. But here's the interesting news: you don’t have to buy the meds directly from the vet practice. You're legally entitled to take that veterinary prescription and shop around, and many pet owners don’t realise this.
"A 2024 survey indicated that 38% of UK pet owners were unaware they could purchase pet medication online."
The Petscribers platform simplifies that whole process. You search for your medication, find the pharmacy that best suits your preferences, follow the link to the pharmacy and order the meds for your pet via their website. Please note that some pharmacies may require you to email your prescription.
We help you find and compare pet medication from trusted online pharmacies in one handy place.
How to buy pet medication online - safely and easily
Here’s how it works in 3 steps:
- Ask your vet for a written prescription – this is your legal right.
- Choose what’s right for you and your pet – we’ll help you compare safe, accredited options.
- Upload your prescription, and let the pharmacy deliver it to your door.
Where can I buy pet meds online?
You can buy from several online veterinary pharmacies, but not all are created equal. Trusted options are registered with the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD), which means they adhere to strict rules regarding sourcing, storage, and sale of pet medication. That’s the gold standard.
Where is the best place to buy pet meds online?
The best place is one that’s transparent, trustworthy, and tailored to your needs.
We might be biased, but here’s why pet owners are choosing Petscribers :
- Designed by vets, so you are in safe, expert hands
- Backed by data so that you can see the price differences at a glance, including delivery costs and free delivery thresholds, so there are no surprises at the checkout.
- It helps you shop the way you want. We let you filter based on what is important - do you need the cheapest, quickest delivery, or want to shop with an independent pharmacy (not a corporate group)? We can provide the information you need to make that choice.
Is it cheaper to buy pet meds online?
Yes, in many cases, it’s significantly cheaper to buy your pet’s medication online.
We’ve seen pet owners save up to 70% by comparing prices on our platform. That adds up quickly, especially if your pet needs long-term treatment for conditions such as arthritis, Cushing's, diabetes and hyperthyroidism.
What is the cheapest place to buy pet meds online?
The cheapest place to buy pet drugs online depends on the medication. Petscribers was designed by vets to help you find and compare pet medication online, helping you source the most affordable option for your pet. Instead of trawling through dozens of websites, you can compare accredited sellers in one place.
If you are looking to buy pet medication online, you’ll want a platform that connects directly with retailers to compare prices and delivery costs, helps you filter for independent suppliers, and shows you the total cost upfront without having to continue through the entire checkout process. That’s what we’re here for.
Can you trust an online pet pharmacy?
As vets and pet owners, we know that trust is everything when it comes to your pet’s health.
That’s why we only show pharmacies approved by the UK government. Whether you’re managing diabetes in dogs or searching for cat flea treatments, we help you make the best choice for your pet.
Everything we build is designed with clinical accuracy and pet safety in mind.
The Competition and Markets Authority Reforms
In 2025, the Competition and Markets Authority proposed major reforms to improve transparency and consumer choice in the UK’s veterinary market. Among the suggested changes are mandating written prescriptions, capping fees, and promoting price comparison tools to help pet owners shop around with confidence.
These proposals aim to rebalance a system that can leave owners feeling uninformed. At Petscribers, we’re already moving ahead, making it easier to compare trusted pharmacy prices and make informed choices about your pet’s care.
With the CMA reforms on the horizon, you don’t need to wait for the system to catch up. Petscribers is already here to help you take control, because better pet care shouldn’t be confusing.
How do I ask my vet for a written prescription?
It’s easier than you think. Just ask your vet: ‘Can I get a written prescription for this medication?’ You have the legal right to do this, and vets understand entirely that it helps you make an informed choice. Not sure how to start the conversation? Here’s a little script you can use.
"I’m thinking of buying this medication online to see if I can save a bit of money. I’ll be using Petscribers, which only lists government-approved pharmacies. Would you be happy to write the prescription so I can take it with me?"
This should put your vet’s mind at ease that you’re not going to end up with any counterfeit medications, because they want the best for your pet, too.
What about delivery?
Quick delivery is especially important if your pet is undergoing treatment.
Most pharmacies on Petscribers offer tracked or next-day delivery options. Next on our ‘to-do’ list is building Pet Owner dashboards with reminders to help you stay one step ahead, so you’re never caught short with medication needs for your pet.
The tools you need to buy your pet medication online
We know this isn't just about saving a few pounds. It’s about doing the right thing for your pet without feeling like you’re compromising.
Whether you’ve just welcomed a new puppy or you’re caring for a pet with chronic needs, we’re here to make life that bit easier.
Ready to start?
Got your prescription? Great. Let’s compare medications.
With Petscribers, you’re not just buying pet meds online.
Check prices and find safe pet meds now
You’re making a supported choice for your pet and your pocket.
Quick Fire Q&A:
Can I get a prescription from my vet over the phone?
It depends. If your pet has been seen recently and is on long-term medication, your vet may be happy to issue a prescription without another appointment.
However, if it’s a new problem or your pet is due for a check-up, your vet will likely need to examine them before prescribing anything further, to ensure it’s safe and appropriate.
Do I need to post the prescription, or can I upload it?
Usually, you can upload your pet’s prescription directly to the online pharmacy or send it via email, unless it’s for a controlled drug.
Controlled drugs are specific types of medication that have stricter rules around how they’re prescribed and dispensed. Your vet may only prescribe a small amount at a time, and the pharmacy may have limits on the amount they can supply in one go.
For these medications, the prescription must be physically signed (a “wet” signature) and submitted to the pharmacy before they can be dispensed.
Is it legal to compare pet medication prices online?
Yes, it is legal. The Petscribers platform helps you find the most affordable option, including delivery costs, so you can choose the pharmacy that works best for you and your pet.
How do I know if a medication is government-approved?
The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) is the UK government body responsible for authorising and approving medication for use in animals. This ensures the medicines are both safe and effective.
Reputable websites will mention the VMD and display its logo, giving you confidence that you're buying from a trusted source.
Why can't I find a medication online?
Sometimes a vet will prescribe medication for your pet that hasn’t been licensed for that type of pet, or is licensed in humans instead. This is called going “off license”. Your vet will discuss this with you and their reasons for doing so before prescribing the medication for your pet. Human medications can be bought from online pharmacies, but they do not advertise them, so you may need to ring them to find out if they can source it for you, and what it will cost.