Prescription Refill Policy & Information
At our clinic, your pet’s health and safety are our top priorities! To help us process prescription refills accurately and efficiently, please review the following information.
Refill Timeline:
Please allow at least 72 hours for prescription refill requests to be processed. This timeframe allows our veterinary team to thoroughly review your pet’s medical records, confirm the appropriate dosage, authorize the refill safely, and prepare the medication. If your pet’s prescription is a special order (such as a compounded formula) please allow up to 7 days for it to be processed and arrive, as these medications require additional time for formulation and delivery.
Physical Exam Requirements:
To refill a prescription, your pet must have had a physical examination with one of our veterinarians within the past year. This is part of the Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR) required by the College of Veterinarians of Ontario (CVO). A valid VCPR ensures we base treatment decisions on up-to-date health information. It’s also a legal requirement for prescribing and dispensing medications.
For some medications, especially those used to treat conditions like diabetes, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, Cushing’s disease, or Addison’s disease, recent bloodwork may be necessary. This helps us make sure your pet’s medication and dosage are still appropriate.
If your pet has an ear or skin infection, a new examination is needed each time. These conditions often vary and may require different treatment approaches. Infections, especially in the ears, can worsen if treated incorrectly, so identifying the exact cause is important.
Allergy medications may also require an exam to rule out infections or other underlying issues that could be made worse without the right diagnosis.
Understanding Veterinary Medication Costs:
We understand that the cost of veterinary medications can be a concern. Prices are often higher than human medications because veterinary care in Canada is not subsidized by the healthcare system, and prices are not regulated in the same way.
Veterinarians typically purchase medications through buying groups, not directly from manufacturers, which can increase distribution costs. Many pet medications also require special formulations (such as added flavoring or unique dosing) that are tailored specifically for animals.
Filling Prescriptions at Other Pharmacies:
You’re welcome to request a written prescription to be filled at a local or online pharmacy. While this is your right, please keep in mind that not all human pharmacies are familiar with veterinary-specific medications or appropriate dosing for pets.
If the medication is one we regularly carry in the clinic, a prescription-writing fee will apply. This fee covers the veterinarian’s time to thoroughly review your pet’s medical history and calculate safe, accurate dosing. If we do not typically stock the medication or are unable to source it through our suppliers, the prescription-writing fee is waived.
Online Pharmacies:
We often receive questions about why online pet pharmacies (such as PetsDrugMart) may appear less expensive. These companies are often able to offer lower markup fees due to significantly reduced overhead costs. Unlike veterinary clinics, they are not responsible for maintaining medical facilities, equipment, or in-person staff for customer service and patient education.
However, while base prices may seem lower, additional costs such as a dispensing fee per medication and shipping charges in addition to our prescription fee can quickly add up. Additionally, we cannot guarantee the safety or effectiveness of medications purchased outside of our hospital. When medications are dispensed through us, manufacturers often support treatment costs in the rare event of an adverse reaction. This support is not available for products bought online, as manufacturers cannot verify their quality or source. It’s important to consider the full cost and the value of personalized, veterinary-supervised care when choosing where to fill your pet’s prescriptions.
Prescription Returns & Refunds:
Unfortunately, per the CVO’s regulations, we are not permitted to return to stock, resell, re-dispense, or administer any medications that have left our clinic. Even if they remain unopened and in their original packaging, this policy is in place for safety and regulatory reasons, similar to how human pharmacies cannot accept returned medications. Once a prescription is dispensed, we cannot guarantee the integrity of the medication or that it has been stored properly after leaving our facility.
If you have any questions or would like to request a prescription refill, please give us a call at 613-383-8381. We’re happy to help ensure your pet gets the safe, effective treatment they need!