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Q: A friend told me about an Internet site that sells drugs for pets, and it's cheaper than I pay at my veterinarian. Why shouldn't I order my pet's drugs over the Internet?
A:
Finding a "deal" makes you feel great...like you've outsmarted the system. But it's only a great "deal" if you're also receiving a quality product. Without quality, lower prices can prove to be a false savings. And sometimes the prices are not lower.
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Q: Internet pharmacies sound like a good deal. But some people are against buying drugs from them. Why?
A:
A number of problems have been reported, such as sales of pet medications without valid prescriptions. These drugs could pose a health threat to pets, and we're concerned about the welfare of these animals.
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Q: Why can't I get a prescription from just any veterinarian?
A:
For the same reason you can't walk into any doctor's office that's listed in the telephone directory and ask for a prescription for yourself. Because it's illegal, not to mention unethical, for a veterinarian to authorize a prescription without a valid "veterinarian-client-patient relationship." In order for you to get a legal prescription, you must be a "patient of record."
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Q: Can I buy my pet's drugs from a Canadian Internet pharmacy?
A:
No. The importation and use of drugs not approved by the FDA is illegal.
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Q: I found an Internet pharmacy that says I don't need a prescription. Do I?
A:
It is illegal and unethical for a pharmacy to send prescription drugs for animals without a valid prescription obtained from your veterinarian.
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Q: Well then, how can I find an Internet pharmacy that's credible?
A:
We haven't found a fool-proof way to assure a "good" pharmacy. That's why the AVMA acknowledges a program called "Vet-VIPPS," a voluntary certification program created by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy. The Vet-VIPPS seal of approval identifies those online pharmacies that are, according to NABP, appropriately licensed, are legitimately operating via the Internet, and that have successfully completed a rigorous criteria review and inspection. If you do experience problems, you should report the pharmacy to the Boards of Pharmacy in your state and the pharmacy's state.
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Q: Can my veterinarian tell me if the Internet pharmacy I'm using complies with regulations designed to protect me?
A:
No. Veterinarians cannot ensure compliance nor are they obligated to do so.
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Q: If I'm still thinking about buying my pet's medications over the Internet, what should I do?
A:
Please be careful. Insist on the same quality that you would expect from your veterinary clinic or from your neighborhood pharmacy. Your pet deserves nothing less.
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Q: What else can I do?
A:
Talk to your veterinarian. He or she wants to offer both convenience and good will, and is likely to offer you some assurance about the legitimacy and safety of his/her medication.
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