How to obtain a veterinary prescription and buy pet medicines in the UK

Katerina Galkina · EN · 07/10/2026

Veterinary medicines have different supply categories. Not every product needs a prescription, and a seller's advice cannot replace the required assessment for a prescription medicine. Start with your pet's treating vet and establish the category of the actual product. VMD: retail of veterinary medicines ↗.

Obtain an appropriate prescription

For POM-V medicines, a vet performs a clinical assessment and the animal must be under their care. The vet determines whether an examination is needed and when to reassess. There is no universal review interval covering every illness and medicine.

Mention other medication, pregnancy, age and previous adverse reactions. Request written dosage, duration, storage instructions and advice about a missed dose. POM-VPS medicines have different prescribing rules involving an appropriately qualified professional. Do not assume every parasite treatment has the same supply category. VMD: supply categories ↗.

Compare practice dispensing with a written prescription

You can request a written prescription to obtain the prescribed medicine from another lawful supplier. First establish the prescription fee, expiry, permitted repeats and delivery cost. A lower pack price may not reduce the total once these charges are included.

Do not change the dose or substitute a website's suggested product without agreement from the prescribing vet. Request ongoing medication early enough to allow for any necessary reassessment.

Check an online retailer

Internet suppliers of POM-V, POM-VPS and NFA-VPS medicines require the relevant VMD registration. Match the legal name and website against the official online retailers register ↗. A logo image alone proves nothing. The registration requirement differs for businesses selling only AVM-GSL products.

Check the delivery territory

Rules can differ between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, including online supply and particular medicine categories. Read the appropriate VMD section. Buying abroad and importing an unauthorised product does not become lawful simply because another country sells it without a prescription. If supplies run short, ask the vet for a permitted supply route rather than substituting a human medicine yourself.