October 24, 2023

Effective November 1, 2023 Family Pet Health will not process orders for medications, preventatives and/or special diets sent directly to us (via email, phone or fax) from online suppliers or from outside pharmacies (with the exception of compounding pharmacies for a specific formulation.)

We understand that there are many reasons that our clients may want to purchase medications from online retailers or outside pharmacies instead of directly from us. To assist you in making the most informed decision for your pet, we want to be very clear that we recommend that you purchase products only from a properly accredited and certified veterinary pharmacy. However, if you choose to procure medications from another source we want to give you that option.

We absolutely support our clients’ choice to choose where they obtain their pet’s medications and are happy to accommodate a request to do so. Clients who opt to obtain their pet’s medication through these avenues will simply need to pick up a written prescription at our hospital during normal business hours.

WHY DID WE INSTITUTE THIS POLICY?

Managing outside prescriptions is costly in terms of staff time and effort. It takes a significant amount of time to review medical records, ensure proper documentation of the medication request and email/call/fax in the prescription.

More importantly though, we feel it is better medicine to utilize written documentation for a prescription that is filled outside of our hospital. Relaying prescription information over the phone increases the risk of dosing errors. Outside prescription requests do not generate a written record in your pet’s medical file. And, with little regulation of online pharmacies, we have no way to ensure the quality and reliability of the service.

We understand that cost and convenience are the two primary reasons that our clients purchase from outside pharmacies and online retailers. That’s why Family Pet Health has partnered with Covetrus to offer an online pharmacy option (https://familypethealth.vetsfirstchoice.com/) that offers the same pricing structure and shipping options as any other major online pharmacy. Many of our clients are already utilizing our online pharmacy for medications and special diets and we regularly send prescriptions to clients through our pharmacy when it is time to fill monthly preventatives. Unlike outside pharmacies, our online pharmacy is eligible for ALL of the product rebates available from our product suppliers.

Because our online pharmacy is part of our clinic infrastructure, you will not need a written prescription if you order this way. Our hospital and online store’s supply chain is 100% secure and from the time the medication you order is manufactured, all the way to when you are going to give it to your pet, it has been handled, stored and packaged in compliance with manufacturer guidelines. The product you receive is guaranteed to be the name-brand medication in the proper dosage and packaging. Medications purchased directly from us and our online store are guaranteed by the product’s manufacturer and most importantly by us, your pet’s veterinarian.

If you have any further questions about our policy, please do not hesitate to contact us. Thank you for trusting us with your pet’s medical care!

Thanks,
Family Pet Health