Many pet owners are getting confused by the new television ads for “veterinary pharmacies” and are not aware of the differences between purchasing medications from a vet and purchasing from another party (Internet, phone and catalog sales). Here are the facts to be aware of…

1. Wisconsin does NOT license ANY veterinary pharmacies.

Many of these companies claim to be state-licensed pharmacies when they are not. This means if you have a problem with the company or the product, you have no governing agency to report them to. Your veterinarian is licensed by the Wisconsin Department of Regulation and Licensing. According to the Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Association, the majority of complaints being called in are related to unlicensed pharmaceutical sales. State pharmacy laws were written for human pharmaceutical sales, and do nothing to protect pet owners. Complaints made to the states where these companies operate have crippled the pharmaceutical board’s ability to manage them, and companies often go under or change names to avoid lawsuits.

2. Manufacturer’s guarantees are VOID when not purchased through a licensed veterinarian.

Manufacturers of veterinary products, including Merial (Frontline TopSpot, Metacam), Novartis (Sentinel, Interceptor, Deramaxx) and Pfizer (Rimadyl), will NOT honor their product guarantee if it is not purchased through a licensed veterinarian. These companies only sell to veterinary clinics and will not stand behind a product that was purchased elsewhere. This is the only way they can be sure the product is properly handled, stored and prescribed.

3. The product may not actually be what you think you’re getting.

Products are often purchased overseas and passed off as products you are familiar with. Often these products are not USDA approved formulations and therefore sale in the United States is illegal. Products sold overseas are often different formulations and are not effective against diseases or parasites found in the US pet population. Pfizer has reported the detection of products not sold by Pfizer that have counterfeit labels applied to the bottles, making it appear to be a Pfizer product when it is not. In some cases the toll free number on the label does not belong to the manufacturer.

4. To increase sales, these companies encourage owners to play veterinarian.

Numerous lawsuits are pending against most Internet and catalog companies for sales of prescription drugs without a prescription. These companies often encourage owners to self-diagnose and treat their pets without acting in the best interest of the pet or the owner. Only a licensed veterinarian is permitted to diagnose and treat disease in animals. Frequently owners end up giving their pet a drug their veterinarian would never prescribe given their pet’s medical condition or history. Many vets are now reluctant to give out written prescriptions as some companies have copied the signature onto prescriptions that the vet did not approve. This practice is illegal and can result in drugs getting into the wrong hands, including steroids used by athletes and tranquilizers that have been used as a date-rape drug.

5. The supposed savings do not add up.

While many of these companies advertise low prices, the cost of shipping and handling often negates any savings. Also, most veterinary clinics charge a prescription fee for writing a prescription for product that they have on hand. It is perfectly legal and encouraged by the government for veterinarians to charge for this service, and it covers the veterinarian’s time in dealing with disreputable companies. The safety and well being of your pet is difficult to put a price tag on, however veterinary bills associated with adverse reactions can mount quickly. Keep in mind, manufacturer’s coupons can only be redeemed through a veterinarian and many products now offer specials to encourage legal sales – ask your vet!

If you have any questions please feel free to contact Harmony Pet Care at (262) 446-2273