Can I Get a Prescription for My Cat Online? Vet-Approved Facts & FAQ
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Have you ever had a sick kitty and wondered if you could simply get a prescription for your feline friend online? The answer is no, but you can get a prescription from your normal vet and fill that online.
Most online veterinarians aren't allowed to write prescriptions because they can't establish a veterinary-client-patient relationship (VCPR). This is a connection between a veterinarian, a pet parent (you), and your pet. In most states, a vet must see your pet in person to create a VCPR. This ensures that they know the animal’s medical history well enough to diagnose and treat any issues.
That said, you can get a written prescription from your veterinarian, to fill online, in many instances. Here’s the rundown on the process.
How to Get a Prescription for Your Cat Online
Getting a prescription for your cat should always be done through a Veterinary-Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Site (Vet-VIPPS) to ensure that you're obtaining medications safely and legally. Here's a breakdown of the process:
1. Obtain a prescription from your veterinarian.
Before you can purchase medication for your cat online, you'll need a prescription from a licensed veterinarian. This typically involves a consultation with the veterinarian, to diagnose your cat's condition and determine the appropriate treatment. Your vet will then provide you with a written prescription (generally you need to ask for this), that you can use to order medication from an online pharmacy.
2. Choose a Vet-VIPPS-Accredited pharmacy.
Select a Certified VIPPS Online Pharmacy from the available options. These pharmacies have been verified to meet strict standards for quality and safety in dispensing medications for animals. You can usually find a list of accredited pharmacies on the Vet-VIPPS website or by asking your veterinarian for recommendations.
3. Submit the prescription to the online pharmacy.
Once you have the prescription from your veterinarian, you'll need to submit it to your chosen online pharmacy. This can usually be done by uploading a scanned copy of the prescription through the pharmacy's website or by faxing it to the designated fax number. Some pharmacies may also accept prescriptions via email or postal mail.
4. Verify the prescription.
The online pharmacy will verify the prescription with your veterinarian to ensure its authenticity and accuracy. This may involve contacting your vet's office directly to confirm the details of the prescription.
5. Place your order.
Once the prescription has been verified, you can proceed to place your order for the medication. Make sure to provide the pharmacy with any necessary information, or any specific instructions from your veterinarian.
6. Receive the medication.
After placing your order, the online pharmacy will dispense the medication and ship it to your designated address. Depending on the pharmacy's shipping policies, you may receive the medication within a few days to a week.
7. Follow up with your veterinarian.
After receiving the medication, follow up with your veterinarian to monitor your cat's response to treatment and ensure that the medication is working as intended. Your vet can provide guidance regarding any adjustments that may be required for your cat's treatment plan.
Tips for Keeping Your Cat Healthy
- Keep records of your cat’s medical history. Maintain detailed records of your cat's medical history, including any medications that they are currently taking or have taken in the past.
- Monitor your cat for any possible side effects. When starting a new medication that you bought online, carefully monitor your cat for any adverse reactions or side effects. Report any concerns promptly to your veterinarian and follow their guidance.
- Don't skip your vet appointments. Even if you buy prescriptions online, schedule regular check-ins with your veterinarian to monitor your cat's progress and make any necessary adjustments to their treatment plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Precautions Should I Take When Getting an Online Prescription for My Cat?
In many, if not most instances, prescriptions cannot be written for animals that have not been seen in person by the veterinarian writing the prescription, though the laws may vary state to state, country to country, and change in the future. Therefore, most online prescriptions are merely filling a prescription that your veterinarian has already written.
Can I Get All Types of Pet Prescriptions Online?
While many common medications and treatments for pets can be obtained online, not all pharmacies will have all medications.
Final Thoughts
Although it is possible to fill prescriptions online for your cat, you should approach this process with caution and responsibility. Make sure you use reputable platforms. Above all, if you get a medication from online, and have concerns about how it looks, or how your cat is reacting to it, don’t hesitate to reach out to both your veterinarian and the prescribing pharmacy with your concerns.
See Also:
Sources
Featured Image Credit: New Africa, Shutterstock
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Genevieve is both a biologist and a science writer, driven by her deep love for capuchin monkeys, pumas, and kangaroos. Her dedication to wildlife has taken her across the globe, from Bolivia and Guatemala to Canada and Australia, working and volunteering at various rehabilitation centers. As a Canadian living in Argentina, Genevieve starts her days with horses and cows greeting her from the plains outside her home office. She is the proud parent of three rescued dogs—Lemmy, Nala, and Pochi—and an energetic kitten named Furiosa. The opportunity to share her passion and expertise in animal care brings her great satisfaction.
