Help! I Feel Like I Am Being Ripped Off By My Vet! (Vet Answered)
This question has been answered by a vet
Veterinarian & Animal Behaviorist
With nearly two decades in veterinary medicine, Dr. Paola brings hands-on experience across multiple species. A graduate of the University of Guadalajara, she specializes in preventive care, animal welfare, and positive reinforcement training.
The Question
“My sister’s dog’s medication costs $90 from her vet. I found the identical medication online for $41. The vet refuses to authorize the prescription outside of the vet clinic. They claim they can’t control the validity of the prescription or expiration date outside of the clinic.
My sister’s dog has been seeing the vet for 8 years. It seems like a scam and they are double dipping and making a huge profit off of the prescriptions. Can they do this? Is it a legal requirement that all prescription medication be bought at the vet?
My sister also said they don’t put the pills in a pill bottle with prescription information. They just put them in a clear ziplock bag. It doesn’t sound right to me.“
– Pam
Quick Info
Hi Pam,
This does sound really frustrating. Veterinary prescribing laws can vary depending on location – even between different states and provinces, so the answer partly depends on where your sister lives. In general, though, veterinarians are allowed to sell medications directly through their clinic and set their own prices. Clinics often charge more than large pharmacies because medication sales help support the costs of running the practice, a little like how airport shops charge more than grocery stores for the same bottle of water. It also covers the cost of having the medication available to be dispensed immediately, because if a drug expires on the shelf, the clinic has to absorb the cost. That being said, owners still have the right to ask questions about costs and prescription options.
In the US, all states allow pet owners to request a written prescription to fill at an outside pharmacy, as long as there is a valid veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR) and the medication is appropriate to prescribe. This usually means that the pet needs to have been physically examined within the past 6-12 months, depending on the medication and condition being treated. Veterinarians may have legitimate reasons to avoid certain outside pharmacies in specific situations, especially with compounded drugs or controlled medications, but a blanket refusal for all outside prescriptions is not in compliance with current legislation, and reputable pharmacies routinely verify prescriptions directly with veterinary clinics.
The packaging concern is also worth mentioning. Dispensed prescription medications are generally expected to have a proper label with the pet’s name, medication name, dosage instructions, prescribing veterinarian, and other identifying information. A clear plastic bag without labeling would not typically meet standard dispensing practices. If your sister feels uncomfortable with the clinic’s policy, it would be reasonable for her to politely request the policy in writing or contact the local veterinary licensing board or veterinary association for clarification about the rules where she lives.
I hope this helps!