You've always been able to ask your vet for a written prescription, and new reforms are making it easier, with capped fees and clearer information. You're free to fill it wherever you choose, and AnimalMeds shows you real prices from registered pet pharmacies, so you always know the fair one.
Illustrative examples of how prices vary between registered retailers. Live prices on the compare page.
Following its review of the UK veterinary market, the Competition and Markets Authority is introducing reforms designed to make prices and choices clearer for pet owners. They begin rolling out from autumn 2026.
That's long been the case for medicines used at home, and most practices happily provide them. The reforms add standard notices so every owner knows.
Many practices already charge modest fees. The reforms cap them everywhere, so comparing prices stays affordable for every owner.
Prescribed medicines can be bought from any registered UK retailer, and the reforms will make those options clearer at every visit. Elsewhere is about to get much easier to find.
Prescribing is a clinical decision that stays with your vet, exactly as it should. This isn't about distrust: clearer information is good for owners and good practices alike. Details of the reforms and their timings are set by the final Order; we'll keep this page current as they come into force.
Photograph the written prescription your vet gives you. We read it instantly, no typing, no codes.
See what the same medicine costs at registered UK pet pharmacies, side by side, with each shop's delivery terms shown.
Buy from the pharmacy you pick, then save the prescription to your pet's free lifelong health record in the Pet 24-7 app, with a reminder before the next dose is due.
For a one-off medicine, often not: the prescription fee can outweigh the saving, and we'll tell you so. For the medicines your pet takes month after month, the savings can run into hundreds of pounds a year. Pick a medicine and see the honest maths.
Free, instant, and honest enough to tell you when buying at your practice is the better call.
"Nobody should have to choose between trusting their vet and affording the medicine. The new rules finally separate the two, and every pet owner deserves to know it."
Dr Luke Gamble, veterinary surgeon
Founder, Pet 24-7 Global · Worldwide Veterinary Service · Mission Rabies
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