Where can I get cheap pet meds?

Pet medication pricing varies as much as the size and shape of your furry friends. Like meds for humans, prices can run incredibly high. There is no one-stop shop for the cheapest pet medication! Pet owners are forced to shop around for the best price. Some medicines may prove cheaper when ordered from international online pharmacies, while others are best obtained locally.

Some popular pet drugs like Vetmedin and Apoquel can be found for just slightly cheaper using pharmacy discount coupons at local U.S. pharmacies, such as Walmart or CVS, can save you a lot of money. Check out ours: the U.S. Prescription Discount Card can push prices even lower.

Where can I order pet medications in bulk for cheaper?

There are a few websites like 1-800-Pet-Meds and Chewy that allow for bulk orders of pet medication. This is particularly helpful if your pup takes a maintenance medication. These websites are quite easy to navigate. (Chewy divides its pharmacy section by types of ailments, such as “heartworm” and “flea and tick.”) These websites also provide a good representation of average prices for medications -- with a few discounts to boot.

Below, PharmacyChecker has compiled six commonly-prescribed pet medications accompanied by the lowest price to be found at an accredited international pharmacy and the prices at Chewy, a commonly-used pet superstore. In some cases, the prices are nearly equal. In others, the international pharmacy price is lower. Your pharmacy of choice could hinge on whether you can save on shipping costs by ordering from the same pharmacy where you get your own personal (human) prescription meds.

Related: How much does Vetmedin cost? Is there a shortage?

Can I give human medication to my dog?

Only if your vet recommends it. Certain human medications can be used for dogs; this is called “extra label” usage. Do not administer human medications to your pet if you do not have your vet’s blessing.

WARNING! Do not give your pet over-the-counter pain medication.

Household painkillers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen may seem like a good option if your pet seems to be hurting. Please be advised: over-the-counter pain medication can kill some pets. According to the FDA, these medications can be toxic to pets given their smaller size. Acetaminophen (brand name Tylenol) in particular is fatal to cats. There are a few anti-inflammatory drugs which can be used as pain relievers in pets, including firocoxib, grapiprant, and meloxicam. If your pet is in pain, ask your veterinarian about NSAIDs for pets. You can learn more about pain relievers for pets here.

Pharmacist TIP: Pet owners should make sure to keep all pet and human medications out of reach from all children, cats, dogs, and other animals to prevent them from accidentally taking them.

Read: How do I childproof my medicine cabinet?

Should I get pet insurance?

If your pet has a chronic condition like congestive heart failure (CHF) or diabetes, you may want to look into pet insurance, which is sometimes offered by your employer as part of a health insurance package. ConsumersAdvocate.org has rated HealthyPaws as a #1 pet insurance provider in customer satisfaction.

Does Walmart sell pet medications?

Walmart has a separate pharmacy entirely for pets titled Walmart Pet Pharmacy. It has comprehensive offerings and can ship your prescriptions directly to you.

Do I need a prescription to get pet medication online?

Yes. Safe online pharmacies will ask you for your vet information at the checkout phase of the purchase process. Prescription (Rx) pet medication requires a prescription written by a licensed veterinarian. Many pet medications, though, are available “over-the-counter” and therefore will not require a prescription. Any drug that involves careful administration or has potentially harmful side effects will likely require a prescription.

Learn more about savings on pet medication and online pharmacy safety

How much does Vetmedin (pimobendan) cost? Is there a shortage?

How much does ivermectin cost? Can we expect shortages due to coronavirus?

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update: Warnings on Potential Treatments

Do you have questions or concerns about safely accessing medication, whether locally or online? We’re here to help.