Understanding Veterinary Prescriptions in the UK

For many pet owners, veterinary prescriptions can feel a little confusing at first. You may be told that your dog, cat or small pet needs a prescription-only medicine, a repeat prescription, or a written prescription to order treatment elsewhere. Understanding how this works can help you feel more confident, avoid delays, and make sure your pet gets the right medication safely.

In this guide, we explain how veterinary prescriptions work in the UK, when a prescription is needed, how repeat medication is managed, and what to expect when ordering online. We also cover why regular vet checks are important and when it is best to contact your veterinary surgeon for advice.

This article is intended for general guidance only and should not replace professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell or showing concerning symptoms, please contact your veterinary surgeon.

What is a veterinary prescription?

A veterinary prescription is a written instruction from a veterinary surgeon that allows a specific medicine to be supplied for your pet. It includes important details such as the pet’s name, the medication, dose, and how it should be used.

In the UK, some pet medicines can be bought without a prescription, while others are legally classed as prescription-only medicines. These are usually labelled POM-V, which stands for Prescription Only Medicine – Veterinarian. These medicines can only be prescribed by a vet who has your pet under their care.

This system is there to protect pets. It helps make sure that stronger medicines, long-term treatments, and certain parasite control products are used appropriately and safely.

When does your pet need a prescription?

Your pet will need a prescription when a medicine is not suitable for general sale and requires veterinary oversight. This often applies to treatments for ongoing medical conditions, infections, pain relief, hormonal problems, heart disease, epilepsy, skin disease, and some flea or worm products.

Common examples include:

• Antibiotics for bacterial infections
• Anti-inflammatory pain relief
• Medication for arthritis, heart disease or thyroid problems
• Insulin and other endocrine treatments
• Epilepsy medication
• Certain prescription flea, tick and worming treatments

If your pet has been diagnosed with a condition and your vet has prescribed treatment, you may then be able to order that medication from a registered online veterinary pharmacy such as Vetscriptions, provided you have a valid prescription where one is required.

Can you ask your vet for a written prescription?

Yes. In the UK, your veterinary practice can provide a written prescription so you can buy your pet’s medication from another supplier, including an online veterinary pharmacy. Many owners choose to do this to compare prices and manage the cost of long-term treatment.

Your vet may charge a prescription fee for writing the prescription. They should also make you aware of the option to receive a written prescription if your pet is being prescribed medication.

A written prescription must usually include:

• Your vet’s details and signature
• Your name and address
• Your pet’s identification details
• The medication name, strength and quantity
• Directions for use
• The date of issue

If you are unsure what is needed, our Prescription FAQs can help explain the process more clearly.

What does “under the care of a vet” mean?

For a vet to prescribe a prescription-only medicine, your pet must be “under their care”. In simple terms, this means the vet has enough knowledge of your pet’s health and condition to prescribe responsibly. Usually, this involves a recent clinical assessment, although how often this is needed can vary depending on the medication and your pet’s condition.

For example, a pet on long-term medication may need regular check-ups, blood tests, weight checks, or monitoring appointments before repeat medication can continue safely. This is especially important for pets taking medicines that can affect the liver, kidneys, heart, or hormone balance.

How do repeat prescriptions work?

If your pet is on ongoing treatment, your vet may authorise repeat prescriptions. This means the same medicine can be supplied again without a full new consultation every time, although regular reviews are still usually needed.

Repeat medication for long-term conditions

Repeat prescriptions are commonly used for pets with chronic conditions such as arthritis, heart disease, epilepsy, diabetes, thyroid disease, or long-term skin problems. Your vet will normally decide:

• How long the prescription remains valid
• How many repeats are allowed
• When your pet needs to be re-examined
• Whether monitoring tests are required

If your pet is receiving long-term treatment, it is a good idea to keep track of how much medication you have left and re-order in good time. Running out unexpectedly can be difficult, especially if your pet needs a check-up before the next supply can be authorised.

Why repeat checks matter

It can be tempting to think that if your pet seems well, routine medication reviews are not needed. However, repeat checks are an important part of safe treatment. Pets can gain or lose weight, develop new health issues, or respond differently to medicines over time.

Regular reviews help your vet confirm that:

• The medicine is still the right choice
• The dose is still appropriate
• Your pet is not developing side effects
• The underlying condition remains stable

How to order prescription medication online

Ordering online can be a convenient and cost-effective option for many UK pet owners. At Vetscriptions, we aim to make the process straightforward and reassuring.

In most cases, the steps are:

• Obtain a valid prescription from your veterinary surgeon
• Select the prescribed product from our prescription medicines range
• Submit your prescription and any required details
• Complete any necessary forms, such as the animal health form, if requested
• Wait for prescription checks and dispatch

If you are new to the process, our guide on how to order a prescription medicine explains each step in more detail.

It is also worth checking our postage and delivery information so you know when to order, particularly if your pet takes daily medication and cannot miss doses.

What if the prescription is missing information?

If a prescription is incomplete, unclear, out of date, or does not match the product ordered, the medicine cannot be supplied until the issue is resolved. This is a legal and safety requirement, not just an administrative step.

To avoid delays:

• Check the prescription is signed and dated
• Make sure the medicine name and strength are correct
• Order the exact product your vet has prescribed
• Send your prescription as early as possible
• Contact your vet promptly if amendments are needed

If you ever feel unsure, you can contact us and we will do our best to guide you through the process.

Prescription medicines and non-prescription products

Not every pet health product requires a prescription. Many preventative care items and supportive products can be bought without one, depending on the type of treatment.

For example, owners often shop for everyday health support such as:

• flea, tick and worming products
• Digestive support and joint care supplements
• Dental care products
• Skin and coat support
• Calming and behaviour support products

If you are browsing by species, you can also explore our dog, cat, and small animal collections.

Where appropriate, some owners combine prescribed medication with vet-recommended supportive care such as premium supplements. However, it is always sensible to check with your veterinary surgeon before adding new products, especially if your pet has an existing health condition or is on long-term medication.

Important things to remember about pet prescriptions

Veterinary prescriptions are there to support safe, responsible treatment. Whether your pet needs a short course of medication or long-term repeat treatment, it helps to stay organised and informed.

• Always use medication exactly as prescribed
• Never give one pet another pet’s medicine
• Do not alter the dose unless your vet advises you to
• Keep up with recommended review appointments
• Order repeat medication before you run out
• Tell your vet if your pet’s symptoms change or worsen

If your pet has side effects, misses doses, or seems unwell while taking medication, contact your veterinary practice for advice.

When should you contact your vet?

You should speak to your veterinary surgeon if:

• Your pet’s condition is getting worse
• The medication does not seem to be helping
• Your pet is vomiting, unusually sleepy, restless, or off their food after starting treatment
• You have run out of medicine and your pet needs continued treatment
• You are unsure how or when to give the medicine
• Your pet is due a review appointment for repeat medication

Urgent symptoms such as breathing difficulties, collapse, seizures, severe pain, repeated vomiting, or sudden weakness should always be treated as emergencies.

Final thoughts

Understanding veterinary prescriptions in the UK can make managing your pet’s treatment much simpler. Knowing when a prescription is needed, how repeat medication works, and how to order safely online helps you stay prepared and gives your pet the best chance of consistent, appropriate care.

At Vetscriptions, we are here to help make the process clearer and more convenient for pet owners, while supporting responsible medication use at every stage. If you already have a valid prescription, you can explore our range of prescription medicines and pet healthcare products through our website. If you are unsure what your pet needs, it is always best to speak with your veterinary surgeon first.

To learn more about who we are and how we help pet owners across the UK, visit our About Us page. You can also browse the Vetscriptions homepage for everyday pet health essentials, or contact your vet for personalised advice about your pet’s treatment plan.

Vetscriptions — trusted, vet-founded support for ordering your pet’s medication responsibly and with confidence.