Repeat Prescriptions

All veterinary medicines are subject to a stringent testing programme to ensure that they are safe and effective. However, it is essential that any animal on long term medication is regularly examined and monitored.  There are statutory guidelines on the dispensing of Prescription Medicines under the Guide to Professional Conduct of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, and in Government legislation (Medicines Act 1968).  Prescription only medications (POM-V) products must only be supplied under the authority of the veterinary surgeon having the animal concerned 'under their care'.

The RCVS states that:

1. the veterinary surgeon must have been given the responsibility for the health of the pet by the owner or the owner's agent
2. that responsibility must be real and not nominal
3. the pet must have been seen immediately before prescription and supply or
4. recently enough or often enough for the veterinary surgeon to have personal knowledge of the condition of the pet to make a diagnosis and prescribe.

• Vets are only allowed by law, to prescribe, or dispense medicines to animals ‘UNDER THEIR CARE’, which means that the vet HAS to regularly examine the pet.
• Although you may think that there is no change in your pet’s clinical condition, it is possible that there are changes which you are not aware of, e.g. body weight. (which could mean that the dose has to be adjusted). We have to check if your pet has developed a heart murmur, or early signs of other diseases which may mean that the prescription has to be altered.
• New veterinary medicines are being developed and become available all the time so it may be that your pet could be treated with a better medicine which has fewer side effects for example.
• Sometimes pets may no longer need the medication, or may need to have the dose adjusted.
• Some medicines need regular blood tests to make sure that the correct dose is being used
• It gives the vet a chance to talk to you about all the things that can have a bearing on your pet’s well being, both related to the reason for your pet's medication and also any other worries you, or we, may have.

We will not be able to dispense your pet's medication.

If your pet was to become seriously ill and had not been seen by one of our Veterinary Surgeons but given a repeat medication, our Veterinary Surgeons would be risking disciplinary action and the practice would be put under investigation from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. We hope you understand that whilst we understand coming into the surgery every 3 months can be tiresome and is an added financial burden, it is highly important that we do this and abide the rules and laws set out before us by our governing body.

Firstly - this is not an unnecessary trip. Please see above for more information.

We whole heartedly understand how stressful a visit to the surgery can be for some pets, even our own pets sometimes hate it! Whilst we understand, this cannot change the law from our governing body.

We will do as much as we possibly can to reduce the stress of your pet's journey. We can offer an appointment at a quieter time, or even examine your pet at home (this is a more costly option). It may even be possible to conduct a medication review in your car but this is case specific but can be discussed.

We hope this is not the case but if you would like to speak to someone about our policy or a concern then please do so by contacting us here.

A relevant member of our team may not be available at point of contact, but please let a member of our team know your concern and someone will get back to you if we cannot answer your queries at the time.

We hate having to put a little statement like the following out as we know our clients are wonderful but we must stress that we will not tolerate rude or aggressive behaviour toward our hard working and dedicated staff. We will always give 100% to our clients in both good and (hopefully not!) bad times. Whilst we understand frustrations, please do remember we are following our governing bodies guidelines, rules and laws and can only act upon those. Our team are wonderful, hard working individuals who are lovely and trying to help as best they can. Thank you for your understanding and patience.