On Pet Pharmacies and International Pet Medications
Vet Clinics and Pet Pharmacies: Understanding the Price Difference for Pet Medications
Why are pet medications cheaper at pharmacies? Learn about sourcing risks, hidden costs, and how to make the safest choice for your dog or cat’s health.
Topics Covered
Why Are Pet Medications Cheaper at Pharmacies?
It’s no secret that pet pharmacies and online retailers often offer lower orices on medications, compared to veterinary clinics. But why? Here’s the breakdown:
1. Buying Power and Sourcing
🔹 Larger pet pharmacies can purchase medications in bulk, securing discounts that smaller (and, typically independantly-owned) vet clinics cannot match.
🔹 Some pharmacies may source from cheaper (but potentially less regulated) suppliers outside of Canada
2. Lower Overhead Costs
🔹 Pet Pharmacies don’t need to:
→ Maintain medical facilities
→ Employ licenced veterinarians
→ Provide follow-up care for any medication complications
🔹 They also don’t bear the costs of regulatory compliance (like accreditation under the College of Veterinarians of Ontario)
3. No added services
🔹 Vet clinics include hidden value in medication pricing:
→ Client education on proper use/side effects
→ Monitoring/treatment for adverse reactions
→ Adjusting doseages based on your pet’s health
Bottom line: Pharmacies and online retailers can cut costs by ordering in bulk, and cutting services—you’re paying less, but you’re also on your own if any issues arise.
The Bigger Concern: Is That Medication Legit?
Canadian Sourcing Rules
By law in Canada, most pet medication manufacturers sell only to veterinarians—not pharmacies. The only exception is Quebec, where CDMV (a veterinary distributor) partners officially with pharmacies.
Some Ontario pharmacies might import medications via Quebec, but:
🔹 Transport/storage conditions aren’t verified (heat/cold can ruin medications, rendering them ineffective).
🔹 Legal gray areas exist around interprovincial transfers.
International Medications: Buyer Beware
It’s been well observed with human medications that even under the same brand name, formulations can vary between countries—different active ingredients, concentrations, or quality standards. The same risks apply to pet medications, compounded by these additional concerns:
1. Border Confiscation
🔹 If customs intercepts non-Canadian-approved medications, they’ll be seized—leaving you without treatment and out of pocket.
2. Unreliable Shipping Conditions
🔹 Medications often require temperature-controlled transport as heat/cold exposure can render drugs ineffective or even dangerous.
🔹 A journey on a shipping container, or through checked luggage on a plane doesn’t necessarily guarantee those conditions were met.
3. Mismatched Formulations
🔹For example, a treatment for Australian ticks may fail against Ontario’s parasite strains due to ingredient differences.
Key Takeaway: What you order online might not be what arrives—or what your pet actually needs.
What You Risk with Non-Vet Sources
No Rebates or Recourse
Manufacturers only honor rebates/complaints for medications bought through licensed vets. If your pet has a reaction to a pharmacy-sourced drug, you’re likely stuck with the bills.
No Safety Net
Vet clinics manage complications (e.g., adjusting doses, treating side effects). Pharmacies provide no medical support—just a receipt.
So What Can Pet Owners Do?
1. Get Pet Insurance (Before You Need It)
🔹 Why it matters: Medications for chronic conditions (e.g., arthritis, allergies) or emergencies can cost thousands. Getting insurance helps avoid “financial euthanasia” down the road, so you can focus on what matters – your pet’s health.
🔹Act early: Enroll your pet while they’re young and healthy—pre-existing conditions usually aren’t covered.
🔹Research options: Look for plans that cover:
→ Prescription medications
→ Chronic illness management
→ Breed-specific risks (e.g., heart meds for Cavaliers)
2. Advocate for Change
It wasn’t until 1961 (almost a century after the country’s founding) that Canada even started to get an inkling of universal healthcare with the establishment of publicly funded hospitals and inpatient diagnostic services. There are many societal issues that affect us as a community in Tkaronto, in Canada. Every being deserves a home, access to food/water and warmth. Everyone deserves to have a pet, and those pets also deserve access to care.
🔹 Canada’s human healthcare system evolved through public demand—pet care could too!
🔹 Support initiatives for affordable, transparent pet healthcare.
3. Take Advantage of Seasonal Vet Promotions
Veterinary clinics often run special promotions tied to pet health “seasons”:
🔹 February: Dental Health Month (discounts on dental products and services like cleanings)
🔹 March-May: Parasite Prevention Season (sales on flea/tick/heartworm meds)
These promotions make preventive care more affordable. At YSAH, our 2025 Parasite Prevention Promotion (March-May) offers prices competitive with pharmacies—plus the added safety of vet-sourced medications and support.
The Takeaway
When choosing where to buy your pet’s medications, it’s not just about price—it’s about value. Here’s what to consider:
✔ Quality Assurance: Vet-sourced medications guarantee proper storage, handling, and formulation.
✔ Support System: Your vet team helps with dosing, side effects, and follow-up care.
✔ Peace of Mind: Manufacturer rebates and accountability protect you and your pet.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—every pet’s needs (and budget) are different. But by weighing the pros and cons, you can make the most informed choice for your furry family member.
– The Yonge Sheppard Animal Hospital Team 🐾