Whether it’s crucial heartworm prevention or simple eye drops, pet owners are increasingly turning to online pharmacies for pet medications. Gone are the days when your only option was picking up prescriptions directly from your veterinarian’s office. Now, a wide array of convenient online solutions exists, even for prescription medications.
Many online pet pharmacies simplify the process by allowing you to upload a photo of your pet’s prescription directly from your vet. Others may contact your veterinarian after you’ve placed your order, streamlining the verification process. Beyond convenience, online pharmacies often offer competitive prices and fast delivery, making them an attractive alternative for budget-conscious and time-strapped pet parents.
Our top recommendation for purchasing pet medication online is Chewy. Renowned for its vast selection of pet products and exceptional customer service, Chewy stands out in the crowded online pet supply market. But Chewy isn’t the only excellent choice. Let’s explore some of the best online options for buying pet medication, including full-service retailers that provide everything from prescription drugs to essential pet supplements, ensuring your furry, feathered, or scaled friend stays healthy and happy.
Chewy
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What We Like:
- Wide selection of medications and products for diverse pets, including dogs, cats, horses, birds, and reptiles.
- Compounding pharmacy services available for customized medications.
- Fast and reliable shipping.
- Offers generic medication options for cost savings.
- Exceptional customer service reputation.
What We Don’t Like:
- Free shipping threshold is $50, which may require larger orders.
Chewy has solidified its position as a leading online retailer for pet products, and their pharmacy is no exception. They boast an extensive inventory encompassing medications, prescription diets, and various health products for a wide range of animals, from common pets like dogs and cats to horses, birds, reptiles, and even smaller creatures. A standout feature is Chewy’s compounding pharmacy, allowing for medications to be personalized to meet the unique needs of individual pets. This could involve flavoring a liquid medicine to be more palatable for a picky dog or combining multiple medications into a single topical cream, enhancing ease of administration and pet compliance.
Navigating Chewy’s pharmacy is straightforward. You can search for medications by category, such as “allergies” or “antibiotics,” or by specific conditions like “asthma” or “anxiety.” They offer a comprehensive selection of both brand-name and generic medications, providing options for various budgets. To fulfill prescription orders, you simply provide your veterinarian’s information during checkout. Chewy will then contact your vet to verify the prescription. Alternatively, you can mail in your prescription if preferred.
Chewy provides free shipping on orders exceeding $49 and frequently offers discounts, such as 50 percent off your first auto-ship order. They are also equipped to handle temperature-sensitive medications, shipping refrigerated items in insulated coolers designed to maintain coolness for up to 72 hours, ensuring medication integrity during transit. Chewy’s commitment to customer service is widely recognized. Their support team is known for its responsiveness, efficiently addressing queries, resolving issues with incorrect or damaged items, and providing general assistance, making the online pharmacy experience smooth and stress-free.
Prescription Medications: Yes | Delivery: Free over $49
Walmart Pet Rx
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What We Like:
- Expansive product selection.
- Competitive pricing across medications and pet supplies.
- Free two-day shipping on orders over $35, offering fast delivery for eligible purchases.
- Products available for a wide variety of animals, including farm animals and fish.
What We Don’t Like:
- Product search categories are less refined compared to some competitors.
Walmart PetRx leverages the retail giant’s extensive network to offer a robust online pet pharmacy experience. Shopping on their platform is user-friendly, allowing you to browse by pet type, medication brand, or specific health condition. Walmart PetRx boasts a substantial inventory of over 3,000 products, catering to a diverse range of animals, including dogs, cats, fish, birds, horses, and even farm animals. Beyond common medications like antibiotics, pain relievers, and allergy treatments, they also stock specialized drugs such as probiotics for cows and muscle relaxants for horses, reflecting their broad inventory.
A notable advantage of Walmart PetRx is the detailed product information provided for each item. Product pages include comprehensive descriptions covering usage, benefits, active ingredients, potential side effects, and mechanism of action. This wealth of information empowers pet owners to make informed decisions about their pet’s healthcare. For prescription medications, the process is seamless: simply enter your veterinarian’s contact information during checkout, and Walmart PetRx will handle the prescription verification.
Walmart PetRx provides free two-day shipping for orders exceeding $35, making it a convenient option for quick refills. They also offer a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee, underscoring their commitment to customer satisfaction. For added convenience and savings, enrolling in autoship ensures regular delivery of medications, and refills can be managed with a simple click. Pricing is highly competitive, aligning with Walmart’s reputation for value, and the extensive selection ensures that most pet owners will find what they need.
Prescription Medications: Yes | Delivery: Free over $35
PetMeds
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What We Like:
- User-friendly website with easy sorting and filtering options.
- Offers generic medication alternatives for cost-conscious shoppers.
- Features a price match guarantee, rewards program, and satisfaction guarantee to enhance customer value.
What We Don’t Like:
- Product range is limited to dogs, cats, and horses, excluding other pet types.
- Free shipping threshold is $50, which might require larger purchases.
PetMeds, also known as 1-800-PetMeds, is a long-established and reputable online pet pharmacy. They specialize in providing medications and health supplies for dogs, cats, and horses. PetMeds’ website is designed for easy navigation, allowing users to refine searches by category, health condition, life stage, brand, flavor, or price, making it simple to find specific products or explore options for particular needs. PetMeds also proactively suggests generic alternatives when available, helping customers save money on essential medications.
Ordering prescriptions from PetMeds is straightforward. You can provide your veterinarian’s contact information during the checkout process, and PetMeds will contact them for prescription verification. Similar to other online pharmacies, they also accept mailed prescriptions for those who prefer this method.
PetMeds provides free shipping on orders over $49 and backs its pricing with a price match guarantee, ensuring competitive rates. Their 100 percent satisfaction guarantee offers customers the option of a refund or merchandise credit if they are not completely satisfied with their purchase, demonstrating confidence in their products and services. The PetMeds rewards program further enhances customer loyalty, offering 2 percent back on all purchases, which accumulates as credit for future orders, adding extra value for repeat customers.
Prescription Medications: Yes | Delivery: Free over $49
Petco
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View on Amazon | View on Petco
What We Like:
- Offers prescription products for dogs, cats, and horses.
- Price-match guarantee ensures competitive pricing.
- Earns points for every purchase through the Petco rewards program.
What We Don’t Like:
- Does not carry products for birds, rodents, or other small pets, limiting options for owners of less common pets.
Petco, a well-established name in pet retail with both physical stores and a strong online presence, also operates a comprehensive pet pharmacy. Currently, Petco’s pharmacy provides medications, prescription food, and various health-related products specifically for dogs, cats, and horses. Petco streamlines the prescription process by collecting veterinarian information during checkout and managing the verification call to the vet’s office.
The online pharmacy platform allows users to search for medications by type, brand, price, size, and customer ratings, offering multiple ways to find the right product. Petco’s price-match guarantee reinforces its commitment to offering competitive pricing. Customers can also benefit from the Petco rewards program, earning points on every purchase, which can be redeemed for savings on future purchases. For ongoing medication needs, Petco offers a convenient one-click refill system and savings for customers who enroll in repeat delivery, making it easier to manage and save on regular prescriptions. Free shipping is available on orders over $35, adding to the overall value and convenience of Petco’s online pharmacy.
Prescription Medications: Yes | Delivery: Free over $35
Costco Pet Rx
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What We Like:
- Prescription fulfillment available both online and in physical Costco stores.
- Compares prices with partner pharmacies to ensure competitive rates.
- Offers free standard shipping on online orders.
What We Don’t Like:
- In-store prices are generally lower than online prices, requiring a store visit for maximum savings.
Costco, primarily known for its warehouse retail model, extends its savings to pet medications through Costco Pet Rx. A Costco membership unlocks access to significant savings on pet prescriptions, whether you prefer the convenience of online ordering or visiting a physical store. Using the online search tool, you can quickly check the availability and pricing of your pet’s medication across different Costco channels, including in-store, home delivery, and partner network pharmacies like Walgreens, providing a comprehensive price comparison.
While in-store purchases at Costco typically offer the lowest prices for pet medications, the home delivery service remains highly competitive and convenient, often costing only slightly more. To process prescriptions, Costco accepts prescriptions called in or faxed by your veterinarian, or you can mail in a physical copy if time is not a constraint. Costco Pet Rx provides free standard shipping on all online medication orders and advertises potential discounts of up to 40 percent compared to traditional pharmacies, making it a valuable option for Costco members looking to save on pet healthcare costs.
Prescription Medications: Yes | Delivery: Free standard shipping
Amazon Pet Health
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What We Like:
- Wide range of health-related supplies for all types of animals.
- Extensive product selection beyond just medications.
- Free delivery on orders over $25 or with Amazon Prime membership.
What We Don’t Like:
- Does not currently offer prescription medications, limiting its scope for comprehensive pet healthcare needs.
Amazon Pet Health, leveraging Amazon’s vast e-commerce infrastructure, offers a comprehensive selection of pet health products, though it currently does not include prescription medications. Despite this limitation, Amazon Pet Health is a go-to destination for a wide array of over-the-counter health-related pet supplies. Their inventory includes a vast selection of vitamins, supplements, dewormers, flea and tick treatments, and various healthcare accessories such as recovery cones (available for dogs, cats, and even birds), ear cleansers, wipes, thermometers, and first aid essentials.
While dogs and cats are the most prominently featured, Amazon Pet Health also caters to horses, reptiles, birds, fish, and other small animals, ensuring a broad reach across pet types. Product offerings extend to specialized items like wound ointments, mite sprays, deodorizing wipes, digestive aids for birds, eye drops for turtles, and even aquarium treatments for parasites. Amazon’s efficient shipping network ensures most items are delivered quickly, with free shipping available on orders over $25 or for Amazon Prime members, making it a convenient and accessible option for non-prescription pet health needs.
Prescription Medications: No | Delivery: Free over $25 or with Prime membership
PetCareRx
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What We Like:
- Provides extensive information about each medication, including FAQs and dosage details.
- Offers daily deals and coupons, along with free shipping on orders over $48.
- Subscription plan (PetPlus) provides enhanced savings and free shipping on all orders.
What We Don’t Like:
- Product selection is primarily focused on dogs and cats, limiting options for other pet owners.
PetCareRx is an online pharmacy specializing in prescription medications and health and wellness products for dogs and cats. The website is designed with a user-friendly “pet meds” dropdown menu, making it easy to find prescription medications and sort them by pet type or health condition. A key feature of PetCareRx is the detailed information provided for each medication, including frequently asked questions, dosage instructions, and potential side effects, empowering pet owners with comprehensive knowledge about their pet’s treatments. They also maintain a robust wellness library, offering articles and resources on various pet health conditions and treatments, enhancing user education and support.
PetCareRx offers both name-brand and generic medications, providing cost-effective alternatives. Customers can benefit from daily deals and coupons, which are regularly updated for a variety of products. Free shipping is available for orders over $48. Prescription verification is handled conveniently; PetCareRx can contact your veterinarian directly, or you can mail in a hard copy of the prescription. For frequent purchasers, the PetPlus membership program, priced at $139.99 annually, offers additional savings, free shipping on all orders, access to local pharmacy pickups, and even virtual veterinarian consultations, providing a comprehensive suite of benefits for dedicated customers.
Prescription Medications: Yes | Delivery: Free over $48
GoodRx for Pets
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What We Like:
- Compares medication prices across numerous pharmacies, ensuring best price discovery.
- Offers coupons for additional discounts on pet medications.
- Searchable by medication name or condition for easy navigation.
What We Don’t Like:
- Lowest prices are often exclusive to subscription-based premium membership.
GoodRx, well-known for its prescription price comparison service for humans, extends its benefits to pet medications with GoodRx for Pets. This platform allows pet owners to compare prescription drug prices at nearby pharmacies and online retailers, helping them find the most affordable options. GoodRx also provides coupons that can further reduce medication costs. Users can easily search for medications by name, quantity, dosage, and form (pills, liquids, etc.), or by the condition being treated, streamlining the price comparison process.
In addition to its comparison tool, GoodRx offers a premium membership program, GoodRx Gold, which provides deeper discounts and the ability to purchase directly through the company. GoodRx Gold is priced at $9.99 per month for individuals or $19.99 per month for a family, including pets, and promises up to 90% savings on medications along with free home delivery. This paid plan can be particularly beneficial for those with ongoing medication needs, offering significant cost savings and convenience.
Prescription Medications: Yes | Delivery: Free with paid plan
VetRxDirect
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What We Like:
- Offers helpful Q&As and customer reviews for medications.
- Good selection of both prescription and over-the-counter medications.
- Provides many generic medication options for cost savings.
What We Don’t Like:
- Primarily caters to dogs and cats, with limited options for other pets.
- Website search functionality is not as intuitive as some competitors.
- Free shipping requires a higher order value of over $59.
VetRxDirect is an online pharmacy dedicated to providing prescription and non-prescription medications and wellness products for dogs and cats. They offer a solid selection of medications at competitive prices, with a strong emphasis on generic alternatives to help reduce costs for pet owners. While their website’s search interface might not be as streamlined as some other online pharmacies, VetRxDirect still offers multiple ways to navigate their product catalog, including a list of popular pet categories on the main page and dropdown menus to sort by pet type or specific health condition.
A valuable feature of VetRxDirect is the inclusion of customer reviews and helpful Q&A sections for many medications. This peer-generated content can provide practical insights, such as whether tablets are chewable or scored for easier dosing, enhancing the user’s understanding of the medication. To fulfill prescriptions, VetRxDirect typically faxes the veterinarian for approval, but also accommodates mailed prescriptions. They offer free shipping on orders over $59, making it a worthwhile option for larger purchases or regular medication needs.
Prescription Medications: Yes | Delivery: Free over $59
Final Verdict
For pet owners seeking a reliable and comprehensive online pharmacy, Chewy stands out as our top pick. Its vast selection, exceptional customer service, and compounding pharmacy services make it a leader in the online pet medication market. Walmart PetRx is another excellent choice, particularly for those looking for a wide range of products and competitive pricing, backed by the convenience and reliability of the Walmart brand.
What to Look for When Buying Pet Medication Online
Navigating the world of online pet pharmacies requires careful consideration to ensure safety, efficacy, and value. Here are key factors to evaluate when purchasing pet medication online:
Prescription Medication & Veterinary Verification
Purchasing prescription medication for your pet online necessitates veterinary authorization. The most common and convenient verification process involves providing your veterinarian’s name and contact information during checkout. Many reputable online pharmacies will then directly contact your vet to verify the prescription before dispensing the medication. While some sites may also accept mailed hard copies of prescriptions or facilitate prescription faxing from your vet, direct verification is often the quickest and most seamless method, especially when prompt medication delivery is needed.
Pharmacy Verification & Legitimacy
The internet hosts a multitude of online pharmacies, not all of which operate with the same standards of legitimacy and safety. To protect your pet from counterfeit or substandard medications, it’s crucial to verify the pharmacy’s credentials. The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) provides a valuable resource for this purpose. Their website, safe.pharmacy, allows you to check if an online pharmacy is Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites (VIPPS) accredited (the page also includes a link to download the full spreadsheet of verified pharmacies). VIPPS accreditation signifies that a pharmacy adheres to stringent regulatory standards, is properly licensed, requires valid prescriptions, and complies with all applicable pharmaceutical and privacy laws, ensuring a safe and trustworthy source for your pet’s medications.
Delivery Options and Speed
Delivery terms can significantly impact the overall convenience and cost-effectiveness of online pet pharmacies. Virtually all online pharmacies offer free delivery under certain conditions, typically after spending a minimum amount. This threshold varies, generally ranging from $25 to $59. Costco stands out by offering free delivery on all orders, and Amazon provides free delivery for Prime members, regardless of order size. Additionally, some online pharmacies offer free shipping through paid membership programs.
It’s important to factor in the prescription verification process when estimating delivery time. Pharmacies must receive and verify the prescription from your vet before shipping, which can add a few days to the overall delivery timeline, depending on the veterinarian’s responsiveness. Most pharmacies will make multiple attempts to contact your vet and will notify you if they encounter difficulties in obtaining verification, allowing you to follow up with your vet if necessary.
Packaging and Handling
Proper packaging is essential, especially for medications that are temperature-sensitive or fragile. Medications requiring refrigeration are typically shipped in insulated coolers with ice packs to maintain their integrity during transit, sometimes with overnight shipping to ensure they remain cold. Prescriptions are often packaged in boxes to prevent crushing or damage. Upon receiving your order, carefully inspect the packaging and medication to ensure that pills are intact, liquids have not leaked, and the medication is within its expiration date.
Veterinary Insurance Coverage
If you have pet insurance, it’s important to understand how it covers medication costs. Most comprehensive pet insurance plans include coverage for at least a portion of prescription medications. While comprehensive policies may cover a broad range of medications, accident-only policies might limit coverage to medications directly related to a covered accident or illness. Some insurance providers also offer optional riders that specifically cover preventative medications, such as monthly heartworm preventatives, providing more extensive coverage for routine healthcare needs. Check with your insurance provider to understand the specifics of your policy regarding medication coverage.
FAQ About Online Pet Pharmacies
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Can you buy pet medication with a Health Savings Account (HSA)?
Generally, no. Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are typically not intended for pet medication purchases. However, an exception may apply if you have a service animal. In such cases, medically necessary expenses related to the service animal’s health might be eligible for HSA funds, but this is subject to specific HSA guidelines and regulations. -
Where can I buy pet medication without a prescription?
Certain pet medications are available over-the-counter (OTC), while others require a prescription. OTC medications can be purchased from various sources, including online pet pharmacies, pet supply stores, and large retail chains. However, it is illegal and unsafe to purchase prescription pet medications without a valid prescription from a veterinarian who has personally examined your pet. Companies selling prescription medications without requiring a prescription are operating unlawfully, and their products may be counterfeit, expired, or otherwise unsafe. Always ensure you have a legitimate prescription for any prescription medication to safeguard your pet’s health. -
Is it cheaper to buy pet prescriptions online?
In many cases, yes. Online pet pharmacies often operate with lower overhead costs than traditional brick-and-mortar pharmacies, and these savings are frequently passed on to consumers through competitive pricing. However, prices can vary depending on the specific medication and pharmacy, so it’s always wise to compare prices across different online pharmacies to ensure you are getting the best deal. -
Are prescription flea and tick preventatives better for pets?
Generally, prescription flea and tick preventatives are considered more potent and reliable than over-the-counter options. They often contain stronger active ingredients and may offer broader protection against different types of parasites. The best choice for your pet depends on various factors, including your pet’s specific needs, lifestyle, potential risk of exposure to parasites, and your veterinarian’s recommendations. It’s advisable to discuss preventative options with your vet to determine whether prescription or non-prescription treatments are most appropriate for your pet’s health and your budget.
Pill Hiding Treats for Easier Medication
Making sure your pet takes their medication can sometimes be a challenge. Pill-hiding treats are designed to make this process easier by masking the taste and smell of pills, turning medication time into a treat. Here are a few popular options:
Greenies Pill Pockets Feline Salmon Flavor Cat Treats
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These treats come in flavors cats love, such as salmon, chicken, catnip, and tuna and cheese, making pill administration less stressful.
Vitakraft Meaty Morsels Treats for Cats
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These soft, meaty chews can be molded around pills, and are made without artificial colors or flavors, appealing to health-conscious pet owners.
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This bacon-flavored paste can be used to wrap any size or shape pill, effectively masking the medication’s taste and scent, and is particularly useful for pets that are difficult to medicate.
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These soft treats have a creamy center, perfect for hiding pills, and are low in calories, making them a guilt-free option for regular medication administration.
Why Trust The Spruce Pets?
The Spruce Pets is dedicated to providing pet owners with well-researched, accurate, and helpful information. To compile our guide to the best online pet pharmacies, we conducted extensive research, evaluating numerous sites based on factors such as medication selection, shipping costs, customer reviews, and the prescription verification process. We considered input from pet owners and drew upon our own experiences to ensure our recommendations are practical and reliable.
This article was written and researched by Mary Jo DiLonardo, a seasoned animal and pet expert with decades of experience. Mary Jo has fostered over 60 dogs and puppies and has extensive personal experience shopping online for pet products for her own pets and fosters. She is committed to finding the safest, healthiest, and most effective products for pets, from toys to treats to medications.
This article was updated by Jackie Brown, ensuring that the information remains current, accurate, and reflects the latest developments in online pet pharmacies. Our team’s collective expertise and dedication ensure that you receive trustworthy advice to make informed decisions about your pet’s health and well-being.
