3rd Party Pharmacies – What Pet Owners Need to know
While we firmly believe in your right to choose where your pet’s medications are filled, it is our responsibility to ensure you are well informed about the risks involved in ordering from 3rd party pharmacies (Chewy, 1800PetMeds, Allivet, etc…).
Many of these pharmacies provide easy access to your pet’s prescriptions, and while they are considered accredited pharmacies, some are not authorized distributors and do not uphold the requirements to maintain the manufacturer’s warranty. This extends not only to prescription medications but also preventatives, food, and over-the-counter products.
What does this mean?
- The manufacturer warranty protects your pet in the event there is a product failure, adverse reaction, or a recall. As long as the product was given as it was intended, the manufacturer is liable to pay for any required treatments.
- For Example – Simparica TRIO is manufactured by Zoetis – they guarantee protection against Heartworm, Lyme, and intestinal parasites. If your pet contracts any of these, they will pay for the diagnostics/treatment needed (up to a certain amount) but ONLY if it was purchased from your veterinarian directly or through their approved online pharmacy.
- Ordering from 3rd party sellers like Chewy, 1800PetMeds, Allivet etc. voids this manufacturer’s warranty – so pet owners will be on the hook for any treatment required – even if it’s the product’s fault. At best they MIGHT refund the product cost but are under no obligation to do so.
Where’s the Evidence?
Each manufacturer states in their warranty that the product must be purchased directly from the veterinarian or from a valid prescription to an approved online distributor. In the terms of service for many of these 3rd party pharmacies, you sign away your right to these warranties.
From a 2017 SEC Filing from a large veterinary online pharmacy (1800PetMeds)
“We currently purchase a portion of our prescription and non-prescription medications from third party distributors, and we are not an authorized distributor of these products.“
Directly from the terms of service of two different online pharmacies (Allivet & Chewy)
“This site and the materials and products on this site are provided “as is” and without warranties of any kind, whether express or implied.”
“Neither Chewy nor its third-party service providers, contractors, partners, suppliers or affiliates warrant the accuracy or completeness of the content provided on this site or the products or services offered for sale on this site…. Chewy expressly disclaims all warranties, express or implied…”
What should I do?
- Carefully consider these risks before ordering from any 3rd party pharmacy – while sometimes the prices are a little better, you may not consider it worth the risk if there is any issue with the product. We also can direct you to manufacturer rebates to help ease the costs – these are not typically available at the 3rd party pharmacies.
- Consider using our in-house or online pharmacy before ordering
- Approvals are faster and more efficient – gives us more time to focus on your pet’s care.
- Integration with your pet’s medical record – reduces errors, keeps all your pet’s medication history in one convenient place.
- Directly supports your local veterinarian – reinvests in improving your pet’s care as we can evolve our team member education, facilities and equipment.
- Many of our prices are the same or very close to these competitors, without the risk.
- Reduce paper waste – our in-house and online pharmacy is entirely electronic – 3rd party scripts are all paper based and must be physically signed by the doctor.
- We spend 10x more time and effort processing 3rd party pharmacy prescriptions and resolving all the issues that arise in communicating with the 3rd party.
- Utilizing our in-house and online pharmacy will give that time and effort back to you and your pet’s medical care here.
What if I want to take the risk and continue to use a 3rd Party Pharmacy?
- Our office is no longer able to communicate directly with 3rd party pharmacies. This allows our team to spend their time focusing directly on patient care.
- We will provide a written script for you to be either picked up in person or mailed to your address. We are not able to electronically send scripts the way that human medical offices can. You will then be able to share your script with the 3rd party pharmacy of your choosing.
- Please give us at least 1 business day to prepare your script for pickup.
