A: We do not know this for sure. Most of our manufacturers, like Merial, Elanco, Merck and Pfizer (the makers of our top heartworm, flea and tick preventative products), stand by the fact that they do not sell their products to these internet pharmacies. Where they are obtaining these medications is not known for sure.

A: It is both illegal and unethical for a veterinarian to authorize a prescription without a valid “veterinarian-client-patient relationship.” This is the same reasoning that you couldn’t walk into a doctor’s office you’ve never been to and ask for a prescription for yourself.

A: Because the drug companies are not selling to these pharmacies directly you should be concerned about where they are acquiring their medications, whether they are expired products, how they are being stored, contaminants and that you are receiving the proper dosages for your pet’s needs. A number of problems have been reported, such as sales of pet medications without valid prescriptions. These drugs could pose a health threat to pets, and we are concerned about the welfare of these animals.

A: We haven’t found a fool-proof way to assure a “good” pharmacy. The only internet pharmacy that we have found that has the same values of keeping your pet healthy that we do here at Burnet Road Animal Hospital is called VetSource.