- Anyone can purchase non-prescription (over-the-counter) medications, foods, supplements, and other products from us. You do not have to be a client of AHSR for these.
- To prescribe, dispense, or administer prescription medication, the law requires that there be a valid Veterinarian-Client-Patient (VCP) relationship. This is to ensure the doctor is familiar with the patient’s current medical condition to properly diagnose the animal and prescribe the medication. If this relationship is not properly maintained, we cannot legally provide prescription medications.
- The doctor cannot legally prescribe a medication just because you want it, or because you think you know the problem, or even if it’s the same issue your pet has had before. It could have similar symptoms but different causes, and the previous medication may be inappropriate or dangerous. The only way to know and legally proceed is to properly examine, test, and diagnose the animal. Don’t ask us to break the law.
- Don’t wait until you are completely out of your pet’s medication or food to request more. It shouldn’t be a surprise when you’re getting low, right? There may be lead-time to obtain it from our distributors, and rush orders may incur expedited shipping charges. Help us help you by monitoring your supply and giving us adequate time to evaluate, approve, order, and receive your pet’s food or medicine, especially if we may need to see your pet before we can authorize a refill. Plan 8-10 days ahead for your pet’s sake.
- For in-stock items, at least one business day may be necessary to prepare the item for you. For non-stock items, it may take 2-7 days depending on the item, where it is sourced, and where we are in the order cycle with that supplier. We may not be able to instantly fill drop-in or same-day requests. Call or text us, email [email protected], or use the Contact Us form here on our website to submit prescription or food refill requests and we will respond, usually by our next business day.
- It is the doctor’s training, expertise, and professional judgment that governs the process of arriving at the proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Examinations and various diagnostics may be required before prescribing, dispensing, or administering medications, including refills for existing chronic conditions, whether or not there are new or changed symptoms.
- Animal hospitals cannot legally function as a pharmacy to dispense medications for other veterinarians’ patients, even if you have a prescription from them. The only exception is that we can provide an emergency 5-day supply in extenuating circumstances (our determination, not yours).
- As a Public Health Officer, a veterinarian has the responsibility to protect human life and health as well as that of other animals, not just your individual pet. For this reason, the doctor may require that your animal’s core vaccines (e.g., Rabies, Distemper, etc.) be current before prescribing or dispensing medications.
Why Buy Veterinary Products from a Veterinarian?
Buying Your Pet’s Medications at AHSR
Home Delivery Using Our Online Store