Hello,

We wrote a few weeks back about the advantages of using online pet pharmacies. Today, we want to give you some tips about making sure that, if you order pet meds online, you do it safely.

Pet medicine can be very expensive, particularly if you get it directly from your vet — something which also requires a physical journey that can be difficult or inconvenient for some people. Therefore the promise of cheaper drugs delivered to your door can be alluring. 

But as with any enticing prospect, it’s best to look before you leap. 

While there are many reputable online pharmacies — such as Chewy pet pharmacy, which we've scrutinized — there are unscrupulous ones too.

Luckily, the FDA has put together a list of things to be aware of when checking out an online pharmacy. Indeed, that’s the acronym it uses: A.W.A.R.E.

Here’s a truncated version of it…

Ask your veterinarian

It should go without saying that you must talk to your vet before ordering pet meds, even routine ones like flea and tick treatments. They know your dog and your dog’s needs. They will also know if certain brands and pharmacies are authentic. 

Watch for red flags

There are a few of these. They include:

• The site doesn’t require a veterinarian’s prescription. This is against the law.
• There’s no pharmacist to answer your questions.
• It doesn’t list a physical business address, phone number, or other contact information.
• There’s no security policy for your information, or you don’t understand it.
• The prices are so low they’re “too good to be true”.
• It doesn’t accept credit cards and wants cryptocurrency or a money transfer.
• The drugs you get aren’t what you ordered or look different to your dog’s usual meds.

Always check if and where it’s licensed

All U.S. pharmacies, including pet ones, must be licensed by the state board of pharmacy or similar agency in the state where they’re based and fulfil prescriptions. You can find the contact details for your state board of pharmacy by visiting this handy FDA page.

Report problems

If you think there’s a problem with the medicine you receive, the first thing you should do is contact your veterinarian. You can also report problems with medicines to the manufacturer or directly to the FDA. Issues with your order can be reported to the Better Business Bureau, the Federal Trade Commission, or your credit card company. 

Educate yourself

Education is the best defense against buying pet medicines from dubious online pet pharmacies. 

There you are. As acronyms go, it’s a reach, but the message is clear and the advice is useful.

As we said, the one online pharmacy we’ve vetted (pardon the pun) is the biggest: Chewy pet pharmacy. The drugs you get from there are the same brands you’ll get from your vet. 

You’ll also get 20% off your first pharmacy order with the code RX20 by clicking this link. 

Take care,

The DFA Team
The Dog Food Advisor
Saving Good Dogs From Bad Dog Food

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