CMA veterinary market guide

Last reviewed: 10 May 2026 Published: 10 May 2026

Repeat pet prescriptions and long-term medication

A practical guide to repeat prescriptions, long-term pet medication, check-ups and what to ask before comparing prices or suppliers.

Repeat or long-term medication usually means your pet needs the same or similar medicine over weeks or months, often with periodic vet reviews.

This is often where total cost can add up over time — but price is only one part of good care. Monitoring, dose adjustments and safe supply matter too.

According to the CMA, pet owners receiving ongoing medication were one focus of its medicines-market work, including clearer information about options and costs. Remedy wording and timing are in the CMA remedies report (Part B PDF) with supporting evidence in Appendix I — both are linked under Sources at the end of this page.

This guide does not provide veterinary, medical, legal or financial advice.

Source note: This guide is based on the CMA’s veterinary market investigation final decision report and supporting appendices. Vetfinder summarises the findings for pet owners and does not provide veterinary, legal or financial advice.

What pet owners can do now

Ask for an estimate before treatment, especially where total cost could exceed £500 including VAT.
Ask whether any costs could change and when the practice would update you.
Ask for an itemised bill so you can compare estimate vs final charge.
Ask whether ownership/group information is available and where to verify it.
For ongoing medicines, ask about written prescription options and compare prices carefully.
Speak to your vet before changing how or where you buy medicine.

This is general transparency guidance, not medical or legal advice.

What “repeat” medication means in plain English

In everyday language, owners often say “repeat prescription” when a vet authorises ongoing supplies of a medicine for a defined period or number of issues, with rules about when the pet must be seen again.

In practice:

your vet remains responsible for whether the medicine stays appropriate;
you may need check-ups on a schedule your vet recommends;
prescription duration and reorder rules can differ between medicines and practices.

If you are unsure what your paperwork allows, ask your vet to explain it in simple terms.

Why long-term medication is where comparison may matter most

When a pet stays on a medicine for a long time, small differences in medicine price, prescription fees and delivery can add up.

That does not mean you should optimise price alone. It means you may have more time to:

compare total cost sensibly;
ask about written prescriptions where appropriate;
plan reorders so you do not run out.

Online ordering may suit some repeat medicines and may not suit others (for example if doses change often or supply is urgent). Ask your vet.

Do not change treatment without professional advice

Do not alter dose, timing, brand or route of medicine, or buy from a new supplier, without speaking to your vet or a pharmacist.

Similar-looking products are not always interchangeable. Your vet’s prescribing decision is based on your pet’s history and clinical needs.

Questions you can ask for ongoing medication

You may find it helpful to ask:

How long is this medicine likely to be needed, and what would trigger a change?
How often will my pet need checks while on this medicine?
Can I have a written prescription for supply from another retailer where appropriate?
How long will each prescription last, and how should I reorder safely?
Is there a safe gap before I need the next pack?
What should I do if an online pharmacy has a clinical question?

What to ask before booking

Can you share your current consultation and out-of-hours prices?
What is included in the quoted price, and what could add to the final bill?
Do you publish written prescription and administration fees?
If treatment could exceed £500 including VAT, can I receive a written estimate?
How should I compare your listed prices with final charges if treatment changes?
Where can I find your latest price information online or in practice?

This checklist is informational and not legal advice.

Urgency and online supply

Online pharmacies can work well for some repeat medicines with predictable delivery times.

They may be less practical when:

your pet needs medicine the same day or next day;
doses were recently changed;
you are starting a new medicine and need close monitoring.

In urgent situations, contact your vet or an emergency vet service as appropriate.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get a repeat prescription for my pet?

In many cases vets can prescribe ongoing medication where it is clinically appropriate. Whether repeats are possible, and how often your pet must be checked, depends on the medicine and your pet’s condition. Ask your vet what applies to you.

How long does a pet prescription last?

Duration varies by medicine and prescribing rules. Your prescription paperwork or vet practice should state what is valid and when a review is needed. **UK prescribing intervals and POM-V rules** are a medicines-regulation matter (see **VMD** / **VMR** materials — **Sources**); the CMA’s work on clearer **repeat-medicine information** is summarised in **Part A** / **Part B** and **Appendix I**.

Can I buy repeat pet medicine online?

Sometimes, if you have a valid written prescription and an appropriate supplier. It may be less practical for urgent medicines or where your vet recommends dispensing from the practice. Always check timing and suitability with your vet.

Should I change my pet’s medicine if I find a cheaper one?

No. Do not change medicine, dose, frequency or supplier without speaking to your vet or a pharmacist. A cheaper-looking product may not be the same formulation or appropriate for your pet.

Why does my pet need check-ups for repeat medication?

Vets may recommend reviews to monitor side effects, dose, weight changes and whether the medicine remains suitable. How often this is needed varies. Ask your vet why a check-up is suggested and what happens if you delay.

What should I do before my pet’s medicine runs out?

Plan ahead: note reorder lead times, prescription fees and delivery. If supply is tight, contact your vet early rather than skipping doses or swapping products on your own.

Is online medicine suitable for urgent treatment?

Often not on its own, because delivery takes time. If your pet needs medicine urgently, speak to your vet about the safest option, which may include dispensing from the practice.