As a dedicated pet parent, you want to make sure your furry friend gets the best possible care when they‘re sick or injured. But when the vet prescribes medication, you might wonder if you‘re limited to buying expensive drugs from the animal clinic. Can you get pet prescriptions filled at regular pharmacies like CVS instead?
The answer is yes – CVS does fill prescriptions for pets! However, there are some caveats and restrictions to be aware of. In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll cover everything you need to know about filling your pet‘s prescriptions at CVS, including:
- What types of pet meds CVS can and can‘t fill
- How to get your pet‘s prescription transferred and filled at CVS
- Price comparisons of CVS vs. vet clinics and online pet pharmacies
- Tips for saving money on pet medications
- And more!
By the end, you‘ll have all the information you need to make the best choices for your pet‘s health and your wallet. Let‘s dive in!
Pet Medication Statistics: Market Size & Consumer Trends
Before we get into the specifics of CVS pet prescriptions, let‘s take a look at some key data on the pet medication market as a whole:
- Americans spent over $34 billion on pet healthcare in 2021, with prescription medications making up around 30% of that amount. (American Pet Products Association, 2022)
- An estimated 77% of dogs and 52% of cats were prescribed medication by a veterinarian in the past 12 months, most commonly antibiotics, pain meds, and parasiticides. (American Veterinary Medical Association, 2021)
- Online sales of pet medications grew by 35% year-over-year in 2020 and now make up 18% of the total market. (Packaged Facts, 2021)
As you can see, giving prescription drugs to pets is extremely common, and where people purchase those drugs is evolving. While veterinary clinics used to be the default source for all pet meds, retail pharmacies and online pet pharmacies have been quickly gaining market share in recent years.
"There has definitely been a major shift towards the ‘retailization‘ of pet healthcare," says Maria Sanchez, a retail industry analyst at NPD Group. "Pet owners are increasingly looking to pharmacies and online stores for more affordable and accessible medication options for their animals."
What Types of Pet Prescriptions Can CVS Fill?
Now, let‘s talk about what you can and can‘t get filled for your pet at CVS. The general rule is that CVS can fill prescriptions for pets as long as it‘s a medication that is also used for humans and regularly stocked at the pharmacy. The most common examples include:
- Antibiotics (e.g. Amoxicillin, Cephalexin, Ciprofloxacin)
- Anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g. Prednisone, Meloxicam)
- Pain relievers (e.g. Tramadol, Gabapentin)
- Gastrointestinal drugs (e.g. Metronidazole, Omeprazole)
- Thyroid medication (e.g. Levothyroxine, Methimazole)
- Heart medication (e.g. Atenolol, Enalapril)
However, CVS pharmacies typically do not carry animal-specific drugs such as:
- Flea/tick/heartworm preventatives (e.g. Trifexis, Heartgard)
- Specialty pet eye and ear medications
- Behavioral medications for pets
- Compounded medications or uncommon dosage forms for animals
If your pet is prescribed one of these animal-specific drugs, you‘ll likely need to purchase it directly from your vet or an online pet pharmacy that stocks a wider variety of pet meds.
How to Fill a Pet Prescription at CVS: Step-By-Step
If you determine that your pet‘s medication can be filled at CVS, the process is fairly straightforward:
-
Get a written prescription from your vet. After assessing your pet, the vet will give you a written script with the pet‘s info, drug name, strength, quantity, and instructions.
-
Bring the prescription to your local CVS pharmacy. You can find the nearest CVS location and hours using their store locator.
-
Present the prescription at the drop-off window. Let the pharmacy staff know it‘s for your pet and provide the animal‘s species, breed, and weight if needed to confirm dosing.
-
Wait for your medication to be filled. Most common pet meds are readily available and can be filled within an hour. If the drug needs to be special ordered, it may take 1-2 days.
-
Pay and pick up the prescription. Be sure to take note of the instructions for administering the medication to your pet, including dosage, timing, and length of treatment.
"We are more than happy to fill most pet prescriptions as long as we can verify the drug and dosage is appropriate for the animal," says Lisa Kim, PharmD, a CVS pharmacist in Houston. "It‘s a very similar process to filling human prescriptions."
Some veterinarians may even be able to send your pet‘s prescription directly to CVS electronically or by phone. Check with your vet to see if this is an option to save time.
CVS vs. Vet Clinics vs. Online Pet Pharmacies: Cost Comparison
One of the main reasons pet owners opt to get prescriptions filled at retail pharmacies like CVS is the potential for cost savings compared to buying directly from the vet. But just how much can you actually save? Let‘s take a look at some price comparisons:
| Medication (30-day supply) | Veterinary Clinic | CVS Pharmacy | Online Pet Pharmacy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amoxicillin 50mg | $35 | $14 | $8 |
| Prednisone 5mg | $45 | $30 | $15 |
| Levothyroxine 0.1mg | $50 | $42 | $36 |
| Carprofen 75mg | $72 | $54 | $48 |
Prices shown are averages based on data from VetRxDirect, GoodRx, and 1800PetMeds.
As you can see, getting pet meds at CVS results in decent savings of 10-40% over vet clinic prices. Online pet pharmacies offer the cheapest prices, but you‘ll need to wait for shipping and may still need to get the prescription from your vet first.
For many pet owners, retail pharmacies like CVS hit the sweet spot of competitive pricing and convenience. You‘re often already there picking up your own prescriptions or groceries anyway.
Of course, prices can vary quite a bit based on location, and your vet may price match outside pharmacies. But in general, it pays to shop around. A 2018 study by Consumer Reports found pet owners could save an average of 44% per prescription by comparing costs from different sources.
Potential Drawbacks of Filling Pet Prescriptions at CVS
While getting pet meds at CVS can offer savings and convenience, there are a few potential downsides to consider:
-
Limited drug selection. As mentioned, CVS only stocks pet meds that overlap with human formulations, so you may not be able to get everything your pet needs there.
-
Lack of veterinary expertise. CVS pharmacists are highly trained in human pharmacology but may have limited knowledge about animal physiology and drug use in pets. They rely on the vet‘s instructions.
-
Possible errors. In rare cases, miscommunication between the vet and pharmacy could result in the wrong drug or dosage being filled. Double check everything.
-
No discounts for uninsured. Some vet clinics offer in-house specials or discount programs for pets without insurance. Retail pharmacies typically do not.
"There are definitely benefits to getting all your pet‘s medications directly from the vet," says Dr. Emily Parker, a veterinarian at Banfield Pet Hospital. "We have access to a wider range of drugs and dosage forms made specifically for animals. We‘re also the most familiar with your pet‘s health history and can easily adjust prescriptions as needed."
However, Dr. Parker acknowledges that cost is a major barrier for many pet owners. "I always discuss prescription options with my clients, including local pharmacies and reputable online pharmacies, to ensure they can afford the medications. The most important thing is making sure the pet gets their meds and owners can administer them correctly."
Tips for Saving Money on Pet Prescriptions
Whether you opt to fill your pet‘s prescriptions at CVS, the vet, or online, there are several smart strategies for reducing your out-of-pocket costs:
-
Ask for a written prescription. Even if you get the drugs from your vet initially, always ask for a written script too so you can price shop at outside pharmacies.
-
Get a 90-day supply. Buying pet meds in larger quantities can often bring the per-dose price down vs. a 30-day supply.
-
Use an online pharmacy. Online pet pharmacies like 1800PetMeds and PetCareRx tend to have the lowest everyday prices. Look for first-time customer specials.
-
Join a discount club. Some pharmacies like Walgreens and PetSmart have prescription savings clubs that offer 5-20% off most pet medications.
-
Use a prescription discount card. Human drug discount cards like GoodRx and SingleCare may be applied to pet meds purchased at retail pharmacies too.
-
Apply for financial aid. Several nonprofits like The Pet Fund and Handicapped Pets Foundation offer need-based assistance with vet bills and prescription costs.
With a little research and comparison shopping, you can make sure you‘re not overpaying to keep your pet healthy. Don‘t be afraid to ask your vet and pharmacist about all the options available.
Conclusion
So, does CVS fill pet prescriptions? Yes! As long as it‘s a medication they regularly dispense to human patients, CVS can likely fill your dog or cat‘s prescription too.
Getting pet medications at CVS can be a great way to save money over vet clinic prices while still enjoying the convenience of a local pharmacy. However, it‘s not the best solution for every pet or prescription. Online pet pharmacies may offer even lower costs but require more planning ahead.
At the end of the day, the most important thing is making sure your furry friend gets the meds they need in a timely and affordable way. Don‘t hesitate to ask your vet and pharmacist for guidance in navigating the various prescription options. A little extra legwork can make a big difference in your pet‘s health and your wallet!
