One of the most important responsibilities we have as pet parents is to make sure our fur babies are in good health.
This includes the daily ins and outs of taking care of our pups, staying up to date on visits to the vet, and providing our pets with any medications or supplements they may need, among other things.
But unfortunately, getting a hold of your dog’s prescription isn’t always the most convenient task. Luckily, there are a few reputable online pet pharmacies that will manage the logistics for you and deliver your pet’s medication straight to your door.
We’ll explain everything you need to know about online pet pharmacies and share a few of our favorite options, below.
The Best Online Pet Pharmacies: Quick Picks
- #1 Chewy [Best Overall Online Pet Pharmacy] — You probably already order a lot of the things your dog needs from Chewy, so you may as well add his medications to the list! Chewy stocks most common prescription pet medications, as well as a broad selection of OTC meds and supplies.
- #2 1-800-Pet-Meds [Runner Up for Best Online Pet Pharmacy] — Specializing solely in medications for pets, 1-800-Pet-Meds stocks most prescription and OTC drugs, and they offer discount programs, free shipping on orders over $49, and a money-back guarantee for all medications.
- #3 PetCareRX [Another Great Option] — Wide selection of OTC medications as well as prescriptions. Join the paid PetPlus program for access to discounted wholesale pricing. Get 25% off with the code CARE25.
- #3 Amazon [Best Source for Over-the-Counter Medications] — Amazon doesn’t sell prescription pet meds, but they stock most of the common OTC items (including things like ear washes, supplements, and flea meds) you could need.
What Dog Medications Can You Order via Online Pet Pharmacies?
Online pet pharmacies can save you a trip to a veterinarian by managing prescriptions and delivering medication to your mailbox. Here is what you can expect when ordering from an online pet pharmacy.
- Prescription Medications — As long as you have a prescription for the medication in question, you can order directly from an online pet pharmacy. The pharmacy will verify the prescription with your veterinarian via fax or phone, and then the medication will be on its way.
- OTC items and supplements — In addition to prescription medications, you can also order over-the-counter items like pill pockets, dental chews, and joint supplements. If the pharmacy is a part of a larger brand like Chewy or Petco, you can add on any usual doggie supplies to complete Spot’s shopping in one swoop.
Note that you may not be able to order controlled substances (such as some pain killers) via online pet pharmacies. Laws surrounding prescribed pet opioids differ from state to state, so it’s possible that you’ll need to plan on an in-person visit to obtain these types of medication.
To sum it up, online pet pharmacies carry most of the common pet medications and prescriptions, along with a handful of other helpful items, like treats, tick collars, and canine vitamins.
How Do Online Pet Pharmacies Work?
Fortunately, using an online pet pharmacy is pretty straightforward. With over the counter products, you can simply add products to your cart and complete the checkout process.
The process for prescription items isn’t radically different, though there are a few extra steps involved.
You’ll start by acquiring the prescription from your vet (a service for which you will be charged — after all, it takes time for your vet to write the prescription). Then, you can visit the site of your chosen online pharmacy and hunt down the medication your pup needs.
After you add your dog’s medication to the cart, you’ll be asked to input information about your pet along with your veterinarian’s contact information. You’ll be able to complete the checkout process and enter in your shipping information.
However, your dog’s medication will not ship until your veterinarian confirms the prescription with the online pharmacy. This is done via fax, phone, or email, and all communication is directly between the pharmacy and your veterinarian, so it’s no hassle on your end.
Once the prescription is approved, your dog’s medication is shipped directly to you. Some online pet pharmacies offer the option to automatically fill your dog’s next order so long as the prescription includes refills.
The 7 Best Online Pet Pharmacies
Here are some of the most reputable online pet pharmacies to choose from. We’ll give you a brief overview of what each pharmacy offers below.
1. Chewy
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Chewy
User-friendly website with a large selection of pet medications and other must-haves.
About: Chewy is great for all things pet-related, and pet medications are no exception to the rule. You can search by health condition, drug type, product form, flavor, lifestage, price, and reviews to find the perfect medication for your furry friend.
You can also purchase prescription medication from the site along with any other mutt must-haves. Chewy offers free shipping on any order over $49 and a 15% discount off the first auto-ship order.
Medications Available: Along with most typical OTC products, Chewy offers prescription medication in the following categories:
- Flea & tick
- Heartworm
- Pain relief & arthritis
- Antibiotics
- Allergy relief
- Anxiety and calming
- Ear and eye care
- Other health conditions
Pros
- User-friendly search engine to find medication well-suited to your pup’s needs
- Convenient autoship options with a wide range of medications
- You can easily add other dog-care items to your order
Cons
- Chewy is known for offering lightning-fast one to three-day shipping, but delivery times will vary with prescription medication due to the need for veterinary verification.
2. 1-800-Pet-Meds
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1-800-Pet-Meds
A pet-specific pharmacy offering daily deals and a free shipping discount.
About: 1-800-Pet-Meds offers returns and refunds on medications, so you can be confident that you’re purchasing from a reputable pharmacy. Along with prescription medication, you can also purchase treats, food, and other OTC supplies from the site.
The site offers fluctuating daily deals on their stock, including prescriptions. You’ll also get free shipping for any order over $49 and you can order some medications (like flea and tick preventative) in bulk for a discounted price.
Medications Available: 1-800-Pet-Meds offers over the counter products along with prescription medication in the following categories:
- Allergy relief
- Antibiotics
- Anti-fungal
- Anxiety medication
- Arthritis
- Asthma
- Cancer
- Compound medications
- Cough relief
- Digestive support & enzymes
- Diuretics
- Ear
- Eye
- Heart & blood pressure
- Hormonal
- Incontinence
- Insulin and diabetes
- Nausea & motion sickness
- Pain
- Seizure & epilepsy
- Thrush
- Thyroid medication
- Urinary tract and kidneys
- Vaccines
- Wormers
Pros
- Full refund guarantee on all products, including prescription medication
- Daily discounts on medications and OTC products
- Pet-specific pharmacy that focuses solely on meds needed by companion animals
Cons
- There aren’t as many eligible “auto-refill” products available so it might not be the best pick for pups with recurring scripts
3. PetCareRx
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PetCareRx
Excellent source for a wide variety of pet medications and other OTC products.
About: PetCareRX is an excellent online pet pharmacy option that provides OTC products and medication for dogs and cats. Notably, the site offers a membership program to purchase medicine at discounted wholesale prices. The membership fee for the “PetPlus” program starts at $99 per year.
Outside of the program, you’ll get free shipping on all orders over $48. You can also purchase food, toys, grooming products, crates, and other doggie accessories on the site. The site is also super easy to navigate, which is always a plus. PetCareRX also offers the option to save 25% off sitewide with the code CARE25.
Medications Available: PetCareRx offers plenty of OTC products and doggie accessories along with prescription medications in the following categories:
- Allergy relief
- Antibiotics
- Anti-fungal
- Arthritis & pain
- Asthma & respiratory
- Behavior & anxiety management
- Bladder control
- Dental care
- Diabetes & metabolic care
- Ear care
- Epilepsy & neural health
- Eye care
- First aid
- Flea & tick
- Gastrointestinal
- Heart & blood pressure
- Heartworm & deworming
- Hill’s prescription diet
- Hot spots
- Itch relief
- Kidney health
- Purina Pro Plan diets
- Royal Canin Veterinary diet
- Skin & coat
- Thyroid
- Urinary health
- Vaccines
- Weight control
Pros
- Excellent user experience making it easy to find your mutt’s medication
- Membership option available for continued discount
- Wide variety of medication types offered
Cons
- Can be pricier than other online options if you’re not a “PetPlus” owner
4. Amazon
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Amazon
Excellent source for over-the-counter pet medications as well as other dog supplies.
About: Most of us have probably used Amazon at some point in our lives. While you won’t find prescription pet medication on the site, it’s an excellent place to find over the counter items like supplements, flea collars, and dental chews.
Amazon also offers free shipping for all orders over $25 and a subscription discount for recurring orders.
Medications Available: Amazon does not carry prescription medication. However, you can find OTC items in the following categories:
- Dental care
- Ear care
- Itch remedies
- Supplements & vitamins
- Digestive remedies
- DNA tests
- Relaxants
- Hip & joint care
- Flea & tick
- Treats
Pros
- Large selection of products for your pooch
- Competitive pricing
- Hassle-free ordering and shipping (the site probably already has your billing and shipping info)
Cons
- Amazon isn’t a pet-specific site, so just make sure you’re ordering medications specifically designed for dogs.
- No prescription medications available.
5. Petco
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Petco
A one-stop shop for dog-related medications and other canine supplies.
About: Petco online pharmacy has a wide selection of mutt medications, including medicated diets making it a great one-stop shop for any best buddy-related buys. The online pharmacy offers 35% off your first repeat delivery and has competitive, affordable pricing. They also have periodic discounts and sales on OTC products, so it’s definitely worth considering.
Medications Available: Petco offers over the counter products along with prescription medications in these categories:
- Heartworm
- Flea & tick
- Allergy relief
- Pain relief & arthritis
- Heart health
- Veterinary diet
- Hormone/immune
- Diabetes
- Behavior/anxiety
- Womers
- Antibiotic/antifungal
Pros
- Plenty of products and medication to choose from
- You have the option to pick up some medications in store for added flexibility
- You can go ahead and order any other pet-related items you need while you’re there
Cons
- Petco pharmacy only provides medication for dogs and cats, so you’ll have to look elsewhere for your iguana’s eye drops or your ferret’s first-aid supplies.
6. VetRX Direct
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VetRX Direct
A trusted online pharmacy selling prescription and OTC pet medicines.
About: VetRX Direct is a trusted online pet pharmacy that focuses on dogs and cats. You’ll find a few OTC products available for purchase along with common prescription medications for your furry friend.
The site offers free shipping for orders over $49. You can also contact support easily using their phone, email, text line, or chat portal directly on the site.
Medications Available: VetRX Direct is offers a few OTC products like medicated shampoo, tick collars, and supplements. Prescription medications on the site fall into the following categories:
- Allergy
- Eye
- Ear
- Heart/blood pressure/respiratory
- Hormone/endocrine
- Urinary tract/kidneys
Pros
- VetRx Direct is known for having excellent customer service
- The site offers occasional coupons and discounts on various products
- Free shipping for orders over $49
Cons
- Limited selection of products
7. WalmartPetRx
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Walmart PetRx
Easy-to-use online pharmacy offering a variety of prescription and OTC medications.
About: As it turns out, Walmart has a reputable online pet pharmacy complete with OTC products as well as prescription medication. They offer free shipping on orders over $35, which is hard to beat when compared with other pharmacies.
You’ll also receive a 5% discount on all autoship orders. Walmart offers a surprisingly wide array of pet products and medications, and provides free, 2-day shipping once the prescription is cleared by your veterinarian.
Medications Available: Walmart offers plenty of OTC products along with prescription medications in the following categories:
- Allergy & antihistamine
- Antibiotics
- Anti-cancer & tumor
- Anti-fungal
- Anxiety & behavior
- Arthritis pain & inflammation
- Asthma & respiratory
- Colic & musculoskeletal
- Cushing’s disease
- Diabetes & insulin
- Digestive tract, liver, and pancreas
- Ear medications
- Epilepsy & seizure
- Estrus & luteolytic
- Eye medications
- Flea & tick
- Heart & blood pressure
- Heartworm preventatives
- Immune system
- Parasite internal & external
- Sedative
- Skin irritation
- Syringes & needles
- Thyroid & hormone
- Urinary tract & kidney
- Wound care
Pros
- Wide array of medication options available for a variety of animals, making this a great option for multi-pet households
- Quick, affordable shipping options
- Like Amazon, Walmart makes ordering products pretty hassle-free
Cons
- Fewer filtering options available (flavor, breed, etc.) than other online pet pharmacies
Is It Safe to Order Your Dog’s Medication Online?
Generally speaking, it is safe to order your dog’s medication online, so long as you’re using a reputable pharmacy.
If you’re unsure, speak to your veterinarian to see if they recommend any particular online pooch pharmacy. Also, stay away from any online pharmacy that seems shady or doesn’t have a recognizable name.
Be sure to follow your veterinarian’s administration and dosage instructions to keep your furry friend safe. As always, you’ll want to keep a keen eye on your pooch after administering medication. It’s important to watch out for bad reactions — especially if it’s the first time you’re giving it to your pooch.
In the event that your dog seems off after taking medication, call your veterinarian or emergency pet clinic immediately to determine the proper course of action.
Why Are Medications So Much Cheaper at Online Pharmacies than the Vet?
Many owners are (pleasantly) shocked to see that medications are often much more affordable when purchased at online pharmacies rather than at their vet’s office.
This occasionally leads owners to suspect that vets are trying to squeeze every nickel and dime possible out of their clients. But the true reason for the price discrepancy is much more benign: Your vet simply lacks the buying power of large online pharmacies.
Because your vet has to purchase medications in smaller quantities, he or she is unable to enjoy the steep discounts bulk buyers receive. And ultimately, these costs are passed along to owners.
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Using an online pet pharmacy can be a great way to save time and ensure that your fur baby has everything he needs to feel his best. Just make sure to use a reputable pet pharmacy to keep Spot safe.
Have you used an online pet pharmacy before? What was your experience like? We’d love to hear all about it in the comments below!
2 Comments
August 6, 2022
You do a disservice to pet owners by ranking Chewy #1. Here is my BBB review that reflects my experience:
Your pet may be DEAD if you buy meds here.
I ordered heart meds to keep my cat alive – giving myself a 10 day buffer. Express mailed and tracked paper prescriptions.
Chewy refuses to give me a ship date. I’ve contacted them 4 times and each time they say the order should ship today or tomorrow but never an exact status. I finally talked to pharmacist there who said we’re kind of backed up and a pharmacy supervisor who will call me back. Always EVASIVE.
Web site advertises 1-3 day ship and shows both my meds in stock. Help says display orders to see status but doing so shows NO STATUS at all.
One med script is for 50 pills with 3 refills. They show that as 1 pill with 150 refills? They also show both meds twice under my prescriptions – once waiting prescription and again as vet approved???
I think Chewy pharmacy is incompetent and evasive. Pet meds are like people meds – not an optional whenever commodity. If they can’t fill the prescriptions they should say so and give me time for other options before its a big problem. Should my cat die because they are busy?
My pet’s emergency care was expensive so I thought I’d save a little on meds for his remaining life. But I’ve wasted so much time with Chewy and had so much aggravation that I’d been better off paying more for meds at my vet. Chewy pharmacy is a terrible eCommerce experience. Avoid them.
August 8, 2022
Hey there, Donald.
We’re so sorry to hear that you’ve had a negative experience with Chewy, but we appreciate you sharing your experiences.
For what it’s worth, we’ve never had issues like this from Chewy, nor have we heard about similar problems from other readers.
We wish you the best of luck and hope your cat gets meds ASAP.