Best Online Pet Pharmacies Compared
This page is educational reference material for preparing questions. A licensed veterinarian examines the animal, makes the diagnosis, and sets the treatment.
Comparing online pet pharmacies for prescription and OTC medications. Covers 1-800-PetMeds, Chewy Pharmacy, PetCareRx, and pricing.
Detailed Comparison
| Chewy Pharmacy | 1-800-PetMeds | PetCareRx | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | An online pharmacy that requests the prescription from the clinic | An online pet pharmacy for prescription and over-the-counter products | An online pharmacy that fills from a veterinarian's prescription |
| Use it for | A refill of the same drug, strength, and count the veterinarian authorized | The same match of drug, strength, and quantity | The same prescription, if that product is in stock and the pharmacy can ship to your state |
| Check before you buy | The clinic may require an exam before it authorizes a refill | A valid prescription for anything labeled Rx, and a pharmacy license that covers your state | The concentration. A lower price on a different strength is a different prescription. |
Compare the same drug, strength, and quantity. Your veterinarian can refuse to authorize a particular pharmacy, and a new exam is sometimes required before a refill.
Ask the clinic which pharmacies it will authorize before you create an account. The price on the website becomes a fill only after the veterinarian approves that pharmacy.
Common Questions
Which option is the best value?
Value is the prescribed product, at a price you can see before you pay, from a pharmacy licensed to ship it to you. A cheaper listing for a different strength is not the same order.
Can I switch later?
You can send the next refill to a different pharmacy. The clinic has to authorize that pharmacy. Do not create another strength by splitting tablets.
Got a Specific Question?
Adjust these ranges alongside your vet using concrete inputs: current body condition, exercise tolerance, known sensitivities, and current medication schedule.