How to Ask Your Vet About Pet Medication Costs
By Dr. Kirk Wright, DVM · Updated
Medications can add up, especially for pets who need them for a long time. The good news is that there are often choices, and asking about them is part of working as a team with your vet.
The safety rule comes first: never change, stop, split, or substitute a medication on your own. Always talk to your vet first.
Questions that can lower the cost
- What will the full course cost, including refills?
- Is there a generic or an equivalent product, and is it right for my pet?
- Can I fill this prescription at an outside pharmacy, and will you write the prescription?
- Does this come in more than one form, such as pills or liquid, and does the form affect the price?
- Is there a clinic discount for a longer supply?
- How will we know if it is working, and when should we recheck, so I do not buy more than needed?
Some medications are special orders, and some pharmacies are online. Ask your vet which are reliable.
Safety rules
- Do not give human medications to your pet unless your vet tells you to. Some common human medications are dangerous for pets.
- Do not share one pet's medication with another.
- Do not stop a medication early because your pet seems better, unless your vet says so.
- Keep medications out of reach of pets and children.
- If your pet may have swallowed something it should not have, use the poison control numbers at the bottom of every page.
If the cost is a problem
Tell your vet before the medication goes unfilled. Many times there is another option, but only your vet can tell you whether it is safe. See our article “What to Do If You Can’t Afford Your Pet’s Treatment” for other ideas.
Frequently asked questions
Can I buy my pet's medication at a regular pharmacy?
Sometimes. Ask your vet whether it is an option, and have them write the prescription.
Can I cut my pet's pills to make them last longer?
Only if your vet says it is safe for that medication. Some should not be split.
Educational information only. This is not veterinary advice for your pet and does not replace an exam by your veterinarian. Emergencies and disclaimer.
Keep reading
What to Do If You Can't Afford Your Pet's Treatment
Options to explore when a vet bill is more than you can pay: talking to your vet, payment plans, financing, charities, and low-cost clinics.
How to Read a Vet Estimate (and What to Ask About It)
A step-by-step guide to understanding a veterinary estimate: what each section means, what the price range tells you, and what to ask before you sign.