Good news for pet parents: your neighborhood CVS may now be able to fill many of your furry friend’s prescriptions, saving an extra trip to the veterinarian or specialty pet pharmacy.
CVS Pharmacy has expanded its prescription services to include a wide range of medications commonly prescribed for dogs, cats, and other companion animals. Since many veterinary medications use the same active ingredients as those prescribed for people, licensed veterinarians can send eligible prescriptions directly to participating CVS pharmacies for convenient pickup.
The move is designed to make it faster and more affordable to obtain medications, particularly for pets with chronic conditions that require ongoing treatment.
Common conditions that may be treated with medications available through CVS include:
- Heart disease
- Seizure disorders
- High blood pressure
- Thyroid conditions
- Anxiety and behavioral issues
- Certain infections requiring antibiotics
Not every veterinary medication can be filled at a retail pharmacy, however. Drugs formulated specifically for animals, flavored medications, compounded prescriptions, or certain specialty treatments may still need to be dispensed directly through a veterinarian or a veterinary pharmacy.
For pet owners, the biggest benefits are convenience and, in some cases, lower costs. If a medication has a generic equivalent commonly used in human medicine, it may be available at competitive retail pricing. Depending on the medication and the pharmacy, some pet prescriptions may also qualify for prescription savings programs.
Experts recommend that owners never substitute a human medication for a pet without veterinary guidance. Even medications that are safe for people can be dangerous—or even fatal—to animals if the dosage or formulation is incorrect.