Vet Prescription Costs UK: Your Rights and How to Save £200+ a Year
Most pet owners don't know they have the right to a written prescription from their vet — and that using one to buy medication online could save them hundreds of pounds a year. Here's everything you need to know, including the new rules that just changed the game.
What is a written vet prescription?
When your vet prescribes medication for your pet, they have two options: dispense it themselves from their in-house pharmacy, or issue you a written prescription that you can take to any registered veterinary pharmacy — including online pharmacies.
The vast majority of pet owners simply buy medication directly from their vet. It's convenient, and most people don't realise they have another option. But the price difference can be substantial. Buying online with a written prescription typically saves £100–£200 per year on common long-term medications — and sometimes significantly more.
How much does a vet prescription cost?
Until recently, vet prescription fees in the UK were entirely unregulated. Each practice set its own charge — with no upper limit and no requirement to tell you about it upfront. The average was around £29.56, but some practices were charging £40 or more per prescription.
That has now changed. As part of the CMA's 2026 veterinary market reforms, prescription fees are now legally capped:
| Prescription type | New cap | Previous average |
|---|---|---|
| First medicine on a prescription | £21 | £29.56 average (up to £40+) |
| Each additional medicine | £12.50 | Often same as first medicine |
This is a meaningful change. If you're paying for multiple medications, the savings on the prescription fee alone start to add up — before you've even factored in the lower medication prices available online.
Your legal right to a written prescription
You have the right to ask your vet for a written prescription, and your vet cannot unreasonably refuse. The RCVS — the regulator for UK vets — makes clear that vets must issue a written prescription when reasonably requested, as long as:
• Your pet is currently under their care (i.e. they've examined your pet recently and are satisfied the medication is appropriate)
• The medication is not a controlled drug requiring more frequent review
• There's no clinical reason why issuing a prescription would be inappropriate
New rule from 2026: Practices must now proactively tell you that a written prescription is available. You no longer need to know to ask — but it's still worth asking, as the notification requirement is being phased in.
How to get a written prescription — step by step
Ask your vet at your next appointment
Simply say: "Could I have a written prescription for this medication?" Most vets will process this without issue. You may need to pay the prescription fee (now capped at £21).
Compare prices at online pharmacies
Once you have the prescription, compare prices at registered UK online veterinary pharmacies. Look for ones registered with the RCVS or the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD).
Send or upload your prescription
Most online pharmacies accept a photo or scan of your written prescription. Post the original if required — they'll advise on their process.
Reorder when needed
Written prescriptions for non-controlled drugs are typically valid for six months. You'll need a new prescription (and likely a check-up) every six months, but this is standard practice regardless of where you buy.
How much can you actually save?
The savings vary depending on the medication, your pet's size, and the practice you're currently buying from. Here are some realistic examples:
| Medication type | Typical vet price (monthly) | Typical online price | Annual saving |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flea/worm treatment (dog) | £18–£30 | £8–£15 | £72–£180 |
| Arthritis medication | £60–£120 | £35–£75 | £180–£540 |
| Thyroid medication (cat) | £40–£80 | £20–£45 | £180–£420 |
| Epilepsy medication | £50–£100 | £25–£60 | £180–£480 |
Even after paying the prescription fee (now capped at £21), the annual savings for pets on ongoing medication are typically well over £100 — and often £200–£400 or more.
Important: Always use a registered online pharmacy. Look for the RCVS or VMD registration mark. Avoid unregistered sites — the medication may be counterfeit or stored incorrectly. If in doubt, ask your vet to recommend a reputable online pharmacy.
What if my vet refuses?
Your vet should not refuse a reasonable request for a written prescription. If they do, ask them to explain why — there may be a legitimate clinical reason, such as the medication requiring more frequent monitoring.
If you believe the refusal is unreasonable, you can raise a concern with the RCVS. From 2026, practices are also required to have a formal complaints process — so you have a clear route to challenge decisions that don't seem right.
You also have the option to register with a different practice. The new rules make it much easier to compare local practices on price and services, so if your current vet is being obstructive about prescriptions or charging high fees, switching has become a more straightforward option.
What about repeat prescriptions?
For long-term medications, your vet will typically want to examine your pet periodically to ensure the medication is still appropriate. This is standard good practice — not a way to prevent you from using a written prescription.
For most non-controlled medications, a prescription is valid for six months. Some practices may issue longer prescriptions at their discretion. Factor in the cost of periodic check-ups (usually once or twice a year) when calculating your total savings.
Find vets who are upfront about prescriptions
CompareMyVet will show you which local practices publish their prescription fees, so you can choose a vet who's transparent from the start.
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