Having a pet is not always fun and games as there are a number of health conditions that can make them vulnerable. As a responsible pet owner, you need to ensure that your pet gets the necessary vaccinations to keep preventable diseases at bay. In addition to that, you need to administer certain regular preventive medications that are indispensable for your pet’s good health. Just like humans, pet medications don’t come cheap; in fact, pet owners are aware of the expenses, which is why they are open to options that allow them to buy pet meds for cheap.

Buying pet meds online is quite convenient and it is cheaper than buying medicines from an actual store. Unlike several veterinary clinics that add a markup to pet medications, online stores purchase these items in bulk at wholesale prices and pass on their savings to their consumers. However, not all is hunky-dory when you buy cheap pet meds online; there are certain factors you need to take into account.

Are online pet pharmacies reliable?
One of the major factors that should govern your decisions about pet meds online is its authenticity. It is essential to understand how they buy their products: through bulk purchasing or unreputable and unreliable third-party sellers. To find a reputable online pet pharmacy, you can consult the veterinarian as their advice can be trusted.

Does the website ask for a prescription?
When you are ordering pet meds online, any legit website will ask you for the prescription. Providing a prescription can seem slightly inconvenient, but this requirement guards your pet’s health. Since there are several online pet pharmacies, you need to be cautious about where you order your pet’s medicines from. Avoid any website that will sell you a prescription-only pet medication without requesting you for a prescription from a licensed veterinarian. Doing so is illegal and there are high chances that the medications might not be FDA-approved.

Is it VIPPS Approved?
Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites or VIPPS is a certification which implies that the particular website meets the standards set down by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy. All authentic pet pharmacies are VIPPS approved. So, you need to check whether the online pet pharmacy has the required accreditation as you could be risking your pet’s life.

Does the pharmacy offer any guarantee?
When you order pet meds online, you have to check whether the medications have passed their expiration dates. Usually, authentic websites selling pet meds online for cheap is a rare occurrence. A legit website will ensure that the orders are supervised before they are shipped to your address. In case of such a glitch, these websites reimburse you or exchange the medications for newer ones. If the website you are browsing doesn’t offer any guarantee, it is better to steer clear off it even if they offer cheap pet meds.

Are these sites US-based or foreign ones?
There are several places where you can buy pet meds for cheap online. However, what you need to consider is whether these websites are US-based or not. If you are on a foreign website, you need to have your guard up as the transactions don’t usually fare well. In fact, buying medications from websites based out of the country is a red flag in itself. These sites usually advertise veterinary prescription medications for sale without asking you for a prescription. Additionally, the medications may not be FDA-approved. Moreover, these foreign websites offer to evaluate your pet’s condition based on a questionnaire that pet owners are asked to complete. They prescribe medications based on your answers. However, it is imperative for you to understand that only a vet can perform an evaluation and prescribe medications.

Is it LegitScript-approved?
Buying cheap pet meds online can save a lot of money, but there are several websites that sell expired medicines or offer fake deals. As a result, you need to opt for an online pet pharmacy which has been verified by LegitScript; it is a verification service that screens such online pharmacies for safety and legality. Moreover, this service even offers consumers with information on the distributor, including the location, the areas they are licensed to ship, etc.

Are consumer forums informative?
Another way of ensuring that you are making the right choice is by checking consumer forums. These platforms can help you get actual reviews from customers who have ordered from that particular website. Go through the reviews diligently as this is the best way of making an informed decision.

Shopping online for cheap pet meds is a convenient process, but this can have a detrimental impact if not taken seriously. You should always consult with your vet before buying any type of medicine online. Make sure you order pet meds online from a reliable website that meets all the required criteria.