Pet medicines, particularly wormers and flea and tick medicines, have been available in pet stores and veterinarian offices for years. Many pet owners are unaware that the quality differs between the medicines sold in pet stores and that which is sold at veterinarian offices. The active ingredients are the primary difference; making flea and tick medications that are sold at the veterinarian's office far safer, and more effective, than the products sold in pet stores. As many owners note, they are also more expensive.

Since flea and tick medications sold at the veterinarian's office tend to be expensive, some pet owners are turning to online suppliers for these medications. Not all online sites are considered safe, and there are some things you may want to know about each, as such this article is a brief review of some of the more popular companies that American pet owners are using for purchasing their pet medications.

First of all you may want to note that many of the sites that sell pet medication online are operated by pharmacists, not veterinarians, also you will want to note that some sell foreign made products so they will be the same, but may not look the same. Some products are made by one manufacturer but sold under different names to different countries, when sold they are often labeled as “also known as”.

Generic medication contains the same active ingredients, same dosage, and so forth, however laws prevent it from looking exactly the same. Generic medications are lower priced than brand name medications.

These are trusted sites, and are safe to buy from, however if any medication arrives at your home open or tampered with, contact the seller, do not use the medication.

Canada Vet

Although they are located in Canada, Canada vet is geared towards offering American customers pet medications at prices they claim are lower than in the states. Their website says “US citizens have always known that prices for pet meds are cheaper north of the border.” They employ licensed vets to check the products. The genuine products are sourced from Canada and around the world, labeled in English, and have long expiration dates.

Pet Care RX

In addition to selling flea and tick products and other pet medications, Pet Care RX also sells vitamins, and medicines to treat health problems such as ear infections and allergies. Licensed Pharmacy.

Pet Health USA

Pet Health USA offers pet products as well as medications. They note that their veterinarian consultant has reviewed the products they sell.

Petscriptions

Also known as National Pet Pharmacy, they sell not only pet medications, but pet food and treats also. They sell brand name and generic products, all are FDA and EPA approved. The medications they offer include things for fleas, ticks, kidneys, glucose monitoring kits for diabetes, and so forth.  Petscriptions - National Pet Pharmacy is a licensed pharmacy.

USA Pet Express

USA Pet Express sells pet medication for cats and dogs, mostly flea and tick control, and worming medications. They sell regular brand name products as well as lower priced generic products. In the case of generic drugs the only difference is appearance and price.

Vet Approved RX

This company was developed by a veterinarian whose goal was to put selling pet medications back into the hands of veterinarians; as such they do sell prescription medication as well as other over the counter medications. They carry heartworm prevention medications, products to treat hot spots, flea and tick control, medicines for cats and dogs. All their products are U.S. FDA and EPA approved.

Vet Shop

Vet Shop does not sell prescription medication. They note that genetic medicine is cheaper, but is exactly the same thing as brand name medication, but that laws prevent the manufacturers from making it look exactly the same. They carry products for cats and dogs.

Notes:

Clicking on the title of each will take you to an overview page on the companies, you can find coupons, information, or can rate and make a review of companies you have used.

Buying pet medications from sites such as eBay, or craigslist, is risky, I would not suggest even doing so, but if you do be very careful, do not use if the package has been opened or appears to have been tampered with, also be sure to check expiration dates.

Before you order any medications online you should know your pet's age and weight, as well as any other medication it is on.

To sum up, generally speaking, pet owners are generally better off to buy their pet medications from a trusted source, their veterinarian, or a reputable online company, such as those mentioned. It should be noted that pet stores are in the business of making profit and are not staffed by pharmacists or veterinarians. Pet stores often sell products (such as flea collars) that have been linked to pet deaths even when used correctly.