If you've ever left the veterinarian's office with a prescription in hand, you may have wondered whether you can fill it at the same pharmacy you use for your family's medications.
In many cases, yes. Eligible prescription medications for dogs and cats can be filled at approximately 9,000 CVS Pharmacy locations nationwide, giving pet parents another option for managing their pets’ health needs. CVS Pharmacy’s Pet Meds program provides access to eligible veterinarian-prescribed medications alongside other household prescriptions. Availability depends on the medication, dosage form and services offered by the pharmacy.
Many pets rely on medication as part of a veterinarian-directed care plan, whether for a short-term illness, a chronic condition or preventive care. For households already balancing work, school, appointments and caregiving, having another familiar place to fill an eligible pet prescription can make that routine easier to manage.
What is different about CVS Pharmacy’s Pet Meds program?
Many pet prescriptions are for medications also used in human health care, while others are pet-only medications developed specifically for animals. CVS Pharmacy has filled eligible “crossover” prescriptions for decades. Now, pet owners have access to a selection of eligible pet-only medications at CVS Pharmacy locations nationwide — medications that previously were typically filled through a veterinarian or veterinary pharmacy.
“Expanding access to eligible pet-only medications gives pet parents another convenient option for filling their pets’ prescriptions,” says Dr. Christopher Tuma, a veterinarian and senior manager of Patient Safety & Quality at CVS Health. “The veterinarian still determines the appropriate treatment, while the pharmacist verifies and accurately dispenses the medication according to the veterinarian’s directions.”
How does the process work?
For eligible medications, the process begins with a prescription from your veterinarian.
The veterinarian examines your pet and determines the best plan for their care, including the medication, strength, and directions. For eligible prescriptions, the pharmacist verifies and dispenses the medication and can answer questions about its use. CVS Pharmacy pharmacists work directly with your veterinarian whenever questions or concerns arise about your pet’s prescription and can consult veterinary references and specialized job aids during the verification and dispensing process.
- Confirm eligibility. Before leaving the appointment, ask your veterinarian whether the medication can be filled at CVS Pharmacy.
- Have the prescription submitted. Your veterinarian may send an eligible prescription directly to CVS Pharmacy electronically, by phone, fax, or via a written prescription for you to bring to the pharmacy.
- Allow the pharmacy to verify. CVS Pharmacy receives and reviews your prescription through its standard verification process.
- Pick up or receive your medication. Once ready, CVS Pharmacy will notify you and let you know which fulfillment options are available for your prescription.
Submission and fulfillment options vary. Confirm the current process with your veterinarian and CVS Pharmacy before filling or transferring a prescription.
What types of conditions may require ongoing medication?
A veterinarian may prescribe medication to treat a short-term illness, manage a chronic condition or support preventive care. Depending on the medication and prescription, examples of health needs that may involve medication include:
- Allergies and skin conditions
- Arthritis and pain management
- Heart or thyroid conditions
- Infections
- Anxiety or behavioral conditions
- Parasite prevention, when prescribed by a veterinarian
Your veterinarian can determine the appropriate medication, and your pharmacist can confirm whether the prescription is eligible to be filled at CVS Pharmacy.
More pet essentials in one convenient stop
Pet care can involve more than medication. In the Pet section at CVS Pharmacy stores and on CVS.com, pet parents can also find everyday essentials such as shampoos, wet and dry food, flea and tick care and dental treats. CVS Pharmacy’s own Pet Central brand offers products for dogs and cats, including ergonomic grooming tools, pet care and wellness accessories, toys, cat litter and puppy training pads.
Helping pet parents stay on track
Filling an eligible pet prescription at CVS Pharmacy can help simplify a household’s medication routine. Pet parents may be able to use a familiar CVS Pharmacy location with convenient pharmacy hours, receive prescription status notifications and manage eligible pet prescriptions alongside other household medications in the CVS Health app. Features and pharmacy hours vary by location and prescription.
If your pet has been prescribed medication, ask your veterinarian whether it can be filled at CVS Pharmacy. Then visit the CVS Pharmacy Pet Meds page or contact your local CVS Pharmacy to confirm eligibility, submission steps, fulfillment options and available prescription management features.
