I Need a Refill!

Have you ever called your vet wanting a refill of that last medication you got because whatever it was came back and the medication worked? But your pet hasn't been seen since 2001? Has your vet incurred your wrath by saying no?

Join the club. But don't be mad at your vet. Blame the Feds.

Federal law prohibits dispensing of medication without a valid client/patient/veterinarian relationship. Period.

It means we can't give you medication for a pet we haven't seen recently. That means physically examining the pet in the hospital. For a younger, healthy pet, that is usually within 12 months. For an older pet with issues, it could be as recent as six months. Sooner if the pet has a complicated illness.

So asking for a refill on phenobarbital for a 16-year-old dog that I haven't seen in over three years is likely to get you a big, fat NO. Sorry, dude. My license is on the line.