Option 1: Fill It at Your Vet's Office

The most convenient option — no prescription transfer needed, and your vet's team can answer questions about the medication right then and there. This is often the best choice for short-term medications (antibiotics, pain relievers after a procedure) or when you need something quickly. For long-term medications, it's worth comparing prices before you commit to refilling exclusively through your vet.

Option 2: In-Person Pharmacies

Many human pharmacies carry common pet medications — particularly heartworm prevention, flea and tick products, and generic versions of frequently prescribed drugs. Ask your vet to write you a paper prescription so you can take it to any of the following:

• CVS Pharmacy

• Walgreens

• Rite Aid

• Walmart Pharmacy

• Target Pharmacy

• Costco Pharmacy (membership required — often among the lowest prices available)

• Sam's Club Pharmacy

• Kroger Pharmacy

• Publix Pharmacy

Tip: Not every pharmacy stocks every pet medication, and some compounded medications can only be filled at a specialty pharmacy. Call ahead to confirm they carry what you need.

Option 3: Online Pet Pharmacies

Online pharmacies are often the most affordable option for long-term or recurring medications. Prices on the same medication can vary significantly from one retailer to another, so it's worth comparing before you set up a refill routine.

A word on safety first: Only purchase from pharmacies that are accredited by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP). The NABP estimates that only around 5% of online pharmacies meet legitimate safety and practice standards — the rest may sell counterfeit, expired, or improperly stored medications. Look for the Vet-VIPPS seal (Veterinary-Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites) or check the NABP's accredited pharmacy list before purchasing anywhere new.

Reputable online pet pharmacies:

• Chewy Pharmacy — One of the largest and most widely used. NABP accredited. Offers AutoShip with recurring discounts, and frequently runs promotions for first-time orders.

• 1-800-PetMeds — One of the longest-running online pet pharmacies. NABP accredited. Licensed pharmacists fill all prescriptions after veterinary authorization.

• Allivet — NABP accredited. Competitive pricing with AutoShip discount options.

• VetRxDirect — The first pharmacy to receive the Vet-VIPPS accreditation from NABP. Focused exclusively on veterinary medications.

• Costco Pharmacy (online) — Membership required, but pricing is frequently among the lowest available for commonly prescribed pet medications.

• Walmart Pet Pharmacy — Carries a selection of pet medications at competitive prices.

Ways to Save

• AutoShip / Auto-refill discounts: Most online pharmacies offer a discount when you set a medication to ship automatically on a recurring schedule. This is a smart option for anything your dog takes every month — heartworm prevention, flea and tick medication, joint supplements, or chronic condition medications. Chewy and Allivet both offer AutoShip programs with ongoing savings.

• Price matching: Several online pharmacies will match a competitor's price if you find the same medication cheaper elsewhere. It's worth asking — even a quick message to customer service can save you money over the course of a year.

• GoodRx for Pets: GoodRx compares prices across major pet pharmacies and local human pharmacies to help you find the lowest available price on your specific medication. Free to use.

A Few Things to Know

• Your vet is legally required to provide you with a written prescription upon request if you want to fill it elsewhere — you should never have to fight for this

• Some medications, especially compounded drugs (custom-mixed formulations), can only be filled at a specialty compounding pharmacy — your vet will let you know if this applies

• Always double-check that any online pharmacy you use is on the NABP accredited list before your first purchase — if a price seems too good to be true, it may be