Prescription Dispensing

OPVMC is prohibited from selling prescription drugs without a valid veterinarian/patient/client relationship.  Legally, this relationship exists when the following conditions have been met:

The veterinarian has assumed the responsibility for making medical judgements regarding the health of the animal and the need for medical treatment, and the client has agreed to follow the instructions of the veterinarian.There is sufficient knowledge of the animal by the veterinarian to initiate at least a general or preliminary diagnosis of the medical condition of the animal.  This means that the veterinarian has recently seen and is personally acquainted with the keeping and the care of the animal by virtue of an examination of the animal and/or by medically appropriate and timely visits to the premises where the animal is kept.  This generally means that the patient has been examined by the veterinarian within the last year.
There is also a requirement that the practicing veterinarian is readily available for follow-up in cases of adverse reactions or failures of the regimen of therapy. Should that happen, we are here 24 hours per day to examine and treat your pet.


Hospital Dispensing Policies

Please understand that we cannot and will not dispense medication or prescription items unless we have seen your pet within the past year.  This allows the doctor an opportunity to evaluate the patient's status and accurately determine the pet's condition and weight.  Many prescriptions are determined by the weight of the patient.

Additionally, we are prohibited from  filling prescriptions from other veterinary hospitals or from other veterinarians outside those associated with OPVMC.  Please also keep in mind that although a product may have been dispensed for your pet, many of the prescription medications are the same used to treat humans, and as such, our dispensing procedures are strictly monitored.