How Ontario pharmacists could help pet owners manage rising medication costs

Deborah Smith-Webber and Danny Webber with pharmacist Adam Silvertown is pictured here.

Deborah Smith-Webber and Danny Webber of Toronto have a multi-pet family and some of their pets need ongoing medications.

They used to get their pet prescriptions filled through their veterinarian but recently switched to an online pharmacy that is now allowed to fill pet prescriptions and also has home delivery.

Smith-Webber said she has noticed substantial savings over what they were paying before.

“Molson is three and he’s a Bernedoodle. Diesel is nine and he’s a sheepadoodle,” said Smith-Webber. “One of his medications was $200 for 20 days and his other medication was $300 for a two-month supply.”

Adam Silvertown, pharmacist and owner of Pace Pharmacy located in Leaside, founded Vetmeds.ca, a service where pet owners can order pet medications online.

“This means pet owners now have options and that is what I have always wanted to give pet owners: options to have another alternative to buy medications,” said Silvertown.

Savings will vary depending on the drug but could range from 10 to 50 per cent. One example is an allergy medication for dogs, which Silvertown said he must get for his own dog.

“I’ve saved $50 getting it from the pharmacy, which is the same price all of our other customers would pay and that’s just for one prescription and he gets it multiple times a year,” said Silvertown.

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In 2024, the Competition Bureau recommended that provinces and territories consider mandating the supply of pet medications to pharmacists to increase competition and give owners more choice at competitive prices.

According to the federal government, Canadians are spending about $9 billion annually on veterinary services.

The Canadian Veterinary Association (CVMA) says it is concerned as pharmacists do not have the proper training to dispense pet drugs and is advising owners to see their vets before purchasing any pet medications.

“In this day and age price can be a factor for people and it is a competitive market,” said Tracy Fisher, president of the CVMA and added, “people also need to recognize they will still need to get a prescription from their veterinarian.”

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Silvertown said the cost of getting a prescription will vary depending on the veterinarian.

“They can charge a prescription-writing fee and there are no rules as to what that fee could be. I have heard of a range of $15 up to $50,” said Silvertown.

There may be some friction between veterinarians and pharmacists about these new changes, but Smith-Webber hopes both sides can work together to lower prices for everyone.

“We certainly have a lot of empathy for fellow pet owners who are struggling to take care of their animals,” said Smith-Webber.

According to the Competition Bureau of Canada, the changes are to help pet owners deal with the rising expense of pet ownership. The government of Canada said the average cost of owning a dog is $4,137 a year and owning a cat can cost $2,849 annually.