How to Fill a Prescription from Your Vet

May 12, 2025 NHS Medications

How to Fill a Prescription from Your Vet

 

At SimplyMeds Online, we make it easy to order prescription medications for your pet from the comfort of your home. Whether your vet has issued a prescription for your dog, cat, or another furry friend, here’s everything you need to know about how to fill a vet prescription with us.

 

What Do We Need From You?

 

To dispense a prescription from your vet, we’ll need a valid, signed prescription. You can upload it directly when placing your order, or send it to us via email or post. Please note: we can only process your order once we’ve received and verified the original prescription.

 

If you’re not sure if your prescription is valid or if the product matches what your vet has prescribed, feel free to reach out – our pharmacy team is happy to help.

 

What Should Be Included on the Prescription?

 

The prescription must meet UK veterinary regulations. It should clearly include:

• Your full name and address
• Your pet’s name, species, and identification details
• The name, strength, form, and quantity of the medication
• Clear dosage instructions
• The prescribing vet’s name, address, and signature
• The date the prescription was written
• If applicable, the number of repeats authorised

 

If your vet is prescribing a human medicine under the prescribing cascade – for example, where no suitable veterinary medicine is available – they must provide a clinical justification on the prescription, along with the wording: ‘This medicine has been prescribed under the veterinary cascade’. 

 

How Do You Place an Order?

 

Placing an order with SimplyMeds Online is quick and straightforward:

• Visit our ‘PRIVATE/ VET Prescription’ page
• Create an account and login 
• Find and add the correct product to your basket
• Upload your prescription 
• Your order will be sent to us to review and generate a quote
• Your quote will be sent over to you for payment 
• Send the original prescription to us in order for your script to be dispensed

 

As a registered UK online pharmacy, we can only dispense medications that exactly match the prescription. Please double-check the product strength and quantity before ordering.

 

What Happens Next?

 

Once we’ve received your vet prescription, our pharmacist will review it to ensure it meets all legal requirements and matches your order. If there’s anything missing or unclear, we’ll get in touch to resolve it quickly.

 

As soon as your prescription is approved, your pet’s medication will be dispensed and dispatched via your selected delivery method. We aim to process prescriptions as efficiently as possible – most orders are dispatched the same day we receive a valid prescription.

 

FAQs

 

How much does a vet prescription cost?

 

Your vet may charge a small fee to write a private prescription. This is a separate cost from the price of the medication and is set by your vet practice.

 

How long is a vet prescription valid for?

 

Most prescriptions are valid for 6 months, but this can vary depending on the medication – especially controlled drugs, which are only valid for 28 days. Always check with your vet if you’re unsure.

 

Can I use the same prescription more than once?

 

Only if your vet has authorised repeats. This will be clearly stated on the prescription. We’ll keep track of how many repeats are left and let you know when a new prescription is needed.

 

What is the prescribing cascade?

 

The prescribing cascade is a legal framework that allows vets to prescribe unlicensed medicines (often human medications) when there’s no suitable veterinary alternative. If your vet follows this route, they must explain their clinical reasoning on the prescription.

 

Can I speak to someone if I need help?

 

Absolutely – our pharmacist and customer service team are here to support you. If you need help uploading your prescription or have a question about your pet’s medication, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

 

• Email: info@simplymedsonline.co.uk
• Phone: 020 8262 3252