Savings Tips For Your Pet's Prescriptions

By Grey Muzzle President Jenny Kachnic and Grey Muzzle Board Member Chandra Conway

Did you know you that with a prescription from your veterinarian you can buy your dog’s medications at your local pharmacy?

Hundreds of medications are available—either pet-specific medications or those that are made for humans but are also appropriate for pets—including brand names such as Rimadyl, Deramaxx, Prednisone, Cephalexin, Fluoxetine, Tramadol, Frontline Plus, and Heartgard. Pharmacy prices are often at a significantly lower price than purchasing medications from your veterinarian’s office. Generic options available typically cost between $4 and $10.

Some of the pharmacies that offer pet medications or “crossover” medications are those at Costco, Sam's Club (you don't have to be a Costco or Sam's club member to get prescriptions filled there), CVS Caremark, CVS/pharmacy, Kmart, Target, Walgreens, Walmart, and the Kroger, and Winn-Dixie chains.

Also, AAA members take note: AAA offers, at no extra cost, a prescription savings card for use when purchasing medications not covered by your medical insurance. According to AAA, members save an average of 24 percent on those medications purchases.

There are many cost-saving options out there, so after consulting with your veterinarian’s office on their prices, and any price-matching programs they may offer, check your local pharmacies!