When we first wrote this article about online pet pharmacies back in 2006, U.S. pet owners were spending around $3 billion annually on pet medications and new online pharmacies were making a big splash.
Today, the annual spend has grown dramatically. According to Research and Markets, the U.S. Pet Medication Market was valued at $13.21 billion in 2023, and is projected to reach $17.90 billion by 2029.
This growth reflects more than just inflation. It highlights major shifts in how we care for our pets, including:
- Pet Humanization: More people view their pets as true family members, leading to increased spending on their health and wellness.
- Advances in Veterinary Medicine: New treatments and medications mean pets are living longer, healthier lives.
- Increased Online Access: Trusted online pharmacies, like Chewy’s Pharmacy, have made it easier and more affordable for pet owners to access necessary medications safely.
While the market has expanded and technology has made shopping easier, so have the options, regulations, and potential pitfalls.
Even today, the advice we shared in 2006 still holds true: a little research and common sense go a long way toward protecting your pet’s health.
Why Online Pet Pharmacies Became Popular
Online pet pharmacies first became popular because they offered two powerful advantages: convenience and savings. Busy pet owners could order necessary medications without visiting the vet’s office, and bulk purchasing allowed many online retailers to pass savings of 10–20% onto customers.
For non-urgent medications like flea preventatives, heartworm treatments, and maintenance prescriptions, the ability to shop from home was a major benefit. And even today, convenience remains a huge driver of online pet medication sales.
The Opportunities and Risks of Buying Pet Meds Online
While there are clear advantages to ordering pet medications online, the risks that existed in 2006 are still important to consider today.
Key things to watch out for:
- Licensing: Only buy from pharmacies that are licensed both in the state where they operate and in your state.
- Prescriptions: Any legitimate pharmacy will require a valid prescription from your veterinarian for prescription medications.
- Regulatory Oversight: Medications purchased from non-U.S. pharmacies may not meet FDA safety standards, and some international sources may ship counterfeit or unregulated drugs. Always verify that you’re buying from a licensed U.S.-based pharmacy.
- Delays in Treatment: If your pet needs immediate care, relying on online orders may take too long. In emergencies, purchasing directly from your veterinarian remains the safest choice. When your pet needs urgent care, saving a few dollars is never worth the risk of delayed treatment.
A note on price:
Veterinarians often charge more for medications than online sources, but with good reason. Small clinics pay higher prices for medications, shipping, and handling because they buy in smaller quantities. Supporting your local vet when timing is critical can mean faster treatment and better outcomes.
How to Shop Safely for Pet Medications Online
Today, shopping safely for your pet’s medications online is easier, but only if you stick to trusted practices:
- Look for pharmacies accredited by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) through their pharmacy program or certified by Vet-VIPPS.
- Confirm that prescriptions are required where applicable. Be wary of any website willing to sell prescription medications without verifying your veterinarian’s authorization — it’s not only illegal, but dangerous for your pet.
- Make sure the pharmacy has licensed pharmacists or veterinarians available for consultation.
- Avoid websites that offer to sell prescription medications without a prescription. It’s not just illegal, it’s dangerous.
Trusted Names in Online Pet Meds
The pet medication marketplace has grown dramatically since 2006. According to Research and Markets, the U.S. pet medication market now includes 39 major manufacturers and vendors offering a wide variety of products.
However, when it comes to trusted online pharmacies that pet owners know and rely on, the list remains relatively short.
Back when we first wrote about this topic, the early online pet pharmacy space was small. Trusted names at the time included 1-800-PetMeds, Drs. Foster and Smith, PetCareRx, VetCentric, and EntirelyPets. Many pet owners still preferred to buy directly from their veterinarians.
Major names like Chewy Pharmacy, 1-800-PetMeds, and Walmart PetRx stand out for their reputation, reliability, and commitment to safety.
Today, pet owners have more options — but sticking with trusted names is just as important. Some of the most reliable online pharmacies now include:
- Chewy Pharmacy
- PetMeds
- PetCareRx
- Walmart PetRx
- Costco Pet Pharmacy
- VetSource
- Allivet
- VetRXDirect
- GoodRX Pets
- Petco Online Pharmacy
While the marketplace has expanded, doing a little research to ensure you’re buying from a reputable pharmacy is just as important now as it was nearly two decades ago.
Chewy’s Pharmacy is our favorite.
Through Chewy’s Pharmacy, you can order prescription medications, preventatives, supplements, and more, all with a verified prescription process that connects directly with your veterinarian. Chewy’s licensed pharmacy team ensures that your pet’s medications are safe, properly sourced, and delivered quickly.
Their easy-to-use system, competitive pricing, and outstanding customer service make it one of the best options for pet owners who want the convenience of online shopping without sacrificing trust or safety.
Final Thoughts
The world of pet medications has changed a lot since 2006 — but one thing remains the same: Our pets depend on us to make the best choices for their health.
Buying medications online can be a safe and smart decision if you do your homework, choose trusted pharmacies, and know when a trip to the vet is the better choice!
