By: Sophia Kirsinas, 2026 PharmD Candidate, Idaho State University
Chicken? Tutti-frutti? Tuna? These aren’t your usual medication flavors—unless your patient has four legs, feathers, or a tail. For animals, taste matters just as much as the treatment. And when it comes to meeting these unique medication needs, independent pharmacies are in the perfect position to lead the charge in veterinary care.
In fact, with pet ownership steadily increasing across the U.S., the demand for veterinary prescriptions is higher than ever. According to a 2024 survey by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), approximately 45.5% of households own at least one dog, and 32.1% own at least one cat. On average, dog owners spend around $580 per year on veterinary care, while cat owners spend about $433. That adds up to a large—and growing—opportunity for pharmacies willing to support pet health.
Why Veterinary Medications Matter in Community Pharmacies
As any pet owner will tell you, caring for animals is no small task. Pets, like people, deal with a variety of chronic and acute health issues that require medical attention. And just like humans, they often need prescription medications to manage those conditions.
Common Pet Conditions That May Require Medications
Frequently Prescribed Medications
Many of these medications come in different concentrations or require custom compounding—especially when dosing for small animals or exotic pets. This is where independent pharmacies, with their adaptability and focus on personalized care, can truly shine.
Why Independent Pharmacies Are Perfectly Positioned
Unlike large chain stores that often take a one-size-fits-all approach, independent pharmacies thrive on customization and community relationships. Veterinary pharmacy is a natural extension of that personalized service model.
Here’s why independent pharmacies are uniquely suited to support pet care:
Local Knowledge: You know your community—and that includes their pets. Whether your area has a high volume of working dogs, rural farm animals, or suburban cats, you can tailor your inventory and services accordingly.
Trusted Relationships: Independent pharmacies already serve as trusted healthcare partners. That trust can easily extend to pet care.
Compounding Capabilities: Many independents already offer compounding, which is essential for veterinary medications. Pets often need meds in unusual strengths, forms, or flavors that aren’t commercially available.
Quick Turnaround: Independents can stock, fill, and adjust more quickly than big-box stores or online retailers. One pharmacist and pharmacy owner, Matt Binder of Ostroms Drug & Gift in Kenmore, WA, has already embraced this opportunity. He provides compounding services and educational support for veterinary medications. When asked what inspired the shift, he shared:
“We have a lot of patients with pets that are a part of their family. We want to be another option for customers to take care of their pet meds along with their family. There is a fair amount of demand.”
Matt took it a step further by earning a veterinary pharmacy certification and ensures his store is stocked with weight-based dosing tools and veterinary-specific references—a powerful example of what it looks like when pharmacists lean into this growing niche.
How to Build Your Veterinary Medication Services
Getting started in veterinary pharmacy doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here are key steps pharmacists can take to grow their veterinary offerings:
1. Build Relationships with Local Veterinarians: Reach out to veterinary clinics in your area. Offer to fill prescriptions they don’t carry or compound specialty formulations. A strong referral network can bring consistent business.
2. Complete Veterinary-Specific Training or CE: Veterinary pharmacology differs from human pharmacology—dogs aren’t just small people, and cats certainly aren’t tiny humans. Continuing education (CE) programs are available to help pharmacists safely navigate species-specific dosing and drug interactions.
3. Stock Commonly Prescribed Pet Medications: Start with high-demand items such as metronidazole, carprofen, or amoxicillin-clavulanate. Also consider stocking popular OTC items like flea/tick preventatives and joint supplements.
4. Educate and Empower Your Team: Train your staff on how to handle veterinary prescriptions, the importance of proper labeling, and species-specific safety issues (for example, acetaminophen is toxic to cats).
5. Provide Education to Pet Owners: Develop educational materials or pamphlets on how to administer medications, safety tips for pets, or signs of adverse reactions. Pet parents will appreciate the extra care.
6. Offer Compounding Services: Whether it’s a liver-flavored chew or a micro-dose liquid, compounding allows pharmacies to personalize veterinary treatments. Consider investing in veterinary compounding tools or certifications if you haven’t already.
The Business Case: How Veterinary Meds Benefit Your Pharmacy
Aside from being a valuable service, veterinary medications also offer tangible business benefits:
Increased Foot Traffic: Offering pet meds brings new customers through your doors—especially if they realize they can fill their own prescriptions at the same time.
Customer Loyalty: Pet owners are often highly loyal to businesses that treat their animals with care. That loyalty can translate into long-term patient relationships.
Differentiation from Chains and Online Retailers: Chains may carry a few standard pet meds, and online sites may take days to ship. You can provide same-day, personalized service.
Final Thoughts: Pets Are Family, Too
Independent pharmacies are more than just prescription providers—they’re community hubs. By expanding into veterinary pharmacy, you’re not just opening a new revenue stream—you’re showing your community that you care for every member of the family, including the furry, feathered, or scaled ones.
So, whether you’re helping someone manage their dog’s arthritis, creating a chicken-flavored thyroid med for a cat, or providing emergency antibiotics for a ferret, your independent pharmacy can be a vital part of the local veterinary care ecosystem.
Ask your patients if they have pets. Connect with your local veterinarians. Try stocking a few pet meds and see the response.
You may just discover a whole new side to your practice—one that wags its tail when you walk in the room.
References:
- Christina Ciccone, Katherine L. Veterinary Medicine in Community Pharmacy. Pharmacy Times. August 6, 2015. Accessed July 21, 2025. https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/veterinary-medicine-in-community-pharmacy.
- Chronic conditions. Intracoastal West Vet Hospital. March 13, 2024. Accessed July 21, 2025. https://icwvh.com/chronic-conditions/.
- Pet care. American Veterinary Medical Association. Accessed July 21, 2025. https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare.
- U.S. pet ownership statistics. American Veterinary Medical Association. Accessed July 20, 2025. https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/reports-statistics/us-pet-ownership-statistics.
- Fredrickson ME, Terlizzi H, Horne RL, Dannemiller S. The role of the community pharmacist in veterinary patient care: a cross-sectional study of pharmacist and veterinarian viewpoints. Pharm Pract (Granada). 2020;18(3):1928. doi:10.18549/PharmPract.2020.3.1928