August 1, 2026

OUTSIDE PHARMACY POLICY

Effective September 1, 2026 Whisker Wellness Center will not process requests for prescriptions and/or prescription diets on the behalf of outside pharmacies, whether initiated by a client or the pharmacy. The only exception will be our online pharmacy.

We understand that there are many reasons that our clients may want to purchase medications or products from outside pharmacies or online retailers. We recommend purchasing products only from a properly accredited and certified veterinary pharmacy. However, if a client chooses to procure medications from another source, we are happy to accommodate the request. Clients who opt to obtain their cat’s prescription elsewhere can pick up a written prescription at our hospital during normal business hours.

WHY DID WE INSTITUTE THIS POLICY?

Managing outside prescriptions is costly in terms of staff time and effort. It takes significant time to review medical records, properly document the prescription request, and call in the prescription. More importantly though, we feel it is best practice to utilize written documentation for a prescription that is filled outside of our hospital. Relaying prescription information over the phone increases the risk of prescription errors. Outside prescription requests do not generate a written record in a patient’s medical file. And, with little regulation of online retailers, we have no way to ensure the quality of the product. We have recently received multiple erroneous prescriptions requested by outside pharmacies that could have caused patient harm if we had authorized the prescriptions.

We realize that cost and convenience are the primary reasons our clients purchase from outside pharmacies and online retailers. That’s why Whisker Wellness Center partnered with Vetsource to offer an online pharmacy option that offers the same pricing structure and shipping options as other online pharmacies. Many of our clients are already utilizing our online pharmacy for medications and diets and taking advantage of the autoship feature. Unlike outside pharmacies, our online pharmacy is eligible for ALL of the product rebates available from our product suppliers. Our online pharmacy also has a partnership with mixlab compounding pharmacy for medications which require custom formulations.

Because our online pharmacy platform integrates with our medical records system, you will not need a written prescription. With our online pharmacy, we can be assured that your prescription has always been handled, stored and packaged in compliance with manufacturer guidelines. The product you receive is guaranteed to be the correct medication in the proper dosage and packaging. Medications purchased directly from us and our online pharmacy are guaranteed by the product’s manufacturer and most importantly by us, your cat’s veterinarian. Every prescription fulfilled by our online pharmacy also automatically logs into your cat’s medical record so we can easily see that your cat is on track to receiving the care they need to live their best life.

If you have any further questions about our policy, please contact us. Thank you for trusting us with your kitty’s medical care!

Purrs Truly,

Whisker Wellness Center