Dispensing Prescription Medicines for Animals

Did you know that veterinarians, like doctors, have to meet certain legal obligations before many products can be dispensed to a client for their animal? An example of this is Prescription Only (S4) medicines, which include antibiotics.

Firstly a veterinarian has to be registered with the Board of Veterinary Surgeons in his/her state of practice. To practice in other states a veterinarian must also apply for registration to the board of that state.

A registered veterinary surgeon is then able to obtain certain drugs that are registered by a national body, and prescribe them as allowed under the relevant State and Territory laws.

In Australia, veterinary chemicals, which are supplied for use in the prevention and treatment of animal disease, must be approved by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA). The assessment, approval, manufacture, importation, promotion and supply of veterinary chemicals are regulated by national legislation, the centerpiece of which is the Agriculture and Veterinary Chemicals Code, commonly called the Agvet Code.

Veterinarians then need to operate within the limitations of the prescribing privileges specified in their State or Territory laws and follow their Board Guidelines. In relation to drugs that fall into the category of Schedule 4, otherwise known as ‘Prescription Animal Remedy’ or ‘Prescription Only Medicine’ (e.g. antibiotics) your vet can only prescribe them for your pet if certain criteria have been met, for instance:

• The animal must be under the care of the Veterinary Surgeon who is dispensing the medication.

• The animal must have been seen recently for the condition for which the medication is being dispensed.

• Nursing staff cannot dispense prescription medication.

• The medication must be appropriately labeled with veterinarian, patient and dosage details.

• The veterinarian must record the prescription details in the patient’s file.

The exact regulations may vary from state to state.

So, please help your veterinarian ensure that all the legal requirements are met in this regard, as part of his/her commitment to the best possible care for your pet.

- Last updated 16 November 2012