The impact of online pharmacies
"Online pharmacies could pose a serious threat to the profitability of veterinary practices."
Are veterinary practices in the UK already feeling the impact of online pharmacies? This is the question Edinburgh researchers hope to answer with a new online survey.
Online pharmacies are an increasingly popular alternative source for buying pet medication. Some insurance companies even require clients to buy medicines online rather than from their veterinary practice.
Furthermore, the Veterinary Medicines Directorate's (VMD) accredited online retailer scheme may be helping to improve client confidence in drugs bought online.
A survey has been launched by the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and the Roslin Institute to find out if this increasing threat is already being felt by practices in the UK.
The survey was announced in the letters section of the latest Veterinary Record (Vol 175, No 11).
Hannah Henderson wrote: "Online pharmacies could pose a serious threat to the profitability of veterinary practices."
The short survey aims to find out how aware practices are of this threat and whether they have already noticed a change in client behaviour.
To complete the survey, visit: www.surveymonkey.com/s/MQ97VJF
FIVP has shared a survey, inviting those working in independent practice to share their views on the CMA's proposed remedies.
