According to new research from Pharmacy2U, most pet owners (66%) say they’ll spend ‘whatever it takes’ on their much loved pet’s health, but three in five (61%) believe prescription medication has simply become too expensive.
Pharmacy2U is launching a new pharmacist-led online Pet Health service, offering high-quality, cost-effective, and convenient access to veterinary medications and treatments.
More than half (56%) of the 28 million pet owners in the UK1 needed to buy prescription medication for their animal companion this year, spending around £116 per household. But with rising costs hitting families hard this year, one in three (29%) owners are now actively looking for ways to spend less on their pets.
This is seen by most owners as an unavoidable cost, but many don’t realise they could find the same pet medication cheaper online. Four in five (77%) pet owners continue to buy prescription medication directly from their vet, with just one in five (18%) exploring the value and convenience now offered by online pet pharmacies.
The impact of this on animal wellbeing should not be overlooked. One in eight (12%) owners admit they’ve previously had little choice but to ignore veterinary advice because the prescription was too expensive, and one in four (25%) say they can’t afford insurance.
That’s why Pharmacy2U is partnering with The PharmPet Co, a pharmacist-led business, to offer a brand-new Pet Health service that aims to better the lives of animals and their owners by ensuring pet health and well-being are not compromised by financial barriers. Initially available to the owners of dogs, cats, horses, and small animals, the new digital service will deliver pet prescriptions to owners’ doors, providing greater convenience and better value.
Convenience is also a significant factor. Three in four (62%) pet owners say they have run out of regular pet medication in the past, with one in ten (11%) saying it happens regularly. 40% have then struggled to renew or replace repeat medication because visiting the vet was not possible. Providing a digital pharmacy solution enables pet owners to access healthcare whenever and wherever it is convenient.
Kevin Heath, CEO of Pharmacy2U says: “As a dog owner, I know how important animals are to a family, and how difficult it can be to hear that they are poorly. Vets deliver an invaluable service to the nation, and nobody is better equipped to diagnose, treat, and support our animal companions. Pharmacists are experts in medicines, and our digital-first approach to delivering pet prescriptions gives pet owners better value and choice.
“At Pharmacy2U we have a proud history of improving patient access to healthcare. Over 750,000 patients trust us to deliver their repeat NHS prescriptions. Our research suggests that three in five pet owners live a healthier life because of their animal, and I hope that this service will go some way to return the favour to our four-legged friends.”
Neil & Phil Younger at The PharmPet Co comments: “With over 60 years of combined experience, all our pharmacists at The PharmPet Co are committed to improving the lives of animals by helping their owners to access affordable medicine.”
Pharmacy2U can now service both patients and their pets. For more information please visit www.PetHealth.Pharmacy2U.co.uk
