Veterinary Prescription Guidelines
Some products you may wish to buy are medicines which by law require a Veterinary
Prescription;
these are classified as POM-V (Prescription Only
Medicines).
We can only dispense POM-V products upon receipt of a valid written veterinary prescription.
Once received, we will check the prescription before dispensing the medication.
Λ Who We Accept Prescriptions From
We only accept prescriptions from UK-registered veterinary surgeons (RCVS members).
Λ Validity of Prescriptions
- Most prescriptions are valid for up to six months unless stated
otherwise.
- Controlled drugs (e.g., Epiphen, Tramvetol) expire in 28 days.
Λ How We Handle Your Prescription
- Submit your valid prescription during order (upload, email, post, or fax).
-
Original prescriptions are required for controlled drugs.
Copies (email, fax, scan) are not accepted.
-
Our veterinary team reviews each order, which may take up to 2 working
days.
Λ Repeat Prescriptions
- Repeatable prescriptions can be used multiple times within their valid period.
- Controlled drugs cannot be repeated; each order must be fully purchased
within 28 days.
- Partially used prescriptions may allow future dispensing within a year, if previously
used within valid period.
Λ Prescription Misuse
- Do not use the same prescription with multiple dispensers.
- Do not submit fraudulent or altered prescriptions — it is a legal offence.
Λ General Advice & Legal Context
Under the Medicines Act 1968 and the Prescription Only Medicines
Order 1997,
prescription-only medicines must only be dispensed with valid written prescriptions by
registered prescribers.
Controlled drug prescriptions must strictly follow legal format and validity.
Summary Table
| Area |
United Healthcare 4U Ltd – Pet Drugs 2U Policy |
| Validity (normal) |
Up to 6 months from prescription date |
| Validity (controlled drugs) |
Must be used within 28 days |
| Submission method |
Upload/email/post/fax; originals required for controlled drugs |
| Repeat prescriptions |
Allowed within validity unless specified; not allowed for controlled
drugs |
| Processing time |
Veterinary approval may take up to 2 working days before dispatch |
| Misuse |
Illegal to use same prescription at multiple suppliers or submit false
versions |
