New price comparison site for pet medication launches

A new UK-first platform is set to launch that allows pet owners to compare prices for prescription medication. Petscribers is designed by practising vets, and will allow users to compare prices from government-accredited online pharmacies “offering a safe, transparent, and affordable alternative to traditional routes”.

It works as an independent platform that simplifies obtaining and fulfilling veterinary prescriptions. The platform will help pet owners find, compare, and purchase medication from online pharmacies.

Petscribers exclusively features government-accredited retailers, ensuring medication is authentic and therefore as safe as buying directly from a veterinary practice. 

The platform also allows owners to filter and sort results based on price, delivery timeframes, or supporting independent businesses, giving owners more control over their purchasing decisions.

It comes as founders and practising vets, Dr. Angela Jones and Dr. Emma Pemberthy, saw first hand how the cost of living crisis left many owners less able to afford the medication their pets needed. 

Petscribers’ launch also comes as the CMA is proposing “sweeping reforms” to improve competition and transparency in the veterinary market. 

Dr Pemberthy said: “When an owner asked about buying medication online, I simply didn’t have the time to guide them through the process, or I would have to explain it at breakneck speed. 

“This often left owners feeling unsupported and overwhelmed, and I felt guilty about not being able to provide the level of support I wanted to. I was also concerned about whether owners would accidentally get hold of counterfeit medication if they failed to use accredited pharmacies.”   

Dr Jones added: “I didn’t have access to a practice management system in the field. I’d have to call the office between appointments, then rely on my receptionist to process and send prescriptions manually. It was slow, inefficient, and susceptible to errors.

“Petscribers is designed by vets, for pets, with these challenges in mind. The platform aims to reinforce the trust at the heart of the vet-client relationship and to help pet owners navigate the world of pet medication safely and affordably.”