College Connection | Fall 2024
Selling animal products without a prescription
College Connection | Fall 2024
NON-DRUG VETERINARY PRODUCTS
Selling animal products without a prescription
A veterinarian may use a variety of products to treat an animal , including prescription drugs and non-drug veterinary products . With changing channels of product access , including the sale of some animal products in retail settings , Council reevaluated the level of risk and determined that the sale of non-drug veterinary products by a veterinarian requires a less stringent set of safeguards than drugs .
Using a prescription drug to treat an animal requires a veterinarian to have a veterinarian-client-patient relationship ( VCPR ) and recent and sufficient knowledge of the animal to prescribe , administer and dispense the drug . When doing so , they must follow the College ’ s rules and standards related to these professional activities .
Using a non-drug veterinary product to treat an animal also requires a VCPR , but it may be sold to a client without a prescription or a physical examination and / or premise visit if :
• There is a VCPR with the client
• A discussion with the client establishes that the non-drug veterinary product is medically appropriate for the animal ( s )
• It will be used in an on-label manner ( according to directions )
• The client receives detailed information about use , storage , handling and administration
• The client receives information about common side effects and any serious risks
• The client knows how to contact the veterinarian if there is an adverse reaction
• A written transaction of the sale is made and kept at the facility
The Policy Statement : Sale of Non- Drug Veterinary Products details all expectations .
What is not a non-drug veterinary product ?
A drug is defined as anything with a DIN ( Drug Identification Number ) from Health Canada . Drugs and biologics , including vaccines , require the veterinarian to prescribe to the animal ( s ) and the veterinarian must have recent and sufficient knowledge through a physical examination and / or premise visit . Over the counter drugs ( usually defined as Schedule U of the National Drug Schedules produced by the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities ) have a DIN .
What non-drug veterinary products can be sold without a prescription ?
Non-drug veterinary products that do not have a DIN . These are substances intended for use in the maintenance or promotion of the health of an animal ( s ) and are not considered a prescription drug or biologic . These products include pesticides , parasiticides , and notified veterinary health products .
What is a notified veterinary health product ( VHP )?
A notified veterinary health product will have a Notification Number assigned by Health Canada . There may be substances that are referred to as nutraceuticals that are also notified veterinary health products . You can search for these products on the Health Canada website at this link .
Check the product packaging to see if it has a Notification Number on the label to indicate that it is a notified VHP . As with other non-drug veterinary products , notified VHPs require a VCPR and may be sold to a client without a prescription .
How do I sell a non-drug veterinary product ?
A veterinarian or an auxiliary working under a veterinarian ’ s supervision , may sell a non-drug veterinary product without a prescription or recent and sufficient knowledge obtained through a physical examination and / or premise visit to a client if they meet the expectations outlined in the Policy Statement . A VCPR must exist or can be established by the veterinarian to sell a non-drug veterinary product .
Scenario one
A client attends the veterinary clinic with their cat and the veterinarian
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