VIPPS stands for the Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Site. The NABP (or National Association of Boards of Pharmacy) has allowed certain pharmacies that comply with stringent licensing and inspection requirements a VIPPS voluntary certificate. This certificate allows the pharmacy to sell human drugs to pets. The drugs are prescribed by the veterinarians for animal use if there is nothing else available for treatment of the particular illness. The NABP has a list of VIPPS pharmacies listed on their website if one is not sure whether their pharmacy has been certified or not.



There are many pharmacies that are unlawfully dispensing of prescription drugs over the internet without a written prescription from a veterinarian or doctor. This could also imply that the animal was not physically examined by a qualified vet but the pharmacist has dispensed the medication any way.

In an effort to curb these practices and gain a measure of control over prescription drugs that are sold over the internet, the NABP has formulated criteria that will hold those pharmacies dispensing drugs over the internet fully accountable for ensuring safety standards for patients or clients.



What pet owners should look out for when purchasing online

Online veterinary pharmacies can greatly enhance their practices by obtaining a VIPPS accreditation from the NABP. The number of illegal or rogue sites that dispense of prescription drugs online without the permission of a doctor or vet has increased tremendously over the years. These pharmacies have been found to sell pet drugs that have not been approved by the board. This is highly illegal and dangerous to those who are administering them to their pets.

They have also been known to sell counterfeit pet products as well as expired drugs and medication. Veterinary prescription drugs are also on offer in the USA by foreign companies. These drugs have to be FDA approved and more often than not this is not the case. The purchaser might think that he or she has struck a bargain but can in reality be putting their pet's life in grave danger.

The foreign pharmacy or domestic rogue pharmacy may present an online form that must be filled in by the client. They often claim that they have a qualified vet at hand that will diagnose the illness and dispense of the medication. With the high price of vet's fees and animal medication it is easy to deduce why pet owners resort to these rogue pharmacies. Often times they are unaware that they are consulting less than honest individuals. The selling of prescription pet drugs is a lucrative business as pet owners generally take care of the well being of their pets.

One of the medications often prescribed for dogs in pain is non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs). This prescription is amongst the most common ones sold to unsuspecting clients without prescription. The drug is prescribed mainly for heartworm condition. Dogs need to be properly examined by a qualified vet to determine its blood pressure and possible side effects of the drug. The vet should also continually monitor the animal's condition while treating it.

Nowadays pet owners are being made aware of the online pharmacies that are VIPPS accredited. The NABP has an official list on their website of all accredited pharmacies. Once the prescription drug has been prescribed by the vet, order it from an outsourced management service. In this way you can be assured of receiving a quality and approved product.



How to spot a noncompliant pharmacy

Spotting a non-compliant pharmacy is not as easy as it seems and vets are looking for ways and means to alert clients of any underhand methods. One of the methods used by pharmacists is the one claiming that they can produce or compound any drug identical to that that has been approved by the FDA. This is an immediate alert signal and the pharmacy should be avoided or reported. Imitation products are often illegal or harmful.

If a pharmacy does not comply with the licensing and inspection requirements of that particular state as well as the states where they are dispensing drugs it will not be considered VIPPS certified. A very important criterion of an accredited VIPPS pharmacy is that the reputation of the pharmacy will precede itself. In other words it will have a record of genuine transactions between client and pharmacist. A proven record will be available that all prescriptions drugs are authentic and FDA approved and that the consultation between the pharmacist and client has been conducted in a proper and professional manner.

The VIPPS seal that is supplied to pharmacies that have been approved of using the NABP criteria offers some insurance and safety for those looking for quality medication.