Prescription refills are available for some products and diets. Most medications, such as ear drops or antibiotics, require refills for only a short period of time. Some, such as heartworm preventive medication, thyroid supplements, and prescription diets, may require lifetime use and will be refilled for longer periods of time. The maximum length of time that a product can be refilled is for one year. After this time, an examination is required. Depending on the reason for the refill, blood work may also be required. If refills are needed, please call ahead and leave your pet’s name and the needed medication. The doctors will make sure that the prescription can be refilled and prepare it for you, so it is ready upon your arrival.

Specific notes about prescription products:

• Heartworm preventive medication is either dispensed for one year or refillable for up to one year. A blood test for heartworm disease is needed every year prior to refilling the medication for those dogs kept on preventative medication year round per the American Heartworm Society Guidelines. Dogs that are not kept on heartworm preventive year round require blood testing prior to dispensing medications.
• Call to request refills. The doctor will check your pet’s chart and authorize the refill.
• Refills can then be ready for you to pick-up. The doctors will determine the number of refills available for your pet.
• Some medications do not require refills.
• Some pets MUST be seen to authorize refills; some pets require additional blood testing
• All pets will require yearly examinations and possibly blood testing in order to fill prescriptions.

The doctors and staff at the Delaware Valley Veterinary Hospital strive to provide the best medicine and service possible for your pets and you. We understand that it can be difficult at times to bring your pet in for examination and that picking up a refill of medication may seem to be the simplest means to provide care for your pet. So, if possible, we are happy to offer refills. However, there are times that the needs of your pet require the pet to be seen. The doctors will advise you as to whether a refill is available, or if the animal needs to be examined prior to dispensing the medication.