Q: How does the prescription system work?
When your pet needs medication — whether for short or long-term use — you’ll need a prescription from your veterinarian. With that prescription, we can dispense the medication through our pharmacy.
Once you know the details of the medicine (name, strength, number/volume etc), you can place your order.
The script can either be:
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Emailed directly from your vet clinic, or
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Posted (original hard copy) to our PO box.
Willowbark Veterinary Pharmacy
PO Box 20098
Summerhill,
Palmerston North 4448
Once we've received the script, your order (and payment), we can send your pet’s medication.
Q: Any further information on prescriptions?
Yes - Here's a link to our information page and sample prescription
Q: My pet requires medication, how do we get a prescription?
On request, your veterinarian will be happy to provide you with a prescription for whichever medication(s) they are prescribing and are obliged to do so in accordance with VCNZ codes of conduct. Your veterinarian is entitled to charge a small fee for this service.
Q: How long will it take to get my pet's medication?
Our aim is to dispense and dispatch within 1 business day of receipt of your pet's script and order. We use an overnight courier. Please add an extra day for Rural delivery.
Q: I need the medications urgently, will a scanned emailed prescription do?
We can use emailed prescriptions but these must be emailed directly from your vet clinic. We can't use an emailed script that you've scanned yourself.
Q: How long is a prescription valid?
A prescription is normally valid for up to 6 months after the date on the prescription but this may vary. Generally, your veterinarian will prescribe a maximum of 6 months supply, and willl determine if and how many repeats will be required.
Q: Can I get repeat prescriptions?
Yes you may get repeats on your prescription but this will be determined by your veterinarian and should be indicated on the prescription.
Q: Are these the same medications that my veterinarian would dispense?
Yes, we have to supply you with the same medication as prescribed by your veterinarian. There are very strict guidelines regarding this from the veterinarian governing. We can supply something similar (e.g. the same drug but with a different trade name) but only with the consent of your veterinarian.
Q: What if I'm unsure of what to order?
We are here to help you with any queries in order to make the process as straightforward as possible (see contact information). If needed, you can send us your prescription and we can assist the ordering process via email or over the phone.
Q: Is there a shipping charge?
Orders over $55 (bank transfer pricing) will be shipped for free (excludes heavy/bulky items (e.g. food))
More info can be found here: shipping and returns
Q: What if I don't know the weight of my cat/dog?
If you're unsure, either use your scales at home or call your veterinary clinic - they will usually have a recent weight for your pet.
Q: Can I combine prescription medications with other pet products to save on postage?
Yes, absolutely. We can either send prescription and non-prescription items together or separately (depending on specific transport requirements of medicines).
Q: What if an item is out of stock?
If only part of your order is available for immediate postage, we will contact you to give you an estimated delivery date and discuss the postage options.
Q: Is it safe to shop online?
Yes it is. In order to store your contact information, we have an SSL certificate through our website host Bigcommerce. We do not take or keep any payment details as payment can only be made by direct bank transfer and credit card via PayPal. We do not and will not share any of your details with any 3rd party companies.