Pet Dispensary becomes accredited under the VMD’s new ‘Accredited Internet Retailer Scheme’

June 14, 2012 - PRLog -- Internet shopping for pet medications is a popular choice for many who wish to purchase veterinary drugs at more affordable prices.  Due to the nature of the business and the risks of illegitimate medications from other countries being sold illegally the VMD (Veterinary Medicines Directorate) invited UK retailers to apply for accreditation under the new VMD’s Accredited Internet Retailer Scheme.

The Scheme which was launched May 25 2012 involves a website assessment and on-site inspection to check on-going compliance with the Veterinary Medicines Regulations.   To be approved the company must be able to demonstrate compliance with the legislative requirements set out in the VMD for dispensing, supply and advertising of veterinary medicines.  

The VMD’s Accredited Internet Retailer Scheme will allow customers a way of identifying legitimate on-line retailers and will be assured they are purchasing authorised veterinary medicines which are correctly supplied.   The Accreditation scheme will significantly reduce the risk of people buying veterinary medicines that are not authorised for use in the UK or are not suitable for their animals.  It is excellent for pet owners there is reassurance when purchasing their medications from accredited sites.

Accredited websites means:
•   The retailer has voluntarily applied for and been granted accreditation
•   The VMD has inspected the website and found that it complies with the Accreditation Schemes requirements and the Veterinary Medicines Regulations
•   There is less risk of buying an unauthorised, inappropriate or ineffective veterinary medicine.

Pet Dispensary now displays the VMD’s Internet Retailer logo which includes a unique accreditation number, clicking on the number will take you to the register of accredited retailers on the VMD’s website and allows customers to check the accreditation status.

Lynsey Bacon Manager of Pet Dispensary comments, “Pet Dispensary is very pleased to be one for the first online retailers to be awarded accreditation by the VMD.  Due to the nature of our business we see the importance of ensuring our customers are confident that they are purchasing their animals medications from a reputable company and that the medications are genuine and that they are dispensed legally and have been stored appropriately.

The scheme is voluntary but all online retailers supplying veterinary medications should consider the scheme to show that their business is complying with the regulations and to give reassurance to their customers.  We hope by joining the scheme we give reassurance to our customers and show that their pet’s health and welfare is in our best interest”