The distribution, sale, and dispensing of pet medications is generally governed by state
veterinary and pharmacy laws and regulations, which vary by state,
43 but also have some general
similarities. For example, all states require that prescription pet medications be dispensed with
prior authorization from a prescribing veterinarian. In all 50 states, veterinarians have the
authority to dispense pet medications for patients with whom they have established a valid
VCPR.44 All 50 states also permit pharmacists to dispense both human and animal prescription
drugs pursuant to a valid prescription.45 However, there are also some divergent provisions in
state regulations, for example, concerning the provision of portable pet medication prescriptions
by veterinarians,46 as well as the dispensing and distribution of pet medications.