Pet Pharmacy
Convenient, reliable access to your pet’s medications is an essential part of ongoing veterinary care — and at South Shore Veterinary Hospital, we make it as easy as possible with a full-service pet pharmacy serving dogs and cats in Forest Lake and surrounding communities.
Our In-House Pet Pharmacy
South Shore Veterinary Hospital maintains a well-stocked in-house pharmacy as a core part of our commitment to comprehensive, convenient patient care. Having a full pharmacy on-site means that in most cases, your pet’s medications can be dispensed directly at the time of their appointment — no separate trip to a pharmacy, no waiting for a prescription to be filled elsewhere.
Our pharmacy carries a broad range of veterinary medications, including prescription drugs, preventatives, supplements, and therapeutic diets. Our team carefully manages our pharmacy inventory to ensure that the medications we carry are stored properly, dispensed accurately, and appropriate for the patients who receive them.
Prescription Refills
Managing your pet’s ongoing prescription medications should be straightforward — and we work hard to make it exactly that. South Shore Veterinary Hospital offers a convenient online prescription refill request form that allows you to submit refill requests without calling the hospital during busy hours.
To request a refill, simply complete the refill request form on our website. Our pharmacy team will process your request and notify you when your medication is ready for pickup or, if applicable, arrange for it to be dispensed through our online pharmacy for home delivery.
Medications We Carry
Parasite Prevention
Flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives are among the most frequently dispensed products in our pharmacy, and we carry a range of safe, effective options suited to different species, sizes, and lifestyles. Our veterinarians will recommend the most appropriate preventative products for your individual pet based on their specific risk factors and health status, as discussed on our Pet Parasite Control page.
Prescription Medications
Our pharmacy carries prescription medications for a wide range of conditions — including antibiotics, anti-inflammatory and pain medications, cardiac drugs, thyroid medications, diabetes management medications, anti-nausea and gastrointestinal medications, dermatological treatments, and behavioral medications. When your pet is prescribed medication at their appointment, our team will explain its purpose, dosing instructions, potential side effects, and any monitoring that may be required.
Therapeutic and Prescription Diets
As discussed on our Pet Nutritional Counseling page, therapeutic and prescription diets are an important component of managing many chronic health conditions — including kidney disease, urinary tract disease, gastrointestinal disorders, diabetes, food allergies, and obesity. We carry a selection of prescription diets in our hospital and offer a broader range through our online pharmacy, ensuring that your pet has access to the nutritional support their condition requires.
A Pharmacy Backed by a Team That Knows Your Pet
What sets South Shore Veterinary Hospital’s pharmacy apart from a standalone pet pharmacy or an unauthorized online retailer is the team behind it. Every medication dispensed through our pharmacy is tied to a veterinarian-client-patient relationship — meaning the doctors who prescribe your pet’s medications are the same doctors who examine them, interpret their lab results, and monitor their ongoing health. With multiple veterinarians on staff representing a broad range of clinical expertise, our pharmacy recommendations are always grounded in a thorough understanding of your individual pet’s health picture. Several of our team members hold Fear Free certification, and that philosophy extends to medication management as well — we take the time to explain every medication clearly, answer your questions, and help you feel confident and comfortable with your pet’s treatment plan before you leave our hospital.
FAQs About Our Pet Pharmacy
Can I request a written prescription to fill elsewhere?
Yes. You have the right to request a written prescription for any medication your pet has been prescribed, which you may fill at a pharmacy of your choice. We are happy to provide written prescriptions upon request. We do encourage you to consider the sourcing and authenticity considerations discussed above when choosing where to fill your pet's prescriptions, and we are always available to answer questions about specific products or retailers.
How do I request a prescription refill?
My pet refuses to take their medication. What can I do?
This is a very common challenge, and there are usually solutions. Options include pill pockets or other treat-based delivery methods, liquid formulations, transdermal gels applied to the inner ear flap, and compounded medications in flavors that appeal to your pet. Talk to our team and we will help you find a delivery method that works for your pet and your household.
Are there generic versions of my pet's medication available?
Generic veterinary medications are available for some — but not all — commonly prescribed drugs. When a generic equivalent is available and appropriate for your pet's condition, our team is happy to discuss it as a cost-saving option. Not all brand-name veterinary medications have approved generic equivalents, and in some cases the brand formulation is preferred for clinical reasons — your veterinarian will advise you accordingly.
How should I store my pet's medications at home?
Storage requirements vary by medication. Most medications should be stored at room temperature, away from heat, humidity, and direct light. Some medications — including certain liquid antibiotics and insulin — require refrigeration. Our team will provide specific storage instructions for every medication dispensed, and we encourage you to ask if you are ever uncertain about proper storage.
Your Pet’s Medications Made Simple
South Shore Veterinary Hospital’s pet pharmacy — both in-house and online — is designed to make medication access as seamless and stress-free as possible for the families we serve. It’s just one more way South Shore Veterinary Hospital works to be a true partner in your pet’s care — not just at the appointment, but every day in between.