opinion: compounding pharmacies key to tackling veterinary bottlenecks
4 minute read
according to the canadian animal health institute, 60 per cent of canadian households now own a dog or cat, with approximately 7.9 million dogs and 8.5 million cats living in canadian homes.
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canadians love their pets. they treat them like family, and they will do almost anything to keep them healthy. yet for years, canadian pet owners have had almost no places to turn when they needed medications for their animals. the system has been built around limiting access to veterinary clinics, high medication costs, and confusing rules about where prescriptions can be filled. when you add rising pet ownership and ongoing medication shortages, it becomes clear that pet families are feeling squeezed.
on international day of veterinary medicine (dec. 9), it’s crucial to take stock of how quickly this landscape is shifting and what canada must do next. we are finally modernizing how veterinary medications are accessed and delivered, but the real question is whether we will embrace an infrastructure that actually meets the needs of pet families, veterinarians, and pharmacies.
more pets, more pressure on the system
over the last decade, pet ownership in canada has grown substantially. according to the canadian animal health institute, 60 per cent of canadian households now own a dog or cat, with approximately 7.9 million dogs and 8.5 million cats living in canadian homes. as the population of pets grows, so does the demand for healthcare services.
veterinarians across the country are sounding the alarm. many are struggling with overwhelming caseloads, burnout, and persistent staffing shortages. the canadian veterinary medical association has warned about the unsustainable pressure on clinics, and an analysis by the competition bureau highlighted the extent of strain on the system, calling for more competition and more access points for veterinary care.
when clinics are overloaded, every part of the patient journey slows down, from appointments to the dispensing of prescription medications.
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how veterinary pharmacies boost care and convenience
despite their expertise, pharmacies have often been left out of the veterinary care solution. this is a missed opportunity. community and compounding pharmacies already have the training, infrastructure, and quality systems needed to dispense veterinary prescriptions.
veterinarians can diagnose and prescribe, while pharmacies can dispense. it mirrors the human health model that we rely on every day. this model has never been fully embraced in animal health and has contributed to delays, cost pressures, stress, and inconsistent access.
if a veterinary clinic stocks a limited number of products, some pets may go without treatment or may face worsening conditions while waiting for alternatives. if medication prices are high, families may feel locked into a single option because they are unaware that a pharmacy can fill the exact same prescription, often at a more affordable price.
this is changing. some pharmacies can now access veterinary medications where historically this was not possible. veterinarians and pharmacists are collaborating more openly, and pet owners are seeking transparent and cost-effective alternatives.
adam silvertown is a licensed pharmacist, ceo and founder of vetmeds, his pharmacy’s animal health division providing safe, customized treatment to animals.
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the benefits of this shift are already showing:
- more veterinarians are sending prescriptions directly to pharmacies rather than dispensing everything in the clinic.
- more pet owners are choosing pharmacies that specialize in veterinary prescriptions.
- more clinics are partnering with pharmacies to reduce administrative workload and focus on direct patient care.
this is not about replacing veterinarians. it is about supporting them with a system that just makes sense.
when pharmacists handle medication dispensing, veterinarians can spend more time with patients. pet owners get faster access to treatment. a cat refusing tablets may accept a tuna-flavoured liquid. a rabbit may need a strength unavailable in commercial form. compounding enables all of these solutions safely and consistently.
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a stronger, more resilient system
pharmacy involvement also strengthens canada’s ability to manage medication shortages. by increasing the number of access points for veterinary prescriptions, the system becomes more resilient. when one clinic experiences a shortage, a pharmacy may have stock or compounding capabilities available that keep treatment moving. expanding pharmacy access is a practical way to safeguard pet health.
at the same time, national data shows an increase in veterinary visits, particularly for cats. the cahi survey notes that 61 per cent of cats saw a veterinarian in the previous twelve months. as pets receive more medical attention, the medication access system around them must expand.
a clear recommendation for canada’s next step
if canada wants to support veterinarians, protect pet owners, and strengthen the entire veterinary healthcare ecosystem, the solution is straightforward. we must fully integrate pharmacies into veterinary healthcare. the partnership between veterinarians and pharmacies gives families more choice, reduces clinic pressure, and creates a safer, more accessible, and more resilient system.
so we can continue with a model that limits access and overwhelms veterinarians, or we can adopt one that mirrors the strengths of human healthcare. when veterinarians and pharmacists work together, pets and their families win.
adam silvertown is a licensed pharmacist and the ceo and founder of pace pharmacy, a toronto-based specialty compounding pharmacy recognized for personalized care and industry-leading innovation, and vetmeds, the pharmacy’s animal health division providing safe, customized treatment to animals. this year, adam received the excellence in innovation 2025 award from onpharm-united.
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if you love pets as much as we do, head over to postmedia’s tailstold.com to read the cutest pet stories from real pet owners, and tell yours too!
if you love pets as much as we do, we have a new place for you. head over to postmedia’s tailstold.com to read amazing pet stories from across our network, and maybe even share a few of your own.
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