Pharmacy & Prescription Resources
Everything you need to know about filling your pet’s prescriptions, all in one place.
A Quick Update From Our Team
We’re updating how prescription requests are handled at JM Pet Resort & Veterinary Clinic. This change may not affect all clients, but if your pet takes regular medication filled through an outside pharmacy or online retailer, we want to make sure you have everything you need to make this transition easy.
Beginning June 1, we’ll no longer be able to respond to prescription authorization requests sent directly from third-party pharmacies by fax, e-fax, or email. Clients may continue using outside pharmacies with a written prescription from our veterinary clinic team. You may pick up the physical copy and take it to the pharmacy of your choice.
Does This Change Affect You?
- If your pet doesn’t take regular medication, or you already pick up a written prescription from our clinic to use at your preferred pharmacy: You’re all set. Nothing is changing for you.
- If you use an online pharmacy or retailer (like Chewy, 1-800-PetMeds, or similar) that contacts the clinic directly to request or verify prescriptions: This update affects your current process.
How to Fill Your Pet’s Prescriptions
You have several great options to choose from when filling your pet’s prescriptions.
JM Online Pharmacy (Recommended)
Our online pharmacy is the easiest option. It connects directly to our system, so no physical, written prescription is needed. You'll get competitive pricing, home delivery, and the peace of mind that every product is verified and properly handled from the warehouse to your door.
Written Prescription
Continue using a third-party pharmacy? No problem! We're happy to provide a written prescription. You may pick up the physical copy and send it to any outside pharmacy of your choice. Written prescriptions are valid for up to one year, unless otherwise noted. Once you have your written prescription in hand, you're in the driver's seat! See the section below on transferring prescriptions if you need to move existing refills to a new pharmacy.
Heads up: This also applies to refill requests!
Refill requests from third-party pharmacies will no longer be accepted. Clients will need to submit refill requests directly to JM Veterinary Clinic, receive a written prescription, and manually submit it to their preferred outside pharmacy.
Be mindful of potential delays in refilling medications if your third-party pharmacy says it is reaching out to us, we will no longer respond to these requests.
Important: Third-party Online and Fax Prescription Requests
Your pet’s health and safety come first. We are no longer able to approve online or faxed prescription requests from third-party pharmacies because we cannot verify their sourcing, supply chain, or dispensing accuracy. Please request a written prescription to fill at a pharmacy of your choice.
How to Transfer a Written Prescription to a New Pharmacy
Already have active refills at an outside pharmacy and want to switch? Great news! In Massachusetts, your pet’s written prescription belongs to you, not the pharmacy.
Here’s how to make the move:
- Contact your new pharmacy directly. Call or visit the pharmacy where you'd like to fill the prescription going forward. Give them the name and phone number of your current pharmacy.
- Ask them to initiate a prescription transfer. Request that your new pharmacy contact your current pharmacy to transfer the remaining refills.
- Confirm the transfer is complete. Once processed, your original pharmacy will close out the prescription, and your new pharmacy will hold the remaining refills. It’s that easy!
A Note on Controlled Substances
Certain medications, including some pain medications, sedatives, and phenobarbitals, cannot be transferred between pharmacies under Massachusetts and federal law. If your pet takes a controlled substance, please contact our office directly, and we'll walk you through your options.
When To Call Us
Most prescription needs can be handled pharmacy-to-pharmacy without our involvement, but there are a few situations where you'll want to give us a call:
- Your pet's prescription has expired (check the date on your label or paperwork)
- All refills have been used up, and you need a renewal*
- The medication, dose, or directions need to change based on your pet’s condition
- Your pet is due for a recheck exam as a condition of continued refills
- The medication is a controlled substance that cannot be transferred
- Your outside pharmacy has sent a message that they'll "be reaching out to us for a refill/to request verification of a prescription. Their requests will no longer be answered, and you'll need to contact our office to receive a physical written prescription to share with them.
Prescription requests are handled during regular business hours and may take 1–2 business days to process. We appreciate your patience!
*Written veterinary prescriptions in Massachusetts are typically valid for up to one year from the date issued, unless otherwise noted. After that time, a new prescription requires a current veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR), so your pet may need to be seen by a veterinarian before prescriptions can be reissued.
508-588-5661
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Your Rights as a Pet Owner in Massachusetts
You have the right to fill your pet's prescription at any pharmacy you choose. This is supported by Massachusetts law, including 256 CMR 5.02(2) and M.G.L. c. 94C. That means local pharmacies, national chains, and legitimate online veterinary pharmacies are all options available to you. If a pharmacy ever questions your right to a prescription transfer (for non-controlled substances) or seems unfamiliar with this process, they can reference:
- 247 CMR 9.14 — Transfer of Prescriptions
- 256 CMR 5.02 — Massachusetts Board of Registration in Veterinary Medicine
- M.G.L. c. 94C — Massachusetts Controlled Substances Act
You can also contact the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Pharmacy at (617) 973-0960 if a pharmacy is not following standard transfer procedures.