In a new report (30 October) titled Pets, Vets and Meds: The Case for More Competition, Canada’s Competition Bureau has recommended that provincial and territorial governments mandate the supply of pet medications to pharmacists. Currently, Canadian pet owners have limited options for filling pet prescriptions, as the supply of pet medications is restricted to veterinary offices through “exclusive distribution” agreements between pharmaceutical manufacturers and veterinarians.
The Bureau’s analysis suggests that allowing pharmacists to enter the pet medication market would increase consumer choice and could lead to more competitive pricing for pet owners. Based on interviews with industry stakeholders, including veterinarians, pharmacists, regulatory colleges, and animal owners associations, the Bureau argues that expanding access to pet medications would provide greater convenience and affordability.
“As costs for pet care have increased, Canadians are concerned about affordability and availability of services,” said Matthew Boswell, Commissioner of Competition. “Mandating the supply of pet medications to pharmacists would improve competition. We are encouraging provincial pet healthcare regulators to apply a competition lens when evaluating what is best for their jurisdictions.”
