Welome, Vets!
As a veterinary professional, you are the first line of defense in protecting your community, your practice, and your furry patients! Continue below to learn more about "vet shopping" and prevention.
"Vet Shopping"
is when individuals intentionally visit multiple veterinary practices to obtain controlled substances for misuse or diversion. This often involved using the same sick or injured animal at several offices.
Best Practices for Veterinary Professionals:
Watch for vet shopping "red flags"
Train all team members to look out for signs, such as:
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Owners who insist on a specific drug or brand by name.
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Requests for early refills
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Visiting multiple clinics for the same animal.
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Symptoms that seem inconsistent with exam findings.
Safe Prescribing
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Verify before you prescribe: Confirm the animal’s diagnosis and treatment history.
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Use the PDMP (Prescription Drug Monitoring Program)
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Document thoroughly: Record diagnosis, drug name, dosage, duration, and refills in both the patient record and controlled substance log.
Secure Storage
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Lock it up: Store all controlled substances in locked cabinets or safes.
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Conduct routine counts: Perform regular inventory counts of controlled drugs and reconcile discrepancies immediately.
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Restrict access: Limit who has keys to controlled substance storage.
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Track movement: Use inventory logs and audit trails (paper or electronic).
Client Education
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When prescribing, thoroughly explain medication instructions​
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Provide handouts: Send home brochures or information on safe use and storage of pet meds
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Make it visible: Post signs in waiting rooms reminding clients that pet medications can be dangerous if misused.