Kingston Vets’ summary of the updated RCVS prescribing and new pet guidelines

We are now implementing new guidance, from our governing body (the RCVS) which affects the way we take on new pets and the updated process of prescribing certain types of medication. 

The new guidance, that came into effect in September 2023, has two key parts to it.

1. Vets no longer ‘always need to carry out a physical examination’ to take an animal under our care.
2. Vets must now undertake a physical examination of every pet before prescribing any antibiotic, anti-fungal, antiviral or anti parasitic treatment.

Read the guidance below interpreted by Kingston’s veterinary team and if you need to order a repeat prescription for your pet, use our online request form.

How will this affect you?

The team at Kingston Vets have interpreted the updated guidelines and have put together the following information. Have a read and contact us on 020 8549 3567 if you are unsure if this will affect your pet’s care.  

Taking new patients under our care

Although we may still complete an initial physical examination, we no longer always need to in order to take your pet under our care. The initial examination can now take place via video or telephone consultation rather than in person, unless:

• We suspect a notifiable disease
• Antibiotics are required
• Controlled drugs are required
• Flea and worm treatments, antivirals or antifungals are required

If we are unable to safely and accurately select any initial medication required on the basis of a virtual consultation then you will need to come in to the practice.

Prescribing prescription medications

The new regulations state that a physical examination of every pet must take place before any antibiotic, anti-fungal, antiviral or anti parasitic treatment can be prescribed.  That means that your pet must be seen by one of our vets if we suspect that they have conditions like:

• Eye or ear infections
• Chronic skin conditions where antibiotics are required
• Suspected Urinary Tract infections
• Gastrointestinal upsets that may require antibiotic treatment

Our vets can write you a prescription for flea and worm treatment that covers your pet for 12 months from the date of the initial consultation when the treatment is prescribed. However, we can no longer dispense 12-months-worth of treatment in one go. For flea and worm treatments you will need to request boosters over the following 12 months via our repeat prescription service.  Should you wish to change this treatment during the 12 month period, a repeat physical examination by one of our vets will be required.

The new RCVS regulations

The RCVS have published a detailed article that explains the full extent of the new regulations.

Read the RCVS guidance

Independent vets in Kingston-Upon-Thames

We believe that the changes to the prescribing regulations were inevitable and are essential to address the rise in resistance to antibiotics. It also will help to control the environmental impact of the uncontrolled use of certain medicines, for instance antibiotics. 

However, in a world that’s already facing a cost of living crisis, we do understand that the new regulations may not be welcomed by some.

We want our clients to know that as a local, independent veterinary practice looking after the pets of Kingston-Upon-Thames, we remain committed to offering our clients transparency, choice and value.

Please contact us about your own pet’s prescriptions on 020 8549 3567.