For years, pet owners have turned to GoodRx as a clever workaround to save on their pets’ prescriptions.
While GoodRx wasn’t initially designed for pets, its discounts on human medications—many of which are also prescribed by veterinarians—helped pet owners save big at the pharmacy.
It was easy to see if there were savings. Just pull your phone out of your pocket and look up the medication on GoodRx to see the best price. But now, pet owners can more easily and consistently access the deals.
With the recent launch of GoodRx for Pets, the company is embracing this trend by introducing a dedicated pet-specific service that offers affordability, convenience, and a wealth of resources in one comprehensive platform.
What is GoodRx for Pets?
GoodRx for Pets is a dedicated platform that helps pet owners access affordable medications for their furry (or feathered) companions.
The savings platform has long been known as an excellent way for patients (insured or uninsured) to save up to 80% on the cost of retail drugs, by pooling together a massive database of coupons, promotions, and pharmacy-specific deals. (Read our full review here: Is GoodRx Legit?)
Many pet owners have used GoodRx off-label to save money on veterinary prescription drugs, but this new offering is tailored specifically for pet owners. It includes options for common medications, such as those for pain, anxiety, and diabetes, as well as pet-specific drugs that aren’t available at standard retail pharmacies.
The platform also offers home delivery through a partnership with Allivet, a leader in pet e-commerce. Alongside these features, GoodRx for Pets functions as a one-stop hub for pet health information, complete with articles and videos reviewed by veterinary experts.
A history of pet owners using GoodRx off-label
Before this official rollout, many pet owners relied on GoodRx to save on medications their veterinarians prescribed.
Medications like gabapentin, trazodone, and fluoxetine—commonly prescribed for both humans and pets—became go-to options for budget-conscious pet parents.
Several years ago, I myself got a gabapentin prescription for my dog Kermit filled at Walgreens and CVS pharmacies, using a GoodRx coupon to save over 80%.
Vet prescriptions could always be filled at human pharmacies using GoodRx coupons, often at significant discounts compared to veterinary offices — provided that they actually carried the needed pet meds.
While cost-efficient, this approach wasn’t without its challenges.
Pet owners had to explain their needs to pharmacists unfamiliar with veterinary prescriptions and ensure their vet provided the necessary DEA number (a unique identifier required for prescribing controlled substances).
Also, turns out that human pharmacies tend to not carry pet-specific medications like the deworming drug Drontal Feline.
The lack of a dedicated pet-focused experience also meant navigating GoodRx’s standard platform, which wasn’t optimized for pet-specific searches or needs.
GoodRx for Pets addresses these issues head-on, creating a seamless and pet-friendly experience that goes beyond simple prescription discounts.
How GoodRx for Pets works
GoodRx for Pets streamlines the process of obtaining medications for your pet. It’s the same process for searching for any other GoodRx meds.
Here’s how it works:
- Search for the medication: Start by searching for your pet’s prescribed medication on GoodRx.com. You’ll find options to compare prices at local pharmacies or order directly through GoodRx for Pets.
- Choose your preferred option: If you find a GoodRx coupon for your pet’s medication, you can use it at one of over 70,000 participating pharmacies nationwide. Alternatively, you can select the Home Delivery option, which is powered by Allivet.
- Provide details: For home delivery, you’ll need to confirm your prescription details, add the medication to your cart, and provide your veterinarian’s information for verification.
- Complete your order: Create a GoodRx for Pets account, choose your shipping method, and enter your payment information. Your pet’s medication will then be delivered right to your door.
This simplified process not only saves money but also reduces the stress of picking up prescriptions, especially for pet owners managing chronic conditions like diabetes or anxiety in their animals.
Features that set GoodRx for Pets apart
GoodRx for Pets isn’t just about discounts—it’s a holistic platform designed to make pet health care more accessible. Here are some standout features:
- Expanded medication access: GoodRx for Pets includes options for both common medications (like gabapentin and Rimadyl) and pet-specific drugs that aren’t typically available at human pharmacies.
- Integrated e-commerce experience: Through its partnership with Allivet, GoodRx for Pets offers home delivery for medications that may not have discounts available locally.
- Comprehensive resources: The platform features a digital hub of expert-reviewed content, including articles and videos on pet health topics. Whether you’re looking for tips on managing pet anxiety or details on specific medications, GoodRx for Pets has you covered.
- Savings for every scenario: While GoodRx for Pets offers significant discounts on prescriptions, it also supports pet owners with non-prescription options and over-the-counter medications.
Why GoodRx for Pets matters
The timing of GoodRx for Pets couldn’t be better. Pet care costs have been steadily rising, with Americans spending several billion dollars on pet medications each year.
Veterinary care is the second-largest expense for pet owners; only about 3% of pets are insured. This leaves most pet owners paying out-of-pocket for everything from routine treatments to life-saving medications.
GoodRx for Pets aims to directly address these challenges by offering:
- Up to 80% savings: Discounts at pharmacies nationwide ensure that pet owners pay less for essential medications.
- Convenience: The addition of home delivery makes it easier than ever to manage pet health, especially for those with limited access to local pharmacies and Walmart’s spotty acceptance of GoodRx coupons.
- Trusted expertise: The platform builds on GoodRx’s reputation for transparency and savings, extending its benefits to the pet healthcare market.
With its dedicated pet-focused platform, GoodRx is positioning itself as a valuable resource for pet owners navigating the complexities of modern veterinary care.
Building trust with pet owners
GoodRx has long been a trusted name in healthcare savings, and its pet-focused expansion reinforces that trust. The platform’s transparency, ease of use, and cost-effectiveness make it an appealing choice for pet owners seeking affordable solutions.
Additionally, GoodRx for Pets goes beyond transactional savings by offering educational content tailored to pet health. From articles on managing pet pain to tips on administering medications, the platform empowers pet owners with the knowledge they need to care for their animals confidently.
Pet owners and market analysts rejoice
Pet owners everywhere are rejoicing. (Okay me. I’m one pet owner and I’m rejoicing. But I still feel like my desire to save money on pet meds and enjoy greater pharmacy convenience is a universal experience…don’t come for me.)
A pet-specific Rx program ensures more consistent coverage.
Major pharmacies like H-E-B sometimes rejected GoodRx coupons for pet prescriptions, citing issues like the need for an NPI number—a 10-digit identification code used to verify and track prescriptions from healthcare providers.
However, most veterinarians don’t have NPI numbers because they aren’t classified as “healthcare providers” under federal regulation, leaving pet owners scrambling to find pharmacies that would honor the discounts, sometimes resulting in much higher medication costs. Though H-E-B denies rejecting GoodRx coupons, inconsistencies across pharmacies created headaches for pet owners and their vets.
GoodRx for Pets is designed to remove these hurdles, simplifying issues of affordability and access to pet prescriptions. Market analysts are bullish about the latest GoodRx (GDRX) product launch because it taps into the $13 billion pet medication market and addresses a critical gap caused by soaring pet healthcare costs.
With pet prices rising 25% over the last five years and only 3% of pets insured, GoodRx for Pets platform has the potential to alleviate significant financial strain while driving new revenue streams for the company.
Final thoughts
GoodRx for Pets is more than just a discount service—it’s a comprehensive tool for pet owners looking to save money and simplify their pets’ medical care.
With a program that addresses the unique needs of pets and their owners, GoodRx combines affordability, convenience, and expert guidance.
Whether you’re managing a chronic condition in your pet or simply looking for a better way to fill prescriptions, GoodRx for Pets is worth exploring.
It’s completely free to look up your pet’s prescribed meds in the GoodRx app or website and see what the lowest cost is at a local or online pharmacy. With its user-friendly features and trusted reputation, GoodRx could be a major game changer for the industry and help keep more money in pet owners’ wallets.
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