How to Save Money on Pet Prescription Medications
- Katie A
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Pet prescription medications can add up fast—especially if your dog or cat needs long-term meds. Over the years, I’ve learned that a little research and knowing where to look can save a lot of money in a year. Here are the most reliable ways I’ve found to lower the cost of pet prescriptions without cutting corners on care.
Pet Insurance & Pet Prescription Medication Coverage
Many pet insurance policies include prescription medication coverage, and it can make a huge difference.
My dog Eddie is on fluoxetine and gabapentin long-term and needs refills every month. Once my deductible is met, I’m reimbursed 80% of the cost. For example, on an $18.99 prescription, I am reimbursed about $15.
If your pet takes daily or recurring meds, prescription coverage alone can make pet insurance worth it.
Shop Around (Especially for Long-Term Meds)
Your vet can fill prescriptions, and for short-term medications (like antibiotics), that convenience is often worth it. But for long-term medications, prices vary wildly.
Here’s a real comparison for Eddie’s gabapentin:
Vet: $18.99
Walmart: ~$14
H-E-B: ~$13
Costco (in-store): $9.99
Costco Home Delivery: ~$11
That difference adds up fast when refilling every month.
*There may be sales tax on pet prescriptions depending on the state you live in.
Costco Member Prescription Program
One of the best ways to save money on pet prescriptions is through Costco. Any membership level works.
Costco offers:
Very competitive in-store and mail-order pricing
Access to the Costco Member Prescription Program, which also provides discounts at partner grocery store pharmacies
Before you become a member, you can still compare prices online (make sure you select the correct dose and form):
When I lived in California, I used my Costco membership to get discounted pricing at Vons and Albertsons pharmacies, which was far closer than my nearest Costco.
What to bring to a participating pharmacy:
Your Costco membership card
Pharmacy processing info:
BIN: 018422
PCN: VENTEG
ID Number: Costco member number
Person Code: 01 (primary) or 02 (secondary)
Screenshot of the information you need to bring to pharmacy participating in Costo Membership Prescription Program.
Walmart Pharmacy
Walmart is another excellent option—especially for convenience.
After moving from California → Las Vegas → Wisconsin → Texas in a single year, Walmart made it easy to refill Eddie’s prescriptions nationwide without needing a new prescription each transfer. It’s especially helpful when you’re already there picking up household items.
Important note: State laws vary. For example, in Wisconsin, gabapentin is classified as a controlled substance and cannot be mailed.
Allivet (Online Pharmacy)
For flea, tick, and heartworm prevention (like Revolution), I use Allivet.
During the pandemic, our vet did not have Revolution in stock, and it was back ordered everywhere else. Wal-mart was the only place with Revolution in stock. Wal-mart then shifted me over to Allivet. They’ve been:
Reliable
Easy to work with
Frequently running specials or discounts
Chewy Pharmacy
Chewy offers competitive pricing and convenient home delivery for pet medications and prescription pet food. Their customer service is excellent if there’s ever an issue with a prescription or refill. I ordered Eddie's prescription food from Chewy because they would have special discounts.
Rewards Programs
Zoetis offers a Pet Care Rewards Program for medications like:
Apoquel
Simparica
Solensia
Cytopoint
and more - check out their website and app
You earn points on qualifying purchases, which can be redeemed for reward cards used directly at your vet.
Learn more: https://www.zoetispetcare.com/rewards
Nibbles Pet Credit Card (Optional)
Nibbles is a newer credit card that:
Includes free pet insurance for one pet
Offers 3X rewards on pet care, vet visits, and pet services
Allows additional pets with 5% discount
I haven’t personally used it, but I’ve researched it and seen it promoted on Instagram. You do need to qualify, and it’s always smart to talk to a financial advisor before opening new credit accounts.
Learn more: https://nibbles.com
Final Thoughts
Saving money on pet prescription medications doesn’t mean sacrificing care—it means being informed. Comparing prices, using insurance, and leveraging pharmacy programs can make long-term pet care far more manageable.
See past article on how to choose Pet Insurance.
Disclaimer:This article is for informational purposes only and is not medical or financial advice. Always consult your veterinarian and a qualified financial professional when making decisions about your pet’s health or finances.
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