I just received a notice in the mail from Walgreens Prescription Savings Club.  My prescription plan for Angel, or as we affectionately call her “Miss Big Kitty”, was about to expire and they wanted to know if I would like to renew it. Considering the savings are substantial, you can bet this is something I want to do!

Just as for people, you can order and pick up some pet medications (that are human equivalent compounds) through your local pharmacy, as long as your veterinarian will write you a prescription.  But here’s the part that a lot of people don’t know about.  You can also register your pet at some pharmacies for prescription discounts – just like you can for people who don’t have insurance or have inadequate prescription coverage!  And yes it can make a huge difference in the price you pay for your pet’s meds, whether they are generic or brand-name.

My discovery was simply by accident.  I was helping my daughter a year ago with some medical issues, and we registered her at the Walgreens Pharmacy in her town for their Prescription Savings Club.  In reading the brochure information about the savings club I saw that it mentioned pets, so asked the Walgreens representative a few quick questions, and they verified that my cat would be eligible for the discount.  The plan itself costs $20 per year, but the savings on the costs of Miss Big Kitty ‘s hyperthyroid meds is substantial.  My savings this past year alone have been around $59, after the plan cost, which is quite a bit!  The plan also gives you additional discounts on other Walgreen services/products.

CVS Caremark has an iSave program that saves an average of 31% off generic and 15% off brand name prescription drugs at any of over 65,000 participating pharmacies, nationwide.  Pet medications for seizures, infections, allergic reactions, heart conditions, pain relief, diabetes and thyroid conditions, and anti-depressants used to treat behavioral disorders in cats and dogs are just some examples of medication types that are covered under this plan.  Individual plans are $14.97/per month.

Walmart gives instructions to “bring in your pet’s prescription, or have your vet call it in”, but I could not find any information about offering discounts on those prescriptions.  Since Walmart has many generic medications for $4, I checked on their list to see if Miss Big Kitty’s medication – methimazole – was offered, but it was not, so I am not sure what the medication would cost with them.

Costco also has a Member Prescription Program that is open for Costco member pet meds.  You are advised on their website to contact your local Costco pharmacist for details.  The Costco Member Prescription Program is a value added benefit of a Costco membership, which starts at $55 per year.

I hope if you have pets on regular medications that you will do some research on your own to find the best cost solution.  For now, the Walgreens plan is the best choice for me.  And if you are already using a great pet med program, please let me know about it!