How We Compare Pet Meds

Data Sources

We pull product information and pricing from the following sources:

• Manufacturer Product Labels — FDA-approved prescribing information, active ingredient specifications, and approved indications for each product
• Licensed Online Veterinary Pharmacies — Primarily CanadaPetCare and BestVetCare, which ship FDA-approved products internationally
• Published Retail Prices — Benchmark prices from Petco, PetSmart, 1-800-PetMeds, and Chewy
• Veterinary References — Cross-referenced with the Merck Veterinary Manual and FDA-approved product monographs

Price data is updated at least weekly. Discount codes are verified daily by attempting checkout on each supplier's website.

Our 5-Criteria Evaluation System

Every product we feature is evaluated against five weighted criteria:

1. Authenticity (30%) — FDA-approved, identical to vet-dispensed products, sourced from licensed veterinary pharmacies. We verify product registration numbers against FDA databases.
2. Price (30%) — Compared against vet clinic retail, Petco/PetSmart retail, and 1-800-PetMeds. Must save at least 20% vs vet clinic retail to be featured. All prices include shipping costs.
3. Supplier Reliability (20%) — Verified customer reviews (Trustpilot, SiteJabber), return policy (minimum 30-day guarantee), shipping speed, and years in business. Suppliers must have been operational for at least 3 years.
4. Discount Transparency (15%) — Discount codes must be verifiable, working, and clearly communicated. Codes are tested daily via actual checkout attempts.
5. Shipping & Returns (5%) — Free shipping on all orders, 30+ day return policy, clear refund process, customer support availability.

How We Compare Prices

Price comparison is the core of our service. Here's our process:

• Standardized Dosage Comparison — We compare identical dosages across suppliers. A 6-month supply of NexGard (24.1-60 lbs, 6 chewables) is compared to the same product, same dosage, same quantity.
• Shipping-Inclusive Pricing — All price comparisons include shipping costs. A product listed at $45 + $10 shipping is compared as $55 total.
• Multi-Supplier Verification — Prices are checked against at least 2 licensed online pharmacies and 2 major retail chains.
• Weekly Refresh — Prices are verified at least weekly. Discount codes tested daily.
• Discount Code Stacking — Where suppliers allow stacking multiple discount codes, we calculate the maximum possible savings.

Editorial Independence

PetMedsDirect maintains strict editorial independence:

• ✅ We never accept payment to feature, rank, or favorably review any product
• ✅ We do not accept free products from manufacturers or suppliers
• ✅ Product rankings are based solely on our published evaluation criteria — not on commission rates or commercial relationships
• ✅ We only link to licensed veterinary pharmacies with verified FDA-approved inventory
• ✅ All content is cross-referenced with published veterinary references for medical accuracy

Medical Disclaimer

We are not veterinarians and not a pharmacy. Our content is for informational purposes only. Always consult your veterinarian before starting any new medication for your pet. If your pet shows signs of illness or an adverse reaction, contact your veterinarian immediately. See our full Medical Disclaimer.

Limitations

• Not All Suppliers — We compare suppliers we can verify. Some small or regional veterinary pharmacies may not be included.
• Price Volatility — Online pharmacy prices can change frequently. Always confirm the current price at checkout before purchasing.
• Regional Availability — Some products may not be available in all countries. Check local import regulations before ordering.
• Not Veterinary Advice — Our product comparisons are not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment.