At the same time, national data shows an increase in vet visits, especially for cats. The CAHI survey shows that 61 percent of cats have seen a veterinarian in the past twelve months. As pets receive more medical attention, the drug access system around them needs to expand.
A clear recommendation for Canada’s next step
If Canada wants to support veterinarians, protect pet owners and strengthen the entire veterinary healthcare ecosystem, the solution is simple. We need to fully integrate pharmacies into veterinary healthcare. The collaboration between veterinarians and pharmacies gives families more choice, reduces clinic pressure and creates a safer, more accessible and resilient system.
So we can continue with a model that limits access and overwhelms veterinarians, or we can adopt a model that reflects the strengths of human health care. When veterinarians and pharmacists work together, pets and their families win.
Adam Silvertown is a licensed pharmacist and the CEO and founder of Pace Pharmacy, a Toronto-based specialty compounding pharmacy known for personalized care and industry-leading innovation, and VetMeds, the pharmacy’s animal health division that provides safe, customized treatments for animals. This year, Adam received the Excellence in Innovation 2025 award from OnPharm-United.
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