OTC Impact on Veterinarians
As more pet-related products become available to pet owners via over-the-counter (OTC) sales in pet stores, veterinarians are being challenged to find new methods to recoup those lost sales. The topic has become controversial within the veterinary field.
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Significance
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An increasing number of animal product manufacturers have begun to cut out the middle man--the veterinarian--and sell medical products directly to consumers over the counter through large retail pet supply stores and online vendors. Pet owners can now purchase certain products, including the flea and tick medications, without a prescription, eliminating the need for a trip to the veterinarian to make these purchases.
Impact
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Some veterinarians are losing this secondary source of income because they can not compete with the lower prices offered at retail chains or online vendors. The diversion of products out of the veterinary channel also means they will not be able regulate the use of products as succinctly as when purchases were kept in-house. According to a story at Veterinary Practice News, many veterinarians are being advised to "constantly evaluate their practices and profit centers."
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Expert Insight
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Veterinarians across the country are divided as to how this will impact business in the long-term. Some, including Dr. Jen Schori, associate veterinarian at Swedesboro Animal Hospital in New Jersey, believe that veterinarians should always be "emphasizing services and show[ing] people what the value is of everything that we do, rather than trying to beat the bottom line like we're a dollar store," according to "Clinician's Brief." Meanwhile, other vets feel that they have been betrayed by the manufacturers, while some are pleased that consumers will have easier and expanded access to safe OTC medications for their pets.
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