# How to Spot Fake Pet Medicines in the UK

> Buying pet medicines online can be convenient, but it also carries risks. Counterfeit or unregulated veterinary products are increasingly sold by unregulated online websites and marketplaces.

*Source: https://ashcroft4pets.co.uk/pet-advice/how-to-spot-fake-pet-medicines-in-the-uk/*

Pet Safety & Medicines

# How to Spot Fake Pet Medicines in the UK

![Dr Brian Faulkner](https://ashcroft4pets.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Brian-Faulkner-Dr-for-Ashcroft-4-pets-uk-150x150.webp)

Reviewed by Dr Brian Faulkner, MRCVS Clinical Lead, Ashcroft 4 Pets · RCVS 7041592

 Verified

Updated 20 February 2026 · 5 min read

Buying pet medicines online can be convenient, but it also carries risks. Counterfeit or unregulated veterinary products are increasingly sold by unregulated online websites and marketplaces.

Key takeaway

- **Fake pet medicines pose serious health risks, but can be avoided.**
- Always purchase treatments from **VMD-authorised suppliers**.
- Verify websites carefully, and follow veterinary guidance.
- Being informed is the best way to protect your pet from counterfeit products.

On this page

- Buying fake pet medicines
- Why fake pet medicines are dangerous
- Warning signs
- Where fake medicines are usually sold
- How to spot a fake website
- Reducing the risk
- What to do if you suspect a fake product

## Buying fake pet medicines

Buying pet medicines online can be convenient, but it also carries risks. Counterfeit or unregulated veterinary products are increasingly sold by unregulated online websites and marketplaces. Fake medicines often may contain harmful ingredients, incorrect dosages, or poor-quality formulations that can seriously endanger your pet's health.

This guide explains why fake pet medicines are dangerous, how to identify counterfeit products and websites, and what to do if you suspect a treatment is not genuine.

Unlike regulated veterinary medicines, counterfeit products are not quality-controlled. This can lead to serious health risks, including:

## Why fake pet medicines are dangerous

- Unsafe or incorrect ingredients that may be toxic
- Incorrect dosages increase the risk of overdose or treatment failure
- Poor storage or damaged packaging reduces effectiveness
- Missing or unclear instructions, often not written in proper English

## How to spot fake pet medicines: warning signs

Counterfeit products often resemble genuine medicines, but warning signs include:

- Poor-quality or damaged packaging
- Spelling or grammar mistakes
- Missing patient information leaflets
- Instructions not written in English
- Unusual smell, colour, or texture
- Broken seals or poor finishing
- Changes in size, shape, or coating
- Extremely low prices that seem unrealistic
- Missing or inconsistent batch numbers

Regulated veterinary medicines in the UK carry a **Marketing Authorisation (VM) number**, such as: Vm04321/4001 or Vh05467/4007. If no valid number is shown, the product may be counterfeit.

## Where fake pet medicines are usually sold

Counterfeit treatments are most often found on:

- Unverified or unregistered websites
- Online sellers who do not request prescriptions
- Marketplaces with little product regulation

In the UK, legitimate online pharmacies must follow Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) rules and request prescriptions for prescription-only medicines.

## How to spot a fake website

Fake websites often mimic real pharmacies but usually show the following red flags:

- Poor design, spelling, or grammar
- No physical address or contact details
- No prescription required for restricted medicines
- Strange website domains or excessive pop-up ads
- Payments through cryptocurrency or insecure portals
- No returns or refund policy
- Unrealistic discounts or promises of instant delivery
- No registration with the VMD or lack of the AIRS logo

Always verify a seller before buying any pet treatment.

## How to reduce the risk of buying fake medicines

To keep your pet safe:

- Buy only from **UK-registered online pet pharmacies** or your vet. Look for VMD accreditation and proper authorisation numbers
- Avoid websites that skip prescription checks
- Follow your vet's treatment recommendations

Using regulated suppliers ensures medicines meet safety and quality standards.

## What to do if you suspect a fake product

If you believe a medicine may be counterfeit:

1. **Stop using it immediately**
2. **Contact your vet**, especially if symptoms appear
3. **Report the product to the VMD**
4. **Keep the packaging** as evidence

Quick action can protect your pet and help prevent further illegal sales.

[Pet Health](https://ashcroft4pets.co.uk/tag/pet-health/)

### On this page

- Buying fake pet medicines
- Why fake pet medicines are dangerous
- Warning signs
- Where fake medicines are usually sold
- How to spot a fake website
- Reducing the risk
- What to do if you suspect a fake product