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The cost of caring for pets is climbing. One of the drivers of this pressure is the rising cost of pharmaceuticals, which now make up around 30% of total veterinary expenses (according to PetSure claims data 2024).
In 2023, the gap between veterinary treatment inflation and CPI widened significantly, with veterinary costs rising faster than general inflation. This spike could be attributed to increased demand for advanced treatments and rising pharmaceutical costs. While the gap narrowed slightly in 2024, veterinary pharmaceutical costs continued to outpace the broader cost of living.
Source: PetSure claims data 2022-2024 / CPI is based on Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data
Why medication costs matter – a closer look at pet treatment trends
Medication-related claims account for a significant share of veterinary costs, with skin, digestive, arthritis, and ear treatments alone making up more than 45% of all drug-related claims. Skin conditions top the list at 24%, frequently involving medications such as anti-itch, antibiotics and corticosteroids, which are commonly used to manage allergic reactions and infections.
Top 5 drug categories
| Category of drugs | % of claims | Most frequently claimed drugs |
|---|---|---|
| Skin Conditions | 24% | Anti-itch medications, immune system modulators, antibiotics, corticosteroids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) |
| Digestive Issues | 10% | Antiemetics, fluid therapy, antibiotics, prescription gastrointestinal diets |
| Arthritis & Joint Pain | 7% | Monoclonal antibodies targeting nerve growth factor (NGF), NSAIDs, anticonvulsants, disease-modifying osteoarthritis drugs (DMOADs) |
| Ear Infections | 6% | Antibacterial and antifungal ear medications, ear cleaners/flushes, corticosteroids, combination ear and skin treatments |
| Routine Preventative Care | 5% | Antiparasitic medications (e.g., worm, flea, and tick control), prescription diets, vaccinations |
As newer, more specialised treatments become widely used, even routine prescriptions can carry a growing financial impact. The data highlights how targeted therapies are driving both better outcomes and increased costs, making it more important than ever for pet parents to understand where treatment expenses are concentrated.
Chronic conditions and the impact of pharmaceutical inflation
Like humans, pets can develop conditions that require ongoing medication, sometimes for the rest of their lives. These medications, typically prescribed long-term, can result in sustained, cumulative costs for pet owners.
Unlike one-off treatments, these medications are refilled regularly, so even a small price increase can have a big impact over time. For households managing these ongoing needs, the financial burden can become significant and sustained.
The following are some examples of drugs that treat chronic conditions and would incur an annual cost:
| Conditions | Drug category | Avg monthly cost (all drugs combined) | Potential annual cost (with 12 monthly purchases) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degenerative joint disease and chronic musculoskeletal pain | NSAIDs for pain relief | $49 | $588 |
| Arthritis | Monoclonal antibodies | $124 | $1,488 |
| Heart Disease | Cardiac medications, including ACE inhibitors and diuretics | $136 | $1,632 |
| Skin Allergies | Anti-itch medications, including antihistamines and immunosuppressants | $181 | $2,172 |
| Gastrointestinal Disorders | Gastroprotectants and antinausea medications | $54 | $648 |
| Diabetes | Insulin therapy | $122 | $648-$1,260 |
The role of online pharmacies
While some medications, such as most injections, anaesthesia, or emergency treatments, must be administered in-clinic by a vet, many ongoing prescriptions for chronic conditions can be safely dispensed through licensed online pet pharmacies. These include treatments for conditions such as allergies, arthritis, heart disease, and other long-term illnesses.
Online platforms such as PetScripts provide APVMA-approved medications at significantly lower prices—often 30-50% cheaper than in-clinic dispensing—when you have a valid prescription~. These savings are made possible through reduced overheads, bulk purchasing, and direct-to-consumer pricing models.
For eligible PetSure-insured customers, there’s an added benefit—a 30% discount on prescription pet medications through PetScripts when using myPetPass™#. This exclusive offer enhances affordability for pet owners.
Additionally, medications purchased via these platforms are claimable under most pet insurance policies administered by PetSure through the customer portal, offering pet parents more flexibility without compromising on treatment quality.
Some pets require compounded medications, such as flavoured liquids, smaller dosages or topical gels, which aren’t always available in standard formats. Vets can arrange these through licensed compounding pharmacies, many of which also operate online. With a valid prescription, you may even be able to coordinate these orders yourself, making life easier if your pet is tricky to medicate.
Even when using online pharmacies, your vet remains an essential partner. They’ll ensure your pet is on the right medication, adjust dosages if needed, and monitor their condition over time. With the right balance of professional care and savvy sourcing, managing your pet’s health can become more affordable and sustainable.
How much could you save? – Average cost of chronic medications by channel
The following is a sample of medications prescribed for chronic conditions. While costs vary according to dosage, the following table represents an average cost across all dosages. Annual cost will depend on purchase frequency.
| Medication type | Vet* | Avg online pharmacy^ | PetScripts (with myPetPass™# discount) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Common heart medication | $151.78 | $76.59 | $55.54 |
| Common skin medication | $298.71 | $268.46 | $214.67 |
^Online retail prices, April 2025
Practical advice for pet parents
If your pet is on long-term medication, there are a few steps you can take to ease the cost:
- Have an open conversation with your vet about the possibility of filling prescriptions through a pharmacy.
- Ask your vet to email or post the script directly to the pharmacy or send it yourself to streamline the process.
- Compare prices and services from reputable online pet pharmacies to ensure you’re getting the best value.
- Keep an eye on refill dates to avoid running out of essential medication.
- Never make changes to your pet’s medication without your vet’s guidance.
- Have regular check-ups with your vet to ensure treatments and doses remain appropriate.
Pet medication costs are rising, and for those managing chronic conditions, this can place real pressure on the household budget. But by exploring online options, working closely with your vet, and staying informed about your choices, it’s possible to save on long-term treatments without compromising your pet’s care.
If you’re an eligible PetSure customer, don’t forget to take advantage of myPetPass™ to access your exclusive PetScripts discount and claim your medication costs through the Customer Portal#. It’s one of the many ways we’re helping make pet care more accessible, so your furry family members can stay happy and healthy for years to come.
~PetScripts survey data 2024
#myPetPass™ is a rewards programme provided by PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd ABN 95 075 949 923 (PetSure) available to holders of active pet insurance policies of participating brands administered by PetSure. myPetPass™ perks are provided by PetSure and third-party suppliers (hereinafter collectively referred to as “the Providers”) and also subject to these third-party suppliers’ terms and conditions. Your continued access to and availability of these perks are subject to the terms and conditions of myPetPass™ and the Providers. PetSure and/or the Providers reserve the right to modify, limit or withdraw any of the myPetPass™ perks at any time without notice. PetSure does not guarantee that any particular third-party providers will continue to participate in myPetPass™ through the offer or provision of perks, or that the myPetPass™ rewards programme or any myPetPass™ perks or features of myPetPass™ will continue to be available. To the maximum extent permitted by law, PetSure is not liable for the unavailability or provision of any myPetPass™ perk.
References
petnews.com.au/pet-healthcare-rising-at-a-higher-rate-than-inflation
Pet insurance can help by covering a portion of the eligible vet bill if the unexpected happens. Because it is difficult to predict the costs of veterinary care, it can help to have measures in place to help prepare for the unexpected. Check out our partner network and explore our policy tools to find a pet insurance policy.
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