Veterinary Medicines Directorate
About contacting the VMD
Below are links to guidance about common questions, but if you cannot find the information you need please email the contact listed here, on the subject page or postmaster@vmd.gov.uk.
Emailing is the best way to ensure you get a full response which can be used for future reference.
We aim to:
- respond to enquiries and complaints within 15 working days, or sooner where possible.
- reply to Freedom of Information requests within 20 working days
Sometimes we may need longer to respond, for example if you are asking for complex information or we need to involve a third party. If we are unable to respond within these timescales, we will let you know.
Complain about a veterinary surgeon or veterinary nurse - Contact RCVS
The VMD does not deal with complaints about how your animal has been treated, including what products were used and costs. The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) is the registration body for veterinary surgeons and nurses. See further information on their Code of Conduct and about how to raise a concern
Dog vaccination
Information on vaccination schedules and licensed vaccines for dogs can be found on ourVaccination of dogs page
You should speak to your vet who will be able to advise specifically on required vaccines and intervals.
Importing and Exporting
Only authorised persons can import or export veterinary medicines. The special import, export, and batch release schemes are all digital services and we only deal with queries by email. Please do not call us about matters in relation to any of these schemes:
Online services:
Managing your Marketing Authorisations and submitting applications
- Guidance about Marketing Authorisations
Application management is a digital service and we only deal with queries by email to ensure the security and confidentiality of commercial information. s.response@vmd.gov.uk.
If you are a Marketing Authorisation holder, you can report a current or foreseen UK supply problem with one of your medicines.
Medicines record keeping
- Guidance on Record keeping when supplying or using a veterinary medicine, including horses
Paying an invoice, including residues surveillance
- Payment details can be found on the Application fees page which includes fees charged for specific activities. The charges for residues surveillance are set out in GB legislation.
Pet travel - Contact APHA
The VMD does not deal with Pet travel. Information is available from the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA):
- Bringing your pet dog, cat or ferret to Great Britain: Overview
- Taking your pet dog, cat or ferret abroad: Overview
Premises registered or certified by VMD
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How to register Veterinary Practices and common issues we find during inspections
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How to legally run a Wholesale Dealer business and find a full list of registered wholesale dealers
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How to apply for approval of Retailer premises for a Suitably Qualified Person and find a full list of registered SQP Retailer Premises
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The VMD will maintain a Register of Online Retailers of veterinary medicines. Existing internet retailers and online suppliers have until 17 July 2024 to register with the VMD. Refer to Sell veterinary medicines on the internet
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Veterinary Medicines Registers: manufacturing and distribution
Prescriptions and dispensing
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Guidance for vets, pharmacists and Suitably Qualified Persons (SQP) on General prescribing queries
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For guidance on the prescribing and use of CBD, email legislation@vmd.gov.uk
Record keeping, storage and disposal of Controlled Drugs
- Information on prescribing, supplying, storage and disposal of Controlled drugs and the Misuse of Drugs Regulations as they relate to veterinary medicines
Report an adverse reaction to veterinary medicine or microchip
Anyone can report an unexpected reaction to an animal medicine or microchip, even if it is a listed known possible side effect. You can also report it if you suspect it hasnt worked. Do this online via our online reporting system.
Sales (legal and illegal) of veterinary medicines
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To check whether a veterinary medicine is legal read the guidance: Legal controls on veterinary medicines
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How to Report illegal medicine sales and find information about how we deal with these reports
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Guidance on the legal requirements for the sale of veterinary medicines on the internet and the VMD Accredited Internet Retailer Scheme
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Guidance on the Retail of medicines
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Guidance on Record keeping and storage of Controlled Drugs
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How to Report an animal product (other than a medicine) being marketed as a medicine
Something else
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VMD online services technical service helpdesk
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VMD does not deal with enquiries relating to Pet food/Animal feed: Refer to the Food Standard Agency
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For animal health enquiries refer to the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA)