Submission Number: 560891-00375 

Received: 9/12/2012 10:32:25 PM
Commenter: Kristi McCullough
Organization: Auburn Veterinary Service
State: Illinois

Agency: Federal Trade Commission
Initiative: Request for Comments and Announcement of Workshop on Pet Medications Issues, Project No. P121201
Attachments: No Attachments
Submission Text
To Whom it May Concern, During these rough economic times, it is imperative that we all spend intelligently. As a veterinarian, I am well aware of the challenges many of my clients face in providing the best care for their pets. We do our best to provide services and products at an affordable cost. And while this is important, the safety of the pets in my care is of highest priority. There are innumerable products available over the counter now that are typically diverted from who knows where. How can we know these products have been handled and stored in an appropriate manner and, thus will be safe and effective for the animals? The filling of portable prescriptions is something that is already done commonly, when appropriate, in veterinary medicine and I do not feel this needs to be a mandated rule. Additionally, human pharmacy staff members are not educated and trained on side effects, appropriate dosages, etc for medications used in animals. I believe this could pose a health risk to many pets. It is imperative that pet owners maintain a close working relationship with their veterinarian in order to provide the highest quality of care for their pets, and I feel that the more we push clients away from veterinary clinics for purchasing medication, food and preventative products, the more we jeopardize the health of our animal patients. Thank you for your time. Sincerely, Kristi McCullough, DVM