How to manage the veterinary dispensary

This article provides veterinary nurses with an introduction to the set up and management of a veterinary dispensary and helps identify the differences between requirements that are desirable and those which are legally necessary or specified by professional or organizational bodies such as the Royal College of Vetereinary Surgeons (RCVS), Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) or British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA). It provides reasons for having an efficient and effiectively run dispensary and one that complies with relevant legislation and regulations, together with the key points to help with day-to-day management of the veterinary dispensary. It is not within the scope of this article to include information on online pharmacies or setting up a business from your home. Although some of the information provided will be similar.

The role of the veterinary nurse (VN) is expanding and veterinary practice is becoming increasingly more specialized. These changes offer VNs opportunities to diversify and specialize their skills and become actively in-volved in the veterinary dispensary. However, since April 2011, registered VNs have become accountable for their actions. This means that it is essential that VNs understand and comply with the legal requirements and professional codes that are involved in managing medications within the veterinary practice. Failure to do so could result in disciplinary action.